The Absolute Singapore Experience

Learn More about Singapore

Singapore is a dynamic place with a rich ancient heritage and a futuristic and technologically advanced urban scene. There is much to learn about Singapore travel and there are Singapore travel tips for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re looking for adventure, romance, or family fun, Absolute has Singapore travel information for your vacation.

Singapore may be a booming economic hub, but there is still nature and wild life to enjoy; we suggest you go nocturnal and learn about Singapore with travel by night on an exciting twilight safari. If shopping is more your style, you can check out the Chinatown market, brimming with carvings and calligraphy, bamboo birdcages and ornate temples, herbalists and gastronomic delicacies. A stroll through Arab Street, Little India, and the Colonial Quarter is also recommended, and why not stop at the Sri Mariamman Temple for evening prayers. Shop on Orchard Road and visit the Botanical Garden to see the fantastically colorful collection of orchids.

Enjoy this Asian microcosm flavored with Chinese, Malay, and Indian culture as you explore the city streets and sample legendary Singaporean food. Have a wild breakfast with an orangutan at the Zoological Gardens, and enjoy some vibrant specimens on a walk through Jurong Bird Park. Stroll the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, or enjoy the Haw Par Villa, a kaleidoscopic high-tech Chinese theme park. Take in the city view from Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and ride a cable car to Sentosa Island and take in the view from the Carlsberg Sky Tower, Asia’s highest observation tower. Singapore also boasts Casinos, Raceways, decadent spas, and a surprising number of golf courses to enjoy.

Absolute Travel is the only source for luxury Singapore travel information and personalized luxury travel in Malaysia. Learn about Singapore travel and discuss incorporating some of these ideas into your own itinerary with a travel specialist.

The Absolute Philippines Experience

We have compiled some of our favorite things to do in the Philippines along with some Philippines travel tips to make sure that you don’t miss anything on your luxury vacation. Take time as your peruse our Philippines travel information to learn about Philippines travel and we will make sure to incorporate all of your must-see destinations into your customized travel itinerary!

Stroll the sprawling streets of Manila, a massive metropolis that is home to many distinct neighborhoods and some of the country’s most majestic landmarks. Study our Philippines travel information and explore the modern business district of Makati and the Ayala Museum before heading to the old walled portion of the city, known as Intramuros. Here you will spend hours traversing the impossibly complex Fort Santiago and the San Augustin Church. Adventurous travelers will want to venture an hour outside of the city to Tagaytay, where you can catch spectacular views of the Taal Volcano.

Take some time to learn about Philippines travel and maybe a few words of Tagalong before embarking on a hillside trek in the Banaue Rice Terraces, where you can stop to explore the quaint villages of Bontoc and Sagada to see the unique burial caves and colorful weavings of the locals. Shop for unique Filipino crafts and forest products in the summer capital of Baguio City.

Of course, you will want to spend time lounging in the sun on this tropical paradise, so use our Philippines travel information to decide how much time you would like to spend relaxing on the white sand beaches of Boracay and diving in the crystal clear waters off Palawan, a breathtaking tiny archipelago of virgin islands.

Here at Absolute Travel, we took the time to learn about Philippines travel to bring you unique experiences, such as gazing at the “Chocolate Hills” of Bohol; climbing Mount Apo in search of the rare, endangered Philippine eagle; exploring the vivid waling-waling orchid at the Derling Orchid Farm; or taking a private cruise to the pink coral beaches of Santa Cruz Island.

The Absolute Vietnam Experience

We have compiled some of our favorite things to do in Vietnam along with some Vietnam travel tips to make sure that you don’t miss anything on your luxury vacation. As you take time to peruse our Vietnam travel information you will learn about Vietnam travel’s many options; we will make sure to incorporate all of your must-see destinations into your customized travel itinerary!

Start off your trip in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) where you can check out the colonial architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral and Dong Khoi, the latter of which was the heart of French colonial life. Head to Cholon, the city’s Chinatown, to experience its extensive market where you can purchase dried mushrooms, pottery, incense, chili paste and much more. For visitors looking to learn about Vietnamese history, consider a stop at the War Remnants Museum or the Reunification Palace, the latter still appearing as it did when a North Vietnamese tank stormed its gates in 1975.

We learn about Vietnam travel to bring you a variety of unique experiences in and around Ho Chi Minh City, from a visit with your private guide to the Cu Chi tunnels that demonstrate the hardship and the tenacity of the Vietnamese guerrilla fighters during the war to a service at the unique Cao Dai Temple.

Of course, our Vietnam travel information includes Hanoi, where we recommend you try a steaming bowl of pho, a delicious soup that is considered to be the national dish of Vietnam and watch Tai Chi practitioners in the early morning hours at Hoan Kiem Lake. Look over our Vietnam travel information before heading to Hanoi and we will help you pick from a host of activities. Whether you decide to stroll through the Old Quarter, where you can see the Bach Ma Temple; stroll up the wide boulevards of the French Quarter boasting the Opera House and History Museum; view the venerated embalmed body of “Uncle Ho” at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum; visit the ancient Temple of Literature; wander the Fine Arts Museum or simply attend a performance of water puppets we are here to make sure your journey is seamless and enjoyable.

When you learn about Vietnam travel we are certain you will want to plan a stop in North Vietnam where you can sail through the eerie karst formations of Halong Bay and stop at Cat Ba National Park.

The Absolute Myanmar-Burma Experience

We have compiled some of our favorite things to do in Myanmar along with some [Myanmar travel tips] to make sure that you don’t miss anything on your luxury vacation. Take time as your peruse our [Myanmar travel information] to [learn about travel in Myanmar] and we will make sure to incorporate all of your must-see destinations into your customized travel itinerary!

Yangon

Walk the broad, tree-lined avenues of this enchanting city, where you will delight in exploring its temples and shrines, shopping in its markets, and dining in its cozy restaurants. Explore our [Myanmar travel information] and allow yourself to be swept away with wonder when you visit the glimmering gold towers of the Sule Pagoda, an impressive shrine built in the third century that is still an active center for Ayurvedic astrology, Buddhist demon worship and strict Theravada doctrines. Make sure to take an early morning stroll around the equally magical Shwedagon Pagoda, built 2,500 years ago when this sprawling city was a coastal village.

Bagan

As you take time to [learn about travel in historic Burma] you will read about this enthralling archeological site, where over 2,000 pagoda and temples rise up from the plains, creating an otherworldly landscape. Float down the Irrawaddy River and arrive as the ruins are still bathed in an early morning mist, allowing an added air of mystery to radiate from each structure. Travel by horseback to some of the more remote ruins, or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore the splendor of the Buddhist frescoes and sculptures. Catch a second unforgettable sunrise in as many days at the Thatbyinnyu Temple and be sure to make time to shop for beautiful lacquer wares. A side trip to the spiritual volcano called Mt. Popa is highly recommended.

Environs

Stop in Mandalay, where you can witness the procession of monks receiving their offerings at Amarapura or experience harvesting rubies from the earth. Cruise the majestic Inle Lake, where you will marvel at the stilted houses, floating markets, and of course, the jumping cats at the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery.

Absolute Travel took time to [learn about Burma travel] to provide you with unique, one-of-a-kind travel experiences so make sure to ask about spending time in Kalaw, a sleepy town that long ago was a colonial retreat on the edge of the hill country or lounge on the secluded beaches of Myauk-U in the Arakan State, the most modern and pristine region in all of Burma.

The Absolute Cambodia Experience

We have compiled some of our favorite things to do in Cambodia along with some Cambodia travel tips to make sure that you don’t miss anything on your luxury vacation. Take your time as your peruse our Cambodia travel information to learn about travel in Cambodia and we will make sure to incorporate all of your must-see destinations into your customized travel itinerary!

Start your luxury Cambodian vacation in Phnom Penh, a vibrant up-and-coming city with a tumultuous past. Absolute Travel knows Cambodia’s highlights and lesser-known sites such as the Silver Pagoda, where you can admire its 5,000 gleaming tiles that seem to magically glisten in the sun. In Phnom Penh you can also see the original Khmer sculpture collection in the National Museum and visit the hilltop temple of Wat Phnom to see its elaborate frescoes.

Phnom Penh is also an excellent place to learn about Cambodia’s somber history under the oppressive Khmer Rouge. Visit the Tuol Sleng, a museum that was once a detention and interrogation center and head to outskirts of the city to Choeung Ek, one of the infamous killings fields that now mar the country’s exquisite landscape.

Of course, our tours of Cambodia include the majestic Angkor Archaeological Park, where you can stroll the massive Royal City of Angkor Thom, which includes Bayon’s pyramid-like temple that is topped with four gigantic carved heads. As you learn about Cambodia travel you will be amazed by these ancient structures such as the the delicate and ornate Banteay Srei; Angkor Wat Temple; and Ta Phrom, whose mystical atmosphere and fig trees will stay fresh in your mind long after you have returned home.

The Absolute Mongolia Experience

We have compiled some of our favorite things to do in Mongolia along with some Mongolia travel tips to make sure that you don’t miss anything on your luxury vacation. Take time as your peruse our Mongolia travel information to learn about Mongolia travel and we will make sure to incorporate all of your must-see destinations into your customized travel itinerary!

Start your journey in Ulaanbaatar, where you will both marvel at the Gandan Monastery and be baffled by the flocks of pigeons that surround the structure. Here in this quaint city you can shop for unique textiles, carpets and handicrafts and take a trip to the majestic Chinghis Khan Equestrian Statue.

Here at Absolute Travel, we learn about Mongolian travel to bring you unique experiences, whether it be mingling with Mongolia’s top artists, performers, or specialists in a variety of fields including historians, paleontologists and geologists or taking a private viewing tour of dinosaur fossils in the Mongolian Academy of Sciences.

Peruse our Mongolia travel information and consider taking an overland safari or hop on the Trans-Mongolian Railway, where you can watch the Gobi Desert’s seemingly endless red sands glide by as you head towards Beijing.

Camp in a ger at Terelj National Park, where you can practice shooting arrows or go horseback riding. Sip tea and get to know one of the locals, or take a private-chartered plane to some of the more remote outposts of Mongolia, where you can explore the remains of the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire in Karakorum; travel along the shores of Lake Hovsgol to watch the birds migrate; or have a homestay with a camp of domesticated reindeer herders near the Siberian border.

Use our Mongolia travel information to decide when to visit this sparsely populated land, whether it be in the summer during the popular Naadam Festival, when Mongolians join together to compete in the traditional sports of horseback riding, archery and wrestling, or in the winter, when snow is falling in what is the coldest capital city of the world and you can enjoy the healing power of mineral baths and mountain hot springs.

Ninh Binh

From Hanoi to Ninh binh take around two hours, the city is surrounded by a most dramatic landscape of lakes, rivers, caves, rice paddy fields and huge limestone karsts & it’s a very different situation.

Breathtakingly beautiful, the region clearly shares it’s geology with nearby Halong Bay and is often referred to as ‘Halong bay on Land’. A thousand years ago the nearby settlement Hoa Lu was capital of Vietnam and the ancient citadel and two temples can still be visited today. Tam Coc is the best known of the region’s caves, and is in fact a series of three inter-linking waterways. There is also the rural region surrounding Vuon Thi, where you can be sure of an exhilarating afternoon learning about farming techniques, the art of Vietnamese cooking and enjoying some of Vietnam’s most compelling scenery from the saddle.

It is possible to visit the Ninh Binh region on a day trip from Hanoi however, ideally you will opt to stay a night to allow a slightly more comfortable pace of travel.

Hanoi

The capital city of Vietnam has, for a long time, been somewhat overlooked in favor of its larger counterpart in the south. These days, however, Hanoi is firmly on the tourist map and visitors continue to come each year to sample the city’s delights. The city’s architecture and cuisine reflects a fascinating blend of Vietnamese culture with French influences. As the city was largely undamaged in the war with America, it is perhaps the best place to get to grips with a more traditional side of the country.

Most visitors arrive at the international terminal at Noi Bai Airport, which was opened in 2015, and has vastly improved visitors’ experiences. It takes just under an hour from the airport to Hanoi station by air-conditioned bus, which runs at regular intervals through the day. This is generally the preferred way to get to the city, as many visitors have been put off using taxis due to being overcharged and other bad experiences. Taxis, however, do remain one of the most important ways to get around the city, although you also now have the option to use Uber. Motorcycle drivers and pedicabs will also take visitors on shorter journeys. For the truly adventurous, the bus is an excellent, cheap and reliable option. If you are unsure where to get off, ask the conductor when he or she comes to collect your fare.

Perhaps the most famous attraction which continues to draw the tourists, is Hanoi’s Old Quarter. As its name suggests, this is one of Hanoi’s oldest districts, and its streets and buildings survive intact to this day. Take a stroll around and admire the mixture of traditional Vietnamese buildings, interspersed with architecture from the French colonial period. At one time, this part of the city was the most important merchant district, and it still has the bustle, sights and sounds suggestive of that time. If you’re lucky enough to be there around lunch or dinner time, the aromas of freshly cooked food will be added to that blend, making the Old Quarter a real treat for the senses.

For something of a relaxing chance from the Old Quarter, you can take an early morning, or late evening saunter around Hoan Kiem Lake. This charming body of water provides citizens with a place to relax together, exercise, socialize and forget the stress of the city. It is punctuated with delightful bridges and statues. The lake itself is also home to a number of giant turtles. In fact, don’t forget to look out for the most conspicuous of the temples around the lake – Turtle Temple.

To get some idea of more recent history, no trip to Hanoi is complete without visiting the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. The former leader’s embalmed body lays here, with thousands visiting each day to show their respect. You’ll need to dress appropriately – no shorts or exposed midriffs, and the guards don’t tolerate loud, drunken or rude behavior. You won’t be allowed to stop for too long to take a look at the embalmed body – the line is supposed to be constantly moving. But you’ll get an idea of just how much the country reveres the memory of this extraordinary man.

If all that walking takes its toll on your feet, it isn’t difficult to find a good places to sit down to eat and drink. No visitor to the city should leave without trying a Hanoi specialty – Banh Tom – deep fried and battered shrimp and sweet potato. If you were wondering what to wash it down with, look no further than Bia Hoi Hanoi, a local, unpreserved beer that perfectly quenches thirst on a hot afternoon.