Travel Plus I Autumn 2014

Discover thePhilippines

Kazakhstan

SPECIAL REPORT

AUTUMN 2014

NamibiaCALL of the

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Gem ofCentral Asia

tRAVeL PLUSMIDDLe eASt

Vol 1 - Issue 1Sep/Oct/Nov 2014

eDItoRIALExecutive EditorPatrick Michael

Supplements EditorSuchitra Steven Samuel

Sub-EditorSadiq Shaban

ReportingFarhana ChowdhurySuneeti Ahuja-Kohli

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Mohammad Ejaz KhanSidharthan

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For enquiries call Ikram Shikoohon +971 50 8592965 or email

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to SAy thAt Filipinos love to eatwould be an understatement. Apartfrom a full meal for breakfast, lunchand dinner, merienda — or mid-morningand mid-afternoon snacks — is arequisite part of their daily routine.It is also customary to greet guestswith “kumain ka na ba?” (Have youeaten?), offering the food they haveto friends and acquaintances who visitthem at home.

With 7,107 islands across thearchipelago, the Philippines offers adizzying array of delightful treats thattantalise the taste buds and delightthe senses. Metro Manila alone has arange of establishments running thegamut from classy restaurants tohole-in-the-wall food haunts, eachpromising an adventure of flavours,textures and taste.

Cebu Pacific Air, the Philippines’largest airline, offers this rundown ofMetro Manila’s restaurants, perfectfor those in the mood for a food triparound the Philippines’ capital city.

flavourfully filipinoFilipino cuisine is as rich and colourfulas its history, with influences fromneighbouring Asian countries, Europeand the US. Well-loved dishes can alsoget a modern twist by innovative chefsat contemporary restaurants. One suchdish is the Balut Surprise from the 100Revolving Restaurant on EastwoodDrive, Quezon City. The humble balutor boiled duck egg, is given a delicioustwist, with the traditional street foodand its soup nestled in a soufflé crust.Set on the 33rd floor of the MDC 100Building, the 100 Revolving Restaurantcompletes the dining experience witha 360-degree view of Metro Manila,even stretching as far as Laguna de

Bay, Manila Bay, Sierra Madre, and MtBanahaw. Currently the only revolvingrestaurant in the country, it takesone hour and 40 minutes to make afull revolution.

Meanwhile, the buffet at SpiralManila is hailed by foodies for itsextensive and interactive gourmetdining experience. Check out theirsignature Spiral Sunday Brunchand explore 21 dining ateliershighlighted by French gourmet delights— a cheese room, boulangerie andchocolate kitchen.

For seafood lovers, Dampa at theSeaside Macapagal Boulevard in PasayCity is a must-visit. Visit the market toget the freshest catch of the day andhead to the nearby restaurants to cookyour purchases. From lobsters, scallopsand shrimp, to oysters, mussels andclams, each seafood favourite is turnedinto savoury soups and stews, baked orgrilled to perfection, or served kinilaw-style or ceviche to highlight theirnatural flavours.

Delicious comfortBad days can instantly turn for thebetter when one enjoys delightfuldishes that satisfy not just the tummy,but also the soul. Among the popularfoodie destinations in Bonifacio GlobalCity in Taguig City is the Early BirdBreakfast Club. It makes sure thatevery day starts off on a high notewith their all-day breakfast offerings.Their Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwichhas cheddar, mozzarella and Gruyereflanked between toasted yet still softbread, and dressed with sweet and spicyonion relish.

Another food hub known forcomfort food is Maginhawa Street(and neighbouring Malingap Street) inQuezon City. At the Sweet Spot Café,those with a sweet tooth can choosefrom the Salted Caramel ChocolateCake, Apple Crostata, and Dulcede Leche Cheesecake, among otherbest-selling desserts. •

Take your taste buds ona trip around Manila’sfinest food hubs

Discover thePhilippines

Kazakhstan

SPECIAL REPORT

AUTUMN 2014

NamibiaCALL of the

WILD

Gem ofCentral Asia

Travel Plus Middle East 3

Across 7,017 islands lie spectacular beaches, jungle-clad mountainsand coral reefs, as well as fascinating World War II sites, andchurches that date back to the 16th century

theDiscoverPhiliPPines

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Hugely underrated when compared to neighbouringMalaysia and Thailand, the Philippines lays out a refreshinglyauthentic travel experience for those who journey to itspalm fringed shores. Across its 7,017 islands — still largelyuntouched by mass tourism — lie spectacular beaches, jungle-clad mountains and coral reefs, as well as fascinating WorldWar II sites and churches that date back to the 16th century.

The ‘perfect’ sands and turquoise waters of BoracayIsland are a major draw, as are the ancient Rice Terraces atIfugao, carved into the mountainside and resembling giantsteps leading up to the sky. Down south in the Visayan Sea,Malapascua Island is the best place to see sharks and mantarays, while the Mayon Volcano, shaped like a perfect cone,offers treks to the crater with the option of taking a ziplineback down.

Whatever your pick of islands and experiences, theattractions of the Philippines are now quite easily accessiblewith the country’s largest airline Cebu Pacific Air offeringdirect flights from Dubai to Manila starting from as little asDh349. From Manila, the airline’s extensive domestic networkconveniently connects to 34 destinations across the countrywith similar low fares and great value, bringing all of thePhilippines’ wonders within easy reach.

ManilaLike any Southeast Asian metropolis, the Philippines capital isa bustling city of contrasts, where gleaming skyscrapers andupscale shopping malls rub shoulders with colourful streetmarkets and squalid shantytowns. In the midst of the urbansprawl, like an oasis of tranquility lies Intramuros, the historicwalled city, which for centuries was the seat of the Spanishcolonial administration, and is now Manila’s most visitedtourist attraction.


A walk around Intramuros is delightfully reminiscent of abygone era. Churches stand majestically in charming plazas andthe cobbled streets are lined with old, Spanish-style buildingswith ornate balconies. Landmarks here include the ManilaCathedral and the exquisite, UNESCO World Heritage listedChurch of San Agustin. A glimpse into the colonial lifestyleof yesteryear can be seen at Casa Manila, the beautifullyrecreated home of a 19th century merchant, which featuresantique furniture and original artworks.

Nearby, Fort Santiago was built when Spain first colonisedthe islands in 1591. It was used by the Japanese OccupationArmy as its headquarters during World War II and sufferedextensive damage during the Battle of Manila in 1945, thoughkey portions including its iconic gate have been restored.A section of the fort now houses a museum dedicated to thePhilippines’ national hero Jose Rizal, who was imprisoned here.

Cebu IslandA short hop away from Manila, Cebu is known for its tropicalcharm, luscious mangoes and hand-made guitars. Apart fromthe main island, the surrounding islands such as Mactan,Malapascua and Bantayan are popular with travellers —offering uncrowded white sand beaches and fantasticopportunities for watersport activities and eco-adventures.

Reminiscent of a bygone era— Spanish-style buildings withornate balconies line the cobblestreets of Intramuros

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Palawan IslandThe country’s western most province Palawan is a narrowisland that stretches 650 km all the way down to MalaysianBorneo. Much of the action is based in the north around ElNido, which CNNGo has called the ‘best beach and islanddestination in the Philippines’. The centrally located provincialcapital Puerto Princesa too has been in the spotlight since 2011when the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Parkwas listed among the 7 New Wonders of Nature.

One of the longest rivers of its kind, the Puerto PrincesaUnderground River runs for 8.2 km under a mountain beforeopening into the South China Sea. From a protected forestoverrun by macaques and monitors, visitors are taken by canoefor a breathtaking tour of the river, past massive stalactites andstalagmites shaped into all kinds of wondrous formations.A special permit is needed to venture into the deeper sectionsof the cave, where the 20 million-year-old fossilised remains ofa dugong can be seen.

Eco-tourism activities here also include exploring the worldfamous Tubbataha Reef Marine Park; firefly watching inthe enchanting Iwahig mangroves; and meeting indigenoustribes that live in remote mountains. Another interesting,though somewhat bizarre attraction, is the Iwahig Prisonand Penal Farm, an open prison surrounded by thick junglewhere inmates, many serving long sentences, put on danceperformances for visitors and chat about their lives in themodel prison.

They say it would take a person about 20 years if theywere to spend a single day on each of the 7,017 islands of thePhilippines. The islands hold promise for every kind of travellerand a single visit is never enough. It would take more thanone trip to really do justice to the destination and that, all themore, makes Cebu Pacific Air the perfect partner to discoverthe Philippines with. •

Further to the east is Bohol province, home to the ChocolateHills and the Tarsus monkey, the world’s smallest primate.

An island hopping excursion on board a traditional bangkais the best way to experience the beauty of Cebu. Spectacularviews of sea and sky unfold as the bangka throttles across theblue waters, past emerald green islands edged with whitebeaches. Spend the morning exploring fishing villages andsecluded islands and snorkeling over multi-coloured reefs,followed by a scrumptious lunch of grilled seafood on apristine beach.

The coral reefs around Cebu are rich in biodiversity andsnorkelling in the clear waters here is endlessly fascinating.The marine reserves of Hilutungan and Nalusuan in particularare full of corals teeming with parrot fish, drummers andMoorish idols, as well as many other species of colourfulsea life. For divers, Malapascua Island is the place to go foradrenaline-fuelled, up-close encounters with thresher sharks.

Cebu has a colourful history too. It was here that theexplorer Ferdinand Megallan famously made landfall in 1521,and claimed the archipelago in the name of King Philip ofSpain. The wooden cross he planted on his arrival still standstoday, housed in a chapel next to the Basilica del Santo Nino.Not far away, a stone memorial marks the spot where he waskilled weeks later, battling hostile islanders on the beach.


From the towering dunes of the Namib Desert, whichstretches for 1,500 km along the Atlantic Coast, tothe endless white plains of Etosha National Park, oneof Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuaries, Namibia unfoldsa kaleidoscope of magical landscapes.By Ikram Shikooh

8 Autumn 2014

Namibia

Theroad

adveNTureto

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Four times the size of Great Britain and with apopulation of just over two million, Namibia is one ofthe most sparsely populated countries in the world.And while assuring visitors plenty of elbow room,the country’s vast open spaces lie at the heart of anamazing travel experience that is unlike any other.

From the towering dunes of the Namib Desert,which stretches for 1,500 km along the Atlantic Coast,to the endless white plains of Etosha National Park,one of Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuaries, Namibiaunfolds a kaleidoscope of magical landscapes,unchanged with the passage of time. In the south,the Fish River Canyon is perhaps the continent’s mostawe-inspiring sight, while the rough seascape of theSkeleton Coast, littered with shipwrecks and bleachedwhale bones presents one of the most surrealexperiences on the planet.

Scattered into the mix are charming Germancolonial towns that sit anachronistically at the edgeof the desert; abandoned mining outposts halfswallowed by sands; and nomadic settlements wheretribes lead lives not very differently from their ancientancestors whose rock engravings in the valleys ofTwyfelfontein are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Despite the long distances, Namibia’s attractionsare easily accessible thanks to its highly developedtourism infrastructure. World class tour operatorsoffer a variety of well organised 4X4 road safaris,camping tours and treks to suit every taste andbudget, with itineraries extending from three to18 days. Accommodation options range from 5-starluxury resorts to eco-friendly campsites where theadventurous can sleep under starry African skies.


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Wherever you choose to go,you are assured to have aseries of powerful, soul-liftingexperiences that remain etchedin the mind forever

Namibia’s centrally located capital Windhoek is the idealbase for exploring the vastness of country. Though many of thecity’s major landmarks such as Christuskirche and Tintenpalast(Parliament Building) hark back to Namibia’s days as aGerman colony when it was known as German SouthwestAfrica, Windhoek also boasts plenty of modern architectureand is known for its remarkable cleanliness. The WindhoekCountry Club built in 1995 to host that year’s Miss Universepageant offers superior lodgings along with a casino and18-hole golf course.

South to SossusvleiDriving south to Sossusvlei brings a taste of the dramaticlandscapes that are the hallmark of a Namibian road trip.Just after the town of Reheboth, the gravel road enters intoa starkly beautiful wilderness where grassy plains and lowhills stretch out in every direction for as far as the eye cansee. Passing by herds of mountain zebra, solitary Oryx and theoccasional vehicle, the 375 km gravel route to Sossusvlei can becovered in five hours — with the immense dimensions of theremote landscape giving the journey a dreamlike feel.

The visually stunning Sossusvlei pan is the most visited partof the Namib Desert. Formed over millions of years when thecourse of the Taschaub River was smothered by shifting sands,

the dried out pan is surrounded by the world’stallest dunes which rise up to a staggering

450 metres above the ground. Sossusvlei ispart of the Namib-Naukluft National Parkand a couple of night’s stay in the area isrecommended to better appreciate thegrandeur of the world’s oldest desert.Sossusvlei Lodge, billed as the ‘Gateway

to the Namib’ is located not far from the

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park entrance and offers luxury accommodation that blendsperfectly into its desert surrounds.Along with al fresco dining to views of springbok drinking atthe watering hole, it is a place to enjoy glorious sunsets andperfect solitude.

The best time to visit Sossusvlei is at dawn when the dunesseem to glow and change colours through shades of deeporange and red as the sun begins its ascent. Those climbingto the top of Dune 45 are further rewarded with sweepingall-round views of a sea of massive, crescent-shaped dunes thatextend all the way to the horizon. It is a truly magnificent sightthat evokes the sheer power of nature, amidst the deafeningsilence that pervades the scene.

Nearby, the white clay pan of Deadvlei presents a ghostlyspectacle. Surrounded by major dunes, the basin resembles alunar landscape in which the blackened skeletons of ancientcamelthorn trees stand starkly against the white clay, theirbranches reaching out eerily to the sky. Another majorattraction in the area is the narrow Sesirem Canyon whoseAfrikaans name refers to the six Oryx skin belts that pioneershad to use to lower buckets to the water pools below.

Though there are some good hiking trails in Sesriem as wellas the adjoining Naukluft mountains, the country’s top hikingdestination is the Fish River Canyon, which lies much furtherto the south. The most popular camping and hiking trail hereis a four-day, 85 km expedition through the world’s secondlargest canyon that ends at the Ai-Ais hot springs. Shorter andless daunting hikes are also available, as are mule safaris inwhich all backpacks and equipment are transported by a teamof mules.

Atlantic CoastIt’s another 350 km from Sossusvlei to the coastal resort of

Swakopmund. After a brief stop at the town of Solitaire, whichcomprises mainly a petrol pump and a general store, the roadheads north over the Naukluft Mountains, soon crossing thesign that marks the Tropic of Capricorn. Mad Max: Road Fury,the latest edition of the Mad Max franchise was filmed at asecret location near here.

Arriving at the Atlantic Ocean after days in the outback,Swakopmund paints a pretty picture. The town’s colonialorigins are quite evident in the traditional German buildingsdating from the early 1900s, with names such as HohenzollernHaus and Altes Amtsgericht. On the palm-lined seasidepromenade, along with the historic former lighthouse thereare many cafes and art galleries, and restaurants serving thefreshest seafood. Off-season the town bears a near-desertedlook, making it a great place to stay a few days to soak in thedelightful ambience.

Although Swakopmund is known for its old world charm,the town is also the extreme sports capital of Namibia. Theaction lies in the surrounding desert where professionaladventure companies offer a host adrenaline fuelled activitiessuch as skydiving, parasailing, quadbiking and sandboarding.Also on offer from nearby Walvis Bay are dolphin cruises whichinclude a visit to Cape Cross where tens of thousands of sealsgather in boisterous colonies.

Namibia is a country of amazing contrasts and adventurelovers are truly spoiled for choice here. From watching lions inthe wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, to exploring the basaltvalleys of Damaraland and the thick woodlands of Kavango,there is a lot more to be discovered. But wherever you chooseto go, you are assured to have a series of powerful, soul-liftingexperiences that remain etched in the mind forever; and makeyou want to return to Namibia – Land of the Brave. •

For further details visit www.namibiatourism.com.na


Hunters wHo Have come to know the country well, andwho can appreciate something special, like to call Namibia"Africa's best kept secret". Why the country is still relativelyunknown remains something of a mystery, but this aspect isoften smiled upon by international trophy hunters, becausein its unique way, Namibia is second to none.

Namibia is Africa's rugged paradise indeed and, moreover,it is a hunter's paradise. Its northern coastline is called theSkeleton Coast because many an early sailor whose ship fellprey to the unpredictable waters and who had made it to theshore, died there of thirst. Towards the interior the NamibDesert gives way to the harsh and inhospitable Kaokoland,where today the last remaining population of desert-adaptedelephant and black rhino can be found.

The world's largest shifting sand dunes are found inthe southern parts of the Namib, affording breathtakingpanoramas in the soft light of the early morning and laterin the afternoon. To the east the Namib changes into barrenmountains, which rise towards the central plateau. From herethe country, lying at an altitude of some 1,500m to 1,600mabove sea level, becomes increasingly fertile.

At first the traveller's eye meets with dry thorn-bushsteppe, and in the eastern and north-eastern parts withlovely savannahs, dotted here and there with picturesquecamelthorn trees. In the far north-eastern part of the country,in the Caprivi, the landscape becomes lush green with riverine

The high standards maintained by the Namibia ProfessionalHunting Association (NAPHA) ensure the conservation ofwildlife and the well-being of local communities

forests and swamplands along the Okavango, Kwando andZambezi rivers. In the south the country never loses its desertcharacter. Here the Namib merges with the semi-desert regionsof the great Namaqualand, which to the east give way to thered sand dunes of the southern Kalahari. Namibia is hometo a great variety of huntable game species, but the greatattraction is the abundance of thirstland animals such as the

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12 Autumn 2014

trophy huntingin namibia

greater kudu, gemsbuck and springbuck. The majestic greaterkudu, found in Namibia in an unparalleled density, has anaverage trophy quality, while gemsbuck and springbuck havean exceptional trophy quality, and more importantly, can behunted while surrounded by impressive scenery.

The far northern and north-eastern parts offer rewardingbig game hunting. Namibia has become well known forexceptional elephant trophies. Very successful leopard huntingcan be done in some parts of the north-east, and in the Caprivithere are even possibilities for fine buffalo hunting.

A proud history of ethical, reasonably priced trophyhunting of the highest standard in Namibia has revealed thatsustainable utilisation of wildlife resources has been a majorfactor in protecting the country’s game populations. Evendepleted game species, which formerly populated areas ofNamibia, have been re-introduced through effective gamemanagement based on the principle of conservation throughselective hunting. All hunting resorts are under the strictsupervision of the Directorate of Resource Management ofthe Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the NamibiaProfessional Hunting Association.

The trophy hunting season for huntable game is restrictedfrom February 1 to November 30 of each year. For furtherinformation and visa assistance contact John Kamau, regionalrepresentative of Namibia Tourism Board on +971 50 9453298or e-mail [email protected]

Ethical conductFor the internationalhunting clientele, oneof the main attractionsof hunting in Namibiais the high standard ofethics maintained by theNamibia ProfessionalHunting Association.NAPHA was foundedin 1974 in order topromote Namibia asa hunting destination

internationally and to ensure ethical conduct andsustainable utilisation of natural resources, whilesecuring the industry for current and future generations.

Today NAPHA has over 400 Hunting Professionals(Hunting Guides and Professional Hunters) as registeredmembers. The Association has an excellent workingrelationship with the Namibian Ministry of Environmentand Tourism and is instrumental in forming newlegislation. The Association insists that its membersprovide the highest standard of professional serviceto international hunting guests. They are expected tohunt strictly in accordance with the ethical principles asstipulated in NAPHA's Hunting Code, and at all timesencouraged to act responsibly towards nature, wildlifeand the local population.

www.napha-namibia.com


Photo courtesy Aru Game Lodges; www.arugamelodges.com

Located just about an hour’s drive away from Dubai,The Cove Rotana Resort enjoys the perfect beachfront locationin Ras Al Khaimah. Nestled across a leafy hillside that slopesgently down to a sparkling lagoon and pristine white beach,the resort has a charming, village-like feel that makes it theideal destination for a weekend away from the hustle andbustle of the city.

Dotting the little lanes that meander across the resort areVillas especially designed to accommodate families or a groupof friends. With a distinctive Nubian touch, the Villas areaesthetically crafted to offer comforts that you would expectof a 5-star resort and much more. From spacious living rooms,private terraces and plunge pools, to spectacular views of theArabian Gulf, the lagoon or hills, each Villa is designed toanticipate and cater to your every need.

In addition to the one, two and three bedroom Villas, theintegrated resort has cozy Rooms also with Nubian themes anda wealth of attractive and contemporary accessories along withmodern-day amenities. Rooms feature arched ceilings, andcome with a private balcony or terrace where guests can enjoya quiet moment.

The Cove Rotana offers a large selection of leisure facilities.You can keep fit and relax at Bodylines leisure and fitness clubwhich includes a fully equipped gym with jacuzzi and sauna

rooms as well as seven elegantly designed massage roomsoffering a range of massage treatments, body wraps and skincare treatments. A 600-metre private beach, two stunninginfinity pools and a kids pool, Flipper’s kids club and water andbeach sports activities are also available.

The Cove Rotana is an ideal choice for business travellerstoo. Choose state-of-the-art facilities for your conference andseminar requirements with three fully equipped and flexiblemeeting rooms with the latest audio visual equipment. There isalso a Business Centre with secretarial support — all set to suitvarious business needs.

Combining intimacy, comfort and exclusivity withpersonalised service and attention to detail, the Cove RotanaResort redefines the resort experience. •

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Traditional charm and moderncomforts blend togetherwith magical results at Ras AlKhaimah’s top-rated beach resort

Luxury and sophisticationamid natureLuxury and sophisticationamid nature

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The Cove RoTana ResoRT’s talented chefs and pastrychefs were awarded four gold, three silver and twobronze medals at the renowned Emirates Salon Culinaireearlier this year, confirming once again the resort’sleading position in the UAE’s culinary landscape. Dishesto suit every palate are available 24 hours a day.

CinnamonIndulge in exciting theme nights at the inspired Interna-tional buffet with Oriental highlights. Cinnamon is theplace to socialise over a casual meal or sneak away for aromantic dinner for two, looking out over a moon-lit sea.

BasilicoThis upscale dining restaurantoffers a mix of traditionaland modern dishes and avariety of choices from allover the Mediterranean withan Italian emphasis. Basilico isthe place to dine, spend timewith friends and leisurelyenjoy the best life has tooffer — “La Dolce Vita”.

BreezeSituated near the main reception, Breeze Lobby Loungeand Bar is an ideal location for afternoon coffee ortea or to sample an excellent selection of cocktails andmixers. Relish lounge snacks defined by Latino and SouthAmerican cuisine, and enjoy a delicious variety of pastriesand desserts at its cake counter.

Laguna BayUnwind and take in the calming atmosphere of poolsidedining at Laguna Bay pool bar. Situated by the lowerpool, facing the villa islands and lagoons, it offers lightlunch fare and salads accompanied by an appealingselection of fresh juices, cocktails and iced drinks.

sunsetModern rattan furniture, canvas, umbrellas and thickcushions set the mood for guests who prefer to lingerby the poolside. The Sunset pool bar is a breeze refugelocated by the upper pool, overlooking the resort withbreathtaking views. It serves snacks, tapas and temptingarray of desserts.

BreakersRelax on a beach with natural pristine sand andshimmering waters. Enjoy tempting BBQ on the terrace.Sip on tropical cocktails and nibble on delicious snackscatered to you by Breakers beach bar while unwindingunder the sun. •

Delicious Dining


Gem of Central AsiaKazakhstan is a land of stunninglandscapes ranging from the lushvalleys of the mighty Tian Shanmountain range to the lake-dottedsteppe of the Central Highland.By Suneeti Ahuja-Kohli

In the thICk of winter, white sheets of snow stretch to thehorizon, covering cities in its milky swathes. The pace of lifefor residents here slackens as the temperature plunges, buttourists seeking fun in the snow rejoice – especially inAstana – the capital of Kazakhstan, where beautifully lit icesculptures and open-air skating rinks transform the city into awinter wonderland.

The most welcoming of the “four stans” of Central Asia,Kazakhstan is a land of stunning landscapes ranging fromthe lush valleys of the mighty Tian Shan mountain range tothe lake-dotted steppe of the Central Highland. With bordersstretching from Siberia to the deserts of Turkmenistan andfrom China to the Caspian Sea, it is the ninth largest country inthe world, covering two time zones and five climatic zones.

The country that was once part of the Silk Road – the 2,000-year old trade route that linked Europe to China – now drawstourists from around the world who come for its blend ofnature, history, culture and the modern lifestyle – perked upwith the discovery of oil and efforts to carve its own image.

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As tourism arrivals continue to grow, the government hasannounced visa waivers for visitors from 10 countries for aperiod of one year. Citizens of the United Arab Emirates, theUnited States, the Netherlands, U.K., France, Germany, Italy,Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan will be able to enter withouta visa for 15 days at a time until 15 July, 2015.

Considering the immense size of the country, tours toKazakhstan can be divided into seven parts namely Almaty city(the former capital of the country), Astana city (the capital),Central Kazakhstan, Eastern Kazakhstan, Northern Kazakhstan,Southern Kazakhstan and Western Kazakhstan.

AlmatyNestled in the lap of mountains, Almaty is resplendent withnatural beauty. The most popular destination for foreigntourists, especially those looking to go trekking in the TianShan, it is also the country’s largest city and business hub,boasting modern architecture, wide avenues, fountains, parksand squares – all with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Thecity has plenty of theatres, museums, cafes and art galleriesand a wide selection of modern entertainment complexes thatinclude casinos and nightclubs.

Medeo: A short drive from Almaty will bring you to Medeo– a picturesque valley that has one of the largest and mostunique skating arenas in the world, situated at 1,700 metresabove sea level. The Medeo Alpine Complex roars to lifeduring competitions when 32,000 fans cheer for their favouriteteams and players. From October to April visitors to Medeo goice skating themselves, surrounded by picturesque mountainsand beautiful spruce trees.

Shymbulak Ski Village: From Medeo a breathtaking,5-kilometre cable car ride takes you to Shymbulak, situated2,250 metres above sea level. With the best skiing andsnowboarding facilities in Kazakhstan, it also offers hiking,mountain climbing and horse riding in the warmer months.The resort was in the news recently when Prince Harry ofthe British royal family hit the slopes here on a skiingholiday with friends.

Charyn Canyon: Better known as the little brother of theGrand Canyon, Charyn Canyon is the second largest in theworld, snaking for about 150 kilometres along the CharynRiver. One part of the canyon is covered by unusual rockformations and is known as the Valley of the Castles.

Central Mosque: The blue turquoise dome mosque is asymbol of faith and a central building of Islam in Almaty. Builtin the style of Central Asian mosques, Central Mosque is thebiggest mosque in Kazakhstan with five graceful minarets andblue domes. The famous Green Bazaar and Almaty’s Arbat arelocated near it.

AstanaAstana is the capital and second largest city in Kazakhstan.With leafy avenues and a plethora of trendy dining, shoppingand entertainment venues, it has the look and feel of aEuropean city. Located in the north-central part of the country,the city is experiencing an economic boom with some of theregion’s grandest building projects. But despite the rush tobuild the city’s infrastructure, Astana retains its natural beautyand atmosphere.


Bayterek Tower: This 105-metre high monument andobservation tower has become the symbol of the capital ofKazakhstan. It has an observation desk at a height of 97 metresrepresenting the year when the capital of the country wasmoved from Almaty to Astana. This popular venue also hostsan art gallery, a large aquarium and a restaurant.

President’s Culture Centre: The luminous, blue-domedbuilding of President’s Culture Centre is one of the mostbeautiful buildings in all of Kazakhastan. Reflecting traditionalTurkic architecture, it houses an excellent museum across fivefloors. Not to be missed is the fabulous jewelry collection andthe replica of the 2,500-year old ‘Golden Warrior’ costume.

Palace of Peace and Harmony: This innovatively designedpyramid-shaped building sits on the bank of the Ishim River.It was built to host the Congress of Leaders of World andTraditional Religions which is held here every two years andalso hosts a 1,500 seat opera house at its lower levels.

Southern KazakhstanBesides these two main cities, the countryside holds manyattractions for tourists. Moving to the south, you can visitBaikonur Cosmodrome – a centre for space exploration andthe world’s oldest and largest operational space launch facility.Most of the Russian space missions are launched from here.Do bear in mind that you need to give a 45-day notice beforevisiting the Cosmodrome. •

— [email protected]

With the best skiing andsnowboarding facilities inKazakhstan, Shymbulak also offershiking, mountain climbing and horseriding in the warmer months

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Travel Plus I Autumn 2014