Joyful Yatra: Malaysia
Showing posts with label Malaysia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Malaysia. Show all posts

MALAYSIA

Malaysia

About:-
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. It's known for its beaches, rainforests and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultural influences. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is home to colonial buildings, busy shopping districts such as Bukit Bintang and skyscrapers such as the iconic, 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers.

Rugged mountains reach dramatically for the sky while their rainforest-clad slopes sweep down to floodplains teeming with forest life. Cool highland hideaways roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, boasting gleaming skyscrapers, colonial architecture, charming locals, and a myriad of natural attractions. Divided into numerous districts, its main hub is called the Golden Triangle which comprises Bukit Bintang, KLCC and Chinatown. KL is widely recognised for numerous landmarks, including Petronas Twin Towers (the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers), Petaling Street flea market, and Batu Caves, which is over 400 million years old.

With frequent sales events throughout the year, expansive shopping malls like Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC are also among the biggest tourist attractions in the city, hosting a wide range of upmarket labels from all over the world.

Petronas Twin Towers


The Petronas Towers, also known as the Petronas Twin Towers are twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH)'s official definition and ranking, they were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 and remain the tallest twin towers in the world. The buildings are a landmark of Kuala Lumpur, along with nearby Kuala Lumpur Tower.

PLACES VISIT IN MALAYSIA

Mt Kinabalu Via Ferrata


Via ferrata (or iron road in Italian), is a mountain path consisting of a series of rungs, rails and cables embracing the rock face. There are more than 300 via ferrata routes around the world and the world's highest via ferrata, can now be found on Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia, whereby the highest point starts at 3,400 m and ends at 3,800 m. This is the first time that the sport of via ferrata climbing is being introduced in Asia.

The intermediate route will let the climber experience a 4- to 5-hour journey, which will reward the climber with a breathtaking view of the heights and sights.

The Habitat


Rolling hills, pristine rainforest, lush flora, enormous granite boulders and stunning views of city, jungle and sea from the top of Penang Hill…sounds great, right? Even better, there’s no need for any arduous trekking to the summit, either.

The Habitat on Penang Hill, some 820 metres above sea-level, is an ecotourism site easily accessible via a 7-minute ride on the Penang Hill Funicular Train.


The Habitat Canopy Walk and the Treetop Walk offer spectacular views, with the walkways being ‘tree friendly’. There is no rigging of steel cables directly onto the trees. Other attractions at The Habitat are Red Garden, Butterfly Bank, Yellow Garden, Purple Garden, Ginger Grove and Fragrance Garden.

Penang Hill itself is a historic site filled with natural beauty and charm, and a visit here will certainly be an antidote to the stresses of life.

Opening hours:  9.30am – 6.00pm daily, closed on Wednesday

Wang Burma Cave


Located at the northern-most edge of Peninsula Malaysia, the state of Perlis is easily accessible via the North-South Highway, which links Kangar, the state capital of Perlis, to Kuala Lumpur. Perlis State Park is located about 42km from Kangar town and around 10km from the Malaysia-Thai border of Wang Kelian.

Wang Burma Cave is one of the most popular caves within the Perlis State Park. It is a haven for spelunking. The cave’s stalactites and stalagmites resemble pillars, curtains and cascades which were formed over millions of years. Enthusiasts can explore the cave at a leisurely pace, or climb, crawl and squeeze between narrow passages and muddy tunnels.

Some caves such as Gua Kelam, are known for its subterranean rivers, which have been the site of tin-mining activities. International speleologists have visited Malaysia to document the cave’s history and fauna.

Tourists are advised to get a qualified guide and permission from the Perlis Forestry Department before going for the cave exploration. The total time to explore the entire Wang Burma cave system will take approximately 3 1/2 hours.

 How to Reach:  Rental Bus, Self Car, By Train

Batu Caves


Batu Caves is a an iconic and popular tourist attraction in Selangor. Site of a Hindu temple and shrine, Batu Caves attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists, especially during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam. 

A limestone outcrop located just north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves has three main caves featuring temples and Hindu shrines. 

Its main attraction is the large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance, besides a steep 272 climb up its steps to finally view the stunning skyline of the city centre. 

Monkeys frolic around the caves, and it is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. Paintings and scenes of Hindu Gods can also be seen in the Ramayana Cave.

Batu Caves is a place where you should not miss on your next visit to Malaysia!

 Getting Here: -  By Car or Taxi

Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS)


Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) will be the home to some of the world’s biggest animation attractions including the much loved BoBoiBoy, The Smurfs and DreamWorks characters such as Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Megamind, The Croods and Casper the Friendly Ghost.

Located in Ipoh, Perak in the northern state of Malaysia, MAPS covers 52 acres of land and will feature key international themed attractions, offering more than 40 attractions in six themed zones.
Dare to “Live Your Dreams” at MAPS!”

Opening Hours

Mondays – Fridays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays & School Holidays

10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Pulau Redang


Pulau Redang, located 45km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, is the largest of a group of nine protected islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous dive sites for enthusiasts. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here are rich in marine life. At midday when sun rays penetrate the sea, brilliant hues of coral, anemones and fish can be seen.
This paradise island is perfect for snorkelling, swimming, scuba- diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. No fishing is allowed within a 3.2km radius of the island as Pulau Redang is gazetted as a marine park. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also strictly prohibited. Berjaya Resort offers a golf course in an idyllic setting.

Getting Here: - By Boat

Begin your island-hopping adventure by catching a boat at any of the jetties in Kuala Terengganu and Merang. Travelling time to Redang is one hour from Kuala Terengganu and 50 minutes from Merang.

Perhentians Island


The Perhentian Islands in Malaysia are composed of two islands, Perhentian Kecil (small) and Perhentian Besar (big). Both are hugely popular with snorkelers and divers, as the reefs and crystalline waters surrounding them are host to a wide variety of coral, sea turtles, sharks, and reef-fish. Mostly, people come to these beautiful and rustic islands to relax, enjoy the beach, and slow down.

Where to stay: For high-end Malaysia holiday lodgings, check out the Tuna Bay Island Resort. Budget hunters should look up Abdul Chalet.

Getting there: Regular buses leave from Hentian Putra bus station in Kuala Lumpur, taking nine hours. Alternatively, fly from Kuala Lumpur's LCCT airport to Kota Bharu, and then catch a taxi to the port town of Kuala Besut.

Tioman Island


Tioman Island lies off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in the South China Sea. It's a nature reserve, ringed by beaches. The area is known for its dive sites, which have corals, sea fans and sea sponges, as well as shipwrecks. The island is covered in tropical rainforests, home to butterflies, lizards and monkeys. On the east coast, the Juara Turtle Project is a hatchery that protects and studies sea turtles.

Getting there: There are bus services from all over Malaysia to Mersing,; from here it's a two-hour boat ride to the first jetty on the island. Tioman also has a small airport, which Berjaya Airways flies to from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Langkawi Island


Off the coast of Kedah is a cluster of 99 islands offering the best of many worlds: beautiful beaches, world- class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra- cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends.

Despite what looks like a slant towards tourism, many of the islanders are actually farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Experience the beautiful countryside and peaceful landscape of paddy fields by renting a car and taking a leisurely drive around the island. Some of Langkawi's most rustic and memorable views are along the road that circles the island.

You'll pass small villages with wooden houses framed by palm trees, and children pedalling their old bicycles on errands. Aside from experiencing the local lifestyle, there is no shortage of things to do in Langkawi. Head up the thrilling new cable car to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang - Langkawi's second highest mountain - for an unrivalled view of the entire main island and beyond.

Langkawi also has an underwater world, with an underground tunnel that runs through a giant aquarium, that has received rave reviews.

Redang Island: For a "Summer Holiday"


The Redang archipelago actually consists of nine islands, namely Lima, Paku Besar, Paku Kecil, Kerengga Besar, Kerengga Kecil, Ekor Tebu, Ling, Pinang and Redang itself.

Together, they form a marine park situated 45 kilometers off the east Peninsular Malaysia state of Terengganu.

With excellently preserved coral, the main attractions of Redang are snorkeling, diving and the crystal clear waters.

You’ll need to stick close to the shoreline regardless, as the interior is mostly impassable, apart from a road that connects the airport with the coast.

In 2000, the Malaysian island was the setting for Hong Kong movie "Summer Holiday," which featured Cantopop star Sammi Cheng and Taiwanese heartthrob Richie Ren. The success of the film led to a sudden influx of tourists.
Where to stay: The same company that owns the only airport and airline to fly in, also has the best place to stay, The Taaras, by Berjaya. However, film fans should head to the Laguna Redang Island Resort, where the colourful souvenir shop was a key setting in the movie "Summer Holiday."

Getting there: If you don’t want to pay to fly in directly, the alternative is to fly to Kuala Terengganu, and then continue by car and take a ferry from the port of Merang.

Mabul Island


Mabul Island is reputed to be one of the best places for underwater macro-photography in the world. Located in the clear waters of the Celebes Sea off the mainland of Sabah, it is surrounded by gentle sloping reefs two to 40m deep.

Covering some 21 ha., it is considerably larger than the nearby Sipadan Island and is home to the Bajau Laut tribe, one of many ethnic groups in Sabah.

Diving is the main activity on this island, and it can be done all year round. Marine life that can be seen here include sea horses, exotic starfish, fire gobies, crocodile fish, pipefish and snake eels. There are over eight popular dive spots, each with its own speciality.

Three resorts cater to scuba divers – two are on the island itself while one is on a converted oil rig platform about 500m offshore. All of the resorts provide day trips for their guests to the nearby Sipadan and Kapalai Islands.

Getting Here

To reach Mabul Island, it is a 30-minute boat ride from Semporna and 20 minutes from Sipadan Island.

Pulau Sibu


Pulau Sibu is a pleasant hideaway with its lush tropical vegetation, endless stretches of golden beaches and clear blue waters. The island is also dotted with numerous sea caves carved out of rocks. The constant pounding of the sea during the monsoon season has given the island a beautiful yet rugged appearance.

There are facilities for scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, sailing and angling. Visitors can go for a hike through the jungle leading to unspoilt mangrove swamps or visit the kelong, or jetty, where anchovies are caught. Alternatively, head for the kampung, or village, to get a first-hand look at how coconuts are smoked to make copra.

Getting Here

By Road and Sea
You can catch a boat ride to Sibu Island from Tanjung Leman jetty, south of Mersing.

KL Tower


Standing majestically atop Bukit Nanas at 421 meters and 94 meters above sea level, KL Tower is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline and perhaps one of the most enduring images a visitor to KL will remember.

Its architecture reflects the country's Islamic heritage, with the construction detailing Arabic scripts, Islamic tiles, classic Islamic floral and abstract motifs and soothing colour combinations.

Besides the panoramic view, KL Tower has something for city dwellers who love nature. The verdant green surrounding Menara KL is the Bukit Nanas Forest - the only oldest gazetted forest reserve in the country.

It covers an area of 10.05 hectares and is considered the green lung of Kuala Lumpur. It is sanctuary to a wonderful array of flora and fauna, unique to the country's tropical climate.

 Getting Here

By Car or Taxi
Visitors can use their own vehicles or public transportation. The main road is Jalan Ampang, Jalan Gereja and Jalan Raja Chulan.

Free Shuttle
The free shuttle service runs every half an hour from the main gates through the hilly forest to the Menara KL entrance.

Port Dickson Beach


The beaches of Port Dickson (PD) is a famous weekend retreat for city dwellers. 

Port Dickson is said to have been named after a British officer, Sir John Frederik Dickson in 1889. Port Dickson is more famous for its attractive beaches, ample amenities and good infrastructure. There are also various types of accommodation for those wishing to holiday here.

Among the famous beaches here are Teluk Kemang and Blue Lagoon. There are also infrastructure for watersports dan beach activity.

How to Reach

By Car

It takes just over an hour by car to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Port Dickson along the North-South Expressway (PLUS).

I-City


i-City located in Shah Alam, Selangor is known as the city of digital lights. It is recognised at the first lightscape tourism destination in Malaysia with state-of- the-art LED technology showcase.

The digital city includes trendy shopping streets and equipped with a theme park to cater to visitors' looking for a place to unwind.

The township accommodates high-tech infrastructure allowing for a unique display of digital lights. These attractions are located at CityPark and CityWalk.

You can chill in the park, view the wonderful sculptures and experience a whole new world with its dazzling light showcase. It is ideal for the whole family.


Do bring a camera to capture the wonderful and majestic light displays. It is truly magical!


How to Reach Malaysia


By Air
Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the major airport that handles majorityof the international traffic to Malaysia. Almost every airline across the worldoperates flights to and from here including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Indonesia.

By Rail
Malaysia can be reached by train from Thailand and Singapore. However, Thailandtrains commute between Bangkok and Butterworth, and Malaysia trains run betweenKuala Lumpur and Hat Yai. From Singapore, trains Reaching Malaysia by Airrunfor two destinations - Kuala Lumpur and Tumpat.

By Sea

Numerous ferries connect various ports in Peninsular Malaysia withSumatra (Indonesia), Thailand, Singapore, whereas Sarawak and Sabah areconnected with Brunei, East Kalimantan (Indonesia) and Mindanao (Philippines).

WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

About:-
Beaches are the Valium of the travel world. They soothe, they relax, they make you realize that “real life” occasionally needs escaping. There are very few people immune to the magical lure of the beach. Whether you’re keen on sunbathing, sports, or exploring the underwater world or simply contemplating the infinite possibilities of the horizon, there’s no doubt the beach is the perfect destination for fun and relaxation. Most of all, these slivers of sand against the ocean are a reminder that the world can be quite beautiful. However, there are a number of beaches around the world that have achieved well-deserved fame for their exquisite beauty, endless expanses of white sand and balmy waters. We’ve chosen ten of our favorite, outstanding, popular and 10 Most Beautiful Beaches.

1. Anse Source d’Argent – Seychelles




On the top of the most beautiful Beaches around the world Anse Source d’Argent, located in La Digue, the third largest inhabited island of the Seychelles. A major contender for the top spot, this ribbon of sand on the island, La Digue, mixes salt-white and flamingo-pink sands to create one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
A reef keeps the water calm, so make the most of rental snorkels to explore the shallow waters, after which you can explore granite boulders further inland.
The nearby restaurant, Lanbousir, offers local Creole dishes, including the tempting fruit-bat curry. DIY lovers can fix their own picnic from a supermarket just five minutes from the beach.
From the Seychelles’ main island of Mahe, take a ferry to the jetty at La Passe, on La Dique Island. From there flag down an ox-cart to L’Union Estate. A footpath leads to Anse Source d’Argent. There’s a small entrance fee for non-residents.

2. Sun Island – Maldives


Recognized as the world’s best and one of the most beautiful beaches, located in a beach-lover’s paradise, Maldives. This diamond in the middle of the Indian Ocean has become a favorite with celebs and rich honeymooners drawn by the thought of sleeping over the water, literally. If you want to be as near as possible to the water, you can do no better – especially at Sun Island Beach, where many resorts offer luxury bungalows on stilts in the water, where you can be sent to sleep with the sound of real water lapping at your doorstep. Nearby coral reefs attract thousands of tropical fish, snorkelers and divers.
But you don’t even need to be a water baby to enjoy the scenery — parts of the reef are visible from the beach, so clear is the water.

3. Matira – Bora Bora – Tahiti


Bora Bora is one of the magical islands that make up French Polynesia in the South Pacific. This Island is like the Gwyneth Paltrow of beaches — a little too perfect to be believable. But the spell that this small island is a major international tourist destination, famous for its aqua-centric luxury resorts. But its best spot, Matira Beach, reminds you why places like this become popular in the first place. Feed sharks, hunt for black pearls, look through World War II memorabilia or just laze on the sand. At the world’s greatest beach, life takes you easy. Fly to Papeete in Tahiti, about seven and a half hours from Los Angeles. Then catch a flight to Bora Bora’s tiny airport on Motu Mute.

4. Whitehaven – Queensland – Australia


It’s difficult to pick a favourite in a country known for its beautiful beaches, but if you’re looking for unspoilt, flawless natural beauty, the fine sands of Whitehaven in Australia’s Whitsunday Islands are a strong contender. With more than four kilometers of sand that is 98 percent pure silica, so clean it squeaks. Whitehaven Beach is part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park. There is a bit of effort involved in getting here, but the pay-off is a spectacularly scenic location that is still relatively quiet once the daytrippers have left for the evening.

5. Maya Bay – Ko Phi Phi – Thailand


Maya Bay is a white sand beach hugged by steep limestone cliffs. Coral reefs make it an excellent spot for snorkeling. This strikingly beautiful beach has seen its popularity skyrocket after featuring in the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach, but it’s still worth visiting for the dramatic setting and marvellous snorkelling opportunities. Thousands of people visit the bay every day.

6. Pulau Perhentian Kecil – Malaysia


The Perhentian Islands lie approximately 10 nautical miles off the northeastern coast of West Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, approximately 40 miles south of the Thai border. The two main islands are the backpacker-happy Pulau Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian Island), and Pulau Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian Island), which has slightly more expensive accommodation. Dive in the crystal blue waters off Pulau Perhentian Kecil and you’re almost guaranteed to swim with sea turtles and small sharks. Hang around the island’s beach-side restaurants at 5 p.m. to watch fishermen bring in the day’s catch and haggle with restaurant owners. The only way to get to the Perhentian Islands is by sea. Boat services are available from Kuala Besut.

7. Hanalei Bay – Hawaii – USA


Hanalei is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kauaʻi County, Hawaiʻi, United States. Hanalei means “lei making” in Hawaiian. Alternatively, the name Hanalei also means “crescent bay” and may be indicative of the shape of Hanalei Bay, which is one of the best beaches in Hawaii. A genuine tropical paradise, this spacious bay Island features a smooth crescent of pristine white sand backed by lush, green forests, misty mountains and sparkling waterfalls. Flanked by rivers and coral reefs within the bay, the beach is the perfect destination for a whole range of water sports, including diving, snorkelling, kayaking and canoeing.

8. Nungwi – Zanzibar – Tanzania


On the north-west coast of the island, Nungwi is considered to be the most beautiful beach of Zanzibar, where the absence of strong tides guarantees the pleasures of swimming and snorkelling in the crystal, jade sea. Tourists tend to gravitate towards Nungwi, a settlement located along the coast of north Zanzibar. In Nungwi’s extremely shallow shores, travelers can quite literally walk on water, with baby formula sand between their toes. The azure waters and coral around Nungwi are home to scores of marine creatures. The dreamy sunsets of Nungwi are an unforgettable experience, where hues of burnt orange and blushing rose drop into the sparkling waves of the Indian Ocean. Embedded in a luxurious and enchanting location, Hideaway of Nungwi Resort & Spa offers spectacular oceanfront settings known to be among the finest in the world.

9. Playa Paraiso – Cayo Largo


One of the gorgeous beach in world is Playa Paraiso in Cuba’s finest beach island Cayo Largo. This beach well deserves its name of “Paradise Beach” is not quite as exposed to the elements as some of the other beaches on the island. The weather is usually calm and the sea here remains shallow most of the year. As the beach of hotels is very changing, most people go to Playa Paraiso to enjoy calm water to awim or simply relax on the beach. Visitors will find a smattering of beach umbrellas and a small bar. But for the most part this place is about sea and sand and not much else. A free shuttle leaves nearby hotels several times a day for the 20-minute drive to Playa Paraiso.

10. Bahia Solano – Colombia




Bahia Solano is home to world class scuba diving and sport fishing, providing a plethora of marine activities to the traveler  Only 18 km away from Bahia Solano, is the stunning beach town of El Valle, Choco. The beach town of Bahia Solano is a unique scene of immobile boats rusting where river meets ocean. Fishermen languidly cast nets over a huge bay. Fashion shops, vegetable markets, cafés and bars line a vibrant main street.

THE NEW 7 WONDER CITIES

THE NEW AWESOME CITIES IN THE WORLD'S

1. KUALA LUMPUR

CAPITAL OF MALAYSIA


Kuala Lumpur  is the national capital of Malaysia as well as its largest city. The city covers an area of 243 km2 (94 sq mi) and has an estimated population of 1.7 million as of 2015. Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.2 million people as of 2013. It is among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in South-East Asia, in terms of population and economy.

Kuala Lumpur is the seat of the Parliament of Malaysia. The city was once home to the executive and judicial branches of the federal government, but they were moved to Putrajaya in early 1999. Some sections of the judiciary still remain in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The official residence of the Malaysian King, the Istana Negara, is also situated in Kuala Lumpur. Rated as an alpha world city, Kuala Lumpur is the cultural, financial and economic centre of Malaysia due to its position as the capital as well as being a key city.

Kuala Lumpur is one of three Federal Territories of Malaysia, enclaved within the state of Selangor, on the central west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Since the 1990s, the city has played host to many international sporting, political and cultural events including the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the Formula One Grand Prix. In addition, Kuala Lumpur is home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers, which have become an iconic symbol of Malaysia’s futuristic development.

2. DURBAN

CITY IN KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA


Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. Durban’s metropolitan municipality ranks third among the most populous urban areas in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town. It is also the second most important manufacturing hub in South Africa after Johannesburg. It forms part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism because of the city’s warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches. The municipality, which includes neighbouring towns, has a population of almost 3.5 million, making the combined municipality one of the biggest cities on the Indian Ocean coast of the African continent. The metropolitan land area of 2,292 square kilometres (885 sq mi) is comparatively larger than other South African cities, resulting in a somewhat lower population density of 1,513/km2 (3,920/sq mi). It has the highest number of dollar millionaires added per year of any South African city with the number rising 200% between 2000 and 2014.

In May 2015, Durban was officially recognized as one of the New7Wonders Cities.

3. DOHA

CAPITAL OF QATAR


Doha  is the capital city and most populous city of the State of Qatar. Doha has a population of 1,351,000 in a city proper with the population close to 1.5 million. The city is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf in the east of the country. It is Qatar’s fastest growing city, with over 50% of the nation’s population living in Doha or its surrounding suburbs, and it is also the economic center of the country. It comprises one of the municipalities of Qatar.

Doha was founded in the 1820s as an offshoot of Al Bidda. It was officially declared as the country’s capital in 1971, when Qatar gained independence. As the commercial capital of Qatar and one of the emergent financial centers in the Middle East, Doha is considered a world city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. Doha accommodates Education City, an area devoted to research and education.

The city was host to the first ministerial-level meeting of the Doha Development Round of World Trade Organization negotiations. It was also selected as host city of a number of sporting events, including the 2006 Asian Games, the 2011 Pan Arab Games and most of the games at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. In December 2011, the World Petroleum Council held the 20th World Petroleum Conference in Doha.

In May 2015, Doha was officially recognized as one of the New7Wonders Cities.

4. LA PAZ

DE FACTO CAPITAL CITY OF BOLIVIA


La Paz, officially known as Nuestra Señora de La Paz English: Our Lady of Peace), also named Chuqi Yapu (Chuquiago) in Aymara, is the seat of government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. With an estimated 789,541 residents as of 2015, La Paz is the third-most populous city (after Santa Cruz de la Sierra and El Alto). Its metropolitan area, which is formed by La Paz, El Alto and Viacha, make the most populous urban area in Bolivia, with a population of 2.3 million inhabitants. It is also the capital of the La Paz Department. The city, located in west-central Bolivia, 68 km (42 mi) southeast of Lake Titicaca, is set in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River and sits in a bowl-like depression surrounded by the high mountains of the altiplano. Overlooking the city is towering triple-peaked Illimani, which is always snow-covered and can be seen from many parts of the city. At an elevation of roughly 3,650 m (11,975 ft) above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. Due to its altitude, La Paz has an unusual subtropical highland climate, with rainy summers and dry winters.

La Paz was founded on October 20, 1548 by the Spanish conquistador Captain Alonso de Mendoza at the site of the Inca settlement of Laja as a connecting point between the commercial routes that led from Potosí and Oruro to Lima; the full name of the city was originally Nuestra Señora de La Paz (meaning Our Lady of Peace) in commemoration of the restoration of peace following the insurrection of Gonzalo Pizarro and fellow conquistadors against the first viceroy of Peru. The city was later moved to its present location in the valley of Chuquiago Marka. La Paz was originally under Spanish rule when it belonged to the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. Since its founding, the city experienced numerous revolts, the most significant ones being in 1781, when the indigenous leader and independence activist Túpac Katari laid siege to the city for a total of six months and on July 16, 1809 when the Bolivian patriot Pedro Domingo Murillo ignited a revolution of independence marking the beginning of the Spanish American Wars of Independence.

As the seat of the government of Bolivia, La Paz is the site of the Palacio Quemado, the Presidential Palace and seat of the Bolivian executive power, the Plurinational Legislative Assembly and numerous government departments and agencies. Sucre remains, however, the constitutional capital of Bolivia and retains the judicial power. The city also hosts numerous foreign embassies as well as international missions in the country. La Paz is an important political, administrative, economic, and sports center of Bolivia; it was responsible for generating 25% of Bolivia’s Gross Domestic Product and serves as the headquarters for numerous Bolivian companies and industries.

La Paz is also an important cultural center of Bolivia, as it hosts several landmarks belonging to the colonial times, such as the San Francisco Church, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Plaza Murillo and the Jaén Street. The city is also renowned for its unique markets, particularly the Witches’ Market, and for its vibrant nightlife. Its unusual topography offers unique views of the city and the surrounding mountains of the Cordillera Real from numerous natural viewing points. La Paz is also home to both the longest and highest urban cable car network in the world. In May 2015, it was officially recognized as one of the New7Wonders Cities.  La Paz is listed on the Global Cities Index 2015, and is considered a global city type “Gamma” by GaWC.

5. HAVANA

CAPITAL CITY AND COMMERCIAL CENTRE OF CUBA


Havana is the capital city, largest city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, and it spans a total of 728.26 km2 (281.18 sq mi) – making it the largest city by area, the most populous city, and the third largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean region. The city extends mostly westward and southward from the bay, which is entered through a narrow inlet and which divides into three main harbours: Marimelena, Guanabacoa and Atarés. The sluggish Almendares River traverses the city from south to north, entering the Straits of Florida a few miles west of the bay.

The city of Havana was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and due to its strategic location it served as a springboard for the Spanish conquest of the continent becoming a stopping point for the treasure-laden Spanish galleons on the crossing between the New World and the Old World. King Philip II of Spain granted Havana the title of City in 1592. Walls as well as forts were built to protect the old city. The sinking of the U.S. battleship Maine in Havana’s harbor in 1898 was the immediate cause of the Spanish–American War.

Contemporary Havana can essentially be described as three cities in one: Old Havana, Vedado and the newer suburban districts. The city is the center of the Cuban government, and home to various ministries, headquarters of businesses and over 90 diplomatic offices. The current mayor is Marta Hernández from the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC). In 2009, the city/province had the 3rd highest income in the country.

The city attracts over a million tourists annually, the Official Census for Havana reports that in 2010 the city was visited by 1,176,627 international tourists, a 20.0% increase from 2005. The historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The city is also noted for its history, culture, architecture and monuments. As typical of Cuba, Havana also features a tropical climate.

In May 2015, Havana was officially recognized as one of the New7Wonders Cities.

6. BEIRUT

CAPITAL OF LEBANON


Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon. No recent population census has been done but in 2007 estimates ranged from slightly more than 1 million to slightly less than 2 million as part of Greater Beirut. Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast, Beirut is the country’s largest and main seaport.

It is one of the oldest cities in the world, inhabited more than 5,000 years ago. The first historical mention of Beirut is found in the ancient Egyptian Tell el Amarna letters dating from the 15th century BC. The Beirut River runs south to north on the eastern edge of the city.

Beirut is Lebanon’s seat of government and plays a central role in the Lebanese economy, with many banks and corporations based in its Central District, Badaro, Rue Verdun, Hamra and Ashrafieh. Following the destructive Lebanese Civil War, Beirut’s cultural landscape underwent major reconstruction. Identified and graded for accountancy, advertising, banking/finance and law, Beirut is ranked as a Beta World City by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network.

In May 2015, Beirut was officially recognized as one of the New7Wonders Cities.

7. VIGAN

CAPITAL CITY OF THE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES


Vigan, officially the City of Vigan  is a fourth-class component city and capital of the province of Ilocos Sur in the Philippines. The city is located on the western coast of the large island of Luzon, facing the South China Sea. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 53,879 people.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in that it is one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines where its structures have remained intact, and is well known for its cobblestone streets and a unique architecture that fuses Philippine and Oriental building designs and construction, with colonial European architecture.

In May 2015, Vigan City was officially recognized as one of the New7Wonders Cities. 



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