Brunei Darussalam is a strictly Muslim country in a region predominated by Hinduism and Buddhism. Expectedly, Brunei’s public holidays are mainly Islamic, while the rest are celebrations related to the monarchy. Below is the list of Brunei public holidays 2013. New Years Day – Tuesday, 1 January 2013 On this day, though not as widely […]

The Muslim world literally revolves around Saudi Arabia because it is here, in Mecca, that every devout is required to make a pilgrimage at least once in their lives, a millions-strong-pilgrimage called Hajj. As expected, two out of only three Saudi Arabia public holidays are Islamic festivals, and the other one that completes the list […]

Bangladesh maybe getting international attention for less-than-desirable reasons, but those in the know, know better that Bangladesh is an up and coming star in the outsourcing industry. With young population sufficiently educated to meet the needs of developed countries and eager for opportunities that are scarce in their homeland, Bangladesh will soon develop serious clout […]

Pakistan, if mainstream media would have it, is where armed conflict, political turmoil and collateral damage all go in one sentence. While there is a grain of truth in what is vividly portrayed on television, there is also the fact that Pakistan throbs with the cosmopolitan beats of Karachi. Once the seat of the untouchable […]

The Land Down Under is also the “Land of Long Weekends”, and yet, compared to India (which perhaps holds the most number of long weekends given their long list of holidays devoted to Hindu deities), Australia has very few public holidays. These are divided into state holidays or national holidays. Below is the list of […]

No other festival in the world could claim to be more flamboyant, delectably riotous and over-the-top bacchanalian than the Rio Carnival of Brazil. Imagine not only hundreds, but thousands of barely-clad, tail-feathered samba dancers cavorting on and around equally lavish gigantic floats, and you get only half the picture. Throw in hundreds and hundreds of […]

Throughout different countries and cultures, people come together to give thanks for the blessings that they have received. One of the most common reasons for such gatherings is to give thanks for a bountiful harvest season. It is observed in many European and Asian countries whose main livelihood is by farming and cultivating the land. […]

Malaysia is Southeast Asia’s only federal constitutional monarchy. It has thirteen states and three federal territories, and is governed by an elected monarch, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Kuala Lumpur is not only the country’s capital city, but also its biggest. Travelers will want to exchange their money to Ringgit, the country’s official currency. Visitors from […]

Vietnam is a country with people proud of their culture and heritage. While the Vietnamese are quite welcoming to foreigners, knowing a little about what is considered polite will win you points with the locals. Here are some of the more common etiquette practices that you will find useful whether you are in the country […]

The Chinese New Year is China’s most important holiday. It is also known as the Spring Festival. Traditionally, the New Year period lasts for 15 days, starting from the middle of the last month and ends sometime in the middle of the first month. The holiday not only welcomes in the New Year, but is […]

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a marvel of nature, but your visit to Palawan will not be complete without dropping anchor in El Nido, an equally magnificent work of time and elements that rise out of turquoise waters in karstic pillars and framed with white beaches that are too blinding to be true. To […]

They call it paradise. Or if you ask the creator of “Peanuts,” Charles Schulz might say “happiness is white sand and karst limestones. And oh, turquoise waters.” El Nido has already been on the path to mainstream popularity before another Palawan attraction six hours away gained worldwide acclaim after being voted as one of the […]