Day 3: Maldives 17.5.2012

Sunrise part

breakfast

snorkel

dinner

Tibet

Tibet, for centuries this mysterious land locked away in the mountainous of the Himalaya has exercised curiosity and fascination of the world. No doubt it is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Asia, with its fabulous monastery sights, breathtaking high altitude treks (really is breathtaking as in breathlessness), stunning view of the world's highest mountains and one of the most colourful and fascinating people. I was fortunate to have visited this sacred Buddhist land in my life time.

Tibet, the Land of Snow,  The Roof of the World. 

The railway connecting Tibet to mainland China, bringing in Chinese tourist. 

Tibet is a plateau region in the Asia, north east of the Himalayas. It is the highest region on earth with an average elevation of in excess of 4,500 metres. Tibetan Plateau is sometimes referred to as "The Roof of the World" is the world's largest and highest plateau, with an area covering 2.5 million square kilometres.

View of TIbetan Plateau from aircraft. Four of world's 10 highest mountains is located at Tobet's southern border with Nepal. 

The highest region on earth. Living condition is tough on the Tibetan Plateau. Much of Tibet is harsh and ncompromising landscape, best described as a high-altitude desert. 

I got sick on our 2nd night in Lhasa, high altitude sickness. My nose was bleeding and hotel's clinic wheeled an oxygen tank to our room. I believed that every hotel in Lhasa has a small clinic treating visitor for high altitude sickness. We stayed in a hotel that resembled a museum. 

Religion is an important part of Tibetans life and has strong influence over the way of life in Tibet. The primary religion in Tibet is the Tibetan Buddhism. Bon is the ancient religion of Tibet before the introduction of Buddhism from India. Bon is still practiced in modern Tibet but with the strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism and is now similar to the Tibetan Buddhism. 

The buildings in Tibet is largely influenced by Indian and Chinese culture resulting in the colourfulness. 

A pilgrim. Bakhor Square is Lhasa most interesting pilgrimage circuit. Pilgrims prostrating is not an usual sight. Bakhor Square is a quadrangle of streets surrounding the Jakhong. 

Potala Palace, one of the world's great wonders can be seen from Lhasa as vast white and ochre fortress soaring over one of the world's highest cities.

Spinning the prayer wheels, It's meant to be swinged clockwise. 

The economy of Tibet is largely dominated by subsistence agriculture. Due to limited arable land, raising livestock such as sheep, yak, cattle etc is the primary occupation of the Tibetan Plateau. Due to the increase interest in Tibetan Buddhism, tourism is increasingly becoming a growing industry in Tibet over the recent centuries. Lhasa is booming and even small towns across the plateau are being modernised and rebuild. With each passing day, Tibet looks less and less like itself. 

A petrol station 

Never had I seen the cloud so near and the sky so clear. 

Entrance to Namt-so, the world highest salt water lake at an altitude of 4,321m above sea level! 

Tibet

Tibet, for centuries this mysterious land locked away in the mountainous of the Himalaya has exercised curiosity and fascination of the world. No doubt it is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Asia, with its fabulous monastery sights, breathtaking high altitude treks (really is breathtaking as in breathlessness), stunning view of the world's highest mountains and one of the most colourful and fascinating people. I was fortunate to have visited this sacred Buddhist land in my life time.

Tibet, the Land of Snow,  The Roof of the World. 

The railway connecting Tibet to mainland China, bringing in Chinese tourist. 

Tibet is a plateau region in the Asia, north east of the Himalayas. It is the highest region on earth with an average elevation of in excess of 4,500 metres. Tibetan Plateau is sometimes referred to as "The Roof of the World" is the world's largest and highest plateau, with an area covering 2.5 million square kilometres.

View of TIbetan Plateau from aircraft. Four of world's 10 highest mountains is located at Tobet's southern border with Nepal. 

The highest region on earth. Living condition is tough on the Tibetan Plateau. Much of Tibet is harsh and ncompromising landscape, best described as a high-altitude desert. 

I got sick on our 2nd night in Lhasa, high altitude sickness. My nose was bleeding and hotel's clinic wheeled an oxygen tank to our room. I believed that every hotel in Lhasa has a small clinic treating visitor for high altitude sickness. We stayed in a hotel that resembled a museum. 

Religion is an important part of Tibetans life and has strong influence over the way of life in Tibet. The primary religion in Tibet is the Tibetan Buddhism. Bon is the ancient religion of Tibet before the introduction of Buddhism from India. Bon is still practiced in modern Tibet but with the strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism and is now similar to the Tibetan Buddhism. 

The buildings in Tibet is largely influenced by Indian and Chinese culture resulting in the colourfulness. 

A pilgrim. Bakhor Square is Lhasa most interesting pilgrimage circuit. Pilgrims prostrating is not an usual sight. Bakhor Square is a quadrangle of streets surrounding the Jakhong. 

Potala Palace, one of the world's great wonders can be seen from Lhasa as vast white and ochre fortress soaring over one of the world's highest cities.

Spinning the prayer wheels, It's meant to be swinged clockwise. 

The economy of Tibet is largely dominated by subsistence agriculture. Due to limited arable land, raising livestock such as sheep, yak, cattle etc is the primary occupation of the Tibetan Plateau. Due to the increase interest in Tibetan Buddhism, tourism is increasingly becoming a growing industry in Tibet over the recent centuries. Lhasa is booming and even small towns across the plateau are being modernised and rebuild. With each passing day, Tibet looks less and less like itself. 

A petrol station 

Never had I seen the cloud so near and the sky so clear. 

Entrance to Namt-so, the world highest salt water lake at an altitude of 4,321m above sea level! 

NIYAMA by Per AQUUM

Niyama is where we stayed for 4 days during our vacation to the Maldives. Since we never go anywhere in the Maldives except for the resorts, I feel that I should include an article on Niyama.

From the creator of exceptional Huvafen Fushi, comes its little sister NIYAMA, officially opened in  February 2012.

My first glance of Niyama from the seaplane

Situated on the south western atoll of Dhaalu, NIYAMA is accessible by 40 minutes seaplane flight from Male. Spanning two idyllic islands of Embudhufushi and Olhuveli, NIYAMA offers more than a plain vanilla romantic Maldivian escape. Is is designed for the young, or at least young at heart. But most of all, for fun, indulgence and pampering to the next level. Incorporating traditional Maldivian elegance in naturally modern aesthetic, NIYAMA is set to the the next hottest resort in the Maldives following the footstep of it's sister resort, Huvafen Fushi.

The jetty

The reception

NIYAMA features 86 studios and pavilions. The uniqueness of these studios and pavilions is the Deli In, whereby each Studio and Pavilion will be stocked with a fridge brimming with gourmet deli items, cheeses, olives, cold cuts, wines to name a few. What a thoughtful way to merge the timelines in between meals.

The row of water studios

Walk way leading to the water studios

The walk way leading to the entrance of our water studio

The interior of Water Studio with Pool. The difference between Deluxe Water Studio is that Deluxe  Water Studio has an additional jacuzzi next to the infinity pool. 

The bath tub with a view into Indian Ocean

The bathroom excluding outdoor shower and toilet

Deli In. Some of the items are free. Pop corn machine provided.

The fridge form part of the Deli-In. There is smoked salmon, salami, cheese etc.

Deck chairs

The view from our bed

The infinity pool

The water studio exterior

Edge, NIYAMA's signature restaurant appears to be floating on the ocean 500m offshore, accessible only by boat. 8 metres below is the world's first underwater music club, Subsix. International DJs. Glass walls overlook a spotlit sea. Modern moods with a flair for the marine. Just imagine partying the night away beneath the waves. Now, you see why NIYAMA is for the young or young at heart traveller! For pure indulgence in food, NIYAMA challenges the conventional with its culinary exhibitionism. Starting at Epicure for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Unwind at Fahrenheit, with a glass of champagne in hand, watching the Maldivian sunset from the rooftop is beyond words. Tribal, a modern day campsite look alike with culinary offerings influenced by the cuisines of South and East Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America. What makes it interesting is that Tribal allows guests to observe and maintain close interaction with the Tribal Chefs. Unusual cooking preparations include hot rock grills, Asado grills and open fire. As for the wok, it is nothing unusual for me, being a Malaysian Chinese.

Tribal

Epicure at the bottom and Fahrenheit on top

Dune

Fancy a massage at 2am, anyone? Not a problem at NIYAMA. Another first in the Maldives is the Lime Spa, which is open 24 hours each day offering bespoke treatments utilising and infusing indigenous holistic components from around the globe, to well, create an unique experience. Lime also include his and her beauty salons. For just in case, the nail chip, hahaha.

PADI dive courses and numerous water sports are available at Float. A marine biology lab for coral rehabilitation and education, guided snorkeling to the house reef and coral garden.

This is one resort not to be missed in the Maldives. Indulge in the vast variety of food, especially the well stocked fridge, guilt free. Pamper yourself in the 24 hour spa or engage in the watersport, NIYAMA has everything for everyone.

I shall leave you with the view from the sunrise water studio.