Lowyat.NET: Latest topics in Travel & Living

Recommendation on where to go in UK,

15cm — Sun, 24 May 2026 02:06:34 +0800

i am going to UK for 7 days to visit my cousin in london

i have already been there twice

seen the london bridge, tower bridge, borough market, hyde park, buckingham palace , O2 arena and all the touristy areas.

havent been to kensington palace and london dungeon only, those 2 are on my list

do u have any recommendation on where i should go ?

i want to visit wales and edinburgh , is it possible to go on a 1 day trip to these 2?

also please recommend me a good restaurant in london, i want to give my cousin a surprise. the last time we went to belgo, so cancel that out

Go to UK now need to fill in ETA form?,

FLampard — Mon, 18 May 2026 17:24:38 +0800

i remember 15 years ago u just fill up a little card.

https://www.gov.uk/eta

under what condition will ETA visa be rejected? i want to apply but i not sure whether i should wait till this get approve first only buy flight ticket. if buy flight ticket liao then rejected then macam wasted. and i need to get my tickets urgently..

Tianjin Travel - Why Tianjin is often underrated, Tianjin always overshadowed by Beijing

sonicmaster — Fri, 01 May 2026 22:35:25 +0800

Tianjin, often called the "Gateway to Beijing," has a history defined by its strategic location where the Hai River meets the Bohai Sea. It has evolved from a swampy military outpost into one of China’s most cosmopolitan industrial hubs.

1. The Gateway Emerges (1404–1850s)

Tianjin’s official history as a city began in 1404 during the Ming Dynasty.

The Name: Emperor Zhu Di named it Tianjin, meaning "The Heavenly Ford," because he crossed the river there during his campaign for the throne.

Military & Trade: It was established as a walled garrison (Tianjin Wei) to protect the capital, Beijing. Due to its position at the northern terminus of the Grand Canal, it quickly became a vital hub for transporting grain and salt.

2. The Treaty Port Era (1860–1945)

This is the period that gave Tianjin its unique "East meets West" architecture.

Foreign Concessions: Following the Second Opium War and the Treaty of Tientsin, the city was forced open to foreign trade. Between 1860 and 1945, nine countries (including Britain, France, Italy, and Germany) established self-governing concessions.

A Divided City: This created a surreal urban landscape where European-style villas and cathedrals sat right next to traditional Chinese neighborhoods.

The Boxer Rebellion: In 1900, Tianjin was a major flashpoint for the Boxer Rebellion, leading to the temporary occupation of the city by the Eight-Nation Alliance and the subsequent demolition of the old city walls.

3. Industrialization and Modernity (1949–Present)

After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Tianjin transitioned into a powerhouse of heavy industry and manufacturing.

The 1976 Earthquake: The city suffered significant damage during the Great Tangshan Earthquake, though it recovered more quickly than its neighbors.

Economic Reform: In the 1980s, it was designated as one of China's "Open Coastal Cities."

Binhai New Area: More recently, the development of the Binhai New Area has turned Tianjin into a global center for aerospace, logistics, and green energy.

Tianjin Today: Fun Facts

Architecture: It boasts some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in Asia, particularly in the Five Great Avenues (Wudadao) area.

Culture: It is the undisputed home of Xiangsheng (crosstalk), a traditional form of comedic performance.

The Eye: The Tianjin Eye is one of the few Ferris wheels in the world built directly over a bridge.

Tianjin is often overlooked because it sits in the massive shadow of Beijing, which is only 30 minutes away by bullet train. While travelers flock to the capital for ancient imperial grandeur, they often miss Tianjin’s quirky, laid-back, and "Mini-Europe" charm.

Here is why Tianjin is secretly one of China's most underrated gems:

1. The "Museum of International Architecture"

Tianjin has a visual identity unlike any other Chinese city. Because it hosted nine different foreign concessions in the early 20th century, you can walk through entire neighborhoods that feel like London, Paris, or Florence.

Five Great Avenues (Wudadao): Over 2,000 European-style villas. It’s been called the "Bath of the East" due to its resemblance to English crescent-style architecture.

Italian Style Town: The largest collection of Italian architecture outside of Italy, complete with piazzas and statues.

The Porcelain House: A eccentric colonial-style villa covered entirely in millions of pieces of ancient porcelain, crystal, and marble.

2. A "Slower" Pace of Life

While Beijing is high-pressure and fast-paced, Tianjin has a famously relaxed "dockworker soul."

The Haihe River: The city’s life revolves around the river. You’ll see locals fishing, playing cards, or—most famously—the Tianjin Grandpas who dive off bridges into the river year-round, even in winter, often to the cheers of crowds.

Night Views: The skyline along the Haihe is spectacular. The Tianjin Eye, a 120-meter Ferris wheel built on top of a bridge, offers a view of the river that rivals the Thames or the Seine.

3. The "Cradle" of Chinese Humor

Tianjin is the home of Xiangsheng (Crosstalk), a traditional comedic performing art. The local dialect itself sounds rhythmic and funny to other Chinese speakers. Visiting a small teahouse to watch a performance is a local rite of passage—even if you don't speak the language, the energy and slapstick timing are infectious.

4. Culinary Legends (The "Three Wonders")

Tianjin food is heartier and more "street-style" than Beijing’s imperial cuisine.

Goubuli Baozi: Steamed buns with a name that literally means "The Dog Ignores Them" (based on a legend about a busy vendor).

Ear-Hole Fried Cakes: Crispy, golden rice cakes named after the tiny alley where they were first sold.

Jianbing Guozi: While found all over China, the Tianjin version is the original gold standard—savory crepes made with mung bean flour and crispy "fried dough" centers.

5. Practicality & Value

Cheaper Luxury: You can often stay in 5-star hotels in Tianjin for 40–60% less than the cost of a similar hotel in Beijing.

Accessibility: It serves as a perfect "breather" from the crowds of the Forbidden City. You can leave Beijing at 9:00 AM, spend the day in "Europe," eat amazing street food, and be back in Beijing for dinner.

In short: Tianjin is underrated because people treat it as a suburb of Beijing, but it’s actually a city with its own distinct, humorous, and cosmopolitan personality.

late Jun or early/mid Oct in Hokkaido?, need advice/suggestions on 1st baby trip

yamasce — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:03:48 +0800

Hi i am planning to bring my wife and baby (currently 3months old) for a 12-14 days Hokkaido trip. after researching and reading up comments, finally decided to either start from late Jun or early/mid Oct. We will be doing self-drive with mid-size campervan. Which travel window will be most suitable in our case? We want to avoid crowds and tourists as much as possible.

if we choose late June, will it be too early for him?

if early/mid Oct, will it be more difficult to handle him as he might start to move alot, start teething and needs to be entertained most of the time? also will it be too dry and cold for him since we will be outdoor most of the time?

Entering China from Hong Kong,

266K — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:19:47 +0800

Just bought one way ticket to HK. Anyone knows if I need return ticket to board the flight or go thru HK immigration. Trip.com stated no need prove of return ticket but I just want to be sure.

China travel question,

atilla — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:35:52 +0800

Can I use the 'arrival card' function on touch n go for travelling to China for tourism?
Or should I use the Chinese govt website - https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/e...egistation-home?

motor homes, to see and possibly test

roadie — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:32:38 +0800

where in Klang valley got motorhome showroom with biggest variety of vehicles on show? and if possible can test drive.

Airport and Cigarettes,

sundancekid — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:54:29 +0800

I noticed recently that a lot of countries do not allowed you to carry cigarettes with you when you go through security. I came back from China, Thailand and most recently Danang. There is a box that you supposed to dispose of your cigarettes and lighters before security (after passport). So a lot of tourists were caught off guard a can’t even turn around to go back outside to finish off their pack. The funny thing is that after the security check, inside the departure hall, there’s a smoking room, but guess what.. it’s empty!!!

Koh Lipe, possible for weekends trip?

chinti — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:04:31 +0800

hey everyone, thinking of going to Koh Lipe for a stress release trip
is it doable for just a weekends trip?
like going on Friday and coming back on Sunday

langkawi excess liquor tax, what if i buy extra

roadie — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:39:59 +0800

my wife and i traveling to Langkawi. on our way back we are entitled to 2 litres total duty free. the bottle costs rm200 each. what if we both bought 2 litres, total 4. how much tax we have to pay?

Nepal Stint, The Everest, Birthplace of The Buddha & The Everest

Hansel — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 18:21:57 +0800

Preparing now,...

Looks like the preparations are more tedious compared to the Adriatic Circle Drive.

How about no acclimatization,....... just helicopter-up to 5000m and then descend from there ?

Use of Nicotine Pouches mid-flight,

ronkj91 — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:27:49 +0800

I read up that they allowed to bring along on carry on. But is it allowed for use mid-flight? or its entirely up to crew members discretion?

I forgot to mention that the flight i would be taking is AirAsia to Istanbul (11 hour flight)

NIISe and MyDigitalID,

touristking — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:30:28 +0800

Read from 15-Jan need these to travel. Can someone explain what is this all about? Thanks

Go to Genting Highland on cny 2026, 2 days 1 nights

plouffle0789 — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 21:22:31 +0800

So expensive........

20 feb cny can?

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C8Ma2ZSgm/

Beside genting highlands skyway station is genting highlands premium outlet

Leave your car at the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets car park (adjoining Sky Sentral) so you can board the cable car from the Awana Station.

Fly up in just 10 minutes

from the Awana Station at mid-hill

to the

SkyAvenue Station at the peak.

https://www.busonlineticket.com/blog/skyave...departure-hall/

A new bus terminal in Genting Highlands is opened for operation mid year of 2022.

With the same ticket, you get a free stop at the Chin Swee Station, where you can explore the beautiful Chin Swee Caves Temple and its magnificent surroundings at no extra cost.

Awana SkyWay Operating Hours:

7AM - 11PM

7 feb seems cheaper a lot

| No. | Hotel Name | Former / Name History | Floors | Car Park | Notes |
|----|------------|----------------------|--------|----------|-------|
| - | Highlands Hotel | Highlands Hotel → Maxims Genting Hotel → Highlands Hotel | 28 | Yes | Renamed twice |

| No. | Hotel Name | Former / Name History | Floors | Car Park | Notes |
| 1 | Genting Grand Hotel | Maxims Genting Hotel → Genting Grand Hotel | 18 | Shared | Luxury hotel |
| 2 | Crockfords Hotel | Crockfords Hotel | — | Shared | Beside First World Hotel |
| 3 | Resort Hotel | Resort Hotel | 23 | Yes | Classic hotel |
| 4 | First World Hotel | First World Hotel | 22,28 (tower 2),tower 3 | Yes | World’s largest hotel |
| 5 | Genting SkyWorlds Hotel | Genting SkyWorlds Hotel | 10 | No | Oldest hotel in Genting |
| 5 | Genting SkyWorlds Hotel – Valley Wing | Valley Wing | 10 | Shared | Separate wing |
| 6 | Awana Tower Hotel | Awana Tower Hotel | 23 | Yes | Awana Genting area |
| 7 | Highlands Hotel & Car Park IV | Highlands Hotel | 28 | Yes | Includes Car Park IV |

Universal VIP Experience Private Tour, Universal Japan

BboyDora — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:43:47 +0800

Hi Admin, please move this topic is respective thread if deem repeated.

I wanna go to USJ with private VIP guide. I read KKday dan Klook for it but still dont understand.

Anyone got experience, please do share. I get the 5 hours dan 8 hours tour means but I dont understand

1. need to but the ticket first, then buy the VIP Pass? buy ticket and buy the vip tour . double pay?
2. the number of rides mention, 5 rides, 7 rides etc etc

thanks

eSIM or Data Roaming?, Overseas Travel

chinkw1 — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 12:40:29 +0800

For overseas travellers, most ppl use eSIM or Data Roaming?

Singapore Famous Monuments, Singapore Famous Monuments

jamesjennifer — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 14:00:16 +0800

What is the Singapore Famous Monuments for Travel point of view ?

Malaysian holiday in Indonesia, Need do eVISA & Arrival Card online also

chinkw1 — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:19:54 +0800

Hi,
Malaysian holidaying in Indonesia, need do all below 3 things online??
No. 3 also need to do? I thought Malaysian no need VISA?

1. Indonesia Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD):
All travellers must fill out the Indonesia e-CD form prior to departure, even if they are not carrying any restricted items. Once approved, the completed form will be sent to you via email. Please have it ready to show customs officials upon arrival. You can submit the form here: https://ecd.beacukai.go.id

2. SATUSEHAT Health Pass:
All travellers must fill out the SATUSEHAT Health Pass and present the QR Code to the health officials upon arrival in Indonesia. You can submit the electronic self-declaration here: https://sshp.kemkes.go.id

3. Indonesia Autogate Facility:
Citizens of ASEAN, Colombia, Hong Kong, and Suriname can enjoy the Autogate facility on their arrival to Indonesia for faster processing. You may register via https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/

Extra Hotel Room Penang, Want to sell

1000armoured — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 21:19:53 +0800

Hello

I accidently book extra room at Sunway Penang Hotel today. Can enter tonight and leave tomorrow 12.00pm.

Single room Queen bed.

Want to sell for a night for RM80.

If interested can pm 0175399866.

Hatyai from KL, Train ETS

chinkw1 — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:58:24 +0800

Hi,

We haven't took ETS b4, thinking of giving it a try.
Thinking of taking train, from KL Sentral to Hatyai.

Anyone can share experience on the best train schedule to take from KL Sentral to North & connecting train till Hatyai?

Was thinking to go on Monday, & back on Friday (5D4N).

I recalled tuktuk is widely available there.
Grab or Uber is popular there?

Our touchngo e-wallet is it convenient for payment there?