Niall's Round the World Trip
a dream trip
Share- Friday, December 23, 2011
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London Heathrow Airport, UKNelson Rd., The Compass Centre, London TW6 2GW, United Kingdom | 0741 1262266
The start of the adventure... Here we go! -
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Home to the Richter family in Manila... They looked after me so well... -
One of the remaining Spanish parts of the city. Scene of fierce fighting in WWII. Manila was practically flattened. -
One of the most propserous commercial/shopping areas of the city. Extreme contrast with other parts of the city. -
Many of Irene's relatives live here - particularly the Espina's. They invited me to a lovely dinner :-) -
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Closest big town (with airport) to the Richter's other home on the island of Negros. Interesting place. -
Or should that be the Richter's palace ;-) Mr. Richter does a great job maintaining it. Amazing gardens and views. -
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Closest town to the Richter's. Irene's cousin in mayor here. Floods just before we arrived killed several people in this town... -
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Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand999 หมู่ 1 ตำบลหนองปรือ อำเภอบางพลี 10540, 10540 ไทย | 02-1340771
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Steung Siem Reap Hotel, CambodiaStreet 9, Siem Reap, Cambodia | (0)85 5 63 965 168
Quite a nice hotel and very convenient for the nightlife in Siem Reap... -
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Awesome place. One of my favourites of the whole trip. Simply amazing. -
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Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand999 หมู่ 1 ตำบลหนองปรือ อำเภอบางพลี 10540, 10540 ไทย | 02-1340771
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Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, ThailandThanon Sukhumvit, Khlong Toei, คลองเตย, Bangkok 10110, Thailand | 02-649 8888
Great hotel - Pricey by Thai standards but not really that expensive. Super luxurious and indulgent... -
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Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, ThailandThanon Sukhumvit, Khlong Toei, คลองเตย, Bangkok 10110, Thailand | 02-649 8888
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Khao Sok National Park, ThailandKhlong Sok, Phanom, Surat Thani 84250, Thailand | 077-395139
Amazing place... So beautiful... -
Cannot recommend this place enough. Avoid overcrowded Phuket. Come here instead... -
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Enjoyed this city a lot. Seemed very safe to wander around and some really cool places. i.e. Petronas Towers -
Fun place... Interesting history, good food, good shopping and absolutely jammed! -
Ultra clean, ultra modern but still fun... Harbour is amazing - never seen so many ships. Singapore Flyer also worth a visit... -
The red light district - but I visited for food. And very good it was too. Even the Durian and Century Egg. -
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Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo, Japan１丁目-３−２２ Yaesu, Chuo, Tokyo, Japan | 03-3271-0971
Found through Trip Advisor. Very central, great staff and good sized rooms (for Tokyo)... -
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Mount Fuji and Hakone, Japan日本, 山梨県南都留郡富士河口湖町船津１ | 0555-72-2209
Amazing to see. Got some great pics of Mount Fuji... -
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Another nightlife area. Close to many embassies so more popular with Westerners... -
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Walked here via Akihabura area - full of games/manga stores. Ueno has lovely park and museums... -
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Perth International Airport, Western Australia, AustraliaPerth Airport Western Australia 6105, Australia | (08) 9478 8888
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Very hospitable hosts... Irish breakfast day I arrived, Aussie BBQ day I left :-) -
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Kings Park, Perth, Western AustraliaBotanic Garden Fraser Avenue, Kings Park Western Australia 6005, Australia | (08) 9480 3600
Great views across the city. Nice spot to chill... -
Freemantle, Western Australia1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia | (08)9336 9200
Freemantle is a bit more lively than Perth itself (at least it seemed that way)... -
Scenic nature reserve... Very chilled place... Saw dolphins, seals and fish... Well worth a visit... -
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Cotteslow Beach, Perth, Western Australia2 Eric Street, Cottesloe WA 6011, Australia | (08) 9384 5111
Swam here too... Golden sands, with virtually no one else around... -
Went inland by boat - very enjoyable trip up the Swan Valley - lined by vineyards... -
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Perth International Airport, Western AustraliaPerth Airport Western Australia 6105, Australia | (08) 9478 8888
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The Bayswater Sydney, New South Wales, Australia17 Bayswater Road, NSW 2011, Australia | (02) 8070 0100
My Sydney Hotel. Tiny room but clean. In the Kings Cross area which is meant to be dodgy, but I had no probs. -
Sydney Opera House, New South Wales, AustraliaBennelong point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia | (02)9250 7111
As spectacular as you would expect. -
Travel hub for Sydney. This is where you get the ferries and harbour cruises... -
One of my favourite places. The beach is awesome (although I didn't swim that day). -
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One of Sydney's oldest areas. Did a fascinating (and free - apart from tips) walking tour of the area... -
Not as crowded as I had been led to expect (then again it had been raining until just before I arrived) -
Waterfront restaurants and bars... Very cool and expensive :-) -
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Had an excursion to track down Rusty, a former colleague of Sarah who runs a coffee shop here. Unfortunately it was closed. -
The Bayswater Sydney, New South Wales, Australia17 Bayswater Road, NSW 2011, Australia | (02) 8070 0100
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Former mining town in the Blue Mountains. Prettified now. Scenic World nearby is worth a visit. -
100's of km of limestone caves. Some are pretty epic. Drive down to caves was pretty scary too... -
The Bayswater Sydney, New South Wales, Australia17 Bayswater Road, NSW 2011, Australia | (02) 8070 0100
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Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand999 หมู่ 1 ตำบลหนองปรือ อำเภอบางพลี 10540, 10540 ไทย | 02-1340771
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Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, ThailandThanon Sukhumvit, Bangkok 10110, Thailand | 02-649 8888
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The Jeath War Museum, ThailandBan Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand | 034-511263
Formerly the 'Death' war museum. Shows how Allied prisoners lived during WWII when forced to work on the Thai-Burma Railway by the Japanese. -
Commonwealth war grave where many of those who died working on the Thai-Burma railway during WWII. -
Took a train ride along the original line and across the bridge built by Allied prisoners of war... -
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, ThailandThanon Sukhumvit, Bangkok 10110, Thailand | 02-649 8888
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Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand999 หมู่ 1 ตำบลหนองปรือ อำเภอบางพลี 10540, 10540 ไทย | 02-1340771
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Had such a great time here. The motorboat tours to the most beautiful beaches/islands in existence are a highlight... -
Best Western Ao Nang Resort, Krabi, ThailandAo Nang, Mueang Krabi, Krabi 81000, Thailand | 075-695054
Comfortable - but relatively inexpensive hotel - with nice pool, not far from the Ao Nang sea front... -
Just drove through Phuket... My impressions were overcrowded/noisy, a tad sleazy and still under construction. Maybe I am being unfair... -
Pa Tong seems slightly over developed. Especially in comparison to Ao Nang. Great Japanese food place though! :-) -
Amari Coral Beach Phuket, Thailand2 Meun Ngern Road Patong Beach, Phuket, 83150, Thailand | 076-340 106
Beautiful hotel overlooking the sea. Just outside the craziness that is Pa Tong. Two big pools. Recommended... -
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Chiang Mai International Airport, Thailand60 Sanambin Road- Suthep District, จ.เชียงใหม่ 50100, Thailand | 053-270222
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Tamarind Village Spa, Chiang Mai, Thailand50/1 Rajdamnoen Rd., Sri Phom, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Chiang Mai, CM 50200, Thailand | 053-418896
As recommended by Tom van Blarcom. One of my favourite hotels of the trip. Fantastic staff and great location to explore Chiang Mai old town. -
Maesa Elephant Camp, Chiang Mai, ThailandMae Raem, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand | 053-206248
Also visited the 'Tiger Kingdom' on the same day. Both were magical experiences. -
Tamarind Village Spa, Chiang Mai, Thailand50/1 Rajdamnoen Rd., Sri Phom, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Chiang Mai, CM 50200, Thailand | 053-418896
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One of the most sacred temples in Thailand. Despite being crowded still felt very 'spiritual'. Beautiful spot and worth the drive. -
Huen Phen Restaurant, Chiang Mai, Thailand112 Rachamankha Rd, Chiang Mai, Thailand | 053-277103
Had TWO great meals here. Specialises in traditional Lanna (north Thai) food... -
Tamarind Village Spa, Chiang Mai, Thailand50/1 Ratchadamnoen Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand | 053-418900
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Tamarind Village Spa, Chiang Mai, Thailand50/1 Ratchadamnoen Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand | 053-418900
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Chiang Mai International Airport, Thailand60 Sanambin Road- Suthep District, จ.เชียงใหม่ 50100, Thailand | 053-270222
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Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand999 หมู่ 1 ตำบลหนองปรือ อำเภอบางพลี 10540, 10540 ไทย | 02-1340771
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Citadines, Sukhumvit 16 Bangkok, Thailand250 Thanon Sukhumvit, Bangkok 10110, Thailand | 02-663 8777
If you want to visit Bangkok and budget doesn't stretch to the Sheraton, then this is a relatively inexpensive alternative. -
Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand999 หมู่ 1 ตำบลหนองปรือ อำเภอบางพลี 10540, 10540 ไทย | 02-1340771
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This is where my hotel was. Cannot remember the name - which kind of indicates what I thought of it... -
Waiheke Island, New Zealand82 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island, 1971, New Zealand | (09) 372 4225
Waiheke is to Auckland what the Isle of Wight is to London. A slightly old fashioned, quiet but very scenic place... -
Sky Tower, Auckland, New ZealandAuckland, 1010, New Zealand | (09) 363 6000
Great Auckland views and as a bonus for LOTR fans has a WETA shop in the basement... -
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Harbour View Motel, Coromandel, New Zealand25 Harbour View Road, Coromandel 3581, New Zealand | (07) 866 8690
Nice motel with stunning views. Stayed here three nights while I explored the Coromandel peninsula. -
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While in the area visited Otama and Opito beaches, Cathedral Cove and the Hot Water Beach. Nice relaxed place. -
Amazing drive on gravel road, through mountains, alongside streams, across the Coromandel peninsula... -
Harbour View Motel, Coromandel, New Zealand25 Harbour View Road, Coromandel 3581, New Zealand | (07) 866 8690
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Was going to do tour to Hobbiton here, but messed up my dates so didn't have time :-( -
Did not have time to stop as was heading to Wellington but drive alongside lake and through area just south was very enjoyable... -
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Ibis Wellington, North Island, New Zealand153 Featherston Street, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand | (04) 496 1880
Where I stayed in Wellington. Did a bunch of stuff here. The Te Papa Museum and cable car rides are well worth it. -
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Scenic drive between Picton and Nelson was just awesomely epic... So many twist and turns my arms ached :-) -
Took a boat tour from here up along the Abel Tasman National Park coast line. Want to revisit when have more time... -
Abel Tasman National Park, South Island, New ZealandAbel Tasman National Park, c/o NZ Post, Takaka 7183, New Zealand | 027 516 2495
Didn't have time to properly explore (which would take at least a week). but got a taster via boat. Saw seals. -
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Another amazing place. Went whale watching here. Spotted three sperm whales plus loads of sea birds including huge albatross... -
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Quaint little down, very quiet. Had Fish and Chips at Sunset Beach, watching an amazing sunset. V. chilled. Photos are from Hokitika plus some on the drive from Kaikoura... -
Took a flight from Hokitika across many glaciers and around Mount Cook. Unforgetable experience. -
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Due to time constraints skipped Christchurch but visited Timaru (where I had a friend) instead. Had a nice time here and some great food :-) Pictures are from Timaru and the drive over from Hokitika via Arthur's Pass. -
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Kawarau Bridge Bungy - AJ Hackett BungyRapid #1693 , State Highway 6, Gibbston Valley New Zealand | (03) 442 4007
Where I did my Bungy jump while traveling to Queenstown. Search 'NDologhan' on YouTube for the video... Pictures are from bungy some from drive over at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki... -
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For sheer jaw dropping natural beauty this was up there on my list with Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. What an AMAZING place! Pics are from Milford plus drive over via Te Anau. -
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Queenstown International Airport, South Island, New ZealandFrankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand | (03) 450 9031
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Hotel was okay but in the 'Tenderloin' area - a bad neighbourhood. Got constantly harassed for money - and not in a friendly way. Had to start taking taxis in and out just to avoid the dodgy couple of blocks around the hotel... -
Walked over here from hotel first day. Once I got past the 'dodgy' blocks the area improved a lot. Lots of shopping opportunities - if you are into that sort of thing. -
Heard so much about San Fran Chinatown but was slightly disappointed. Wandered on... -
Walked through this neighbourhood on my way from Chinatown to Fisherman's Wharf. Some great Italian restaurants and also close to the 'Crookedest Street'. -
Visited on a couple of occasions. A friendly couple from Nashville (who I met at the Science Academy) invited me to eat at Scoma's (a well known Italian restaurant right on the wharf) with them. Great food and conversation. -
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Unfortunately looked more grey than golden when I visited. -
Some of the tallest trees (Sequoias) in the world. Rainy and misty when I visited but added to the atmosphere... -
Didn't have much time but looked like a cool place. I abandoned my coach tour and decided to take a ferry back to San Fran instead. Photos are mixed up and include some from ferry ride and landing back at pier in San Fran... -
Great museum, great planetarium, great aquarium and in a great location (enough greats?). Good for a rainy day... Also: Albino crocodile :-) -
Stayed in hotel that was reminiscent of 'The Shining' but nice Californian couple shared toasted marshmallows with me (a first) - so all was good in the end. Park itself was truly gobsmacking. The sequoias here are not quite as tall as those that grow on the Pacific coastline - but are much wider... -
Picturesque town especially around the former Cannery area. The aquarium was stupendously good... Seriously wowed... -
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Stayed in LA four nights - just one night in the Luxe but it was worth it. Spotting Christopher Walken in the hotel restaurant was a highlight :-) -
Did actually spend 4 hours lost and driving in circles around Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Hollywood, Rodeo Drive and Sunset Blvd the first day I arrived. Better than any tour! By the way, the diner/coffee shop in the pictures is where the opening (and ending) scenes of Pulp Fiction were shot (as well as various scenes from other movies). Apparently, the owner makes so much money from movie shoots now that he closed it as an active business. -
Great dinner with Stefan Pollack. Got to ride in a Porsche Carrera too :-) -
Fantastic architecture, pretty paintings and views across most of LA it has its own monorail. What more could you ask for? -
Fun... but felt kind of odd on my own... At least I could skip the queues ;-) Simpson's ride was the best! -
Saw this as part of my tour of Hollywood including the Kodak Theatre (Oscars) and all the various hand/foot prints and stars... -
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Has to be seen to be believed but for best time travel with friends. Don't think I got so much out of it on my own. Irish bar was the best bit, closely followed by the Cirque Du Solleil's 'Love' show... -
Plane to Canyon, helicopter into Canyon (1 mile down), boat inside Canyon... Epic and awesome :-) -
