Off The Tourist Trail: Bizarre Berlin

Fiona Tulloch — Fri, 11 May 2012 05:57:01 +0000

Originally posted on Travel Asia - Travel Europe| Bangkok to Krakow.com

Photo from Flickr by ohsarahrose

**Guest post by Aussie nomad Josh Geelen**

I wholeheartedly believe that it is necessary to visit the most famous sites or participate in the finest activities any new destination has to offer. However, I’m the sort of person who would look at, let’s say, the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty or Checkpoint Charlie and be able to quickly appreciate its wonder before saying, “Boom! Done with that… now quickly off to the next thing.”

Impatient? Yes. But I’m sure I’m not alone in wanting to discover completely random and unique things about a city rather than following every other tourist around to the same sites. Take Berlin as an example.

Did you know that Berlin is huge? Of course you did. But with great size comes great variety. Here I’ve compiled a list of 5 unique, weird and wacky things to do in the German capital.

1. The Badeschiff

Atop the polluted and unswimmable River Spree sits a former river-barge-turned-swimming pool. Like a scene from Ibiza with hot tanned bods among the urban sprawl, the Badeschiff (translation: bathing ship) transforms into a banging nightclub come sundown.

2. Go-Karting

Do I mean on a go-kart track? No – we’re talking the public roads of Berlin!

I miss Mario Kart. My N64 broke after two years of solid use and while my parents never bought me another one, my favorite game is now come a dream come true. If you have a driver’s licence, you can hire a set of wheels and tear around the city. Reckless driving and throwing banana peels under cars is strongly recommended.

3. Return to Socialism

Doesn’t sound too inviting does it? Well, when tourists leave their self-catering apartments in Berlin, they can head to one of the most interactive museums in the world and see what an apartment was like during the German Democratic Republic. The DDR Museum offers a hands-on experience of an era long gone.

4. Legoland

I’m continuing on from Mario Kart with some more childhood nostalgia. AWWW YEAHHH, as much Lego as the eye can see! Tours, rides, manufacture and construct your own….I don’t need to say any more.

5. Get Weird at the Kit-Kat Club

Their motto is “Do what you want but stay in communication”. This is definitely not for everyone. But if you’re up for it and open minded it would be a truly unforgettable experience. Dress code is strict. You’ll need latex, leather or anything glamorous and extravagant. By the way it was opened by a pornographic film maker… just to prepare you.

Don’t like my list of things? Too bad. Someone else will be doing these while you wander around The Berlin Wall.

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photo from Flickr by: jamiehladky

Singapore is one of the most vibrant countries in South East Asia, once regarded as a somewhat boring stopover destination favoured by middle aged travellers heading to Australia it has reinvented itself as a fun, vibrant place to visit. Not only full of different cultures and a fascinating history, Singapore is also home to some of the newest and most innovative attractions in the world.

Allow yourself more than a day or so stopover time to really experience what this great city has on offer, here are some of the must see attractions in Singapore:

Marina Bay Sands

The newest landmark to hit the Singapore skyline, the Marina Bay Sands complex is also arguably the most impressive, with its three 55 storey towers and 340m top platform, or Sky Park which stands tall over the city.
When it comes to what attractions there are in the complex, it is in fairness easier to say what is not inside this impressive resort as they really have thought of everything.
The towers are not only home to over 2,500 hotel rooms and suites but they also play host to a huge casino, 800,000 square foot shopping mall, theatres hosting world class shows such as the Lion King, 7 ‘celebrity chef’ restaurants, an ice rink, Sampan rides through canal routes created through the shopping mall and last but not least an a 150m infinity pool on the rooftop Sky Park.
There really is something for everyone here, in fact there is so much to do at the Marina Bay Sands, if you were to stay here you could fill your time entirely without the leaving the hotel! For non guests a trip to experience what it has to offer is essential, particularly the views from the Sky Park which are like no other in the city.

Night Safari

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore, the Night Safari is the world’s first completely nocturnal zoo. Unlike nocturnal houses in other zoos which reverse the sleep cycle of its animals, the Night Safari is an open air zoo with only artificial moon light designed so visitors can see the animals but also so that it isn’t bright enough to disturb their usual habits.
The enclosures are deliberately designed to be as close to a natural environment as possible, with no visible bars or fences, instead cattle grids are used and concealed moats so the barriers between animal and human aren’t as obvious as in usual zoos.
The night safari is split into eight geographical zones that can be viewed by three specially designed walking trails and trams and is a fantastic day out for all the family whilst visiting Singapore.

Sentosa Island

Sentosa is a small island just ¼ of a mile off Singapore reached by either cable car or causeway and is home to resorts and endless attractions that locals and tourists alike enjoy when they have some down time.
Along with 5 star hotels, the countries only other casino other than the Marina Bay Sands, world class golf courses, stunning beaches and attractions such as an underwater world, most recently Sentosa Island has become home to Singapore’s very own

Universal Studios.

Universal Studios Singapore is the only theme park of its kind in South East Asia, with its official opening on 28th May 2011 the park has 24 individual attractions from thrill seekers favourite rollercoaster’s to parades and live shows.
The rides are based upon iconic movie themes with designated areas dedicated to all things Hollywood and New York and attractions based upon the films Madagascar, The Mummy and Transformers. A magical day out for visitors of any age and the chance to experience a taste of Universal Studios magic outside the USA.

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