Laos' Plain of Jars

Considered one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia, you may think that Laos has nothing to offer being a tourist destination. That didn't hinder tourists to discover this archaeological wonder that has the makings of being an asia travel spot. Haven't you heard, there's this historical landmark that consists of thousands of jars scattered in the highlands of Laos called Plain of Jars. Situated at Xieng Khouang plain, this Laos pride consists of thousands of stone jars big and small distributed in the place.



It is believed that this stone jars ages from 1,500–2,000 years and older. According to a local folktale, the emerging of jars began when the king of the giants Khun Jeuam fought and won a battle against the evil ruler Chao Angka. The king, whose fond of throwing parties brew and store huge amounts of lao lao rice wine in this huge stone jars. When the archaeologists studied the jars, they have found burned bones, beads and iron tools leading them to the conclusion that these jars were used as giant urns to bury the dead. Another mystery yet unsolved is how the jars are made. Locals believed that these jars were made from clay, sand, sugar, and animal products mixing together to form a cement-like mixture.


Since the time of Pathet Lao-American war began, most of the jars were destroyed by bomb explosions leaving bomb craters and trench systems in the area. This makes the area dangerous until today due to unexploded bombs that was a result of massive bombardment of the recent wars. In fact only three sites of the plain is safe for visitors and locals alike. Aside from the huge stone jars, you can also found original artifacts like Buddhist statues, colonial items and scraps from the exploded bombs in the US war. Like no other, Plain of Jars is the mute witness of Laos' historical occurrence in the past and in the years to come.

Singapore's Night Safari

Safaris always fascinates me as a kid and now that I grew up, I still have that interest to go to Africa to have a real encounter with the wild. Not now that I've learned about Singapore's own version of safari but this time, it has a twist. Who will ever thought that it was possible to have your wild park adventure at night? Yes you can in Night Safari as it is the first in the world that caters visitors at night. Awarded as Singapore Tourism Awards Best Leisure Attraction Experience since 1994 up to 2006, you'll be overwhelmed by the experience you can get just by touring here.


Ecologically it's a good thing specially for nocturnal animals as the animals here are not disturbed at daytime. You can take a closer look at over 1040 animals not to mention the endangered kind in action. This idea is rooted from a wide response of people towards night tours and wholesome entertainment. With the budget of 63 million (in Singapore dollars), this 40 hectares nocturnal zoo came to life. As of now, this open-air zoo is maintained by Wild Reserves Singapore and it is open for 5 hours every night.



The zoo's setting of humid tropical forest gives it an authentic look of a typical African safari and stimulate the animals natural habitat. Visitors may not worry as protected by natural barriers instead of cages while they watch the animals. It is covered by two stretches, the walking trail and the tram rides. Just like any other parks, they offer other attractions such as tribal dances, fire eating stints and a night show which showcases the animals in the Night Safari. Dining is never a problem as it has food outlets and restaurants to satisfy your growling stomachs. One of which is Ulu Ulu Safari restaurant which serves authentic Western and Asian dishes. What you can do next is have it your way here at Night Safari. It is a sure way to enjoy the wild and realize the value of taking care our mother nature as well.