Myanmar by Exotik

What Exotik can offer

To this day, Myanmar remains one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world. A land of breathtaking beauty and charm now recently emerging into the modern world, Myanmar is on every savvy traveler’s bucket list.

Cities

Bagan

One of the highlights of a holiday to Myanmar is a visit to the mysterious and striking plain of Bagan. Situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, this 42 square kilometer plain is the largest area of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ancient religious ruins in the world and date back as early as the 11th and 12th centuries.

Yangon

Yangon, once known as Rangoon, has tree-shaded avenues and golden stupas and pagodas. A walk around downtown Yangon reveals the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda, and some of the most impressive colonial era architecture in the region.

Mandalay

Mandalay offers the chance to offer alms and food to the monks and novices from the Mahagandayon Monastery before visiting the hundreds of peaceful stupas on Sagaing Hill.

Inle Lake

Inle Lake with its stilt house villages at the water’s edge is a must see – known for its famous legrowing fishermen.

Language

Burmese and numerous dialects.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Veuillez vous assurer d’avoir toute la documentation nécessaire pour entrer ou sortir des pays que vous visiterez. Consultez le www.voyage.gc.ca pour les informations exactes, les plus à jour. Pour les visas, consultez le lien suivant : www.voyage.gc.ca/voyager/avertissements.
Ne pas répondre aux exigences requises pourrait résulter en un refus des autorités de vous laisser entrer ou sortir du pays. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 95 Concerning national calls made in Myanmar, it is not necessary to dial the 95 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 95 and finally the local phone number in Myanmar.

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What Exotik can offer

Welcome to the Maldives, where sands are white as the smiles of the locals, where fish swim happily in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where the weather is a dream, and the deep rays of the sun wait to engulf you in their arms. In ancient times, the shores of the Maldives welcomed lost travelers. Still welcoming, these shores remain, providing a tranquil haven for visitors. The Republic of the Maldives is a sovereign nation, located in the Indian Ocean. It consists of 26 atolls with a total area of 298km2. There are 1,196 islands spanning approximately 90,000 km2 of the Indian Ocean making it one of the most disparate countries in the world. Maldivians are appreciated around the world for their hospitality and affability with their guests. The Maldives are blessed with magical and breathtaking sunshine for much of the year. As in tropical countries, it enjoys a dry and wet season. The hot, humid weather is accompanied by refreshing sea breezes and periodic rains. Maldivians share a similar cultural heritage, history, homeland, language and religion (Muslim). These common factors are the reason for the unity and harmony that reigns in the seducing islands. The ancestral roots of the Maldives can be traced back to Sinhala’s of Sri Lanka, Marathi’s and Guajarati’ of India, Arabs, Malays and North Africans. As a result, Maldivians emerged from a mixed race which has enriched the culture and history of the country.

Cities

Male

Male, capital of the Maldives is an island state of the Indian Ocean known for its mosques and colorful buildings. The Islamic Center is a must-see place to explore, it houses a mosque, a library and a unique gold dome. Next to the harbor, you will find the popular fish market that offers products from the day’s catch, as well as a food market full of local fruits. Located in Sultan Park, do not hesitate to visit the National Museum which exhibits regional artifacts, such as ancient weapons and the thrones of the sultans. Continue to the palace of Muliaage, very popular for its wrought iron gates and which was the residence of several presidents, Inside, you will find an enclave housing Medhu Ziyaarai, the tomb of the man who introduced Islam to the Maldives. And fnally fnish on the busy Majeedhee Magu street where you will fnd many restaurants and shops.

Language

Divehi and English.

Weather

 The climate of the Maldives is a warm and humid tropical climate with two monsoon seasons. The best season to enjoy the beaches of the Maldives runs from January to April where you will enjoy an average temperature of 26°C with sunshine that is at its maximum and very rare rains. 

Electricity

The electricity is 220-240 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas,
you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 960 Concerning national calls made in the Maldives, it is not necessary to dial the 960 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 960 and finally the local phone number in the Maldives.

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What Exotik can offer

The Malaysian peninsula that stretches south of Thailand is a prosperous country as evidenced by the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur that rival those of the United States. But this modernity is a complement to the dominant aspect of Malaysia: the forest. Malaysia’s rainforest is the oldest in the world. Modern cities, colonial past, primary forest, orangutans and sandy beaches, such is the beautiful Malay cocktail.

Cities

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is a mix of huge towers, religious buildings and lush gardens. Interwoven with Asian, Muslim and colonial traditions, Kuala Lumpur is a contemporary, multicultural, vibrant and colorful city. Here is an anthology of the must see in Kuala Lumpur. The twin towers Petronas symbol of Kuala Lumpur that rise up to 452 meters in height and have 88 floors. Little India that will awaken your senses in a whirlwind of Indian smells, colors and flavors. The Batu Caves which are a set of limestone caves and some of which are real temples without missing the commercial district of Bukit Bintang and the Ornithological Park Kuala Lumpur Bird Park.

Penang

Penang is a Malaysian island whose colorful multicultural capital is called George Town. A former commercial center in the Straits of Malacca, the city is famous for its British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses and mosques. Beyond the old city, George Town is a modern city with skyscrapers and shopping malls. Penang Hill’s green hill with hiking trails and a funicular overlooks the city.

Cameron Highlands

High plateaus at an average altitude of 1,500 m to 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands offer landscapes sculpted by tea plantations and a different atmosphere from the rest of Malaysia, somewhat out of time. In this privileged stage on the roads of South-East Asia, you will appreciate the visits of tea plantations, the excursions in full nature or you will simply benefit from the freshness of its tropical plains.

Language

Malay. English is frequently used as well as Mandarin and Tamil.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca
for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link:
www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 60 Concerning national calls made in Malaysia, it is not necessary to dial the 60 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 60 and finally the local phone number in Malaysia.

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What Exotik can offer

Laos is a small landlocked country in the Indochinese Peninsula and sparsely populated. Its isolation from foreign influence offers travelers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the highlight of this region. Buddhism plays an important role in the life of the Lao people and has given them a deserved reputation for friendliness, gentleness, kindness, gaiety and wisdom. Traditionally known as the Kingdom of a Million Elephants, Laos is blessed with verdant countryside, glittering Buddhist temples, languid village life and gentle people.

Cities

Vientiane

Vientiane’s unhurried air reflects its status as South-east Asia’s smallest capital. Old French colonial villas mix with tranquil Buddhist temples in this quaint little city nestled on the banks of the Mekong.

Luang Prabang

Historic home of the Laotian Kings, Luang Prabang nestles in a deep river valley ringed by dramatic green mountains. Luang Prabang is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site for its uniquely preserved architecture and townscape; traditional wooden buildings and European colonial mansions form a backdrop to the daily ritual of saffron-robed monks gathering alms.

Language

Lao, English and French.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 856 Concerning national calls made in Laos, it is not necessary to dial the 856 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 856 and finally the local phone number in Laos.

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What Exotik can offer

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago with more than 17000 islands. Bali is known for its mysterious magical feeling. The Balinese people, the breathtaking landscapes and a pleasant climate justify Bali’s nickname as “Paradise Island”. Island of Bali Bali may be small in size – you can drive around the entire coast in one long day – but its prominence as a destination is huge, and rightfully so. Ask travelers what Bali means to them and you’ll get as many answers as there are flowers on a frangipani tree. Breathtaking rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf, enchanting temple ceremonies, mesmerizing dance performances and ribbons of beaches are just some of the images people cherish. People and life style Life in Bali is very communal under the organization of villages. Temple ceremonies, marriage, cremation, farming and even the creative art festivals are decided by the local community institution called “Banjar”. The responsibilities in the day-to-day life are normally administered by both the Banjar and the government. The local government mostly responsible for schools, health clinics, hospitals and roads, and Banjar is responsible for all other aspects of life. There is another association that exists in the banjar named “Subak” that concerns the production of rice and organizes the complex irrigation system. Every family who owns a rice feld must be a member of their local Subak, which then ensures that every member gets his fair distribution of water. A banjar consists of an average of 50 to 150 family members, owning a meeting venue called the Bale Banjar, which is used for regular gatherings and a center for local gamelan orchestras and drama groups.

Language

Indonesian Bahasa and English

Weather

 With the sun shining throughout the year, Bali has a tropical monsoon climate with pleasant day
temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius. Rainy season starts from October to March, when the
west monsoon brings heavy showers and high humidity. June to September is considered the driest
season, with low humidity and can be cool in the evenings, the best time for any outdoor activities. 

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.

Communication

International access code: 001, 008 International dialing code: 62 Concerning national calls made in Indonesia, it is not necessary to dial the 62 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 62 and finally the local phone number in Indonesia.

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What Exotik can offer

India is not only vast in size but also in geographical diversity. Discover Indian culture, millennial religious India with Varanasi, the holy city of the Ganges, the flagship cities of Jaipur and Udaipur… A world of a thousand faces is revealed to you!

Cities

Delhi / New Delhi

Capital of the country, it is also the most cosmopolitan city of the country. It houses the seat of the Government of India, the Parliament, the residence of the President and the Supreme Court. The agglomeration is divided into two parts: New Delhi or “the new and modern city”, recently built and Old Delhi which was the capital of Muslim India from the 12th to the 14th century. Old Delhi is a mainly historical city where you can fnd Gandhi’s Tomb or Raj Ghat as well as the Great Mosque or Jama Masjid. On the New Delhi side, you can see Rashtrapati Bhavan (the Presidential Palace) as well as the India Gate and the National Museum of Modern Art. New Delhi is also the home of various temples: the Akshardham Temple and the Lotus Temple.

Mumbai

Mumbai or formerly Bombay is the capital of the Indian state u Maharashtra. Famous for its chaotic streets. You will be charmed by Marine Drive, where you can watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea, and by the beach of Juhu, which are popular destinations on the waterside. The Gandh Museum and the rock temples of Elephanta Island are places not to be missed. If you are looking for tranquility, Mumbai also has many religious sites, lakes and parks.

Chennai

With its monuments and historic buildings, its long sandy beaches, cultural and artistic centers and parks, Chennai offers many interesting sites to visitors. The tourist attraction not to be missed in Chennai is in the nearby town of Mahabalipuram, with its ancient temples and rock carvings of the 7th century, Pallava is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Language

Hindi and English

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 91 Concerning national calls made in India, it is not necessary to dial the 91 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 91 and finally the local phone number in India.

Useful links

What Exotik can offer

One of the world’s oldest civilizations, China boasts a history of more than 5 000 years. Its vast territory stretches north and south for about 5500 km and covers an area of 9.6 million square km, making it the third largest country in the world. The amazing landscapes, rich history and culture make China every traveler’s dream destination.

Cities

Beijing

Capital city of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing is the country’s political, cultural and economic center with a history that dates back to over 1000 BC. It is here where you will visit the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the famous Great Wall.

Xian

Capital of the Shaanxi province, Xian has a history that dates back to 3000 years. It is here that you will find the world famous Qinshihuang Mausoleum and the army of terracotta warriors and horses.

Guilin

The most scenic city in China, Guilin’s fabulous landscape of mountains, sparkling waters, statuesque limestone rock formations and the Li River make it a must see destination when planning your trip.

Shanghai

The great metropolis of Shanghai has become one of the fastest growing economies of the world, with a skyline full of skyscrapers and avenues full of shops. And yet, despite its modernization, Shanghai is a city linked with its colonial past. Some popular sites include the Huangpu River and its classic riverfront, the Bund, as well as the river town of Zhujiajiao.

Language

Mandarin, Cantonese, numerous dialects and English.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 86 Concerning national calls made in China, it is not necessary to dial the 86 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 86 and finally the local phone number in China.

Useful links

What Exotik can offer

Although Cambodia’s premier highlights are the spectacular temples of Angkor, there is far more to the country. In Phnom Penh, the colonial capital, there are numerous pagodas and interesting museums to visit; on the coast are beautiful unspoilt beaches and inland there is impressive natural scenery such as mighty rivers & remote forests.

Cities

Siem Reap

Back in the 1960s, Siem Reap was the place to be in Southeast Asia and saw a steady stream of the rich and famous. After three decades of slumber, it’s well and truly back and one of the most popular destinations on the planet right now. The life-support system for the temples of Angkor, Cambodia’s eighth wonder of the world, Siem Reap was always destined for great things, but few people saw them coming, this thick and this fast. It has reinvented itself as the epicenter of the new Cambodia, with more guesthouses and hotels than temples, world-class wining and dining and sumptuous spas. At its heart, Siem Reap is still a little charmer, with old French shop-houses, shady tree-lined boulevards and a slow-flowing river. But it is expanding at breakneck speed with new houses and apartments, hotels and resorts sprouting like mushrooms in the surrounding countryside. The tourist tide has arrived and locals are riding the wave. Not only is this great news for the long-suffering Khmers, but it has transformed the town into a pulsating place for visitors. Forget the naysayers who mutter into their beers about Siem Reap in the ‘old days’, now is the time to be here, although you may curse your luck when stuck behind a jam of tour buses on the way back from the temples.

Angkor

The traveler’s first glimpse of Angkor Wat, the ultimate expression of Khmer genius, is simply staggering and is matched by only a few select spots on earth such as Macchu Picchu or Petra. Angkor Wat is, quite literally, heaven on earth. Angkor is the earthly representation of Mt Meru, the Mt Olympus of the Hindu faith and the abode of ancient gods. The ‘temple that is a city’, Angkor Wat is the perfect fusion of creative ambition and spiritual devotion. The Cambodian god-kings of old each strove to better their ancestors’ structures in size, scale and symmetry, culminating in what is believed to be the world’s largest religious building, the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. The temple is the heart and soul of Cambodia. It is the national symbol, the epicenter of Khmer civilization and a source of fierce national pride.

Phnom Penh

The glimmering spires of the royal palace, the fluttering saffron of the monks’ robes, and the luscious location on the banks of the mighty Mekong; this is one of Asia’s undiscovered gems. But it’s also a city on the move, as a new wave of investors move in, perhaps forever changing the character, and skyline, of this classic city. Phnom Penh is a crossroads of Asia’s past and present, a city of extremes of poverty and excess, of charm and chaos, but one that never fails to captivate.

Language

Khmer and English. French may also be used in some places.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 855 Concerning national calls made in Cambodia, it is not necessary to dial the 855 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 855 and finally the local phone number in Cambodia.

Useful links

What Exotik can offer

Croatia is a country in the Balkans on the east side of the Adriatic Sea. Croatia has the privilege of offering a rich architectural heritage. Those traveling for the first time in this country will discover a unique and fascinating transition between Central Europe and the Mediterranean, a crossroads of cultures and influences quite exceptional! And then they will fascinated by the wonderful Croatian coast, protected by nearly 1,185 islands and islets about 1,750 km long. Multiply by 5 for the number of beaches and coves, by 10… These architectural gems are named Pula, Zadar, Sibenik, Trogir, Split and the pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik.

Cities

Zagreb

Zagreb is a fascinating destination on its own, combining the best of Eastern and Western Europe. As the political, economic and cultural capital of Croatia, the city throbs with energy but has retained a good deal of old-world graciousness. The sober Austro-Hungarian buildings in the town centre house elegant restaurants and fashionable boutiques along with scruffy pubs and rowdy beer halls. A proliferation of galleries display the works of the artistic community, a parade of international stars perform in the concert halls, and local DJs fill clubs with the latest sounds.

Split

Split, the second-largest city in Croatia, is a great place to see Dalmatian life as it’s really lived. Always buzzing, this exuberant city has just the right balance of tradition and modernity. Step inside Diocletian’s Palace to see dozens of bars, restaurants and shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls where Split life has been going on for thousands of years. To top it off, Split has a unique setting. Its dramatic coastal mountains act as the perfect backdrop to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. You’ll get a chance to appreciate this gorgeous cityscape when making a ferry journey to or from the city.

Dubrovnik

Regardless of whether you are visiting Dubrovnik for the first time or the hundredth, the sense of awe and beauty when you set eyes on the Stradun never fades. Indeed it’s hard to imagine anyone becoming jaded by the city’s marble streets, baroque buildings and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic, or failing to be inspired by a walk along the ancient city walls that have protected this civilized, sophisticated republic for five centuries. Although the shelling of Dubrovnik in 1991 horrifed the world, the city has bounced back with characteristic vigor to enchant visitors again. Take the revamped cable car up to Mount Srd. Marvel at the Mediterranean lifestyle and the interplay of light and stone. Trace the rise and fall of Dubrovnik in museums replete with art and artifacts. Exhaust yourself retracing history, then plunge into the azure sea.

Language

Croatian and English.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information.
Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code (exit code in Europe): 00 International dialing code: 385 If you are calling from any other European country, the international dialing code 385 is only required to call Croatia from abroad. So it will be: 00 385 and local phone number. Concerning national calls made in Croatia, it is not necessary to dial the 385 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 385 and finally the local phone number in Croatia.

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