One of many luxury hotels in Hong Kong but this one is just that bit special. Extremely well located on the Kowloon side, it’s just a few steps from the Star Ferry terminal and the malls of Ocean Terminal. Opposite it is the Hong Kong space museum and it is not too far from the Hong Kong science museum – both great venues for children. And of course the hotel has a shopping mall of its own.

Rooms are spacious and elegant and the service is as you would expect. However the best part of it is that the hotel does relatively affordable helicopter rides. A fab way to see Hong Kong or to buzz yourself to the airport.

It also has Rolls-Royces to transfer you to the airport – very comfortable and only a fraction of the price of what you would pay for a car transfer from Narita to Tokyo.

Salisbury Road, Kowloon; Tel: 852 2920 2888; www.peninsula.com or www.lhw.com

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The liberation war of 1971 was an extremely painful event in the country’s history, costing the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) rejected the notion of Islamic nationhood and separated from Pakistan (then West Pakistan). The museum is a worthwhile attempt to preserve the memory of that period, and to create awareness in the lives of Bangladeshis today.

The museum also has an inspiring outreach program for school children. Don’t expect swanky displays. Currently the whole place is a bit crude and mouldy. However there are plans to move the museum and upgrade it generally. Books, postcards, posters, tapes, t-shirts on the war are available. There is also a small café.

Muktijuddho Jadughor (name in Bangla), 5 Segun Bagicha, Dhaka-1000

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This hip cafe is tucked away in embassy land in a dilapidated looking house. It is popular with aid workers, foreign professionals and the local trendies. Quite busy during lunch.

(North) Gulshan 2, Road No 72, House 3a, first floor; Yes it looks bad from the outside but that's the idea, apparently.

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Plenty of reasons to take the kids to Sentosa. However the luge ride is the most recent attraction. Installed in autumn 2005, the ride is great fun and cheap to boot. Children under 110cm can ride with their parents/guardians. Crash helmets supplied!

www.sentosa.com.sg/ Best way to get there is to take the cable car from Mount Faber. Buy a one way ticket and get out of the island via road. However if you buy a return ticket, you are eligbile for a glass bottomed cable car!

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If you need a quick bite when you are shopping on Orchard Road, you can't do better than head for the basement of Takashimaya. Dishes from all over Southeast and East Asia, and elsewhere, at street hawker prices. It can get busy but it all adds to the atmosphere.

Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road

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If you are after antiques (genuine, reproduction or curios), this has to be near the top of your list. On the second floor there are quite a few shops ( all visible from the car park). From Moghul pieces to Belgian colonial lamps ... get it all here.

Gulshan-2 (by the roundabout) going towards Gulshan 1.

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Old Dhaka was famed for its lines of beryani restaurants. Some of the more famous outfits are still going. Hajjee Beryani in old Dhaka revels in its eccentric reputation for opening only at certain times and only cooking a certain amount (well below demand).

The most conveniently located restaurant where you can sample beryani (meat cooked in butter rice and delicate spices) Fakhruddin’s in Gulshan 1. The Kacchi Beryani there is absolutely delicious. The equally delicious roast chicken isn’t really roasted but is a dry and spicy preparation and is a good accompaniment to the beryani.

If you want to savour local flavour, and do so safely, you can’t do better than Fakhurddin’s. They have a catering section for parties and functions, and the prices are reasonable.

Gulshan 1 Roundabout, very near the Sonali Bank; Tel: 02-934 3456

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A pleasant, air-conditioned bookshop with a coffeeshop near Gulshan 2. Smaller than the chain Et Cetera, they hold a wide variety of hard and paperback books in English from India and the UK. They also carry DVDs, kids books and toys. The small cafe seems to be a hit with young locals and foreign visitors.

Very near the Gulshan 2 roundabout. 125, Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212. T: 02-9890832

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This is a long road in Banani and has ice cream shops, bakeries (Hot Breads), cafes and little boutiques selling children's and adult clothing. The ice cream parlours (Gelato and Movenpick) are air conditioned and with European standard modern interiors. Interesting flavours such as the Ferrero Rocher flavour in Gelato.

Road No 11, Banani. From Gulshan-2 roundabout head towards Banani and it falls on the left hand side.

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Stunningly stylish and high-tech hotel close to Tokyo Station and major shopping areas. (The chain has two hotels in Tokyo, and this one at Marunouchi is easily more convenient for access.) You are not supposed to nick the handsome kimonos and pyjama suits but you will no doubt take home a few ideas about modern interior design, and so its worth the extra money. Friendly and faultless service. Try the Four Seasons Executive Suite.

www.fourseasons.com

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