In the last 13 years, Dubai has become a city beyond your wildest imagination. Dubai’s feats include the worlds tallest building, the only 7 star hotel in the world, the worlds largest mall, an indoor ski slope, and a lot more. They really have developed man made islands that look like a palm tree from the air, with dozens of man-made beaches, both public and private. Unlike any other middle-eastern city, Dubai is clean, safe, with more foreigners than locals, and a thriving nightlife. It will remind you 0f an American metropolis, with the best hotels, restaurants (including your favorite chains of fast food and coffee) and hospitality that you only expect in the west.

Burj Khalifa

Of course, what this also means is that Dubai has lost its personality somewhat. But no matter; you can get to old and more traditional Dubai from anywhere in the modern part of Dubai in less than 20 minutes by car. There, you will find the old Gold Souk, older buildings and more locals as well as working-class Indians and Pakistanis from the sub-continent.

Back in the modern (new Dubai) section of town, Dubai impresses in that they have developed special commercial zones that bring the right people, companies and perhaps commuters together. For instance, the university and schools are in one area, hospitals, clinics and surgeries are in one area, internet city holds all the internet companies, while media city holds, you guessed it, all the media companies. It is a little surreal, yet refreshing to see so much planning go into a city.

Financial Center – DIFC

Housing has bounced back sharply from the fiasco of 5 years ago when property values fell by 90%. But despite the bounce back, given Dubai’s desirability, prices are still reasonable. While most people drive to Dubai, and given that temperatures tend to fluctuate between warm and hot throughout the year, most people own a car or hail a taxi (which is relatively cheap). But tourists and the working class alike, sometimes use the metro, a two-train system that covers a lot of ground, is impeccably clean and surprisingly easy to use. 

From the airport, it is most convenient to take a taxi to your hotel. The maximum you can expect to pay for a taxi ride from the airport is AED 100, which is roughly £20 or $30. Most rides won’t cost you that much. In fact, AED 100 is about the most you will pay for a taxi, and that too if you go from one corner of Dubai to the other. If you take the metro, your cost will be less than AED 10 per person, but from the airport, that would take a while. At some point during your stay. you should make it a point to ride the metro. It is a very pleasant experience indeed.

For night life, there are more spots than I have room for here. Needless to say, you will have access to anything. In fact, if you think you will be hard pressed to find a drink, you couldn’t be more wrong. It is true that one has to be affiliated or connected to a hotel to serve alcohol, but there are plenty of bars, wine bars and clubs that have done exactly that. So you will find your poison quite easily. It also means that a lot of nice clubs and lounges are at big hotels. The Address in Downtown is one such hotel. There is of course Burj-al-Arab, the Fairmont and many more such hotels with amazing night life.

Dubai at night

Food in Dubai is nothing short of spectacular. If you long for familiar restaurants, you get the best of UK and US. Wagamama, Nandos and Chilis come to mind right away, but more importantly, they have restaurants like Zuma, an upscale Japanese restaurant with six locations worldwide including one in Dubai, Nobu and Buddha Bar, all of which have a few select locations worldwide. Keep in mind, there are plenty of other local, but upscale and expensive restaurants. Bottom line, if you want cheap eats, there are plenty of those, but if you have money to spend, there are plenty of establishments that will help you empty your wallet.

Dubai seems to have become a destination for professionals everywhere to live and enjoy life, earn a fantastic tax free living and explore Asia, Africa and Europe from the hub that is Dubai. If I were in my twenties, I wouldn’t mind locating to Dubai for the same reason. So when you go, prepare yourself. You have no idea how much Dubai will surprise you.

Kuta

Kuta is is the famous surfing area, and around Kuta’s fabulous beach is a host of different things to see and do. If you’re new to Bali, this is a good place to see a lot of the best of Bali in one place, and acclimatize. For a quick wind down when you’re just off the plane, there’s nothing like it.

Ubud

Ubud is a region of Bali situated in the mountains to the north of Denpasar. This is a truly beautiful, ancient place, with Sumatran elephants, and traditional villages. It’s a whole new world, and one of the best chances to see the unspoiled old culture. It’s also the home of the Balinese royal family. Not to be missed.

Bali Barat National Park

Did you know Bali has its own leopards? How about the barking deer? This is yet another of Bali’s unique features, the wildlife which Bali has been protecting in the face of the last century of development.

Kintamani

Kintamani was once Bali’s biggest city. It’s now a smallish town in the north, right next to a lake with created by a volcanic crater. With typical Balinese understatement, the town has a mountain range and jungle around it, like a lost world. It also has beaches, and hot springs.

Denpasar

Denpasar is the best area for Bali accommodation and a good place to check out the shopping, find the good souvenirs, and do some pricing. You may find yourself sending a few shipping containers home, but the actual merchandise is pretty good, particularly the Balinese craftwork.

Amlapura

North east of Denpasar is Amlapura. This is a mix of the very modern, the not so modern, and the ancient. Amlapura includes the fabulous Water Palace, with a lot of Hindu images, and beautiful gardens. For the culture tourists, a must-see.

Mount Agung

Mount Agung is a holy site. It’s also the biggest mountain on Bali, and you can get a trekking tour. When you get to the top, you’re above the clouds. This is one of Bali’s gems, and if you’re fit, you’ll love it.

The Bali offshore islands

Bali’s satellite islands are like Bali; mysterious, fun, and there’s a lot to do. The Balinese islands are also famous scuba diving and windsurfing places. These are worth a whole day, so plan ahead and enjoy.

Singaraja

If you want beaches, waterfalls, hot springs and a place that doesn’t get too much attention on the tourist maps, Singaraja on the north coast is definitely it. This used to be the old colonial capital of Bali, and it’s a dream.

Negara

In the west is the real wild Bali, much less highly developed. This is a really fascinating place, with tours. It includes a 2400 metre mountain, a volcano, wildlife, and some really nice beaches.