Second highest capital in Latin America and boasting one of the most spectacular setting with the Andes as a backdrop, Quito is one of the most attractive cities in Ecuador. Friendly atmosphere and beautiful colonial architecture characterize this quaint city which is home to 86 churches. You probably won’t have time to see them all, but there are quite a few noteworthy churches that you should make sure you see before you continue on your Ecuador vacation.

San Francisco, Quito’s largest church is said to be the first religious building built by the Spanish conquerors in South America. Dating back to 1533, this stunning church boasts two impressive towers which had to be rebuilt after an earthquake destroyed them in 1868. Inside, intricate wood carvings in the choir, a magnificent golden altar and exquisite carved ceiling await the visitor. The church is also richly appointed with art treasures, such as the painting La Virgen de Quito by Legarda, and adorning the aisles, other paintings by Miguel de Santiago, the renowned colonial mestizo painter.

The church and monastery of Santo Domingo, completed around 1620, housing today a beautiful fine arts museums is particularly noteworthy for its carved Moorish ceiling, large central nave, and rich wooden carvings. El trono de la Virgen is a massive and fine silver throne standing in the main altar, which weighs several hundred pounds.

La Compañia is a lovely Jesuit church located on Calle Garcia Moreno, just one block south from Plaza de la Independencia, and is one of the richest churches in town. The church boasts a beautifully ornate and sculptured façade and interior, as well as countless gems including a painting of the Virgen Dolorosa framed in emeralds and gold. These are safely kept in the vaults of the Banco Central and only displayed for festivals and special exhibitions.

Built at the beginning of the 17th century, La Merced features combination of baroque and Moorish styles, and was erected to commemorate eruptions of nearby volcano Pichincha which threatened to destroy Quito. The interior is extraordinarily intricate, mixing elaborate styles.

The Oriental history, culture and traditions charm one and all. For centuries, and ever more so since the travels of Marco Polo, people have been attracted towards the oriental magnificence. History, traditions, cultures and religious faith of China and India have influenced the whole world and the human kind. Since the ancient times as both China and India were the most powerful nations in Asia, their socio-economic, political as well as religious influences can be clearly found among many south and south-east Asian countries until the present. Cambodia is one such country where both Chinese and Indian cultures have mingled together to advance the birth of a unique Cambodian culture.

Cambodia is a country rich in Buddhist temples and monuments, but one monumental site stands above them all – the legendary civilization of Angkor, dominated by the most famous temple of them all, the magnificent Angkor Wat. It is not only the biggest religious building of its kind in the whole world but also a splendid example of temple architecture.

The roots of Angkor are not Buddhist but Hindu. The Hindu king Suryavarman II is credited to have patronized the construction of the temple in the 12th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the world, according to Hindu mythology.

Only later on the temple became a center of Buddhism too. In Cambodia’s modern history the temple has become a symbol of the nation and appears on the national flag. And not surprisingly the Angkor Wat is the country’s most popular tourist destination.

The temple is an example of high classical style of Khmer architecture and reminds us of the monumental architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. The harmony of its design and perfection with which it has been executed renders its place among the greatest man-made monuments of mankind.

It was indeed a work of power, unity and style to fathom the axial galleries, terraces and passageways that give the temple its monumental magnificence. The decorative elements, namely bas-reliefs, devatas (or apsaras), extensive garlands and narrative scenes complete the impact of the structure.

When the famous Portuguese monk Antonio Magdalena, who visited the temple in 1586, wrote that the Angkor Wat is such an extraordinary structure that it is not possible to describe it in words, he did not just utter superlatives of a layman. By this time Europe had passed through Gothic, experienced Renaissance and stood on doorsteps of spectacular Baroque monuments. Rightfully so, he understood Angkor temples exuded complex architecture and impressive decorative style that only the most exceptional human genius can conceive.

Though the Portuguese monk was not the first European that set his eyes on Angkor in the 16th century but the first who wrote about it, it was not until the publication of Henri Mouhot’s travel notes that made Europeans take notice, especially since the image was vividly painted of dense Khmer civilization rising out of dense jungle, and ever since engines of jungle clearing, reconstruction and preservation have been set in motion, including one having to clear the Angkor monuments of landmines, a leftover of the Khmer Rouge era.

Today tourists from all corners of the world come and visit the temple and discover for themselves that Angkor Wat is truly one of the wonders of the world. UNESCO certainly had declared it as a World Heritage Site and has provided funds for its restoration. On account of its Hindu cultural roots even the Archeological Survey of India had carried out an extensive restoration work here during (1986-1992) and had given the temple a new life.

Batam, Indonesia

Batam, Indonesia was a quiet coastal backwater, far from central Jakarta, at the forgotten edge of Indonesia. This dramatically changed in 1989, when the duty free and export zone was established. Although Batam has lost some of its economic luster to the Chinese and Vietnamese in the 2000s, the 80s and 90s was a period of dramatic transformation. The new Hang Nadim Airport, good class hotels, restaurants and entertainment complexes mushroomed all over Batam island. Batam became the Singaporeans’ playground. The golf courses are busy on every weekend, and the huge hawker centre at Pujasera teems with fresh seafood and Singaporeans alike.

Batam has a deserved reputation for its seafood restaurants. Prawns, lobsters, green clams, and the local specialty “Gong Gong” are on offer at many restaurants. Gong Gong is a conch-shaped mollusc, boiled, extracted on a toothpick, and dipped into spicy hot sambal sauce.

Nights are usually spent at a discotheque or a karaoke bar. Alternatively, take time out from eating, shopping and your massage. You might find an interesting cultural performance at “Desa Seni” in Sekupang.

Most travelers to Batam stay around either Nagoya or Waterfront City. Sekupang is the usual port of entry if you are arriving by the ferries from Singapore’s WTC. Ferries to other domestic destinations leave from the pier next door. It is a 30min taxi ride to downtown Nagoya.

Nagoya (yes, it is named after the Japanese city), is the effective centre for the Batam traveler. You will find the best hotels in town, the inimitable Pujasera Hawker Centre, and of course numerous Spas offering sports massage.

Waterfront City on the west coast of Batam, south of Sekupang, is a magnet for thrill seekers. Thrills include bungee-jumping, and even indoor skiing. By night, the area comes alive with more than a handful discos and karaoke pubs. Not suitable for the faint hearted. Batam is a duty free zone. Alcohol and cigarettes are ridiculously cheap.

Overall, there is a distinct cowboy vibe to the whole Batam experience. Still, it’s a fun stopover for your Visa Run to and from Singapore.

Batam is also a busy port and industrial centre. Consequently, there are several good midpriced hotels in the city. Far better than you would find anywhere else in Sumatra. You can find a list of hotels here.

It is also a great place to swing your golf clubs. Several fine courses are available at a fraction of Singapore prices. Do note that beach lovers will be disappointed. Swimming here is best done in the hotel pools.

The illegal casinos run by the syndicates have also shut down.

Overall, it is a good way to escape from Singapore. Cheap, noisy, and loads of fun if you are looking for some naughty fun.