Its been two month since my last travel outside Malaysia, and I'm already feeling restless. The only BIG obstacle hindering me from flying again is the plunging value of the ringgit.
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| As of today rate |
The Malaysian ringgit has tumbled to a new low since it was unpegged from its fixed rate of 3.80 in 2005. As of 4.30pm, the ringgit was valued at 3.9083 to the US dollar.
The ringgit has been falling at an accelerated rate in recent months from around RM3.20 to US$1 a year ago.
Among the factors attributed for the weak currency include falling global oil prices which has impacted the country's revenue as well as political instability.
The ringgit has been falling at an accelerated rate in recent months from around RM3.20 to US$1 a year ago.
Among the factors attributed for the weak currency include falling global oil prices which has impacted the country's revenue as well as political instability.
How sad. Hopefully, our ringgit will bounce back to its original value.
But, my heart still yearning for Osaka and you should know why.... or at least understand. Here, let me share with you my obsession.
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka bespeaks its own charm. Despite being ravaged by World War II, it has risen from the ashes a Japanese metropolis which has all the hallmarks of modernity without forgoing its historical and cultural roots.
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| Osaka Castle |
This is easily the city’s most famous attraction. The construction of this castle played an important role in unifying the whole of Japan. However, the castle you see today is actually a recreation of the original castle built in the 1580s. The observatory on the 8th floor grants panoramic views of the whole city. Also, the accompanying park is one of the best places for cherry blossom viewing.
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| Shitennoji Temple |
This temple was the first Buddhist temple constructed in Japan and it is the oldest temple site in the whole country too, built in 593 AD. It has burnt down several times throughout history but each restoration has stayed true to the 6th century original. The temple has a five storey pagoda, an aged stone gate dating to the 13th century and lush typical Japanese gardens. The locals hold various events and festivals at this site each year.
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| Spa World |
A must try when visiting Japan is the onsen (Japanese hot springs). Spa World isn’t your typical onsen. There are different themed baths; from Persian and Balinese to Ancient Roman and even Atlantis, besides the usual collection of Japanese baths. It is open 24 hours a day and is host to a great many of facilities and amenities such as a gym, amusement pool, food court, salon and a hotel.
Still not interested?
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| Nakanoshima |
This is a little narrow island on the Kyu-Yodo River which serves as a cultural hub of Osaka. The Osaka Science Museum, Museum of Oriental Ceramics and the Osaka Central Public Hall are all located here. Visitors can easily spend the whole day here to venture through all the museums and historical buildings. The parks in the area make for excellent walks or even cycling as there are pedestrian paths throughout the park.
As a Japanse food lover, I will never get hungry here.
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| Osaka Dotonbori |
Tenka no daidokoro (the nation’s kitchen) is Osaka’s nickname. Osaka’s glorious reputation for all the foodie delights precedes itself and Dotonbori is the gastronomical heart of the city. It’s said that even a month here isn’t enough to sample everything such as the famous takoyaki (octopus dumpling) and okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake of sorts), both born in Osaka. The bright neon lights help to guide visitors to the best restaurants and food vendors around.
Addicted to shopping spree?
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| HEP Five Ferris Wheel |
Situated in the Umeda District which is also beside Osaka Station, this giant Ferris wheel sits aloft a vast shopping mall. This is another great spot for skyline views of the city. The 15 minute air conditioned gondola ride is most comfortable and is known to be a popular romantic spot for local couples at night time. The shopping mall is home to various Western and Japanese boutiques as well as a large arcade.
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| Nipponbashi Denden Town |
Japan is known to be a mecca for high tech electronics which usually come at steep prices too. At Nipponbashi, this is the only place in Japan where buyers can actually haggle for their electronics. This is the electronics haven in Osaka which also caters to many home appliances as well. There are many anime shops too making this place very quintessentially pop cultural Japan.
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| Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan |
This is one of the largest aquariums in the world which is famous for the presence of its great whale sharks. These ferocious creatures aren’t the meat eating savages we know them as but are gentle plankton eating sharks. Apart from all the various species of fish, there are also arctic penguins and seals. The tank walls extend to the ceilings making visitors feel as though there are under the sea with all the marine life too.
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| Umeda Sky Building |
It may not be the tallest building in Osaka (coming in only at number 12), but it’s the city’s most iconic. Offices occupy most of the building but the ‘Floating Garden’ on the rooftop observatory guarantees sweeping views of the city. There are plenty of restaurants to dine at, whether it is day or night time to enjoy the view. The basement features a 20th century market which showcases the stark difference to the modern marvel above.
Hmmmmm... did I succeed in making you wanna go there?
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