Yangon, Myanmar: May 2011

Visiting Myanmar is not really an easy one. Myanmar still have a long way to go before they are totally ready to open their tourism to all sorts of tourists around the world. It needs to get their telecommunication system upgraded and enhanced to enable visitors and tourists alike to get in touch with relatives and friends at country home. Internet is really expensive in Myanmar and slow too.

Myanmar, however, has many attractions which are worth visiting, and for Muslims, it is easy to get nice, tasty and halal meals. Hire the local tour guide and everything will be in OK.

Many people would say China is the largest producer on jade in the world, but I was told that Myanmar has the largest sources of jade in the world. Not only that, it is also one of the largest producers of other gems such as ruby, sapphire, amethyst and other semi-precious gems in the world. Unfortunately, these sources are manipulated by foreigners instead of the Burmese themselves. And shockingly, the prices of those gems are super high that I though that it was ridiculous and unreasonable.

Places visited in Yangon was the world heritage Shwedagon Pagoda, Kandawgyi Lake, the White Elephants, Yangon City Centre and the so-called Waterfront. There so many religious sites in Yangon but I did not bother to visit them. Shedagon Pagoda is really worth visiting but other, well, just the same like anywhere else. The Scott Market is a lovely place too where one can get various gems, polished or raw, at cheaper prices. Souvenirs are also sold at a reasonable price.

Albino Elephant (sacred animal to the Burmese)

Yangon City Hall viewed from Maha Bandoola Garden

High Court

Independence Monument

Football in sarong??

Karaweik at Kandawgyi Lake

Shwedagon Pagoda