The Thousand Islands: A Mesmerising Archipelago near Jakarta
When things get hectic in the urban jungle of the capital, head to the hidden gem on the north coast of Jakarta – to the Thousand Islands. An archipelago that stretches 45 km on Java Sea, these islands are the perfect getaway. Tiger Island is the destination for honeymooners. The island offers sustainable tourism as the romantic huts are
A Look at Korea’s Enchanting Changdeokgung Palace
Heading over to South Korea anytime soon and looking for historical sites to visit? Here’s what you can expect from South Korean culture. The centre of Korea, Seoul is a giant tourist magnet that proposes everything to delight its tourists from being one of the world’s most popular holiday spots and financial epicenters of East
A Stone Chair Village, Lake Toba, Sumatra
On Samosir Island, Lake Toba lies the little village of Ambarita. Tales abound there of rough justice, and possibly even cannibalism. While these are from long ago, more benign old ways live on, for example in the village’s traditional architecture, and an ancient craft still practiced there. From grim stories of executions to a traditional
Indonesian Heritage Society Explores Lake Toba
In late November 2018, I led an Indonesia Heritage Society (IHS) Heritage Tour for a small group of textile lovers to Lake Toba. From watching weavers practice their craft to spectacular views, this was a wonderful excursion. The water is glistening during the dawn at Lake Toba, North Sumatra. Photo by David Yanes and Roy
Stepping into the Hidden Charms of Korea at Gyeonggi-do
Historical tours are a great way to disseminate knowledge of history, life, culture and tradition. Gyeonggi-do is one such place where to learn about the history of the Korean peninsula. This is the place serves as a buffer zone between North and South Korea. Gyeonggi-do serves as a buffer zone between North and South Korea.
Ancient Threads Woven in Karangasem
The long trek to the village of Jungutan, East Bali, the site of the Karangasem World Cultural Village Festival is well worth it. Imet Miliwanga Wurrben, an Australian aboriginal elder and healer presented indigenous healing ritual at Karangasem World Cultural Village Festival. Photo by David metclaf/NOW!JAKARTA Imet Miliwanga Wurrben, an Australian aboriginal elder and healer, in a most
Radical Rapids of the Ayung River
There’s little point coming to an island like Bali if you’re not spending some time outdoors. Whether it’s hiking a volcano to chase the sunrise or picking vegetables for a cooking class, there are so many ways to immerse yourself in the island’s natural surroundings. However, for nature lovers with a daring soul, there’s one
Get Your Body Energised at The Anvaya Beach Resort
The Energizing Body treatment at Sakanti Spa will pamper your body and, at the same time, reawaken your senses. A 5-minute foot ritual will mark the beginning of the session, where your feet and lower legs are exfoliated using hot mitts. It is then followed by a gentle massage, targeting reflexology pressure points. The Frangipani
The 5th Singapore International Photography 2016 Festival
The fifth edition of the Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF) 2016 is in full swing and runs until November 16. The non-profit biennial festival aims to provide a platform for Southeast Asian artists to showcase their works alongside their international counterparts. The festival includes exhibitions, workshops and outreach programmes to promote photography across Singapore. In
Bali’s Ultimate Foodies Getaway
Unless you’re a chef, or maybe married to one, it isn’t often food alone that dictates your holiday destination. However, the rising gourmand culture around the world, especially in Indonesia, seriously begs the question, “but why not?”. From 14 to 16 October, The Ultimate Foodies Getaway (UFG) completed its debut experience in Bali, bringing two
Uplift Your Soul and Refresh Your Mind at The Kayana Seminyak
Ayur Spa at The Kayana Seminyak is characterised by the modern-day classiness of its immaculate treatment suites. Designed especially for couples, each spa suite consists of a steam room, an open-air double shower, a private gazebo and a Jacuzzi. It also has exclusive cosy double treatment rooms with spa facilities, open terrace and lounge area
Singapore Biennale 2016: An Atlas of Mirrors
Since its establishment ten years ago, the Singapore Biennale has continuously drawn a rising number of visitors to its premises. Organised by the Singapore Art Museum, the Singapore Biennale 2016 (SB2016) was officially opened on October 27 and will run through the end of February at different venues throughout the city. SB2016 also initiates projects
Cock Fighting Showdown
I witnessed my first cockfight in Bali, in a small village just outside Ubud. I stumbled upon it by chance when I was running, with a local sports club, on a Saturday afternoon. Our route took us through a temple complex in the middle of the jungle, where we came across a cockfight. Only men
