Travel Diaries: May 2016
Last month I was invited back to Nagaland, my favourite corner of India, to deliver a lecture on ‘Cultural reference in Tourism Architecture’ to the Nagaland Ministry of Tourism. This is a subject i feel very strongly about — especially since the rise of the Singapore-Jakarta hotel developer world ‘Culture neutral’ Movement. I went via Goa on the West Coast of India, to
The Osing of East Java
“It’s a very tough life for us sulphur quarry workers,” Ali said, “I had to stop quarry work at Ijen crater when I was just 35 years old as my back was in bad shape and the pain in my legs was giving me too much trouble.” Ali is now a porter and has given up hauling
Must-See Attractions in Dubai
Dubai is an exciting and happening destination that has to be seen – and experienced – to be believed. Of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is known for its welcoming hospitality and the wealth of amazing experiences that await. Here is a handful of those ‘not-to-be-missed’ attractions that every
Incredible Arts the Barberini Museum
Art lovers who are planning to visit Germany should plan to stop by in Potsdam, neighbour city to the capital Berlin. Immerse yourself in the world of impressionism at Barberini Museum, a new attraction that opened its doors to the public in January. The museum, located in the reconstructed Barberini Palace, boasts a historical facade
Equestrian Activities at Sumba Island’s Nihiwatu Resort
Located on Sumba Island in Eastern Indonesia, luxury resort Nihiwatu was recently named best hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine. Nihiwatu impresses with a breathtaking environment and world-class facilities. These facilities also include Sandalwood Stable where guests can engage in equestrian activities. Managed by the resort’s very own horse whisperer Carol Sharpe
Easter Celebration During Spring Season in Germany
Wintertime in Germany can be long and cold. Therefore, Easter not only marks a joyous holiday but also the eagerly anticipated beginning of spring season. Easter is one of the most popular holidays in Germany, as it carries a deep religious meaning but is also regarded as a time to spend with the family. When
Culture and Nature Collide in North Sumatra
One of the richest provinces of Indonesia, both culturally and scenically, North Sumatera has it all: from the native Batak tribe with its extraordinary culture and traditional customs to the vibrant multi-ethnical provincial capital Medan, North Sumatera should be on everyone’s bucket list when traveling in Indonesia. Berastagi district, situated on crossroads on the main
The Wana Wanderers of Sulawesi
There is only one way to meet the Wana tribe. You must walk into their rugged territory. Arrangements should be made in advance because the Wana are wanderers and their territory is vast. They pack up and move when the village council decides the time is right based on agricultural crop cycles. Because of this,
Learning to Sail at Tanjung Lesung
Considering Indonesia has the planet’s largest archipelago, it’s a mystery why the sport of sailing has never taken off – especially as modern sailing dinghies are built in Batam by Indonesians and shipped all over the world. Don’t’ give up! Tucked away in a corner of Banten, West Java is the Tanjung Lesung Sailing Club.
A Perfect Escape: The Ayung Spa and Lunch Experience
Inspired by the goddess of life and fertility, Dewi Sri, the spa at the Ayung Resort embodies all that Bali represents. Drawing on the vitality of the Ayung River below it and the surrounding tropical forest, the Dewi Sri Spa is a secluded escape for those in need of quiet refreshment and rejuvenation. Now, with
Living Like A Castaway on The Banda Islands
There I sat on the porch of my Robinson Caruso-styled beach shack perched on a small bluff under towering Kenari trees, looking out at the Banda Sea. I smiled. Not a normal smile, but an ear-to-ear smile, big enough to snap off the top of my head. I had made it… Swimming with dolphins I
London Off The Beaten Path
Since my first visit to London in 2014, I have been returning to this city for four times now and can proudly say that I am no longer a newbie. Nevertheless, like Jakarta, London continues to surprise me every time. During my last visit there in springtime, I decided to “go local”. This nonchalant way
The Culture, Colours, and Beauty of Flores
Indonesia is among the best touring spots in Asia, and nature has blessed this country with almost all types of naturally beautiful sites. From high mountains to the pleasing beach waters, the country seems to have it all. In the eastern part, Flores appears to be the perfect place to fill your soul with cultures,
