Flying to Bagan is like descending into a lost world: thousands of ochre stupas sprawl across the plains amidst wilting Acacia trees and whirlpools of brown earth. Wispy clouds hang low, shrouding the landscape in an eerie yet dreamy setting. Almost 800 years ago, this enormous holy ground was the center of a massive Buddhist kingdom. During the kingdom’s golden age, over 10,000 [...]
As curious travelers, we’ve always been intrigued by forbidden territories like the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK). Better known as North Korea, this isolated nation remains one of the least-understood and biggest unknowns in the world – having closed its doors to the outside world since its split from South Korea after World War II. Today, DPRK is the longest-lasting Stalinist dictatorship [...]
This is the fourth edition of an ongoing series of reviews on properties (budget hotels and hostels) we’re staying at during our travels in Asia, as part of our partnership with HostelBookers.com. Our first stop in Thailand, during our journey through Southeast Asia, was Chiang Mai, in the northern reaches of the country. We’ve heard so [...]
Before us the jade river winds like a blue silk ribbon and in the far distance, greenish grey karst mountains loom high and mighty, like green jade hairpins. As we sail along the river, we see herons fly overhead, while lonesome fishermen float past us on bamboo rafts, the air thick with the fragrant smell [...]
Having left Southeast Asia behind us, we’ve just arrived in Guilin, China – a laidback, tree-lined city hemmed by karst mountains, rice fields and winding rivers. Coming from the chaotic traffic-congested metropolis of Bangkok, we’ve warmly welcomed the transition and eased into the peaceful setting. We are excited to be traveling with China Odyssey Tours, crossing [...]
This is the third edition of an ongoing series of reviews on properties (budget hotels and hostels) we’re staying at during our travels in Asia, as part of our partnership with HostelBookers.com. As we journey around Southeast Asia, Bangkok has been a frequent stop for us – since it’s a major hub in the region. Our Songkran [...]
This is the second edition of an ongoing series of reviews on properties (budget hotels and hostels) we’re staying at during our travels in Asia, as part of our partnership with HostelBookers.com. On the streets of Hanoi, traffic ebbs and flows as slick chrome scooters weave between old-school rickshaws and pushcarts. Miniature stools and tables line the alleys, [...]
n Northern Vietnam, thousands of grottos and limestone cliffs dot the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Junk boats ply its water, against the natural backdrop of dark green rock formations shrouded in mist. The limestone in this bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments to evolve into the picturesque site it [...]
Emerald green rice terraces shimmered in the distance, as water buffaloes ploughed through the soggy field. In the backdrop, the towering Hoang Lien Son mountain range lay shrouded in mist while clusters of bamboo huts sprawled across its foothills. It had rained the day before and now the poetic landscape seemed even more beautiful than ever. We had left the town of Sapa in Lao Cai [...]
fter three weeks of traveling around the Philippines, we simply wanted to kick back for a few days in Crusoe-esque splendor – and on Sumilon Island we did just that. Located 10 km from Cebu island, it might be just a hop away from civilization but it sure felt like a world apart. Landing on [...]
ou can’t come to the Philippines and not go scuba diving,” said American dive master Gary Finney. Sporting an army-style crew cut, the expat continued to explain why, “The Philippines has some of the highest concentration of reef-building corals in the world, and here on Negros, we’re lucky to be surrounded by them.” We were [...]
Before coming to Myanmar, I had no clue what to expect – many friends have told us how amazing the country is, but only upon stepping foot on its holy soil, visiting its thousands of pagodas, navigating its chaotic streets, and talking to the Burmese, did I understand how captivating this country is. From the [...]
ilipinos have always bonded through food,” said Ivan, “The best deals have been settled on the dining table.” With that, we began our journey into the Philippine culinary world. In Manila’s Binondo district, also known as Chinatown, we met up with our guide, Ivan Mandy, who co-owns Old Manila Walks, an outfitter that aims to unpeel [...]
he air was thick with humidity. We followed the trail that snaked through the dense tropical foliage, pushing past thick molave leaves as we ventured further. “Shhh…” Our 18-year-old park ranger, Ijie, stopped us in our tracks and pointed at a branch hanging above our heads. There they were – two furry critters hugging the [...]
This is the first edition of an ongoing series of reviews on properties (budget hotels and hostels) we’re staying at during our travels in Asia, as part of our partnership with HostelBookers.com. Cebu City, the second largest metropolis in the Philippines, is a blur of chrome jeepneys, traffic fumes and eclectic street food stalls. The chaos and [...]
Receive updates in your inbox
vietnam luxury: Hello everyone, it\'s my first go to see at this w...
Annette: I had never even heard of a flycatcher before. Bea...
Najma: Facinating bitds
Thanks for sharing, i enjoyed you...
