Five years in Ho Chi Minh City, working as a hotel manager in the city once named Saigon, I’ve explored this city’s alleys, its boulevards, its riverfront, its museums, pagodas, temples, churches and palaces. I’ve pieced together a pretty solid picture of Vietnamese history. I know what events followed each other, as well as the crucial names, dates and figures along the way, and even some of the lesser-known details peppering the country’s past. But what I didn’t know much of were the pers … [Read more...]
Stunning Samosir
Once ruled by kings for nearly 400 years, this ancient island at the centre of the world’s largest volcanic lake is a wonderland of nature and culture Words: Aulia R. Sungkar Photography: Suwandi Chandra Jetstar Asia Magazine, February 2014 A four-hour drive from Medan to Parapat, a small town on the Uluan peninsula, followed by a 45-minute ferry ride, takes me to Samosir Island, a wedge-shaped landmass roughly the size of Singapore at the centre of Lake Toba. It’s a tiring journe … [Read more...]
The ancient Fez
Making the most of a short hop to Morocco’s oldest imperial city By Mylda Sadrach As I walked through the urban labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys, I was taking a step back in history. Just like other cities in Morocco, Fez has a medina, a walled city which dates back as far as 1,000 years. The houses in the medina are built around courtyards with an Arabic style of archways and detailed mosaics. While exploring one of the neighborhoods, I was stunned by a traditional Moroccan home b … [Read more...]
Top Ten Countries to Visit in 2014
These 10 countries, according to Lonely Planet, are destined for an epic year, whether they’re hosting festivals, cutting the ribbon on new attractions or simply raising their game for travellers. Feast your eyes on 2014's most unmissable destinations. 1. Brazil All eyes on the pitch for 2014’s World Cup As if endless strands of sun-toasted coast, mountains splashed with Crayola-green rainforest and some of the planet’s most beautiful colonial villages didn’t already add up to an unfair … [Read more...]
A Celebration of Hairy Crab
InterContinental Kuala Lumpur's signature Chinese restaurant Tao is honoring its commitment to sourcing the finest seasonal produce in the region to create memorable and authentic dining experiences, with a menu celebrating one of China's favourite autumnal delicacies, Hairy Crab, this October 7 to 31. Offering guests a true taste of freshwater luxury, Tao has sourced the shellfish from the banks of the Yang Cheng Lake near Shanghai - the most famous area of origin for the Chinese … [Read more...]
Home to the Rich & Famous
This jet setter’s haven, Monaco basks in ostentatious luxury of the royals, fancy autos and roulettes Located along the famous French Riviera, the sovereign city state Monaco possesses all the dazzles that have enticed many men of means to splurge and enjoy a little slice of worldly heaven. With no government tax levied upon the residences, life on the 1.98-square-kilometer state is pretty enviable. Of course this is not to say that daily expenses go less than most in European countries. I … [Read more...]
J-Walking
Jakarta is getting merrier with more F&B and entertainment establishments to keep you up all night 7pm: Arguably the busiest eatery in town, Kitchenette lets you experience the concept of ‘dining inside a kitchen’. Cosy, comfy and casual, this new F&B establishment offers French and Italian fare served fresh directly from the kitchen into a social space. Plaza Indonesia Extension 1st Floor, Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 28-30, tel:+6221 2992 3580 9pm: Just walk to the adjacent building, … [Read more...]
Bali: beyond the usual suspects
Bali may have its fair share of tourists seeking nothing more than seven days of sun, sand and sex in the southern party triad of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, but this only forms a small part of what’s on offer. In reality, Bali is a lush Indonesian island teeming with cultural experiences, delicious food and exhilarating adventures. For those after a little slice of Balinese culture, food and adventure, consider the following, less visited possibilities: 1. Southern Bali: Bukit Pe … [Read more...]
W Retreat & Spa Bali
neighbourhood Petitenget is the name of the fab lane where designers, artists and socialites, not to mention jetsetters, are often spotted rubbing shoulders in this neck of the woods. It's an eclectic neighbourhood whose establishments form a microcosm of hip Bali – Mantra with its rustic charm, Biku with its modern translation of traditional Balinese, and Potato Head Beach Club with its reputation as the island's concert Mecca. In that context, the existence of W brand in the area only cements … [Read more...]
Emirates Takes Home 2013 ‘World’s Best Airline’ Award
Cementing its place as one of the world's leading international airlines, Emirates has been awarded the highly coveted 'World's Best Airline' award, presented by Skytrax at the 2013 World Airline Awards. In addition to winning 'World's Best Airline', Emirates scooped up a further two awards including 'Best Middle East Airline' and for a record ninth year in a row, 'World's Best Inflight Entertainment'. The awards were collected on June 19, 2013 by Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline at th … [Read more...]