Siam Swells: Surfing in Thailand
Over the past decade, surfing in Thailand has surged in popularity.What was once a pastime for expats and tourists has now become just as popular with locals. Like much of Southeast Asia, the biggest waves in Thailand roll in between April and September. These swells coincide with South Western monsoons and waves usually follow several days of […]
Sukabumi’s Extreme Nature Treks
The slopes of Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park are close enough to Jakarta to serve as a weekend getaway from the capital’s heat and traffic. Most refugees from Jakarta go through the Puncak-Cianjur route to the park, but those with a bigger appetite for adventure tolerate the four-to-five-hour drive from Jakarta to the town of […]
Revealing Catanduanes
As local surfing’s popularity grows, overcrowding has plagued most of the known surf spots in the country. Catanduanes’ spots, although spoken about in hushed tones, have seen its share of hardcore wave riders who welcome its rustic ambience, limited road network, unexplored coves, and the absence of a fast-food franchise. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean […]
Malaysia: Nature-Based Tourism
1.1. Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah Situated in the 4,300-hectare Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, the Sepilok orang utan sanctuary uses its rehabilitation of orphaned orang utans to educate the public on the importance of wildlife conservation. Visitors get to enjoy the rare and thrilling opportunity to see an orang utan up close: the viewing gallery […]
Jakarta Shows its Colors at the Jakarta Marathon
Indonesia’s capital city Jakarta is ready to show its sunnier, more festive side – and what better way is there than a marathon? Runners jostling at the Jakarta Marathon’s starting line will have more than just 42km of Jakarta highway to contend with – they’ll find Jakarta’s most notable landmarks and experience musical performances along […]
Soft Adventure in Singapore
Crossing the border between Malaysia and Singapore, I wondered what the city state possibly could have on offer, after just having experienced the abundance of nature and culture based soft adventures in Malaysia. Sure, familiar watersports were to be expected (e.g. sailing, kayaking, swimming, skiing) and probably a few well-kept routes for cycling fanatics. But, […]
Surfing the Red Rock: Pulau Merah
The surfing on Pulau Merah on the easternmost end of Indonesia’s Java Island might share some of the same currents that carry the surfers in nearby Bali, but the scene here is altogether different. The surf in Banyuwangi is stronger than in Bali’s Kuta Beach; the easy breaks on the 2-kilometre-long beach offer a safer […]
Philippines: Nature-Based Tourism
1.1. Donsol, Sorsogon and Oslob, Cebu Whaleshark Interaction Tours Whale sharks (known locally as “butanding”) congregate in the waters off Sorsogon and Cebu, feeding on the locally abundant krill blooms. From Donsol and Oslob, tourists can ride a rowboat to the feeding grounds, then snorkel in the waters to mingle with these gentle giants. Interactions […]
Nine Vegetarians Worth Saving in Southeast Asia
Herbivorous mammals don’t hurt anyone or anything. They are not predators. Yet due to host of reasons, primarily loss of habitat, there are lots of endangered herbivorous mammal species all over the world. Unfortunately, Southeast Asia is no exception. If you are a traveller who enjoys nature and wildlife, make it a point to visit […]
Thailand: Nature-Based Tourism
1.1. Khao Yai National Park Covering over 2,160 square kilometers in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, Khao Yai National Park straddles the borders of Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, and Prachin Buri provinces. The natural marvels of Khao Yai include over 200 species of birds; scenic waterfalls and jungle-covered mountains, all accessible via over […]