Getting Lost in the Calamianes Islands
Sailing into the quiet bay of Coron on the first day of 2009, I found myself counting life’s blessings as I gazed at the limestone islands and white sandy beaches, the northeasterly breezes blowing all my worries away. On the deck, budding photographers clicked away at the passing scenery while other holiday makers sunned themselves […]
Casting a Line in the Thousand Islands
Lucky Jakartans, they don’t have to go far from the city to enjoy the beach and other fruits of the sea. Just 45 km north of the coast, the Thousand Islands provide a complete change of tone from the city – about 70-plus coral islands harboring over 140 species of fish in its waters. Anglers […]
In the Land of Tuna
Long before this progressive city in the South propelled to fame as our world boxing champ’s hometown, General Santos City (“GenSan” to locals) had already established itself in the global map as a major player in the Philippine tuna industry. In the mid-70’s, the tuna boom was encouraged by the arrival of Japanese traders hunting for […]
Southeast Asia’s Wildlife and Where to Find It
Within its mangrove forests, tropical jungles and plains, Southeast Asia cradles an almost unimaginable diversity of wildlife. Animals endemic to the region encompass the large and the small, winged and web-footed, sharp-toothed predators and docile, herbivorous prey alike. This embarrassment of natural riches provides a travel experience on par with the region’s iconic temples and […]
Soft Adventure in Lao PDR
The Democratic Republic of Laos is a landlocked country that can’t boost of beaches, but otherwise is blessed with an abundance of natural and cultural resources and a dominantly rural, very hospitable population. No wonder over 3.6 million visitors flocked to the country in 2013[1], doubling the number of 2008. From those who stayed over […]
Wildlife Ecotourism Boosting Cambodia, Malaysia And The Philippines
I’m in a protected forest in Cambodia’s Seima Biodiversity Conservation Area, staring through a high-powered telescope at a Great Hornbill. Five minutes before I had little idea what a Great Hornbill was. Now I am gaping in awe at this incredible looking bird, its massive beak curved like a scimitar. In a neighboring tree a […]
An Epic Hill Trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake
The hiking trails from the hill station of Kalaw to Inle Lake vary in length, but all of them offer an undiluted Myanmar countryside experience: you’ll walk past farmlands that used to grow opium, but now specialize in cash crops like cabbage, potato and canola; you’ll explore villages occupied by Taung Yo, Danu, Palaung, and […]
ASEAN’s Sea Gypsies: In Sync with the Tides
The sea gypsies of Myanmar and Thailand’s Andaman coast managed to escape the worst of the Boxing Day 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. They noted the receding tide and the change in currents, recalled the stories of their ancestors, and retreated to higher ground. Coastal settlements and boats were inevitably lost but very few of their […]
Soft Adventure in Brunei
While its big neighbour by which it is embraced on three sides receives over 25 million international tourists annually, the tiny Islamic Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam welcomes a mere one hundredth of that number. Yet, unquestionably it’s as ‘truly Asia’ as Malaysia is; and the Philippines, one may add, since the current country is all […]
Trekking in Southeast Asia
Tired of watching the scenery pass you by as you ride from place to place? Consider hoofing it instead. In Southeast Asia, you have an almost endless selection of trails to hike through, if traveling on wheels has lost its charm. Southeast Asia’s trekking trails, go through jungle, farmland, desert… even up the side of […]