Singapore comes up tops in many things except for one – space. And with COVID-19 restrictions keeping us grounded, we quickly envied those large countries with regions and states which allowed their citizens some consolation with domestic travel. The good news is, Singapore’s been making good progress in the viral spread, and is one of…
Tag: Travel
CRUISES FIND THEMSELVES THE FIRST REPRIEVE FOR TRAVEL-STARVED SINGAPOREANS
It’s the only way most will get to go “over seas” for now. What worked for us is also working against us. Singapore’s tiny land mass has allowed for one of the most remarkable COVID-19 recovery stories, but is also keenly felt by locals as they stay landlocked. Minus the few business exceptions and job…
BELFAST NEED NOT PLAY SECOND TO NONE
The second-largest city in Ireland has plenty to offer to warrant inclusion in your itinerary. Think of Dublin and you think of grand Irish cheer and charm. Think of Belfast and you think of nothing but conflict. But is it warranted? In this piece for Expedia, I check in and find plenty to discover in…
JAPANESE ETIQUETTE 101: REMINDERS FOR YOUR NEXT VISIT
Renowned as one of the most courteous and systematic countries in the world, I wouldn’t blame the first-time visitor to Japan for being overwhelmed. And even if you manage to figure out the subways and navigating the rush hour throngs, there is always the fear that one might make some social faux pas and that…
CAPELLA UBUD, BALI, JUST NAMED NO.1 HOTEL IN THE WORLD
AS AWARDED BY Travel + Leisure 2020 World’s Best Awards Somewhere between the lines of the idyllic and the elegant, a winner emerged on 8th July 202 at the annual World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure. Not only did Capella Ubud, Bali receive top honours, but parent company Capella Hotels and Resorts also won…
SYDNEY AND ITS SURROUNDS WILL FOSTER NEW MEMORIES FOR OLD FRIENDS
The city of Sydney needs no introduction. A vibrant city that brings art, shopping, and world-famous dining experiences in one spot. But to add another layer of excitement, the greater area of its surrounds promises a natural escape that few are familiar with. Hot air balloon rides over vineyards and world-class whale-watching sites are some…
QATAR AIRWAY’S NEW LOUNGE IN SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT IS THE NEXT GENERATION OF LUXURY FOR BUSINESS FLIERS
Last year’s winner for World’s Best Airlines, Qatar Airways has catapulted itself as a brand. I remember how I took one of its first flights when it began, and was already impressed by its high standards. But never one to rest on their laurels, the airline has been striving to add to their value. Their…
HOW A BUCKET LIST MIGHT RUIN YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Raise your hand if you have a bucket list. Ever since the titular movie propelled the word to common vernacular, travel has slowly been shaped by a traveler’s list of places-to-see-before-I-die. But I can’t help but wonder, is it a good idea to travel with this macabre overtone? One must also ask, have we ended…
THE SNOW THAT WASN’T SUPPOSED TO BE: HOW A SHANGHAI & SUZHOU TRIP GOT EXTRA MEMORABLE
It was freezing. And haven’t been one to have seen falling snow before this, I ventured if something like that would happen from my local friend. She sniffed, an incredulous expression dealt to my suggestion. “It hasn’t snowed in over 50 years!” Oh well. But a few hours later, heading back to the hotel, she…
IS CYPRUS THE NEW GREECE?
There’s nothing quite like Greece of course. In fact, there’s never any real replacement for one particular country when you get down to the details. That said – if one is asking for a little twist from the (currently) Instagram hotspot, without loosing that formula or sun, sand, sea and stunning history, then Cyprus is…
RACE START – HOW COMPETITION MAKES A DESTINATION COMPELLING
Every competition and race comes with a clash. Thankfully, it’s more of energy and excitement than anything negative. From World Cups to the Olympics, sports have pulled fans to events across the world and will continue to do so. While big brands such as the above, along with others like Formula One and Wimbledon, continue…
MORE THAN JUST AMALFI
Because of how famous it is, the Amalfi Coast is often thought as just a small stretch around the town of Amalfi itself. But in truth, there’s 50 km of coast to drive down, dotted with quaint towns, villages and hamlets each with their own specialties. If you need a guide on which of these…
ENCOUNTER ALL THE SHADES OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
If you self-drive or love coach tours, Western Australia’s routes will give you a bang for your buck. All along the coast and inland, you will find a smattering of sights to keep you engaged along the route. The colours stood out clearly for me in my mind’s eye, so I wrote out these itineraries…
THE WAYS YOU CAN FROLIC IN FIJI
It’s true that Fiji isn’t the most accessible place, even if you live in the nearest countries of Australia, New Zealand or Papua New Guinea. But isn’t that the case for anywhere that’s really out of this world? Fiji may be most widely known for that bottled water, but ditch that plastic and go to…
FAMILY FESTIVAL FUN – SEE 23 OF THE WORLD’S BEST
With kids in tow or the elderly involved, it’s not easy for the average family to design a holiday that will please everyone. That’s where festivals come in. Festivals are amazing showcases of a country’s culture, often bringing everything to one spot. Food, fun, cheer, and plenty of activities for the young and old, they…
THE -30 SIBERIAN FAIRYTALE
Friends know I love the cold. My ideal climate range is 0-20 degrees celsius, where I could sit out and be forced to down a cup of hot beverage quickly before it turns cold, and then hop around with a scalded tongue. Yeah I’m weird that way. But weird goes easier when you’re rewarded by…
REDISCOVERING BALI
The legendary island promises a mystical adventure of self-awakening, but the reality greeting travellers is usually more crowded beaches and overpriced restaurants. So can we ever find the Bali that once was? The answer, is yes. The busy throngs at Kuta is still largely contained there, with some spillage to Seminyak. Canggu is fast becoming…
FLYING FOR THE FESTIVE
It’s not just the where… the when is an equally important factor to consider for your next holiday. Festivals are a great showcase of a country’s culture – East or West – so time your schedule just right and you’ll witness the essence of their human legacy. If you’re still shopping for inspiration for 2019,…
SANTORINI, GREECE: THERA NO BETTER SUNSETS
When it comes to travel brochures, claims can sometimes be just hype. Santorini’s sunsets are legendary – and luckily for good reason. While I’m not the sort to idly sit and watch our nearest star dip below the horizon, the island’s unique landscape and vantage makes this daily routine into a dramatic spectacle that you’ll…
JORDAN – 7 ACTIVITIES FOR THOSE VISITING THIS DESERT GEM
The deserts are alive in Jordan – dotted by the wandering Bedouins and incredible monuments. While Petra might be the poster child, everyone should attempt to experience these 7 unique experiences from this country, that will leave one with a memorable and romantic desert adventure tale. Read about tombs, castle, canyoning and more, on my…
SEEING FAR & WILD WITH TEONG LIN NG
Travelling to exotic locations to capture land and wildlife alike, Teong has achieved some spectacular shots with his partner-in-crime, wife Nina. Their work has resulted in a few published coffee books as well as mentions by National Geographic! Intrepid explorers Teong and Nina have seen places like Scotland, Iceland, Botswana, Kenya and the Galapagos to…
BATAM, INDONESIA – HASHTAG BATAM
And so a certain famous contracter used to proclaim, “and some say Batam!” This line is a reflection of the kinship Singapore has with our Indonesian neighbouring island. For example, did you know that a good majority of our pigs are imported from Batam? Or that they are an important supplier of electricity and sand…
IRAN – WHERE I STAYED (HOTEL REVIEWS)
The sanctions may have been lifted, but businesses in Iran still struggle when trying to establish themselves online. Unlike the rest of the world, credit card reservations don’t apply in Iran and transactions go old-school, made through emails and confirmed through trust. You’ll quickly find that booking lodgings become a problem. Agoda and Booking.com no longer…
ESFAHAN, IRAN – TINY POOL, BIG ASPIRATIONS (HOTEL REVIEW)
What led up to my booking at Howzak House is a tale unto itself. Having had no luck getting a budget accommodation in Esfahan for my trip, I was in a cafe trawling through the net when a friend who had just returned from Iran popped in. After exchanging greetings, I asked her for tips…
YAZD, IRAN – CURIOUS NAME BUT PURR-FECT STAY (HOTEL REVIEW)
You wouldn’t guess but behind one of Yazd’s old city mud walls is a very modern Jungle Hotel. I’m not sure what the owner was thinking of when naming the place, but when it came to the set-up, he’s got it down pat. A relatively new option, Mr Ghiyamat has fitted Jungle’s rooms with modern…
SHIRAZ, IRAN – FINDING YOUR HEART AT TAHA (HOTEL REVIEW)
Five minutes beyond the popular institution Niayesh, is this little gem of a business. When I went on a hunch to pick this over Niayesh, I was never prepared for how right it would be. Taha House is a traditional Iranian house recalibrated to give Shiraz visitors both private and dorm room options. The century-old…
IRAN – WHAT I WAS AFRAID OF WHEN I WAS IN IRAN
I admit. Iran was supposed to be a trophy destination. I wanted to be that admired intrepid traveler that could pepper my Instagram with hashtags like #liveauthentic, #yolo and #survivor. People whispered: Desert villages, religious fundamentalists, oppressed citizens, broken buildings, terrorist groups and hardworking camels. It’s a war-torn country, right? The truth is – I…
10 Popular Spots In South East Asia For Photos
One of the best things about living in Singapore is how central it is to many beautiful travel destinations. Just in the South East Asia list alone are countries that offer such diversity and beauty, it’s no wonder they become a photographer’s playground. We take a look at 10 of the most popular spots where…
Perfecting Those Snaps On The Road
Travelling is awesome. It takes us away from our daily routine to explore the world we live in and gain new perspective. Taking photos during our travels have taken on in a big way with digital and advanced mobile technology, but with it comes the problem of over-taking. We’ve all suffered through your friend’s fifty…
HANOI, VIETNAM – WANDERMENT
Punctuated by warning beeps from the ceaseless motorbikes, Hanoi is like a child’s sticker book – albeit a fairly organised one – where random shops get pasted tightly in seemingly endless alleys. Unlike its sibling city of Ho Chi Minh, where the steer towards development has been clearly imprinted, Hanoi seems to thrive in its organic…
MORGAN AWYONG 