Richard Kevin, Actor, Entrepreneur
June 23, 2010 by Nik
Filed under General Fun, Personality
Left - Kevin Richard. Right - Komodo Dragon, photo credit - Bionic Teaching.
Tell us about yourself. What do you do? What is your passion?
My name is Richard Kevin, an actor and entrepreneur. I love my family, my job and my company (ICON Group) more than anything! This three are my passion in life and the things that keep me alive.
How often do you travel? What was your most memorable travel experience?
I love traveling so much, but I can only travel at least once a year due to my job as an actor and my company. Sometimes however, work and pleasure mixes and I love to be able to travel for my work! One of my most memorable travel experience was not far from home. I had the chance to visit Komodo Island and got to see the Komodo dragon, Indonesia’s legendary reptile.
The Komodo Island is famed for its Komodo Dragons, but it is also host to a diverse marine life that puts it as one of the top diving spots in Indonesia. Check out this list of diver’s paradise in Indonesia for more diving inspirations!
Charming Christchurch, New Zealand
Which is your favorite place/city? Why? What is so interesting about that place?
I’m torn between Paris and Christchurch in New Zealand. Paris is just a beautiful city, it’s full of romance, luxury, glamour and sophistication. Christchurch on the other hand is simply the most beautiful natural scenery I have ever seen. New Zealanders are truly blessed!
What is your favorite activity or attractions in that particular place?
I enjoy walking around aimlessly and just trying to fit in with the local culture as much as possible. Another thing I enjoyed is taking public transportation to get around and see random sights. This is something that you can’t really do or enjoy in Jakarta, but outside of Indonesia it makes for a great way to see the city and its surrounding suburbs. I love the randomness of it, and just hunting around for great spots to sight-see and relax! In Paris, the shopping and architecture are two of the main draws for me. As for Christchurch, the scenery there truly draws me in.
Share with us your perfect beach holiday. What is your idea of a “dream paradise”?
For me the perfect beach holiday starts with contentment. I want to just sit back and relax and not have to think or worry about anything. It’s blissful and lazy, perhaps in Raja Ampat or the Maldives, where I can also enjoy the marine beauty.
Unearthing Asia now offers travel packages throughout the region of Asia. Check out our promotional offers of Luxury Private Villas in Bali, perfect for Honeymooners or those looking for a little romance. We also have great offers for hotels in Singapore, resorts in Phuket and many more.
Lost Paradise
June 15, 2010 by Nik
Filed under Attractions, News
Dive back into nature and uncover the beauty in the small little things that create your personal paradise. It’s time to get lost in amazing Asia.
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In this issue
+ Leh Ladakh
+ New Zealand
+ Yunnan
+ Puerto Princesa, the Island Life
+ Hong Kong – More than Shopping
+ Singapore Shopping Hotspots
+ Kuta Beach Getaway
+ Unusual Festivals
+ Ride Like a Khan
+ A Sense of Touch
Seven Great Lakes in Asia
May 31, 2010 by Nik
Filed under Attractions, Feature Highlights, Nature
Who doesn’t like a great lake? No, not those great lakes, but any lake where you can see an amazing reflection or view that forces you to make your own reflection. Whether it’s a serene place or an amazing lake that has a story, these are great places to stop for a rest and think. Write in your journal. Or just relax – isn’t that what lakes are for?
Photo credit - Patrick Kiteley
Mirror Lake, New Zealand
Sunrise at the Mirror Lake in New Zealand, near Fox Village, is no mean feat. You must drive or bike a few miles from town, then trek in the darkness around the lake to get this view. But it is certainly a noteworthy goal, as a lake clear as glass and silent makes way for this surreal mirror image as light fills the sky. It is a must-see when seeing the glaciers in the area, and even during midday a walk around the entire lake is lovely.
If you’re looking for more reasons to visit New Zealand, look no further than our Dreaming of New Zealand photo blog.
Photo credit - Robert Nyman
Tonle Sap, Cambodia
The Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, expanding many times its size during monsoon season. Because of the incredible change in landscape between dry and wet seasons, the people who live near here stay on floating villages – complete with televisions, petrol stations, and other typical amenities. It is a surreal sight to behold, especially since the far shore of the lake cannot be seen, leaving you feeling as if you are afloat at sea. It is possible to visit as a daytrip from Siem Reap.
There is more to this Asian country than sun-baked ruins and temples galore. Retreat to the south and experience Cambodia’s shore, full of beaches and off-beat sights to be explored.
Photo credit - Susonauta
Lake Biwa, Japan
Lakek Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in Japan; because of its location next to the historic capital of Japan, it is well known to Japanese historians, but the lake’s beaches are also popular to those not interested in history or literature. Other popular attractions include Ukimido, the floating temple, the Seta no Karahashi Bridge (especially at sunset!), and biwako Hana Funsui – the world’s largest water fountain.
Photo credit - Delirante Bestiole
Lake Baikal, Russia
Lake Baikal, just north of the Mongolian border in Russia, is a geological phenomenon. It is massive, containing 20% of the world’s surface freshwater and the deepest (and strangely, clearest) lakes in the world. Because of this and the hundreds of unique species that live here and nowhere else, Lake Baikal is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site. The resort of Listvyanka is also a UNESCO site and popular stopping point.
Not far from there, check out as well our exploration of Kamchatka, at the far eastern edge of Russia.
Photo credit - George Lu
Lake Wuhua Hai, China
Wuhua Hai, meaning ‘five flower lake’ in Chinese, is one of several of the amazing lakes in the Jiuzhaigou Valley. The name is appropriate, because just in the span of a few meters the lake changes color, from blue to black to yellow to green and back again. It is surreal, spooky, and amazing. Don’t miss the other lakes here in the valley, such as China’s version of the Mirror Lake featured above.
Photo credit - Thomas Depenbusch
Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Would you believe the above photo was shot in Kyrgyzstan? Lakes are a popular tourist attraction in the mountainous countryside of Kyrgyzstan, and Lake Issyk-Kul is no exception. It’s hidden inside a deep valley, giving you endless views of the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan mountains. It was a popular resort destination during Soviet times, and although those resorts fell into disrepair, they are making a resurgence with foreign tourists.
Check out our recent series of posts, where we covered the four “Stans”, starting from Kazakhstan, Tajiskistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Photo credit - yeowatzup
Inle Lake, Myanmar
Inle Lake in central Myanmar is the second largest lake in the country and one of its highest. An entire population of people, called the Intha, have built their lives and villages around this lake. Visit in September or October where you can experience Hpaung Daw U Festival, where Buddha images from the nearby Pagoda are paraded around the lake and there are dozens of boat races. This is followed by the Thadingyut festival of lights celebration.
Myanmar is also home to off-the-beaten-path Putao, a destination that is a veritable paradise on earth.
* Note: Some people seem to get held up with my definition of Asia. Asia = all of the destinations featured on Unearthing Asia, which includes places you might call “Australasia” or “Middle East.” Enjoy.
Travelers! Looking for a swanky place to stay? Check out our promotional offers of Luxury Private Villas in Bali, perfect for Honeymooners or those looking for a little romance. We also have great offers for hotels in Singapore, resorts in Phuket and many more.
About the Author. Andy Hayes. Andy Hayes is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Edinburgh, Scotland. When not crossing the world to have his next Asian travel adventures, he is hitting the walking trails near home. To get in touch or see Andy’s other travelogues, visit his website, Sharing Travel Experiences.
New Zealand Dreaming, Part 2
March 28, 2010 by Nik
Filed under Attractions, Enchanting Oceania, Nature
Continuing on my Photo Friday post last week, New Zealand Dreaming, I’d like to invite to continue our photographic journeys together through New Zealand’s South Island. This week, we travel from Mount Cook through to Queenstown, and we head towards Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s premiere tourist attraction.
One of the views greeting us as we head South from Mount Cook
Another shot of that same lake
The view from a viewing-point at the edge of Queenstown
A view of The Remarkables mountain range
Queenstown, a very cozy resort-town
At the Queenstown harbor
One of the stop on our way towards Te Anau
At the Mirror Lakes, a stop on the way to Milford Sound
The 3-4 hours drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is filled with such breathtaking views
The ride takes us through mountaineous regions
Finally, Milford Sound!
On hindsight, we would've loved to stay overnight here at Milford Sound – beautiful!
Back to Queenstown
Queenstown, from the top
Dreaming of New Zealand
March 19, 2010 by Nik
Filed under Attractions, Enchanting Oceania, Nature
As I’ve often mentioned before, New Zealand is hands down my favorite travel destination so far. It’s got great scenery, a laid-back atmosphere and a superb infrastructure that makes it a breeze to just explore and get lost in the country’s many beautiful landscapes. For Delicious Baby’s Photo Friday, here’s a photo recap (Part 1) of my New Zealand travels!
From one of the stops on our Port Hills Drive
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Another view from Sign of the Kiwi
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At the sea-side town of Sumner
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Sea-side fun at the beach of Sumner
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Ducks by the Avon River
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Another shot of Lake Tekapo
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A hiking trail at the base of Mount Cook
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Upclose and personal with the glaciers
The Islands of South East Asia
We are very pleased to unveil our most recent project,
a travel publication focusing on Lifestyle, Culture and Attractions all around Asia. If you’re in the region of South East Asia, do pick up a copy and don’t hesitate to send in your comments and thoughts.
In this issue
+ The Islands of South East Asia
+ Raja Ampat, Phuket, Puerto Princesa
+ Koh Pha Ngan, Bali
+ New Zealand’s Splashing Lake Taupo
+ A Guide to Middle Eastern Cuisine
+ Heeding the Call of Asia
+ Spotlight on Jakarta
+ Flashpacking Essentials
+ A Tropical Affair
Scottish Reminiscence in Dunedin, New Zealand
October 8, 2009 by Nik
Filed under Culture, Enchanting Oceania, Nature
Living in Scotland, you become spoilt by the never-ending scenery and hospitality of this northernmost section of the UK. Surprisingly, though, there’s one part of the world where you’ll find a near replica of Scotland – and it couldn’t be further away: Dunedin, New Zealand.
Dunedin is actually an old Scots word that means Edinburgh. The city blossomed out of the southern Kiwi countryside during the 1800’s gold rush, and the two cities were officially twinned in 1974. Today it’s the city in New Zealand with the highest proportion of persons of Scottish descent. Here are some of the wonderful places and sights you’ll see in Dunedin that will make you fall in love with both Dunedin’s…
Photo credits - tm-tm
Robert Burn’s Statue
Robert Burns was a famous Scottish poet, the man that brought us Auld Lang Syne. (That’s the song everyone sings on New Year’s Eve but doesn’t really know the lyrics to.) He even has his own national holiday in Scotland, Burns Night, where locals tuck in to a traditional meal of a Burns Supper. You can reflect on Burn’s influence on the world at his statue inside the Octagon, made by an Edinburgh sculptor, then follow up with a pint at The Original Robert Burns Pub on George Street.
Photo credits - yum9me
The Organ Pipes
So you won’t find a similar rock formation in Scotland (though there’s one kind of like it in Northern Ireland) but the Organ Pipes are a great way to get some fresh air, some height, and take in the great views of this part of the world that will remind you of Scotland’s green hills. The pipes are on Mount Cargill, which is easily accessible from the city. You’ll need a car or get a lift out to the car park on Mount Cargill Road and take the base trail from there, which is conveniently shaded from the sun on hot days. You’ll see the pipes long before you reach them; they’re a series of volcanic rock formations that cooled to look just like a set of organ pipes. Be sure to wear proper footwear up here as the rockface can be slightly slippery underfoot.
Photo credits - Mrs.Gemstone
Tunnel Beach
Being on an island itself, Scotland is well known for some pretty spectacular coasts, and New Zealand is no different. You simply must go and visit Tunnel Beach in Dunedin: half of the experience is getting there! Legend has it that a local politician had the tunnel built so that his daughter could easily access to shore anytime she wanted. It’s slightly damp, creepy, and spooky but the jagged cliffs on the other side are well worth the effort. To get there, you’ll need to drive along the Dunedin/Brighton coastal road until you see the Tunnel Beach signage. It takes about an hour to get to the beach and back; check with the tourist board in the Octagon and visit during low tide, the best time to go.
Photo credits - Samuel Mann
Baldwin Street
If you’ve been to Edinburgh, you’ll know it is a town full of quite steep cobblestone streets. But they’re nothing compared to Dunedin’s Baldwin Street: officially the world’s steepest street! You can walk it or drive to the top, where you’ll find a water fountain for refreshment, a bench to rest your feet, and great city views for your reward. Baldwin Street is in the northeast side of the city and even has its own festival every February, The Baldwin Street Gutbuster. If you have the energy, follow up your “hike” with a stroll in the nearby Botanic Gardens.
If You Go
While the overly-practical city center, called the Octagon for obvious reasons, is very nice and always bustling, it goes without saying: go head out into the countryside. There are tons of great scenery and loads of walks. Check out the list of walks, by category, on the Dunedin City Council website.
About the Author. Andy Hayes. Andy Hayes is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Edinburgh, Scotland. When not crossing the world to have his next Asian travel adventures, he is hitting the walking trails near home. To get in touch or see Andy’s other travelogues, visit his website, Sharing Experiences.
