Bali has been Indonesia’s top tourist destination for decades, with Kuta Beach establishing itself as a surfing mecca on Asia’s popular backpacking route in South East Asia. Long golden beaches, stunning coral reefs, a...

From water-sports to shopping, the island of Bali has it all. Pamper yourself with a chocolate spa treatment before partying the night away at one of its trendiest nightspots, all this while squeezing a...

Answers to the always asked question “What is there to do in Singapore?”, would invariably be – shop at Orchard Road, visit the Night Safari, or party down at Clarke Quay. A long time...

Dempsey, Eden in the City Listen to the cacophony of the traffic dwindle into a distance as you pace your way towards Dempsey Hill. Within minutes, tranquil and greenery unfold with every step up Dempsey...

Located at the southern-most part of Singapore, Sentosa Island stands at a mere 465 hectares, yet it has much more to offer than meets the eye. Beyond the typical notion of endless sun, fine...

From the magical Three Sisters to the beautiful Victoria Harbor, the land of the Kangaroo offers a wide variety of attractions for travelers of all age and interest. Other than the spectacular West Coast...

You’ve surely noticed by now the pictures of that huge rock smack in the middle of Australia. In Aboriginal, it’s called Uluru (said to have no true direct translation), but in English it is...

Back to New Zealand again this week to highlight one of my favorite part of the journey there, the famed Milford Sound. The 3-4 hour bus ride from Queenstown was quite eventful, with numerous...

Melbourne was the ideal vision of what I thought Australia would be like. The airport is located out in the bush, a reddish-hued desert with hardly anything else in sight. Leaving via bus, my first glimpse...

New Zealand’s Fjordland is home to some of Planet Earth’s most stunning landscapes. Most tourists head straight for Milford Sound, which is easily accessible via bus or coach, courtesy of a large mountain tunnel. But for those...

Australia is known for plenty of things – iconic architecture, unique wildlife among them – but few know about the record-breaking events that take place at the end of every January in a small...

The first thing I heard about the town of Rotoroa was that it’s got a weird smell hanging over the entire town. This intriguing fact was due to the amount of thermal geoactivities that...

While (almost) everyone knows that Canberra is Australia’s political capital, the amount of tourist attractions and diversity of entertainment options available in Sydney’s Circular Quay (pronounced like “key”) makes it a capital region of...

For this weeks’ Photo Friday, here’s a collage of snaps of the world’s adventure capital, Queenstown, New Zealand. This popular tourist domestic and international tourist destination did not disappoint, with plenty of attractions to...

Queensland has been in the news a lot lately with their “dream job” promotion – they offered someone an island caretaker job, complete with a big salary and benefits, as long as the caretaker...

Margaret River is a little town about 4 hours south of Perth. This quaint settlement is home to numerous vineyards and farm stays, making it ideal for those who wish to get away from...

Papua New Guinea, a unique country by the Pacific ocean who managed to remain relatively unspoilt thanks to its low urban development (only 18% of the population live in urban centers). As well as...

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand (not its larger northern neighbor, Auckland). Travelers in the know agree that this is one Pacific city not to be missed. With a combination of cosmopolitan attractions...

The beautiful city of Perth is a modern tourist’s delight. Vibrant and colorful, the City of Lights is located alongside the peaceful waters of the Swan River, bustling with activity and a wide range...

What’s in a name?Everest, previously known just as Peak XV, was confirmed to be the highest mountain in the world in 1856. It was named after Sir George Everest (a previous Surveyor General of...

Commonly regarded as the most beautiful mountain range in the Himalayas, the Annapurna massif consists of six major peaks, including the towering majesty of Annapurna I, one of the fourteen peaks in the world that is over eight...

Beth Whitman’s own wanderlust started years ago with a trip to India. While she’d seen plenty of the U.S. at that point, her only trip abroad had been a few weeks in England. But...

India is one of the most varied and beautiful countries in the world – a heady mix of beautiful beaches, lush rice fields, holy temples and hectic cities. Its city streets are a riot...

The beautiful remoteness of Putao has a prominent foothold on the Burmese imagination – remote, inaccessible and ringed by snow-capped Himalayan mountains. Truly off the beaten trek, Putao was one of the British Empire’s most remote...

You don’t need to even step foot in Kathmandu to appreciate its visions of spirituality and intrigue. First captured as the home of Shangri-la by the novelist James Hilton, then epitomized in song by...

“Tashkent,” I whispered. An exotic, soulful name that conjured images of magical kingdoms filled with Genies, flying carpets and architecture that blends with the sand. I expected a great caravanserai city in the midst...

The land of a thousand and one fables and fantasies, impenetrable Saudi Arabia has long intrigued the world. As the country begins to relax its visa rules to welcome visitors, Unearthing Asia shares with you here...

To many foreigners, Turkey is synonymous with beautiful carpeted hallways of grandiose halls, with mesmerizing carvings and handcrafted decorations adorning the walls. It brings to mind the tale of a storyteller princess who fascinated...

Like how one would imagine the magical Arabic deserts to be, Wadi Rum gives you that spine-tingling sense of Middle Eastern beauty you’d least expect. A pride of Jordan, this wild desert is a...

When people think of Qatar, oil is the first thing that comes to mind. Like its Gulf State peers, Qatar has seen a remarkable transformation from sleepy backwater emirate to a vibrant regional power...

Food is one of the most unique item pertaining to one’s culture, and one that is an important part to traveling nowadays. Here at Unearthing Asia, we are all for wacky eats and local street food,...

Traveling to Egypt may not top every backpacker’s to-do list, but this fascinating country is a gateway to the ancient world. Starting your journey in a Cairo hostel, the land of the Pharaohs is your...

Everybody has often seen photographs of tourists relaxing in the Dead Sea, floating and reading a newspaper. While experiencing the gems of being in the Dead Sea is an unforgettable experience, there’s plenty more...

Uzbekistan lies at the heart of the Great Silk Road. For centuries, oases of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva brought respite to the caravans as they made their way across the desert. A tour through...

Imagine a list perfect getaway holidays, and one would usually find soft sandy beaches and the pristine ocean waters listed high up on that list. An isolated far away place where you can escape...

An oasis in the desert, Dubai is loud, crazy, glamorous, and a host of other adjective, all of them extreme. It’s one of those place that you either love or hate. But beyond the...

Locks and love aren’t exactly synonymous. Love after all, was supposed to set you free. But at the N Seoul Tower in Namsan Park, South Korea, you’ll find thousands and thousands of locks symbolizing...

Compared to Singapore, Hong Kong is often synonymous with a dirty, rowdy and cramped megalopolis that’s extremely easy to get lost in. It’s maze of cheap shopping and street-side food snacks are thronged with locals...

I visited Everland in South Korea late last fall, and the main attraction there was the T-Express, this gigantic wooden roller-coaster. I have to be honest, I’m no coaster expert, so I was very...

As I stood on the edge of a large rock overlooking the vast desert in northern Xinjiang, the wind howls fiercely around me. The sound it makes is unnerving and the sand it whips...

Early last year I had the chance to spend some time vacationing in Hong Kong. One of the things that I truly enjoyed there was the avalanche of option you have for food. I had...

Hong Kong is, without a doubt, my favorite city in Asia. The melding of east-meets-west, the unbelievable craziness of the atmosphere, the ‘buzz’ – nothing beats it. One of my favorite thing to do...

The region of Asia has plenty of unique islands, but one that seems hard to choose from the multitude of things to do in is Japan. Tourists usually start out in Tokyo, the country’s...

About one and a half hours drive away from Seoul, South Korea, is beautiful laid-back Mount Sorak. This mountain region offers mesmerizing views and numerous hiking treks for the nature lovers, and at the...

The oriental charms of Japan is one that is often expensive and pricey. The recent Cost of Living Survey listed Tokyo and Osaka as the top two most expensive cities to live in the world, but...

A unique concept was recently sprung on the center of Jimbaran fishing village. Kupu Kupu Jimbaran Suites was opened on the 1st of April 2011. The hotel aims to be a focal point for...

Something tasty is cooking at the Banyan Tree Ungasan. The luxury resort has combined a tour of the local wet market with cooking classes to offer to guests wanting to experience a wholesome Balinese culinary...

Centara Hotels and Resorts has announced the launch of its third hotel in Bangkok, the Centara Watergate Pavillion, a four-star hotel located further right above the Watergate Pavillion Shopping Complex. The announcement comes at...

Stylishly designed with superior furnishings and premium accessories, the iconic Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Singapore offers an ideal luxury serviced accommodation in a city centre location. It is next to Somerset MRT station on...

Scuba Diving in Sabah is well on the way towards becoming one of the major attractions enjoyed by both local and foreign tourists alike. Divers travel from as far a thousand of miles away...

There’s another reason to visit Sky on 57, a fine-dining establishment that is fast acquiring iconic status amongst the city-state’s gourmet connoisseurs. Helmed by Singapore’s favorite culinary son, Justin Quek, the establishment now boast...

Bali is an amazing destination that is perfect for your family holiday. But with Kuta and Seminyak filling to the brim with a slew of inhabitants, more and more people are flocking to Jimbaran. Previously famed for its cliff-hugging...

A charming new hotel is now open in the heart of Singapore’s historic Chinatown precint. Combining a fascinating European 1930’s styled facade with modern contemporary interiors, the Porcelain Hotel also features a signature spa...

Photo Credit – Six Senses Phuket Raceweek The Six Senses Phuket Raceweek is set to continue with four days of international standard yacht racing from 20 to 24 July 2011. Now in its eight...

Although Asia is mostly made up of various sizes of island nations and several dense world capitals, there is a time and place to hire a car and push the pedal to the floor....

Living in Scotland, you become spoiled 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...

If you’ve been to Cambodia, you’ll likely have been to Siem Reap to visit the Angkor Wat complex. But there is more to this Asian country than sun-baked ruins and temples galore. Retreat to...

Langkawi is home to Malaysia’s legends and a gift of mother nature to its inhabitants. Covered in mystery and natural beauty, the coast-side island is filled with natural attractions and cultural history. Here’s a...

As we’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...

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...

Indonesia is the widest archipelago in the world, with more than 80,000 km of coastline and 3.1 million square km of marine area. With such a large marine area, it’s no wonder Indonesia is...

Deep in the hearts of Papua, lies the Holy Grail of scuba diving. Back in our very first issue of the magazine we shared about the eco-conservation efforts being undertaken in Raja Ampat to ensure this...

The South East Asian country of Malaysia is a mix of two halves, separated by the South China Sea. The peninsula boasts the modern city of Kuala Lumpur, with its sprawling suburbs and adjacent towns,...

I know it sounds crazy, but the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong is actually a great backdrop for hiking. Hong Kong Island has lots of hills and trails, and if you’re ready to walk...

The extinct volcanic cone known as Mauao Mention Christmas and it conjures up images of kids frolicking in the snow, people wrapped in thick winter clothes and, of course, Santa Claus as he shimmies...

The manta ray is a beautiful creature that is well loved by all. This graceful and peaceful fish, in its natural habitat, is one of the most spectacular sights in this wide ocean of...

Feel the oriental nostalgia with Jiu Fen’s quaint ancient charm that traces its paths back in history. Sitting at the top of a mountain up northern Taiwan, Jiu Fen used to be an isolated...

Despite the southeast coast of Australia being the most populous and the most popular with tourists, many visitors speed by Australia’s capital city of Canberra on their travels. Others don’t even realise that Australia...

Just north of Shanghai’s oldest neighborhood lies its newest modern quarter, Xintiandi. This nightlife and fashion district, which is nestled inside a series of restored tenement stone houses known as shikumen, is a hotspot...

This 429 square kilometer of land is called Koh Chang, or Elephant Island, for a reason. It’s not because of its size, but instead its more to do with the island’s imaginative elephant-like shape....

The economic centre of Southeast Asia’s rising economic star, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the planet’s most exciting cities, where influences from France collide with the Orient, and where the Vietnam War...

You’ve heard of the ‘stans, even if you don’t realize it. They are quickly becoming the new backpacker circuit in Central Asia, offering great off-road touring, expansive nature, and that slight twinge of discomfort in not...

Dempsey, Art Village The hill has attracted many business owners from all over the world. For those with a penchant for the East, Dempsey certainly enchants. The majority of the retail outlets here are...

Less than 10 years old, 50 Moganshan Road, or M50 as it’s often referred to, is nothing if not modern. An old warehouse district from the 1930s, the buildings at 50 Moganshan Rd. once...

If places like Taikang Lu and Xintiandi are a contemporary and historical melting pot of Shanghai-ness, then Duolun Road is its timeline. When 50 Moganshan was still nothing more than a textile factory, some of the most radical...

Feel-good therapies and natural healing are the lifestyle mantras of the new millennium. Thailand leads the way in this regard, reviving many of its ancient techniques and treatments that have been handed down from...

The Land of Ginseng is one that thoroughly understands the importance of preserving its rich history and culture. As such, numerous festivals are held throughout Korea each year to showcase the beauty of the...

Yogyakarta is a mixture and combination of various cultural influences, from the historic colonial era to the mystical influences of Sultans and temples of old, this old city has them all. As you explore...

Macau is a city with two faces. On one hand, it is the famed Las Vegas of the East, where the thrill of beating the dealer at the blackjack table lures wealthy tourists from...

Phnom Penh, the capital and largest city of Cambodia, is famed for its historical war remnants and cultural attractions, such as the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Slowly but...

An immersive annual showcase and dialogue for art and film is set to take place at the Six Senses Yao Noi, Beyond Phuket from December 16 to 20, 2011. Film on the Rocks will...

Many travelers treat Jakarta simply as a stopover spot on their way to Bali’s island paradise. But this metropolitan capital to Indonesia certainly deserves more than a day or two,especially if you’re wanting to...

The famed Vietnamese Pho is without a doubt an excellent dish – succulent thin slices of beef dumped with fresh herbs in a stock of tasty broth. It’s no wonder travelers to Vietnam would...

New Zealand’s abundantly lush natural surroundings make it a rich source not only of spellbinding landscapes and thrilling adventures but also a delicious supply of some of the world’s freshest food and finest wines....

A glamorous view can add a touch of flair and ambiance to any event. Open-air concept and seaside revelry, combined with fine gastronomic treat and intoxicating wine and you’ve got the perfect setting for...

Bangkok is an interesting city of contrast and intrigue – full of chaos and traffic jam, with a wide variety of people with varying lifestyles. But at the same time, it is also full...

Singapore’s most esteemed culinary event returned with aplomb in celebration of its 15th anniversary. The annual gastronomic extravaganza, which brings together the finest in the culinary industry, boasted an exciting line-up of renowned celebrity...

Photo credit – Stuart Spivack The majority of travellers to Thailand will speak of its superb cuisine and more often than not, it’s the one thing that holidaymakers seem to miss the most after...

Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta is proud to invite the public to join them for a celebration of summer holidays around the world with delicious culinary promotions including a visit by Michelin-starred chef Fabien Lefebvre. Michelin...

In the beginning, there is raw fish. The fish must be as fresh as you can get it, preferably fish that has just been plucked from the ocean. The right thing when you’re cooking...

Yogyakarta, located in Central Java, is a province filled with mysticism and cultural charms. The location makes it an attractive option for tourists heading to visit the Borobudur Temple, while the charming colonial architectures...

The iconic Equinox Complex in Singapore is turning 10 this year, and it is celebrating with a bang with the return of the annual Chefs With Altitude from 23 to 30 October 2011. The...

This province located in the western part of China is one that is famed internationally for its tasty servings. Szechuan cuisine often features bold flavors, such as extreme spiciness usually resulting from liberal use...

Nobody is entirely sure where the dessert goodness of the Mango Sago originated from. Hong Kong is probably as good a guess as any, with the famed Hui Lao Shan dessert shop sprouting in...

Malaysia is home to fabulous street eats and equally tasty restaurants. With various influences from Malay and Chinese traditions, spicy Indian and Nonya dishes, Malaysia offers much to savour in all of its 13...

No trip is complete without trying out some of the best local food at your choice of destination. When you come to Asia, one of the must-try food is none other than dim sum,...

Southeast Asia is one of my favorite parts of the world, and one of the best ways to kick back and relax after a long day touring in the sun and humidity is to...

Did you know that gunpowder can spruce up your palate indulgence? Well, it is so at Dempsey Hill. The Prime Society restaurant has a 150-seater dining capacity. With crimson brick pillars extending to the high ceiling,...

There’s more to the Las Vegas of the East than the thrill of beating the dealer at blackjack, or the sound of the coins falling out as you hit the jackpot. This Southern Chinese...

This year, Indonesia’s annual Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) will be hosted in Bandar Lampung. This premier tourism event will be held from 12 to 14 October 2011 at the Novotel Hotel in...

A new option is now available at Marina Bay Sands, with Sky on 57 launching its Outdoor Terrace which allows guests to enjoy post-dinner drinks or late night snacks with the accompaniment of chill-out...

One of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life occurred on a cool moonlit night in New Zealand. I gazed up from my ground-level lodge’s balcony and saw the most amazing thing: hundreds of...

Australian holidays are all about long journeys and adventurous travel. You could just lounge on the beach or have a city break in Sydney during your holiday to Australia, but you would be missing...

The beautiful Waitemata Harbour is Auckland’s greatest natural asset © Gareth Eyres A day in Auckland begins as the sun rises and ends way after it sets. With a million of its people residing...

Filed under Enchanting Oceania, News Leave a comment Tourism Victoria has launched the latest phase of its “Jigsaw” campaign, with creative designed to lure Australian travelers to Melbourne. The tourism body launched its year-long campaign “Play...

Your love of wine and food will draw you to Marlborough © Ian Trafford New Zealand is a country like no other, and its wine is an experience like no other. The special combination...

Geyser flat, Whakarewarewa © Chris McLennan Did you know that the Frying Pan Lake near Rotorua is the world’s largest hot water spring, with temperatures reaching 200?C at its deepest point? It comes as...

Western Australia is one of the major tourist attraction for travelers looking for wilderness and adventure, and rightfully so. The area is huge but very sparsely populated – just 2.1 million inhabitants with almost...

Cape Comorin is popularly known as Kanyakumari and it is situated at the southernmost tip of India. This is a place of high religious importance but from a travel perspective, you’ll be surprised to...

India is a land of many wonders, blessed with a amazing geography and cultural diversity that is unmatched throughout the region. Naturally, one of its main attraction is the Himalayas in the North East....

High altitude wilderness has its own uniquely self-eluding charm, one that held me in awe. This was the reason why I chose to start the year 2009 with a visit to Zanskar Valley. The...

At 4,556m above sea level, the Kailash Mansarovar is without a doubt one of the highest altitude lakes in the world. It is a place of relatively untouched pristine beauty and amazing sceneries, one...

Mysore Dasara is a popular event in Karnataka State, South India, a world famous festival lasting all through 10 days. The city of Mysore will look at its best during the festival, with all...

Ladakh, India, is a sparsely populated mountainous area tucked away high in the Himalayas. It is a land known for its remote beauty and culture, often called “Little Tibet”. Back in the third issue of our...

Delhi, the capital of India, presents a vast panorama of fascinating images. It is a city where forts, tombs and ruins share the same skyline with high-rise buildings and stately homes. The wide tree-lined avenues...

We continue our tour of the “new” backpacker circuit in Central Asia with a stop in Tajikistan. A relatively small nation, it borders several of the other ‘stans as well as well as China to the...

The next stop in our tour of the “new” backpacker circuit in Central Asia is Uzbekistan. Landlocked nation with the exception of the bordering Aral Sea, the Uzbek countryside is a series of deserts and dunes....

Today we continue our offbeat excursions to explore the things to see and do in Central Asia. This week we visit Kyrgyzstan, a rural and mountainous country that will remind you of the gorgeous scenery...

Beyond India’s popular Golden Triangle lies a calm desert terrain and a fairy-tale setting. Nellie Huang uncovers a mosaic of colors in the offbeat region of Rajasthan. Text by Nellie Huang (WildJunket). With mystique...

A new dash of style and luxury has made its way to Siem Reap. The luxury boutique resort Alila Sothea has re-launched and re-opened, a stylish resort marking Alila’s entry into Cambodia. Located in...

While neighboring Greece has its beautiful beaches, wonderful sunsets, and ancient ruins, the country of Turkey has its awe-inspiring natural landscape formations, a colorful and lively culture, and an eclectic mix of the Greek,...

Filed under Attractions, Crossroad of Asia, Luxury Travel Leave a comment Many wouldn’t think so but with its sparkling turquoise waters, its stunning natural landscape formations, and its warm nights, Turkey is one of the most romantic...

China’s northernmost city of Harbin is a popular winter destination for both local and international tourists alike. Hundreds of thousands flock in freezing January temperatures to attend the Ice Lantern Festival, an annual festival...

Recently Unearthing Asia has the pleasure of interviewing Dr Leping Zha, an unconventional photographer. Dr Zha’s professional career is not in photography, but he shares an unforgiving passion for it and an incurable thirst...

Somewhere high up in the Himalayas, the mighty Yangtze River embarks on a long and arduous descent. Beginning its journey as a tiny creek at its apex, the Long River (as it is known...

Hong Kong is an exciting eating destination that is visited by foodies from across the world, all keen to sample the amazing culinary culture that is in place here. With global gastronomes hopping flights to...

Photo credit – Visual Panic Fishing can be a relaxing addition to an otherwise hectic, but it’s one of those kind of activities – either you’ll love it or you’ll hate it. Regardless, if...

The luxury hand of Accor Group, the upscale five-star Pullman, is back on the headlines with the recently opened Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa in China’s southwestern Yunnan Province. The new property is located...

Sofitel Luxury Hotels has proudly opened its first address in Guangzhou with the opening of Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich. The property is located strategically in the heart of Tianhe, just 1km away from CITIC Plaza...

The AYANA Resort and Spa Bali is proud to announce the appointment of Jusman So as Chef de Cuisine at Dava, the signature fine dining venue at AYANA Resort and Spa Bali. Jusman is...

The urban lifestyle of Jakartans continues to evolve, and now, a mall or a shopping center is no longer just a place to buy your everyday needs. But instead, it is now a center...

A Touch of Zen – Affordable Luxury in Lembang Deep in the heart of Bandung, the flower city of West Java, lies a natural boutique resort offering guests a peaceful stay at their evergreen...

Old School Beauty – A Charming Themed Resort with Nostalgic Tints Inside Lembang’s lush surroundings lies Jadul Village, a unique villa and spa concept offering you luxurious accommodations amidst an atmosphere of rich heritage....

A host of high-profile golfers have come together to help raise nearly 2.5 million Baht at a charity auction in aid of the flood relief efforts in Thailand. The Thai public and people throughout Asia in...

Photo credit by Vivu Travel In the south-central region of Cambodia, on the banks of the Tonlé Sap, Bassac and Mekong Rivers, lies Phnom Penh, the country’s permanent capital since 1866. Within the city...