Sometimes, it pays to (politely) barge into a conversation to ask questions. I found the cheapest accommodation in El Nido this way. A couple of young women who were ahead of the queue for a lunch stop at Roxas happened to be living in El Nido and one of them knew where I could stay […]

Thaipusam or Thai Poosam is a yearly holiday celebrated by the Tamil Hindus to honor Lord Murugan. This holiday is hugely anticipated and widely observed in many parts of the world where Tamil communities, big or small, can be found. Thaipusam is celebrated when the moon is full on the tenth Tamil month called Thai. […]

Volun-touring is on the rise these days, particularly in Southeast Asia. In Thailand, (abused) elephants are not the only ones providing entertainment, orphaned children seem to be doing that too. It is easy to get a tourist’s heart to melt at the sight of seemingly abandoned children who look like they are in dire need […]

While most of the world is intimately familiar with good-looking and sweet-tasting apples, pears and peaches, and the more popular tropical fruits yellow mangoes, pineapples and bananas (you know, the fruit basket you often get upon checking in at a high end hotel), how many have heard of the spiky and pungent durian (OK, that […]

When it comes to research, nothing comes close to the Smithsonian Institution, a massive complex of museums, research centers and a zoo that are dedicated to amass knowledge for the “increase and diffusion” of the same. When asked of their own bucket list, the Smithsonian – who should know nature, the arts and world culture […]

There’s no arguing that the world’s two largest temple complexes dedicated to Hindu deities and Buddha are a marvel in themselves and deserve special pilgrimage because of their religious value, historical significance and aesthetic appeal. Beyond these ancient engineering wonders, however, await a smattering of other architectural interests that hold the same wonder and allure […]

Only a few monarchies today have remained absolute, with all the powers vested in the reigning king or queen. The concentration of political power from one ruler has transitioned to a group of advisers or a council, and this was what happened to Thailand on December 10, 1932. People Power To encourage and increase civilian […]

When authority speaks, we ought to listen. This year, the heavyweights of the travel industry have spoken; taken their pick (and road-tested) superlative – best, fairest, cheapest – destinations for 2013. Their choices definitely vary, but they arrived at a common conclusion despite differences in criteria: Southeast Asia just won’t quit. Take for instance Fodor’s […]

Christmas is one of the world’s most recognizable and celebrated holidays. Countries and cultures all over the world prepare for this time of the year and celebrate with much pomp and revelry. It is one of the holidays which have both religious and secular roots. Every year, Christmas falls on December 25. Christian Origins The […]

The American West is home to some of the most magnificent and breathtaking rock formations that have found their way in travel glossies, outdoor magazines, documentaries and the silver screen. More than just jaw-dropping sights, the following rock formations across the United States tell a lot of stories about the Earth’s past, stories that are […]

There’s nothing more environment-friendly than rickshaws as far as transportation goes. It gets you from A to B (albeit a short A to B) faster than your two feet could ever carry you. It doesn’t cause more atmospheric stress than your typical gas-guzzling conveyance; and it provides livelihood for locals who would otherwise do nothing […]

In as far as making the greenback go places, nothing beats Southeast Asia. And in as far as stretching the dollar a little further, Vietnam is one of those places where less than $10 a day is livable. Despite its tumultuous history, Vietnam is fast emerging as a hot go-to place for British and Australian […]