Archive For The “Far Eastern Travel” Category
Langkawi, or to give its official title, Langkawi the Jewel of Kedah – in Malay Langkawi Permata Kedah – is indeed a tropical paradise. Yes, that’s an oft-used term but an apt description of this floating gem. Langkawi is, in fact, an archipelago of more than 100 islands in the Andaman Sea, 30 km off…
We in the West are becoming more familiar with Sake. There are now many more Japanese restaurants in our cities and all of them will have a drinks menu that will include a sake or two. It’s the Japanese national alcoholic beverage and most people already know that it’s made of rice. Yes, it’s called…
Sure, Bali is something of a tropical paradise. It was once only visited by Australians but these days, with regular flights with Singapore Airlines and their subsidiaries, Bali is open to the whole world. The very name ‘Bali’ conjures visions of palm trees, azure sea lapping on golden sands (words like poetry, aren’t they?). But…
For the last five years, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has set out to save the coral reefs and create a tidal wave of global change as part of its OZONE conservation initiative. Pollution and mass bleaching impact the world’s oceans, putting coral at risk. Outrigger’s ZONE (OZONE) goes into action each day by educating guests…
Outrigger Phuket is perhaps one of the friendliest luxury resorts one would hope to find. It combines both Thai hospitality and style. But food is often the cornerstone of any good vacation, and Outrigger Phuket Executive Chef Roberto Conrad ensures guests don’t go home disappointed. Tastes are diverse yet Chef Roberto has skilfully presented an…
Thailand is an easy country to love. A popular part of that land is Phuket and there is more to that region than just its glorious beaches. Any visitor would miss so much if they didn’t take a little time and a little tour. A half-day Phuket City excursion will show another and more traditional…
Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) 2018 opened on 15 March and continues for 11 deliciously fun-filled days in the heart of Doha at Hotel Park. Even if you have attended this event before, there will still be much that’s new to see and do. The number of food stalls and attractions has grown by more…
Bali is a destination known more by Australians than Europeans. But it’s more accessible these days with convenient flight connections via Singapore Airlines from London’s Heathrow and worldwide. The trip will start as soon as you hit the airport. If you fly from Heathrow Airport then head for T2B close to gate B36, for Singapore…
The name Batam refers to both an island and a municipality, the largest city in the Riau Islands, a province of Indonesia. You might not think you know where this is but if you have travelled to Singapore you would perhaps have already seen it: Batam is found across the Strait of Singapore. It is…
These are destinations known more by Australians than Europeans, but they are more accessible to us now, with convenient flight connections via Singapore Airlines from London’s Heathrow. Any vacation should start as soon as the head of the household is safely lodged in the cattery, the central heating is set to just ticking over, you…
London’s Icetank Studio was the venue for an informative and friendly seminar on Umami hosted by the Japanese Culinary Academy UK and supported by JETRO London (Japan External Trade Organisation). It showcased some of the exhibitors from the Japan Pavilion at this year’s Speciality Food Fair and they gave demonstrations to illustrate the significance of…
I was told to expect a book. I was told to expect a big book. I was told to expect a coffee-table book. What I got was a book the size of a coffee table but one which will hold my attention long after the furniture would have lost its purely functional appeal. Sake: The…
Sure, the world of sake is new and mysterious to most of us. Japan’s national beverage is made of few ingredients but there are many styles and each one has its own history and its own character. We are being offered a wider range of sake in Japanese restaurants but it’s a shame that non-Japanese…
Tokyo is a vibrant modern city but tradition is still evident. We might be looking for the latest technology in Akihabara or fashion and pop culture in Takeshitadori; but we all need food and many of us need sake. You’ll find that all around this sprawling town if you know where to look for it….
Awamori is the celebrated spirit originating in and unique to the Ryukyu Islands (Nansei Islands in Japanese) of Okinawa. It is made from long-grain Thai rice, which historically has been used in this region. The Ryukyu Kingdom was independent and ruled most of these islands from the 15th to the 19th century. The name Okinawa…
A dream came true for me recently and it was courtesy of the Japanese Ministry of Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). That might sound unlikely when one’s dreams are often woven around the acquisition of something small and sparkling, a new 3D TV, or designer shoes. MAFF invited me on my first trip to Japan for…
This city makes an ideal stop-over for long-haul passengers heading for Australia or New Zealand, although Malaysia has enough to delight, tempt and inspire those who want a longer visit. Malaysia does indeed have those tropical beaches, but it offers more. One can miss so much without a guide, but walking tours take time and…
I have been fortunate enough to have been able to spend time in Singapore, in fact every year for the past 3 years. I am an unashamed supporter of this my favourite country. I adore the weather, even the humidity which I find more tolerable than that of London, which tends to be vertical and…
I admit it. I am now an unashamed Japan evangelist. I had always wanted to go and as a much younger person I had a mission to read every book on Japan on which I could lay my hands. My Japanese language skills, however, extend only to the few words learnt from watching Richard Chamberlain…
Sake is more popular than ever outside Japan. There is a growing body of beverage professionals who are now turning their attention to Japan’s iconic national drink and they are proving their sommelier credentials via the WSET® Level 3 Award in Sake. Winter 2014 presented a group of enthusiastic future-Sake Educators with the unique opportunity…