Regardless of which trail you explore, a cool hike is guaranteed as you are in the highlands. Another unique feature of this cool environment is the abundance of moss, ferns and lichen for a mossy forest experience. With a choice of over 15 trails, we decided on Trail 10 to Gunung Jasar peak (1,670m) and …
Continue reading Trail 10 to Gunung Jasar, Cameron Highlands
For more than 40 years, it was almost impossible and dangerous to visit the original baptismal site of Jesus due to the presence of landmines, planted by the Israeli Army after the Six Day War in 1967 to prevent infiltration from Jordan.Fully re-opened in 2019, I had the privilege to stand on the banks of …
Continue reading Baptismal Site on the Jordan River – Qasr Al-Yahud
Visited December 2019Built as a shrine to the Baha’i faith, the Baha’i Gardens comprise a staircase of 19 terraces extending up the northern slope of the city's Mount Carmel. At the central terrace stands the golden domed Shrine of the Bab (the “Gate” in Arabic) - the final resting place of the Founder of the …
When I announced my intention to visit Nepal that included a 10-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp, I was not prepared for reactions like "You are going solo? You are NUTS, is that safe?" Despite horror tales of altitude sickness, lack of bathrooms while trekking, aneuryms and what nots, I stayed resolute, carried on with my …
With Avatar 2 slated release date still a moving target (last heard it was December 2021), now is as good a time as any to share my take on the 'Hallelujah Mountains'. Zhangjiajie became one of my holiday destinations after James Cameron's Avatar hit local theatres in 2009. With sequels planned till 2027, this will …
Located in the heart of Anhui Province, Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) consists of massive granitic boulders and ancient pine trees emerging through a perpetual sea of clouds. Intrigued by the four wonders of pine trees, oddly shaped rocks, sea of clouds and hot springs, we planned a 2D/1N trip to Mt. Huangshan in 2011 to …
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park When I visited in 2012, Tian Men Shan is not included in tour packages but offered as an optional stop. Located 8 km south of Zhangjiajie City, Tianmen Mountain National Park is not in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which is about 40 minutes away. In 263 …
I first visited Siem Reap in 2001. I returned 15 years later to participate in the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon (AWHM) on 4 December 2016. The idea of running through the ruins of Angkor Wat was irresistible. The flat course allayed anxieties of not completing the race, allowing me to truly savour the novelty …
Today, all of 8 main temples and 8 small shrines in the inner zone are reconstructed Deciding to be adventurous, we took the bus to Prambanan from Maliosboro. This was recommended by a waiter at dinner the night before. We arrived after an hour’s ride and made out way on foot to the temple complex. …
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