5 Spectacular luxury destination alternatives
Whether you’re looking for majestic mountains dropping away to the sea, vibrant and dynamic cities, or an island paradise in a glittering ocean, the world is full of unique destinations to explore. If you’re looking for a little luxury, but also want to go somewhere different, here are some unique luxury destinations you could consider. A surprising number of luxury options are available these days, even in the most remote locations; you certainly don’t need to share your piece of paradise with hundreds of others.Whatever you’re looking for in your next luxury holiday, there are always options. If you’re interested in inspiration to plan a trip somewhere a little different,…
Cat – themed Street Art: Penang’s 101 Lost Kittens Project
While the street art of Ernest Zacharevic has become an iconic feature of Penang, the cat art trail is less well known. If cats are your thing, or you’re looking for something different and a little quirky to do in Penang, check out the street art dedicated to the feline species. The annual Georgetown Festival inspires creative types, and 2014’s 101 Lost Kittens Project, left a distinctly feline flavour to Georgetown. The inspirational project was created by Artists for Stray Animals (ASA) to raise awareness of the plight of strays and encourage people to help animals. There are 12 artworks in the series, each painted with environmentally friendly paint, which…
5 of the best stopover destinations between Europe and Australia
While we can all be glad a trip to Australia no longer means spending weeks at sea, long-haul travel still has an uncanny ability to make us resemble our passport photos. Long flights connecting to other long flights, are hard work for any traveller, but they do offer an opportunity to taste-test new destinations. These are my favourite stopovers between Europe and Australia. During the time I have been living in Australia I have made several trips to Europe and explored lots of other destinations on the way. I have made a conscious effort to enjoy stopovers in different locations on each trip. While I don’t have a lot of…
Kek Lok Si – South East Asia’s largest Buddhist Temple
As well as the colours making it a photographer’s dream destination, Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the most beautiful, unique and peaceful places you can visit in bustling Penang. Perched on a quiet hilltop, this fascinating temple harmoniously blends two forms of Buddhism with traditional Chinese beliefs, and is said to be the largest Buddhist temple in South East Asia. The result is a quiet place of worship covered in stunning artwork. It is definitely worth visiting when you are in Penang. The history of Kek Lok Si Temple Constructed between 1890 and 1930, thanks to generous donations from five wealthy Chinese merchants, Kek Lok Si is still…
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, the most beautiful building in Penang?
While researching accommodation options in Penang, I quickly realised there was only one place I wanted to stay while there. Historic Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as the Blue Mansion, is a 19th century mansion that has been restored to such a high standard that it received a UNESCO heritage conservation award. The rich blue walls and the intricate and colourful details make this heritage building absolutely beautiful, and a real treat for romantic souls and dreamers. The history of Cheong Fatt Tze Cheong Fatt Tze was a Chinese merchant that arrived in Penang as a penniless teenager but established himself as a successful businessman and built the mansion…
Malaysia’s Batu Caves are a must-see
Slightly north of Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves house an almost hidden complex of Hindu temples, mostly set inside a large limestone cave system. The large, cool caves are a world away from the bustle of Malaysia’s capital city, and a must-see if you’re in the area. How to get to the Batu Caves While several tours are available, it is so easy and inexpensive to get to the Batu Caves on public transport that it is hardly worth taking a tour. The city train departs Kuala Lumpur’s Sentral Station, takes around half an hour and costs about US $3 per person. There is even a ‘women’s coach’ for women…
Things to do in Langkawi
Famed as the ‘Jewel of Keddah’, and Malaysia’s tropical island paradise, Langkawi is made up of 104 islands spectacularly spread across a patch of the Andaman Sea (seriously, get a window seat if you arrive by air). While a destination of choice for local shoppers, keen to make the most of the duty free, Langkawi is also popular among thrill seekers especially water sports enthusiasts. Here are my tips for the best things to do in Langkawi. Langkawi cable car It is definitely worth getting the cable car up to Langkawi’s highest peak, Gunung Mat Chinchang, to take in the views across the island (especially if you didn’t get that…
Exploring Penang, one work of street art at a time
I wasn’t really sure what to expect of Penang. I knew of Georgetown’s UNESCO heritage listing so expected the town to feature historic elements, low buildings, that sort of thing, and I had heard good things about the food, and that there was some street art. What I didn’t realise was that the walls of Georgetown are a canvas for street artists, and just about every street corner provides a fascinating insight into life in Penang. Penang’s street art story Artist Ernest Zacharevic was asked to paint some murals around Georgetown, and it is his paintings that are probably the most recognisable. The works often incorporate objects such as bicycles…
