Next Destination - Tropical Life

Oct292019 by Tropical LifeNo Comments

Immersed in Myanmar’s Ancient City of the Old Bagan.

I CAME ACROSS AN IMAGE CAPTURED IN AN OLD POSTCARD PORTRAYING THOUSANDS OF STUPAS SET IN GREEN FIELDS SWEPT BY GOLDEN RAYS OF SUNSHINE AND EMBLAZONED WITH THE NAME “BURMA” ACROSS IT. I WAS FASCINATED. I must go to this place I said to myself. Myanmar (formerly Burma), it seems, is not popular as a tourism destination for Asian people these days however the archaeological site consisting of more than 2,000 temples is a favoured destination for the world traveller. I flew to Yangon, the capital of Myanmar and continued my journey with an 8 hour trip by overnight bus, arriving in Bagan at dawn. Even at that early hour, there were many alternative transport options to choose from with taxis, charter cars and horse-drawn carriages ready to take me to see the sunrise in Minnanthu villa...

Oct212019 by Tropical LifeNo Comments

Adventure On The High Seas

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VOYAGER OF THE SEAS AN AWARD-WINNING GLOBAL CRUISE COMPANY WITH A 50-YEAR LEGACY FOR INNOVATION, ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL IS OFFERING EXCITING NEW OPTIONS FOR THOSE DISCERNING TRAVELLERS WHO SEEK OUT THE ADVENTURE AND ROMANCE YOU CAN ONLY FIND OUT ON THE HIGH SEAS. The company is giving ‘Adventures in Asia’ a whole new meaning with the highly anticipated arrival of the bolder-than-ever reincarnation of the cruise liner Voyager of the Seas. The ship has been extensively refitted giving it a US$97 million new look with a list of jaw-dropping “firsts” never before seen at sea. Starting on Oct 21st, the newly refurbished ship will set sail on a series of 3- to 5-night Southeast Asian cruises with seven sailings from Singapore to Penang, Phuket and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang). F...

Oct182019 by Tropical LifeNo Comments

THE AUTONOMOUS REGION OF TIBET, IN WEST SICHUAN CHINA

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IN THE WESTERN SICHUAN PROVINCE OF CHINA, LIES GARZE TOWN, PART OF THE AUTONOMOUS REGION OF TIBET. Surrounded by rocky terrain and mountains at 4,000 metres above sea- level, Jose Jeuland found himself immersed in the life, colors and culture of the rosy-cheeked and free-spirited Tibetan locals. A French photographer who is based in Singapore, Jose was entranced by the strength and vitality the Tibetan people exuded despite living amidst the harsh weather and living conditions. Adorable children filled with energy were running around while folks worked hard ploughing the fields. Temples and monasteries line the streets. The people living here are devout buddhists. They lead simple lives and are devoted to their strong religious beliefs. The Tibet Autonomous Region is the s...

Jun272019 by Tropical LifeNo Comments

Escape to the Himalayas

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NEPAL IS INEXTRICABLY LINKED TO THE HIMALAYAS AND STUNNING MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES AND, AS MIGHT BE EXPECTED, ON ARRIVING IN THE COUNTRY I WAS AWESTRUCK BY ITS INCREDIBLE BEAUTY. I planned to trek the Annapurna Circuit, which leads to the base camp of the world’s 11th highest mountain but, before setting out, I basked in the glory that Nepal has to offer with luxury hotels, vibrant streets, kind locals and as many ‘momos’ as I could eat. Before heading out to the mountains, I explored Kathmandu and its enthralling street markets where I stocked up on some warm gear for the trek. While spending time looking through Nepalese trinkets and clothing, it is a good idea to stop in at any of the small restaurants for some dal-bhat-tarkaril, a famous Nepalese dish of lentil soup, boiled grain...

Jun262019 by Tropical LifeNo Comments

Life Beyond the City Yogyakarta

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IT IS LITTLE SURPRISE THAT YOGYAKARTA IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR PLACES FOR TOURING IN INDONESIA. CLASSIC OUTINGS INCLUDE THE SUNRISE AT BOROBUDUR, PHOTO SHOOTS AT PRAMBANAN AND JEEP TOURS THROUGH MOUNT MERAPI. mount merapi The streets of Yogyakarta pulse with rich Javanese culture, mesmerising art and a wealth of historical traditions, but most visitors never explore the hidden treasures that surround this city. On arriving in Yogyakarta, I took two days exploring the neighbouring city of Solo and travelling around to some of the city’s top tourist destinations. Solo is a town only 60 kilos from Yogyakarta and is famous for its high quality fabrics, amazing food and lively atmosphere. Stop at the Klewer Market where beautiful batiks can be bought at bargain prices. Enjoy one of S...

Jun242019 by Tropical LifeNo Comments

KUMBH MEL A 2019 – HINDU MYTHOLOGY

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ALLAHABAD, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA FROM 15 JANUARY TO 4 MARCH 2019 “THE LARGEST PEACEFUL HUMAN GATHERING ON THE PLANET” kumbh mel a Singapore-based French photographer, José Jeuland, has an extensive portfolio of documentary and travel photography with a specialist interest in portraiture. Between January to February this year, José travelled to India to explore the country’s rich culture and heritage, and in particular he went to the Kumbh Mela, a religious celebration known as the world’s largest gathering of humanity. A Maha (“Great”) Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years, with an Ardha (“Half”) Kumbh Mela six years later The Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage where Hindus gather to bathe in a sacred or holy river. It rotates through 4 different locations and this year was held...