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JAPAN IS KNOWN ACROSS THE WORLD FOR MANY THINGS, ITS FASCINATING CULTURE, ITS UNIQUE CUISINE AND, TO THOSE PEOPLE IN THE KNOW, ITS MAGNIFICENT NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. THE ‘LAND OF THE RISING SUN’ IS ONE OF THOSE PLACES THAT MUST BE EXPERIENCED AT LEAST ONCE IN A LIFETIME Japan is an extraordinary place to visit, a mezmerising culture in which ancient noble tradition rubs up against with the world’s most advanced technologies, technologies that have been exported all over the world and become incorporated into the everyday lives of ordinary people. When we consider a place with such a wealth of appealing experiences it is difficult to know where to start. This wonderful country is famous for its Cherry Blossom and one of Japan’s most fascinating traditions is Hanami, literally translated as ...

AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR CITIES, BANGKOK AND ITS CHARM ARE MAGNETS THAT LURE VISITORS FROM ALL FOUR CORNERS OF OUR PLANET. NOT ONLY IS BANGKOK RICH IN HISTORICAL SITES, IT IS ALSO A DESTINATION FOR SHOPPERS AND A PARADISE FOR CULINARY ENTHUSIASTS Having visited Bangkok many times over the years, the city has become one of my favourite destinations. The first thing I look for as soon as I land is, of course, Thai food. Siam Paragon Food Hall is one of the best food courts in the city and a haven for foodies, a place where you can find a vast variety of Thai food including desserts and snacks. Located on the ground floor, this huge area is divided into 3; a food court, a food gallery and a take home food hall. Perhaps you would prefer to dine somewhere with a little more to see,...

AS A CITY OF FINE CULTURE AND RICH TRADITION, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO YOGYAKARTA THAN MEETS THE EYE. STEEPED IN HISTORY AND A TREASURE TROVE OF THE REMNANTS OF ITS COLONIAL PAST, YOGYAKARTA IS A VERY POPULAR PLACE TO VISIT. THERE IS ALWAYS PLENTY TO DO, MANY INTERESTING THINGS TO SEE, THIS IS A PLACE THAT GETS UNDER YOUR SKIN AND SEEPS INTO YOUR SOUL. FOR MANY OF THE PEOPLE THAT COME HERE YOGYAKARTA IS NOT MERELY A CITY, IT IS A HOME FOR THE HEART. Yogyakarta, in central Java, has long been known for its laid-back, vibrant and creative atmosphere during the day but, when evening comes, don’t wend your way home just yet. Instead, grab your bag, get out into the streets and take in some of the exciting energy the city has to offer after dark. Here are some of the places around Yogyakarta that...

BEHIND ITS MODERN SKYSCRAPERS AND NEVER ENDING TRAFFIC JAMS, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDONESIA IS AN ALLURING PLACE TO VISIT AND JAKARTA, A PLACE WHERE CONTEMPORARY LIFE CONTRASTS WITH INDONESIA’S TRADITION AND HERITAGE, ATTRACTS VISITORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. If you are in Jakarta, for business, leisure or simply a layover, perhaps you might like to take the time to explore the city and enjoy some of the many interesting places that are well worth a visit. A good place to start is probably Kota Tua, down near the docks and first established in 1619 this is the old town of Jakarta, a charming colonial site that has become one of Jakarta’s major tourist attractions. Fatahillah Square (formerly Batavia City Square) in Kota Tua, is home to a number of fascinating museums housed in herit...

WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE WITH  TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER JOSE JEULAND NATURE - A WORD THAT WE ALL KNOW WELL BUT A WORD TO WHICH WE CAN ASSIGN DIFFERENT MEANINGS. SOME MAY THINK OF IT AS AWE-INSPIRING AND HEALING, A FORCE THAT CAN REJUVENATE THE BODY, MIND, AND SOUL, WHILE OTHERS MAY SEE IT AS A FORCE OF DESTRUCTION THAT CAN LEAVE TRAILS OF UNPARALLELED DEVASTATION.  Trip Preparation  As an avid travel photographer, I constantly dwell upon the very definition of people, things, and environments. At a more philosophical level, you could say that it is about the exploration of polarities in life. Patience is the most fundamental quality that any photographer needs to possess if he is to capture those stunning moments that speak through the still. When one is out in the wild waiting fo...

AS THE CAPITAL OF IRAN, TEHRAN IS A BUSTLING METROPOLIS WITH A POPULATION OF AROUND 14 MILLION. THIS DYNAMIC CITY BUILT ON THE FOOT OF THE ALBORZ MOUNTAIN AND SERVES AS AN EXOTIC DESTINATION FOR TRAVELLERS LOOKING FOR A BIT OF ADVENTURE WHILE ON HOLIDAY. HERE ALL THE ELEMENTS OF A GREAT MIDDLE-EAST SETTLEMENT CONVERGE, FROM BAZAARS TO MUSEUMS AND PALACES. Of all the strictness of Middle-Esatern religious culture, Tehran is considered as one of the most liberal cities. Students from all over the country have gravitated to Tehran and its universities. This eager youth with their liberal views have helped to soften an intransigence to change of the countrie’s ruling powers. In the last couple of years Iran has begun to attract tourists from all parts of the world. Some to revel in the city’s...