The road less travelled leads to Bali’s most extraordinary secret I’ll confess something that might surprise you: after years of exploring Southeast Asia, I’d almost written off Bali entirely. The Instagram hordes descending on Tegallalang Rice Terraces, the traffic chaos choking Canggu’s once-pristine beach roads, the yoga retreats charging £200 ($250) a night for what
Discover Palawan’s best eco-luxury resorts, sustainable island-hopping tours, and marine conservation efforts in the Philippines’ Last Frontier. Complete 2025 travel guide with accommodation, transport, and responsible tourism tips. Maintaining my balance with a heavy backpack on a traditional bangka as it glides through the turquoise waters towards El Nido’s Big Lagoon, is a challenge. Arriving
When it comes to eco-friendly stays consumed by nature, nothing quite compares to the wonders Borneo offers the thoughtful traveller. This island wildlife sanctuary has evolved over the years, ensuring visitors can enjoy luxury stays safe in the knowledge that they are helping support conservation efforts and protecting endangered species. Here’s my take on Borneo
Discover Malaysia’s perfect blend of cultural heritage and sustainable luxury. From Kuala Lumpur’s iconic skyline to Penang’s UNESCO streets – the ultimate guide to responsible luxury travel. After exploring Southeast Asia’s capitals for almost three decades, I’ve rarely encountered a destination that balances cultural authenticity with genuine luxury as masterfully as Malaysia. From the colonial
Where cutting-edge sustainability meets uncompromising luxury in the Garden City I’ll confess something that might surprise seasoned Southeast Asia travellers: Singapore was never on my “must-see” list. The gleaming metropolis seemed too sanitised, too removed from the cultural authenticity I sought in places like Luang Prabang or Yogyakarta. “It has a great airport” was my
How Indonesia’s most beloved island is quietly revolutionising responsible tourism without sacrificing an ounce of indulgence The Bali I encountered on my latest visit bears little resemblance to the island I first explored thirty years ago, when a dog-eared copy of Lonely Planet’s “South East Asia on a Shoestring” was the backpacker’s bible. Yet surprisingly,
Vietnam’s luxury islands represent the pinnacle of sophisticated Southeast Asian travel—destinations where pristine national park waters meet world-class hospitality, where thousand-year-old fishing traditions coexist with cutting-edge sustainability, and where true exclusivity emerges from respect rather than restriction. From Con Dao’s remarkable transformation from historical footnote to luxury sanctuary, to Phu Quy’s virtually undiscovered beaches where
Regular readers will know Koh Chang is one of my favourite Thai islands, as it remains a destination that is as enjoyable during the dry season as it is during its rains. One benefit of travelling here during low season, is the crowds have disappeared and this National Park island takes on a completely new
The ferry from Trat pier barely holds twenty passengers, and as we approach Koh Mak’s pristine shoreline, I count exactly zero high-rise hotels breaking the coconut palm canopy. No concrete jetties stretch into turquoise waters, no jet skis carve wake patterns across the bay. Instead, a handful of wooden longtail boats bob gently in the
After decades of Bangkok building skyward with concrete-and-steel ambition, something magical has finally emerged from the urban sprawl. The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, which opened its doors in December 2024, doesn’t just offer another luxury hotel experience – it provides an entirely new perspective on Thailand’s capital. Rising from the prestigious One Bangkok development, this isn’t merely
Borneo: The Greatest Island Wildlife Sanctuary Where Your Money Funds Conservation Efforts
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