When looking online for a hotel to stay at in Taipei, the Shangri-La Far Eastern Taipei immediately caught my eye. I was struck by the fact that it had thousands of reviews online, with the overwhelming majority giving it a very high rating. Pretty impressive indeed. I had only stayed at one other Shangri-La property … More Shangri-La Far Eastern Taipei: My review
I’d like to preface this by saying that 2 days in Taipei is most certainly not enough to experience everything Taiwan’s vibrant capital has to offer. I had actually planned to have a bit longer there, but unfortunately a flight cancellation out of Australia meant I got there much later than planned and had less … More 2 days in Taipei: exploring Taiwan’s vibrant capital
I had intended to review the Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka after my first stay there in May 2024, but, given I loved Osaka (and the property) so much and had booked another trip there for the October of that same year, I thought I would wait until after my second trip – to ensure the … More Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka: A comprehensive review
Osaka is renowned for being the foodie capital of Japan, and, in a country whose cuisine is widely regarded as one of the best in the world, not to mention Japanese expertise in crafting quirky and aesthetic food, that is a prestigious title indeed. It can be overwhelming to decide what to try amidst the … More 13 fun foods to try in Osaka
The first city I ever visited in Japan was Osaka. Unlike for many other people, who usually start their Japan travels in Tokyo, my inaugural taste of the Land of the Rising Sun came in the form of the grittier, more laid-back, yet no less vibrant ‘little’ sister, Osaka. And what a fabulous choice that … More What to see and do in Osaka: My picks for first-timers
In the urban Asian metropolis that is Seoul, there is certainly no dearth of top-class hotels. And, as I stepped into the lower lobby of the JW Marriott, where a giant necklace-like sculpture drops from the ceiling as a zen centrepiece, I was in no doubt I had chosen one of the very best of … More Hotel review: JW Marriott Seoul
The Demilitarised Zone, straddling North and South Korea, is a popular and highly unique excursion for travellers. We included our DMZ day trip from Seoul as day 2 of our 4-day stay in the South Korean capital. It is a very, very different world indeed – far from any flashing lights or modern urbanism. It’s … More The DMZ day trip from Seoul: Not your average tourist attraction
Unless you have been living under a rock, you will probably have noticed the rise and rise of all things South Korean in recent years. From major global brands like Samsung, LG, Hyundai and Kia, to K-Pop hysteria, to Netflix blockbusters, to high-end fashion and beauty, it’s fair to say the world is definitely in … More What to see in Seoul: 4 days in South Korea’s funky capital
Azerbaijan is known as the ‘Land of Fire’; indeed its ancient Persian name of Aturpatakan roughly translates to ‘a place where the sacred fire is preserved’. It lies in an oil-rich part of the world with intense geothermal activity that includes mud volcanoes and natural-gas fires that blaze continuously on hillsides. The region was also … More Hotel review: Fairmont Baku Flame Towers
If you’ve read my Baku post, you’ll know I found the city pretty mind-blowing. It is super unique and off the main tourist trail – and is worth several days of exploring in its own right. But if you can spare the time, Azerbaijan also boasts a number of varied experiences beyond the capital. Some … More Travel memories: 6 fascinating day trips from Baku
