Do South-East Asia in 2018 …

WHEN Aussies daydream about getting away it’s destinations around Asia that often provide the backdrop for holiday fantasies. Empty beaches, ancient temples, bustling cities, lush rainforests, hectic markets and serene islands promise something to satisfy every appetite, but where to go when new resorts, tours, experiences and destinations pop up every day? Escape chats withContinue reading “Do South-East Asia in 2018 …”

VISIT – BALI

BALI BEST IN AUGUST TRIPADVISOR has news for those Aussies desperate to escape the mid-winter gloom by spending some time in Asia’s tropical warm. Bali’s average nightly room rates are set to plummet by more than $50 per night in August at places to stay right around the Indonesian holiday island. TripAdvisor has been searchingContinue reading “VISIT – BALI”

Asia’s top temples to tempt …

SOUTH-East Asia’s top temples, in settlements from Bangkok to Yangon, are ideal places to find serenity in the region’s bustling cities. Angkor Wat Cambodia’s Angkor Wat isn’t just the world’s biggest temple – the sanctuary occupies a 162ha plot 5km from Siem Reap – but it’s also one of the most famous with more thanContinue reading “Asia’s top temples to tempt …”

Best value city breaks …

TRIPINDEX, TripAdvisor’s annual cost-comparison study, has named Hanoi (below) as the best-value destination in the world for a city break. The study looked at 20 destinations and found the average price for a short break was $1,238, excluding flights, with prices varying significantly from the least to most expensive. The investigation compared the cost ofContinue reading “Best value city breaks …”

INSIDER – PRIVATE ISLANDS

PRIVATE ISLAND PAMPERING DREAMING of jetting off to a private island where butlers cater to your every need and empty palm-fringed beaches wait outside your bungalow door? While supreme luxury comes at a cost – North Island’s “standard” presidential villas are priced about $4600 a person, a night, in 2016 – it is possible toContinue reading “INSIDER – PRIVATE ISLANDS”

Top-floor tipples …

ASIA has sky-high socialising down to a fine art. Right around the region there are rooftop bars perched in lofty locations that provide the perfect place to match a casual drink with a remarkable view after – or even during – a day playing tourist. 1. Singapore’s 1-Altitude, occupying the 63rd floor at One RafflesContinue reading “Top-floor tipples …”