It's very hard for me to find a good reason to come back to Saigon again after this trip. This is an emerging city - perhaps with a better urban planning than home. Another third-world late bloomer embracing modernity inside shopping malls. Out in the streets are drivers and riders who couldn' . . . (More)

To reach Halong Bay, I took a three-hour ride from Hanoi to Halong City - a tiny spot getting mentioned in a very detailed local map just as a starting line for both amateur and professional explorers who come to see that particular one of the UNESCO Heritage Sites.Bhaya Cruises is a respectable com . . . (More)

Water Puppet is a must-see show in Hanoi, while a trip to the peaceful Temple of Literature is among the to-do list. They have a very nice souvenir shop there.Upon arriving in a cool morning, I found a similar atmosphere in Hanoi with the small towns in Java, such as Malang, Blitar, and Madiun . . . (More)

I was in Malang with fellow traveler Kenny Santana in 2003, and we were very not very well trained, even for a domestic destination. One thing that lead us from one place to another was our demanding taste buds. We went to the nostalgic Toko Oen, and Melati restaurant in Hotel Tugu Malang f . . . (More)

Here, I'll say it bluntly: I am a fan of Soekarno, and yes I will vote for his daughter, no freaking matter what. It's not a political vote, I guess, but more emotional and, uhm, fashionable. I think Bung Karno is the most fashionable leader Indonesia has ever had. And, come on, everybody knows t . . . (More)

Built in 1903, Lawang Sewu is a Dutch building said, and proven to be heavily haunted. I should've won Fear Factor for roaming around this building all by myself at 7 AM before it was officially opened for public. As usual, I took the satisfying, illegal entrance: the back door. Puns intended.The . . . (More)

In Bali, while strolling the stylish Oberoi lane, Minoy was hired as a photographer. His client took him sailing off the Benoa Harbour in a twin-hulled Catamaran boat operated by Waka Experience. The boat took Minoy to Nusa Lembongan, where the beach was turqoise. His client paid Minoy a decent f . . . (More)

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