Kicking around in Kalimantan with Orangutans

Kicking around in Kalimantan with Orangutans

In the early morning, I spotted my first orangutan high up in the trees. I heard him before I saw him. I awoke to branches cracking and some pretty furious tree-breaking overhead. Luckily, I was on a boat, safe from the massive, hairy, reddish-orange male orangutan...
The Whale Hunters of Lamalera

The Whale Hunters of Lamalera

I sat on the beach at Lamalera Village, only a couple of metres from a giant whale carcass, and chatted with my new friend, Benjamin. “We are devoutly Catholic here in Lamalera,” he said. “From late April to early May, our priest conducts a mass to open Leva Nuang,...
Ubud Hidden Gem – Solana Luxury Wellness Retreat

Ubud Hidden Gem – Solana Luxury Wellness Retreat

Solana Luxury Wellness Retreat is a secret find.  A stunning eco-luxury bamboo resort which opened only one year ago. The ten private villas are all unique, and I loved the natural feel of the resort’s layered stone wall features and the stunning high-set bamboo...
Unlocking Emotional Growth and Self-Acceptance

Unlocking Emotional Growth and Self-Acceptance

A decade ago, no one spoke about emotional vulnerability. It was often seen as risky and uncomfortable territory, evoking fear and uncertainty in many individuals. What is emotional vulnerability? It is intentionally putting yourself out there in a conversation with...
Living in a Longhouse – West Kalimantan

Living in a Longhouse – West Kalimantan

When I entered Sungai Utik Village, in the heart of West Kalimantan, I felt very excited when I caught my first glance at the longhouse. This long wooden communal dwelling with one roof stretched for 214 metres and houses 293 people. A delegation of young Dayak Iban...
Dining in Style at Akar Restaurant – K-Club, Ubud

Dining in Style at Akar Restaurant – K-Club, Ubud

A fine dining experience awaits you at Akar Restaurant. It is on another level altogether. When you walk into the restaurant, the vibe is high. Under a domed bamboo roof, you will be delighted by the unique setting at the jungle’s edge. In the evening, a...
Jakarta Best Sunday Brunch

Jakarta Best Sunday Brunch

Sunday brunch is a Jakarta thing to do. Many of the 5-star hotels host a Sunday brunch with an elaborate spread of food and include free-flow drinks. However, which 5-star brunch do you choose? Hands down, without a doubt, try the Hotel Mulia in the heart of Senayan....
Top 13 must-see natural wonders in Indonesia

Top 13 must-see natural wonders in Indonesia

Published in Lonely Planet Apr 2022 As the largest archipelagic country in the world, majestic Indonesia showcases a wealth of jaw-dropping natural wonders across its 17,000-or-so islands. From leviathan volcanoes and lakes that hang uniquely above the sea to pristine...
Weaving in Bali

Weaving in Bali

Stephanie Brookes writes about Pejeng Kangin, a resilient weaving village just outside Ubud that has united the weavers of Bali and helped revive a long-lost artisan craft. Around 25 years ago in Pejeng Kangin Village, the women were spinning cotton, dyeing with...