Taiwan – Traveling deep into Taroko

Despite many years living not far away we had not yet been to Taiwan – we decided to remedy this by finally going as a family to discover the gorges of Taroko on the east coast of the island. In Taroko, the most accessible of the scenic spots are packed with busloads of tourists, therefore it is advisable […]

China – Tiger Leaping Gorge, THE hike

It had been over a year that I had been thinking of hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge and then one sunny morning with the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background we were there. I had the impression that this hike wouldn’t be too arduous therefore, feeling comfortable, we took no guide as the route seemed […]

Chi Lin and Nan Lian: a different Hong Kong

I have often heard people say that once you have seen Victoria Peak there is not much more to see in Hong Kong. It’s not true and here are at least two reasons why –  the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian garden, sitting next to each other, on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. […]

Japan – Kokedera: Kyoto’s Moss Garden

A visit to Kokedera is not straightforward: advance registration is required, you need to visit at a set time, access is not very convenient, and there is a relatively expensive entrance fee … but this is a special Kyoto experience. Once you jump the preliminary hurdles there is still one more test to pass before […]

Philippines – Discovering of the Bohol tarsier

tarsier bohol

  Have you ever heard of a tarsier? Before coming to Bohol, we certainly had never heard of it … but once you reach the island they are hard to miss. You see them everywhere: on billboards, on postcards, included in the tours of Bohol so what is it? It is the smallest primate in […]

Indonesia – My heart is torn between Prambanan and Plaosan

Prambanan is one of the highlights of Central Java, but I really wasn’t quite sure of what to expect: First impressions: this reminds me of Angkor Wat … and it is so hot … and all seats in the shade are taken! Second impressions: these temples are impressive with their beautiful friezes and this cow […]

China – Shaxi: off the beaten track paradise

Is it still possible to visit beautiful places in China without being disturbed by crowds of tourists? Yes it is and Shaxi in Yunnan is one of these places. Shaxi is conveniently located halfway between Dali and Lijiang, so off the beaten path… for the moment at least (a highway is on the way!). The […]