Culture

The Diverse Sasak Culture of Lombok

The Diverse Sasak Culture of Lombok

In the first of the Beyond the Cracks series on Lombok, we find that Sasak’s ancestral roots could be traced to Bali. And that Islamic culture in Lombok isn’t as straightforward as one would think. Mallika Naguran packs her bag to travel around the island of Lombok to discover its many built and natural attractions, culture and crafts.

Sustaining Culture: The Kumano Kodō

The Kumano Kodō mountain paths have been trodden for over 1000 years, and are one of only two pilgrimage routes worldwide that have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Today, the mountain trails are helping to sustain and renew communities that have been clinging on to survival for the last few decades.

Nikoi Island: Sustainable Haven

Nikoi Island offers tranquil equatorial coral reefs, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, a rainforest and an astonishing variety of sea and land wildlife to its lucky visitors. Even more attractive it runs as sustainably as possible, with no vehicles, aircon, TV or imported building materials where possible. Best of all it’s a mere two-plus hours from the bustling centre of Singapore.

Kerala Launches State-wide Responsible Tourism Initiative

Kerala Launches State-wide Responsible Tourism Initiative

The world’s first statewide responsible tourism (RT) mission has been opened in Kerala, India. Aimed at promoting people-friendly, local community-friendly and environment-friendly initiatives it is tasked with boosting rural development, local employment opportunities and the empowerment of women.

Old Towns and Street Culture of Yunnan

Old Towns and Street Culture of Yunnan

Off-the-beaten track in Yunnan. Dig below the franchise food bars, selfie-stick vendors and bridal stock-shot locations, and China’s Yunnan Province still has plenty of cultural history to see and experience. By Kayti Denham.

Culture and Geology of Bali’s Mountains and Lakes

Why are mountains and mountain lakes so important to the Balinese? Simon introduces us to the cultural and religious significance of the geological landscapes of Bali in the first of a two-part series.

Andaman Discoveries - Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Finalist

Andaman Discoveries in Thailand was born out of tragedy, and formed shortly after the Boxing Day Tsunami when villagers decided that community-based tourism would allow them to generate additional income and support their traditions, culture, and lifestyle. Since then, Andaman Discoveries has been offering various tours (volunteer trips, family holidays, and educational visits for schools) to empower the local community. Their Moken Experience tour supports nomadic communities preserve their culture through responsible tourism.

Mekong Responsible Travel E-Guide Launched

A new online guide shows you how to have a great holiday using boutique hotels, guest houses, restaurants, shops and tour operators that all build positive change throughout Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the Guangxi and Yunnan provinces of China.

Eco-friendly Amarela Resort's Boholano Heritage

Eco-friendly Amarela Resort's Boholano Heritage

Committed to heritage and low impact hospitality services, Amarela Resort is a charming eco-resort perched on the Panglao Island coastline of the Philippines. An old Visayas art form - Boholano - is revived in a number of ways here, and the environment is given tender loving care as well, reviews Gaia Discovery.

Timor Leste: Easy to Get-To, Unspoilt Ecotourism Destination

Travelling to Timor Leste is like travelling back in time to a less frantic age. But getting there is a cinch now that regular air services have started fro Changi, Singapore.