Category Archives: Off the Beat
Planning a sakura holiday in Japan? It’s all about timing ( 23 April 2023 )
This year, cherry blossom season in Japan started earlier than expected. — Photos: FLORENCE TEH It has become progressively difficult predicting the cherry blossom season in Japan each year. Since it’s regarded peak period, travellers should make their airline and […] Continue Reading
The best way to enjoy Budapest is to take things slow … and go for a soak ( 12 March 2023 )
The Hungary Parliament Building is beautiful, especially at night. — Photos: FLORENCE TEH For those planning a vacation to Europe next month, beyond the Malaysian favourite city of London, they should consider Budapest in Hungary. April is the best time […] Continue Reading
If you’re fond of sand dunes, souks and mountains, head to Morocco ( 04 March 2023 )
Sunset at Djemaa-el-Fna square in Marrakesh. — Five Travel During a dinner dialogue with some diplomats many years ago, I asked these well-travelled people to name their favourite cities and countries. Half of them named Morocco, with Marrakesh as their […] Continue Reading
While on holiday, take the time to visit the dead ( 11 February 2023 )
George Michael is buried next to his mother and sister. — Photos: FLORENCE TEH Wanting to visit a cemetery as a touristic pursuit may seem strange to most people, especially the superstitious Chinese, but I was still keen to check […] Continue Reading
Beautiful Padar Island is a sight for sore eyes ( 28 January 2023 )
The columnist was inspired to visit the island after seeing beautiful pictures of the place on social media. — Photos: FLORENCE TEH It’s easily one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Indonesia and Padar is also arguably the most famous […] Continue Reading
Don’t underestimate the charms of Malaysia’s small towns, like Sitiawan ( 24 December 2022 )
After uploading pictures of his holiday in Sitiawan on social media, the writer received plenty of comments suggesting other places he should visit there. — Photos: FLORENCE TEH Growing up in Penang has obviously familiarised me with the stories of […] Continue Reading
A trip to the island where dragons roam ( 10 December 2022 )
A close up of a Komodo dragon walking along the beach on the Komodo National Park in Indonesia. — FLORENCE TEH Jurassic Park may have been a work of complete fantasy, but the first sight of Komodo National Park islands […] Continue Reading
Black volcanic sand plains, moss-covered hills… is this Mars? ( 09 October 2022 )
A view of Katla, the volcano in Iceland. The setting of Katla in Iceland, one of the country’s most volatile volcanoes, resembles Mars. This is a place where volcanic eruptions have occurred against similar breathless landscapes. To put it simply, […] Continue Reading
My 15 minutes with one of the world’s most famous paintings, ‘The Last Supper’ ( 27 August 2022 )
The Last Supper can be found at the Convent Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. — Photo: Florence Teh It took three trips to Milan, Italy, before I finally got to see one of the most revered paintings, The […] Continue Reading
When getting soaked at one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls is actually fun ( 23 July 2022 )
The Gullfoss, or Golden Waterfall, is a popular tourist attraction and is especially wonderful to visit in summer. — Photos: FLORENCE TEH While the rest of Europe is suffering from a sweltering heat wave with people advised to stay at […] Continue Reading
