What constitutes the holiday of a lifetime? I’m not sure I can come up with a definition, but I am certain that exploring the remote islands of Raja Ampat, aboard a luxury expedition ship, is a top contender. The islands lie at the eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago, just off the tip of West Papua. At the heart of the Coral Triangle. In terms of snorkelling and scuba diving, this is as good as it gets. With unmatched marine diversity, vibrant coral reefs, uninhabited limestone islands and exotic birds, Raja Ampat is a paradise for nature lovers. Add to that: sundowners on remote white sandy beaches, gourmet meals, Spice Trade history, fantastic guides, super-friendly staff, a bunch of adventurous fellow travellers, and you’ve got an unforgettable holiday.
Category Archives: Travel Asia
How to spend a week in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a small island country with so much to explore – tropical wetlands teeming with birdlife, richly-decorated ancient cave temples, well-preserved colonial towns, tranquil gardens, chaotic streets and ever-popular elephant reserves. It is impossible to see everything in a short time, but with only a week to spare, I caught up with two old friends, organised a great guide and hit the road – travelling from Sigiriya to Galle – for the ultimate girls’ week away.
Hiking the Lycian Way
The Lycian Way is a 540km trail that runs along Turkey’s south coast between Fethiye and Antalya. The pathway follows Roman roads, mule tracks and mountain trails – passing the ruins of ancient cities, rock tombs and local villages, through pine forests and thistle-strewn hillsides, along ridges that overlook the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. We spentContinue reading “Hiking the Lycian Way”
Into the wild – rediscovering Borneo
Twenty five years ago I made my first trip to Borneo – a rugged island in South East Asia, famous for its rainforests and wildlife. My last visit started my fascination with orangutans and inspired The Call of the Wild (Choose Your Own Ever After) about a school girl who has to make a choiceContinue reading “Into the wild – rediscovering Borneo”
Surprises in Singapore’s Fort Canning Park
It is early on a Sunday morning that I find myself in the historic heart of Singapore, a hilltop that has, at various times over the past seven centuries, been home to Malay Kings, British colonial governors, and several armies. Fort Canning Park is just coming to life, with Tai Chi enthusiasts gracefully going throughContinue reading “Surprises in Singapore’s Fort Canning Park”
Julie Fison 