Malacca’s long history as a colonial trading port has shaped it indelibly as a city. More than 450 years of rule by the Portuguese, Dutch and British are still reflected today in its ethnic mix, its architecture and its blend of cultures. This is true of its religious heritage too. It has some of the oldest churches, temples and mosques in Malaysia, most of them still functioning. Here’s a look at some of the finest.
Looking for the best value beach resorts in Asia? Identifying those that might qualify for that title can be quite a challenge. Online searches are dominated by commercial listings and fake travel blog posts. Room rates and resort reviews can change from good to bad in only a few years. Here are some tips to help you search for places that offer value for money for senior travellers.
Mumbai’s Victoria Terminus is one of Asia’s great railway stations. The 130-year-old building, now called the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, is a creation of British rule that has become a treasured symbol of modern-day Mumbai. It handles at least 3 million passengers a day, has featured in many Bollywood films and has even come under terrorist attack. It has a lot to offer any visitor interested in India’s colonial heritage.
Nepal is a country that has a lot to offer the senior traveller. From snow-capped mountains to subtropical lowlands, this landlocked Hindu and Buddhist nation is rich in culture and history. It provide many opportunities for both relaxation and adventures close to nature. This article recommends seven places to visit in Nepal to best take advantage of of those opportunities.
A senior traveller returns to Cambodia to revisit some of the temples at Angkor that he last saw more than a decade earlier. The trip affects him in ways he doesn’t expect.
One of the best scenic drives in the Philippines is only a short distance from Manila. It’s the Marilaque Highway from Marikina to Infanta which traverses the Sierra Madre mountains. It provides a enjoyable day trip for those who wish to get away from the city traffic and pollution to enjoy mountain views and nature.
Soldiers from Commonwealth countries who died in Asia during the two World Wars lie buried in impressive cemeteries across the continent. An inter-governmental organisation, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, maintains the cemeteries immaculately. They are sure to be of interest to many senior travellers, including those whose parents, grandparents or other close relatives served in the wars.
Rishikesh, a laid-back sub-tropical town at the foothills of the Himalayas in India, is known as ‘The Yoga Capital of the World’. Baby boomers know it as the place where the Beatles held their 1968 meditation retreat. Today it attracts travellers from all over the world who want to learn about yoga, Ayurveda, naturopathy and meditation.
More senior travellers than ever are visiting Asia these days, and enjoying it to the full. The knowledge they have acquired over the years helps them appreciate new countries and cultures. They face challenges too, not least in staying healthy while on the road. Here are 10 tips on how senior travellers can make the most of their Asian trip.
Senior travellers planning to visit India for the first time may feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of the place. It’s hard to decide which areas to visit and how much to try to see. It’s best not to try to cram too much in. Instead of rushing from here to there, day after day, a better approach is to choose one or two regions of interest, and spend most of the time there. This provides a chance to relax and savour the local atmosphere. This guide will help in making those choices.
Thinking of renting a car in Southeast Asia? In some countries it’s possible but in others it’s not. And in those where self-drive rental cars are available, there are dangers to be aware of. In several countries driving yourself is not recommended unless you’ve had previous experience of driving in Asia. Check out our guide to the best countries in which to rent a car.
Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is ideal for walking, with its many hiking trails, cool weather and exceptional views. In the heart of the region is Nuwara Eliya, once a colonial hill station and now a busy city that has retained something of its English flavour. The surrounding tea plantations offer memorable hikes. It’s also perfectly situated for the walk to World’s End in Horton Plains National Park, one of the Hill Country’s most spectacular hiking destinations.
TIME magazine’s 2018 World’s Greatest Places listing featured many places to visit, eat, drink and stay in Asia. We reviewed the list and came up with the top 20 places that we think will be of most interest to older travellers. These include some diverse and interesting places that have only opened in the past year.
Once the centre of a decades-long tin mining boom, Malaysia’s third-largest city, Ipoh, has now come into its own as holiday destination. Its historic old town has seen a renaissance and is a popular shopping and dining district. The craggy limestone hills that surround the city contain many caves, some housing temples. It’s a city that will appeal to senior travellers in search of history, good food and a bit of easy adventure.
House sitting offers retirees without time constraints the opportunity to visit other countries and save on accommodation costs. It enables travellers to enjoy new cultural experiences and live like a local. House sitting has been popular in the US, UK and Australia/New Zealand for many years, but is now taking off in Asia.
The Chinese city of Chengdu has long been famous for its pandas. Its renowned panda breeding centre is one of the best places in the world to see these vulnerable, solitary animals. Chengdu’s other attractions – not least its spicy Sichuanese cuisine and its relaxed atmosphere – are helping turn it into an increasingly popular destination for foreign visitors.
