Dreaming of Far-flung Asian Escapes
For the last 12 months, we may have saved money on overseas travel experiences, but it hasn't quelled our yearning for that unforgettable cultural getaway.
As a writer, I'm used to being a hermit, but even I need cultural stimulation, if for nothing else than a semblance of sanity and variation. I miss the thrills of different countries, their culture, food, people, accommodation and adventures.
Like everyone else, I have to be content with dreaming of faraway places that I will hopefully get to tick off my bucket list sooner rather than later. And with travel bubbles opening up and vaccination rollouts well underway worldwide, a beam of travel light is beginning to appear at the end of the tunnel.
From grand island retreats to unique adventures, here are my ten, ultimate far-flung, crowd less dream escapes to add to your list.
ISOLATION AT ITS BEST
If I ever get marooned on an island, please let it be at Waterhouse Retreat where even the actual destination is a well-kept secret — somewhere in the vicinity of West Papua. Getting there is an adventure in itself, with the final leg in a jet boat to the island. With a maximum capacity for 36 guests plus staff at any one time, you virtually have this private island paradise all to yourself. But unlike Robinson Crusoe, you will still have wifi and satellite TV (if you must) while being exquisitely wined and dined from morning to night on freshly caught seafood and locally grown foods.
One of the rustic rooms at the Waterhouse Retreat. Image: © docastaway.com
The chef here is reputed to serve the best dishes across Indonesia. Let the gentle lapping waters underneath your stilted wooden cottage soothe away any worries. Snorkel straight from your veranda, kayak the aquamarine waters, stroll along the yellow sands, trek the lush mountains behind or book a tour of the nearby islands.
TOP OF ALL DREAMS
I'm sure we've all dreamt of the luxurious Maldives: a no stress, barefooted holiday but figured it was only for the rich or famous. With only 50 to 100 years remaining before these coral reef islands could disappear due to rising water levels, perhaps the Maldives should be top of our list. From land-based apartments with ocean views to overwater bungalows, each five or six-star accommodation on the islands creates a little piece of heaven for its guests, ensuring your every pampered wish is covered.
Luxury accommodation in the Maldives. Image: Giselle Whiteaker
Swim amongst a myriad of colourful sea life in the crystal-clear, turquoise Indian Ocean waters, enjoy a romantic dinner on a sandbar, laze around infinity pools, stroll white-sand palm covered beaches, sunset fish for your fresh dinner, dance at a disco bar or relax and count the star-studded night from your balcony. There's plenty to see or do or chill. It's all on offer in spectacular style here.
MONKEYING AROUND
Pristine Danum Valley in Borneo is teeming with so much native flora and fauna. Today, it is an officially protected Malaysian national park. A central scientific and conservation area, you can share your accommodation at Borneo Rainforest Lodge with the 500 or so orangutan that also live in the valley. The 30 well-appointed, fully sustainable and environmentally designed individual chalets blend effortlessly with the surrounding rainforest and have stunning views.
A rainforest canopy walk in the Danum Valley. Image: © Arnon Polin
Forget the alarm clock; the park's 320 bird species make waking up a musical delight. Enjoy guided naturalist expeditions, night safari drives and much more. Or relax by the pool and be pampered in the spa. All freshly prepared meals are included. Dine indoors or on the timber deck overlooking the Danum River surrounded by nature's glory.
ISLAND HOPPING INLAND
A little less luxurious, with no ocean views and fewer tourists, Si Phan Don, or 4,000 Islands, is a mellow, hidden riverine paradise in the Mekong River at the southern tip of Champasak Province in Laos. Some of the islands are just boulder size. Bigger Don Som, Don Khon, Don Det and Don Khong are the most visited. Before catching a ferry to the islands and settling into your riverside bungalow, view the region from Khone and Pha Pheng Falls; their combined vast flowing water volume make it South East Asia's largest waterfall.
Off the beaten track in Si Phan Don, Laos. Image: Basile Marin
Life here is laid-back, with hammocks available at most accommodations. Find the best eating at small family cafes and homestays. Bicycle, motorbike or tuk-tuk around the islands, check out the Khmer temples, surrounding rice fields, banana and coconut plantations. Catch a stunning river sunset, or 6am sunrise. You can bar hop but only until 11pm when everything closes. Rent a kayak or join a small tour group to see more of the islands and region and try spotting an almost elusive Irrawaddy dolphin along the way.
ISLAND WITH EVERYTHING
Are you yearning for enlightening cultural experiences, unique adventures or peace and relaxation? The sensational island of Sri Lanka has it all and more. It will delight your senses. From exciting city life, stunning soft sandy beaches, mild beginner-style surf, ancient-blessed temples, adventurous leopard and elephant safaris, to devouring a range of exotic spicy foods, sampling cinnamon and tea plantations, discovering hiking trails beside peaceful lakes and gushing waterfalls, and indulgent yoga class or holistic Ayurvedic wellness therapies — the list is endless.
A near-deserted beach in Sri Lanka. Image: Julita Pasja
Sri Lanka will seduce you with delightful surprises around every corner. Amongst its eight World Heritage-listed sites, you'll find the world's largest leap of leopards, some 6,000 elephants, buffalo and cuddly sloth bears. You can also dive with blue whales and spot spinner dolphins playing here.
UNDERWATER KALEIDOSCOPE
Love scuba diving and snorkelling? Then idyllic Raja Ampat Regency, or Four Kings, must top your ultimate list. This eastern Indonesian Archipelago comprises 1,500 islands covering almost 10 million acres of land and sea. It's home to 75 percent of the world's corals and marine life species and a sanctuary for over 500 corals, calms, colourful luminous fish, giant trevallies, tuna, barracuda, pigmy seahorses, manta rays, turtles and sharks.
The beautiful scenery of Raja Ampat Regency. Image: © Raiyani Muharramah
The lands above sparkle almost as bright with breathtaking views of lush green hills, brilliant blue hues of the sky and sea with white sandy stripes in between, while the various bird calls, especially the Bird of Paradise, are nature's music. Experience distinct Papuan hospitality at one of the many homestays, or cruise around this piece of heaven on earth aboard a luxury traditional Pinisi (Indonesian schooner).
SLEEP IN THE WORLD'S LARGEST CAVE
Opened to the public only seven years ago, Son Doong Cave in Vietnam is not only the world's largest cave (five times larger than Malaysia's Deer Cave), it also contains the world's largest jungle within a cave, the Garden of Eden. Because of its environmental sensitivity, only 1000 people a year can visit the cave. Adventure company Oxalis takes groups of 10 at a time on 4-day, 3-night expeditions. Nestled in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, this mystical, secret world is entered by abseiling — and is not for the faint-hearted!
Vietnam’s Son Dong Cave is the world’s largest. Image: © Hyunwoong Park
Camp amidst this worldly wonder, marvel at the two massive cave ceiling collapses and explore the underground rainforests that have grown over thousands of years, traverse both above and underground rivers and climb the 90 metre ‘Great Wall of Vietnam’, and view many magical cave formations from giant cave pearls to towering phytokarst and stalagmites. Also, home to bats and other native birds, venturing inside Son Doong Cave is a once in a lifetime experience.
ESCAPE MODERN LIFE
Another hidden gem in Indonesia lies off the remote north coast of Seram Island. Ora Beach Resort is surrounded by so many natural wonders you don't know where to look first. Tune out from modern technology and tune in to the fantastic mountains carpeted in lush green rainforest, iridescent waters covering stunning coral reefs and magical marine life. Soak up the sky-high limestone cliffs towering over stretches of delicate white sands while exotic birdcalls fill the air.
The overwater bungalows at the Ora Beach Resort. Image: © Christina Desitriviantie
After flying into Ambon, the resort is only accessible by sea. It takes at least half a day via plane, car, ferry and fishing boat to reach this piece of paradise. Five wooden bungalows straddle a coral reef allowing you to get up close and personal with the underwater sea life or even a spot of fishing from your balcony. There are no shops, no ATMs and only one restaurant on the island. Ora Beach is where you recharge your batteries, not your smartphone’s.
SIZZLING ISLAND HOPPING
Soon to become another World Heritage-listed site, Thailand's Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea is another world-class diving destination sizzling with sea life. Just viewing these pristine waters is enough to calm your mind and soul. Between October and May, limited day trips to the Similan Islands National Park are available from Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak.
A quiet bay in the Similan Islands. Image: 简体中文
Staying overnight is not permitted on any of the 11 islands in this spectacular archipelago. The most leisurely and enticing way to discover this island paradise — as well as the Surin Islands further north — is hopping aboard a private yacht, luxuriating in the sun, diving, snorkelling, swimming and being thoroughly wined and dined along the way.
A PRIVATE ISLAND PLAYGROUND
Want to know what Nirvana feels like on earth? It's a 50-minute flight from Bali on south-eastern Indonesia's Sumba Island. NIHI Sumba is a rustic but wildly luxurious resort that ensures you live life well. Feel comfortable and at home in one of the 28 uniquely designed private villas, all with private pools and sweeping Indian Ocean views. Or perhaps choose the secret hilltop villa overlooking the resort? Whether you want adventure or private relaxation, NIHI Sumba offers it all.
A beautiful waterfall on Sumba Island, Indonesia. Image: © Krist Setyawan
Take a leisurely hike to find refreshing waterfalls, stroll yellow sandy beaches, visit local villages and markets to pampering the hours away in the outdoor spa and horse riding through the surf at sunset. Their food menu offers the freshest ingredients formulated into the best old, new, east and west cuisine. They even provide Sumba cooking classes so you can recreate the sensational tastes at home long after your heavenly escape ends.
Header image: Alvaro Salvador
