indonesia
10 Hiking Trails Around the World That Will Blow Your Mind
I have always been a nature person. Cities, for me, seem unnecessarily chaotic and at times, overwhelming. Nature, on the other hand, is simple, straightforward in its beauty and comes at no extra cost. There is nothing better than walking in the peacefulness of the mountains, around the calming sound of rocks and rivers, and […]
Going “Deep” In Indonesia: Diving The Gilis
It is a glorious morning. With the sort of light that deserves to have a few moments taken to stop, breathe it in, and absorb the possibility it brings; to make a memory of the way the sun dances across the sea, sprinkling it with gold; to relish the cool that blurs the horizon; to […]
Facing The Feces Factor: Tasting My First Cup Of Kopi Luwak Coffee
My first cup of Kopi Luwak coffee, sometimes better known as “cat poo coffee” or the rarest beverage in the world, was a memorable introduction into the highly envious world of extreme luxury, though this tasting occurred far outside the confines of the dining room of a fine-dining restaurant in Hong Kong or New York […]
The Spice Of Balinese Life: Notes From A Cooking Class In Ubud, Bali
I am seated upon a bamboo mat on the ground, notebook in hand and appetite in tow. We have just returned to our lovely host home after an early-morning market excursion to purchase the necessities for our cooking lesson. Bundles of fresh tuna, ever-so-hideous jackfruit and ruby red tomatoes are just a few of the […]
Is It Possible To Actually Enjoy Bali? (Here’s How)
Full disclosure: I’ve never been to Bali. It’s not that I haven’t been in the general vicinity, or have had the chance to go there over other destinations that are roughly the same distance from New York, but I’ve got to admit, it’s quickly become one of the few places in the world where my […]
Bali: The Island You Thought You Knew [Travel Video]
Forget the yoga retreats, luxury spas, poolside Jamu massages, and the recently-divorced-women-of-a-certain-age that have all unfortunately come to symbolize the Bali of today. Instead, think (and watch) lush jungles, religious ceremonies and majestic vistas that make this island truly The Island of the Gods. [The Island of the Gods (Bali)/Vimeo]
Girls Gone Wild In Bali
For those of us from North America, spring break is known as the week when pasty Greeks and their college brethren from all over the country descend onto the warmer locales of Panama City, Cancun and Negril for a booze-fueled orgy of bucket beers, foam parties, regrettable tattoos and other activities that one can only […]
7 Tips For Travel In Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is probably the best place in the world for your first extended backpacking trip. The food is delicious, the locals friendly, the beaches extraordinary, the accommodations well-established and the sites varied and unforgettable. You’re likely to return home with plenty of fond memories and incredible photos of Southeast Asia. If you’re considering setting […]
How To Find The Real Bali By Bike
There is a saying: “To really see a country, leave the city.” Just as Paris may not be the best representation of France, and New York City isn’t a complete portrayal of the United States (sorry Matt), the same can be said about other parts of the world, Bali for example. There are two well-traveled versions of […]
“Eat, Pray, Leave”: Let The Backlash Begin
Seven million copies, 170 weeks and counting on the New York Times Best Seller List, and one Julia Roberts-starring movie later, Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love,” may, surprisingly, just be entering the backlash phase that was inevitable from a book with such runaway success. We’ve seen this story before: Peter Mayles helped ensure a rate […]