Singosari Temple

Not much remains of the once powerful 13th century East Java kingdom of Singosari. An unfinished temple and two giant statues that once stood guard in front of the palace are the only traces left of this great kingdom.

The kingdom of Singosari was founded in 1222 by a commoner by the name of Ken Arok, who managed to marry the beautiful princess Ken Dedes of Janggala after murdering her husband.  Ken Arok later attacked neighbouring Kediri and thus united the two realms that were split by King Airlangga in 1049 as inheritance to his two sons.

Emilia Romagna, Italy

Emilia Romagna lies between the River Po to the north and the Apennine mountains to the south. It is one of the most fertile and productive regions of Italy also thanks to the effect of the Adriatic Sea mitigating the coastal climate. The variety between the mountains and the sea allows Emilia Romagna to offer its visitors breathtaking views, wonders for the eyes and for the spirit in a mixture of earthy colors and aromas, seaside happiness, music, cinema and art, all in one region.
Many who love the combination of sea, sun and entertainment choose the Romagna Riviera. Having the longest beach in Europe, visitors flock to enjoy the richness offered by its sports and leisure facilities.

Kanagawa, Japan

Near-futuristic urban complex full of vitality, located next to Tokyo. Topographic variety with exquisite mountains, rivers and seas.

  Just south of Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture is situated in the southwest of the Kanto Plains and fronts on Tokyo Bay and Sagami Bay at the south. In addition to its celebrated standing as an animated district that has led the economy of Japan, Kanagawa boasts topographic variety created by mountains, rivers, and sea, with each locality colored by distinguishing history and climate.

Pulau Ubin, Singapore

Experience “kampong” life

Go back in time to a simpler life at Pulau Ubin, the last village or “kampong” in Singapore. A visit here is like taking a time warp back to the 1960s when things were much simpler, as you’ll notice from the old wooden houses. Located off Singapore’s north east coast, the best way to get here is to take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

The name Pulau Ubin means “Granite Island” in Malay, which isn’t surprising, considering the many abandoned stone quarries there are on the island. The best way to explore Pulau Ubin is to hire a bike and ride around the Island, although it remains a great place for a quiet stroll.

Lankayan Island, Malaysia

Lankayan Island is a virtually uninhabited island located in the Sulu Sea. This tiny island is covered by thick tropical jungle that is surrounded by smooth, white sand - the perfect getaway.
It has the only dive resort in Malaysia's Sulu Sea called the Lankayan Island Dive Resort and is one of the best spots for whale shark sightings. The location of the whale shark is usually indicated by flocks of seabirds screeching high above the placid surface. With luck, divers and snorkellers may get close to this gentle giant, although it won't stay close for long.
During the day you can witness black-tip sharks swimming about by the beach. At night, hawksbill and green turtles may be spotted coming to shore. Large stretches of beautiful hard and soft corals belonging to numerous genera can also be found here, the perfect habitat for colourful friendly fishes.

Ambon : The Original Spice Islands

The tiny islands of Ambon, Banda, Ternate and Tidore - among the thousands of islands in the Moluccas seas,- changed the course of world history from the 15th century onwards. These islands were what triggered the European Age of Exploration.

For in search of the Spice Islands in the Far East, Christopher Columbus sailed west – and discovered America. Vasco da Gama sailed south and discovered the long route around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope in 1498 to finally reach India after a long and perilous voyage. Only later did the Portuguese finally discover the sea route to Banda and Ambon. These small islands in the eastern deep seas of the Indonesian archipelago were for centuries the sole producers of the fragrant nutmeg and mace in the world. At the time these spices fetched their weight in gold in Medieval Europe.

Tana Toraja : Land of Heavenly Kings

Safely protected beyond the lofty mountains and rugged granite cliffs of the central highlands of the island of Sulawesi, are the Toraja people who live in valleys that are lush with green rice terraces and fertile coffee plantations.  

“Discovered” and opened to the world from their long isolation only since the beginning of the last century, the Toraja today still adhere to their age-old beliefs, rituals and traditions, although many of her people are modernized or have embraced Christianity.

When one travels to the Tana Toraja highlands, therefore, expect to be awed by the spectacular beauty of nature, at the same time experience how communities have through the ages sustained their beliefs and traditions in splendid isolation in order to survive this eternal cycle of life and death on earth.