Beyond George Town: Balik Pulau’s Overlooked Nutmeg Heritage

Beyond George Town: Balik Pulau’s Overlooked Nutmeg Heritage

Owen Poh
Food & Drink, Travel

Penang Island off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is a popular destination for tourists. Colonial architecture, shophouses, clan temples, street art and food stalls provide one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding urban experiences. Yet this island changes character once the road crosses the central hills. On the western side in Balik Palau, a once-global spice survives in orchards, roadside stalls and everyday local food. This is where travellers can discover nutmeg, and a quieter part of Penang’s identity.

Is the North Coast of Bali a Better Choice for Older Travellers?

Is the North Coast of Bali a Better Choice for Older Travellers?

David Astley
Travel

The island of Bali in Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destinations. However, the southern beaches of Bali and the cultural hub of Ubud have been suffering over-tourism for more than a decade causing severe traffic congestion and a trash disposal crisis across the island. Many visitors are deferring return trips to the island in favour of quieter destinations within the region, but are there still parts of Bali that might appeal to older travellers who want to avoid tourist crowds?

At 60, I Finally Learned How to Travel Slowly

At 60, I Finally Learned How to Travel Slowly

Janet Low
Travel, Experiences

After a lifetime of travelliing the world at a sometimes hectic pace, this Malaysian traveller who is approaching retirement found a way to slow down and spend more time in one place. She discovered that travel wasn’t just about seeing as many places as possible, but it was a way to build meaningful relationships and embrace the rhythm of everyday life in a different culture.

A 2026 Phnom Penh Hotel Glow-Up I Didn't See Coming

A 2026 Phnom Penh Hotel Glow-Up I Didn't See Coming

Nannette Holliday
Accommodation

Many boutique hotels in Asia start out offering great value for money when new, but after they’ve been in the market for a few years and become more popular leveraging their good reviews, prices rise and some slip in service standards. Here’s one hotel in Phnom Penh that’s done the opposite: it has expanded and is still as impressive as when we first reviewed it and room rates are still affordable.

A Return Visit to Penang After 15 Years

A Return Visit to Penang After 15 Years

David Astley
Travel, Food & Drink

The island of Penang has long been a favourite destination for older travellers in Southeast Asia. Its natural beauty, cultural heritage and food scene are some of the reasons that make it perfect for either a weekend getaway or a week of relaxation. After 15 years absence, we make a return visit to see if things have changed.

Playful Taichung: Your Guide to Taiwan’s Coolest City

Playful Taichung: Your Guide to Taiwan’s Coolest City

Nannette Holliday
Travel

Taichung, on the western central coast of Taiwan, is known as the birthplace of Taiwan’s famous bubble tea, but it’s rarely on the radar of international visitors. That’s a pity because Taichung is a relaxed city with a wide range of attractions that will appeal to art and culture lovers, nature seekers and hikers, as well as having the only Michelin-starred ice cream parlour in the world.

Kampot: A Riverside Town Where Travellers Linger

Kampot: A Riverside Town Where Travellers Linger

Nannette Holliday
Travel

Kampot, a charming river town in southern Cambodia, is a destination which many older travellers find appealing because of its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals. Restored French colonial façades line the riverside, while weathered shophouses have been lovingly transformed into upmarket restaurants, coffee shops, bars and welcoming guesthouses.

Chasing Calm: Cambodia’s Southern Gem

Chasing Calm: Cambodia’s Southern Gem

Nannette Holliday
Travel, Accommodation

Kep West, an upmarket hospitality and wellness destination on Cambodia’s southern coast, is a perfect escape for those seeking both adventure and calm. Travel warnings relating to the border skirmishes between Thailand and Cambodia are keeping some people away, but those incidents have been confined to a region over 400km to the north and are not keeping experienced travellers away.

A Fragrant Start to Lunar New Year

A Fragrant Start to Lunar New Year

Nannette Holliday
Food & Drink, Festivals & Events

The lunar new year is a festive time in many Asian countries. In Vietnam it is known as Tet. One of the traditions of Tet is the giving of sticky rice cakes as gifts, many of which are made by families at home. Joining a family Tet celebration in Vietnam is a unique and memorable experience, but if you can’t do that, savouring Tet cakes - which can be savoury or sweet - is the next best thing.

The Great Asian Cherry Blossom Chase

The Great Asian Cherry Blossom Chase

Nannette Holliday
Festivals & Events, Travel

Japan is synonymous with cherry blossom season but there are many other countries in Asia where cherry blossoms can be viewed, and many places where the usual sakura crowds can be avoided. Planning an Asian spring visit to see cherry blossoms can be rewarding experience for older travellers, but chasing cherry blossoms is never just about ticking off places – it’s an adventure in nature and culture.

Is Doha a Worthwhile Stopover Destination?

Is Doha a Worthwhile Stopover Destination?

David Astley
Travel

Many travellers transit through Doha on their way to or from Asia, but few break their journey there - perhaps unaware of what Doha has to offer. Qatar Airways offers attractive stopover packages to encourage travellers to spend a few days in their home base. We take a look at whether it’s worth breaking the journey to spend some time in Qatar’s capital.

Turkish Riviera Road Trip: Lessons Learned

Turkish Riviera Road Trip: Lessons Learned

David Astley
Travel, Travel Tips, Experiences

Driving a rental car is an excellent way to see the Turkish Riviera. It provides the opportunity to visit many interesting and scenic areas that are away from the tourist crowds. However, in planning such a trip, there are some important issues that should be taken into account. Here is a detailed account of one Turkish Riviera road trip and the lessons learned.

Three Areas of Bali Perfect for Older Travellers

Three Areas of Bali Perfect for Older Travellers

Iria Salcedo
Travel

Bali is a large island and travelling from one side to the other can easily take 3-5 hours. Deciding where to base yourself can therefore be challenging if you are not familiar with the island. Here are three areas that are ideal for older travellers looking to either immerse themselves in real Balinese culture or seeking quieter refuges from the glitzy resorts and party beaches.

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