Faces and Phases of Dhaka
Located at the heart of the Ganges Delta is the vibrant Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka.
Upon arrival, you will immediately be greeted by the city’s notorious dry heat and dizzying traffic. Streets here defy conventional rules of the road. Traffic signals seem to be mere suggestions, plus there’s an everyday concerto of car honks and rickshaw bells.
Take some time to visit the river port of Sadarghat, which connects Dhaka with the country’s delta region. While the area offers a glimpse to Bangladesh’s distinct river culture, it also is a visible reminder of the environmental challenges faced by the city.
Check out Lalbagh Fort and Panam Nagar as well to learn about the city’s history as the center of power and culture under the Mughal rule.
Sandarghat sunset
Lalbagh Fort
The ancient city of Panam Nagar
More photos here.
Faces and Phases of Kolkata
Kolkata traces back its rich colonial roots from the time when it as the former capital of British India.
The city’s architecture still bears strong influence from the imperial British, including the Victoria Memorial Hall, Howrah Bridge, and St. Paul Cathedral. Vintage yellow cabs and brightly colored buses also remain a common sight on the city’s busy streets.
Kolkata’s strategic location on the Ganges tributary of Hooghly River also made it a vital hub for trade and culture. The city also notably became the home of Mother Teresa, where she dedicated her life to serve the less fortunate.
Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial
Ganges sunset
Brightly colored bus of Kolkata
More photos here.
Faces and Phases of Mumbai
Mumbai’s madness is not for the faint-hearted—its vibrant chaos is simply a symphony to the senses.
There’s people’s frenetic pace inside local train platforms, the rhythmic sound of clothes being washed at the iconic Dhobi Ghat, or the distinct scent of spices sold at the Crawford Market. The crowded streets of India’s financial capital pulsate with indescribable energy.
If in the city, walk along the Colaba harbor to see the iconic Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. You can also check other colonial structures at the University of Mumbai, Bombay High Court, or Victoria train terminal. Lastly, spend some time at Gandhi’s residence and learn about his roots before becoming a pilgrim of peace.
Mumbai’s Gateway of India
The iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
Mahalakshmi Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest outdoor laundry area
Alphonso mangos at the Crawford Market
Mani Bhavan, Gandhi’s former residence
More photos here.
Faces and Phases of Queensland
The river city of Brisbane is the largest in Australia’s northeast. Its laid-back charm comes alive along its picturesque riverfront and vibrant business district.
Take a ferry to North Stradbroke Island if you’re keen to learn about the rich Aboriginal history of the Quandamooka people. You may also stroll along the scenic hike trails and spot sea turtles and manta rays off the rich Moreton Bay.
The tourist resort city of Gold Coast is also nearby. Hit the white sand beach of Surfers Paradise or get up close and personal with the kangaroos and koalas of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Brisbane sunset
Straddie stroll
Roos of Currumbin
White sand beach of Surfers Paradise
More photos here.
Exploring Iloilo and Guimaras
Iloilo is the regional center for culture and trade of western Visayas. This dynamic city hosts heritage sites reflecting the strong Spanish influence in the island as well as ancestral houses of Panay’s old-rich made rich by the region’s two white golds—salt and sugar. Iloilo’s charm extends beyond its vibrant colonial history to include the distinctive warmth of its locals and the tasty Ilonggo cuisine.
A tiny province in between the larger islands of Panay and Negros, Guimaras is popular for its quiet beaches and renowned as home to the world’s sweetest mangoes.
Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church of Miagao
Oblé of UP Visayas-Iloilo City Campus
Casa Mariquit, the oldest heritage house in Iloilo and residence of former VP Fernando Lopez, Sr.
White sand beach of Natago
Windmills of Guimaras
More photos here.
2023
I heard somewhere that unexpected changes in life’s itinerary are like dancing lessons from God.
In the dance of life, your ‘why’ is the rhythm that makes every step purposeful. Find your beat and let it be your guide.
May the next 365 days be filled with love that knows no bounds and growth that knows no limits. Cheers to a meaningful year ahead!
Faces and Phases of Dili
Independent travel to Timor-Leste—one of the world’s youngest nations—is almost unheard of.
It remains to be relatively isolated, with limited flights from nearby Bali or Darwin. Most foreigners—if not all—visit this small island nation for short-term development work or something related to construction, mining, or oil.
The country’s tourism industry is still in its infancy, so going around—even in the main city of Dili—is a challenge. But a walk through the popular waterfront and historic monuments will allow you to sense an atmosphere far different from any other Southeast Asian capitals. Beyond the city borders are rich mangrove beaches and quiet hillside districts.
Christianity remains to have a prominent influence to the everyday lives of East Timorese. After the Vatican, the country has the highest proportion of Catholics among its total population. That’s why it doesn’t come as a surprise that many of the country’s must-visits include old churches and the towering Cristo Rei statue.
White sand beach of Areia Branca
Saint Anthony Church of Motael, the oldest church in Timor-Leste
Fisherfolks of Banda Sea
More photos here.
Faces and Phases of Western Thailand
Thailand shares its longest land border with Myanmar in the west. This is why it is no surprise that many communities in this side of the country, including the towns of Mae Sot and Sangkhlaburi, will remind you of quiet Burmese towns, with longyi-clad men and ladies with full-on thanakha roaming around.
At the height of the Second World War, thousands of forced laborers and prisoners of war of imperial Japan were rounded up to build the Thai-Burma Death Railway. The Bridge over the River Kwai is the most popular section. While considered an engineering feat due to the scale of construction, this wartime project also saw some of the most brutal war crimes committed in recent history.
Thailand’s western region is also home to many secluded forests and impressive waterfalls, such as those in Kanchanaburi and Tak. Meanwhile, the provinces of Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Ratchaburi offer good spots for a quick weekend getaway from Bangkok. There is the rich biodiversity of Kaeng Krachan National Park, the white sand beaches of Cha-am and Hua Hin, as well as the rustic floating market of Damnoen Saduak.
Faces and Phases of Thailand’s Deep South
A visit to the country’s Deep South is not usually in people’s itinerary, even among locals. Tourists hardly travel to this remote part of Thailand due to the continuing ethno-political unrest. Despite the heavy military presence, there’s something to be said about the warm southern Thai hospitality.
Secluded beaches, quaint fishing villages, and charming heritage towns are just some of the few things you’ll see if you’re willing to take the unbeaten path to the provinces of Narathiwat, Songkhla, Pattani, and Yala.
Buildings around the city centers feature a unique mix of Islamic and Sino-Portuguese architectural motifs. Similarly, the cuisine and predominant language of these border provinces capture an interesting blend of Thai and Malay influences.
Kolae boat of Narathiwat
Fishing village of Narathiwat’s Hat Narathat
White sand beach of Ao Manao
The 400-year old Masjid Wadi Al-Husein
Songkhla’s Central Masjid
Songkhla’s Talat Nam Khlong Hae
Singora Old Town
Pattani’s Central Masjid
Yala’s Central Masjid
More photos here.
Faces and Phases of Kuching
There’s no better place to appreciate Malaysia’s rich biodiversity than in Sarawak.
Kuching, its quaint river capital, is a gateway to the dense jungles of northeast Borneo. Eco-trails to all forest types—beach, mangrove, or tropical rainforests—are widely available.
Trekking trails of Taman Negara Bako
Wild fauna of Bako: Bornean bearded pig
Sarawak sunset
More photos here.
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