Compass: Asia
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”
–Miriam Beard
Explore beautiful Asia, the Earth’s largest continent. Covering more than 30 % of the planet’s land surface, Asia is the most populous region. It has a unique blend of many first civilizations. Asia’s history is vast and the continent is abundant with diverse ethnic groups, cultural heritage, traditions and religious beliefs; all worth learning more about.
The countries within beautiful Asia include: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, North, Korea, South, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor Leste (West), Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam
Exploring Kangra Valley from Rakkh Resort
By Sugato MukherjeeA mountainous land in the Northwestern part of India, the state of Himachal Pradesh has long been a paradise for travelers. Colonial-era hill stations, idyllic rural settlements and verdant valleys dot the expanse of this North Indian state that was once a part of undivided Punjab. However, Kangra Valley, in … Read more Read more
India Off the Beaten Path
The Coral Rehabilitation Project Reviving the Maldives Reefs
By Bianca CaruanaThe Maldives islands are home to more than a thousand coral reefs, vibrant ecosystems that provide a home for marine life. Read more
Asia Volunteer Travel Preservation
Yamadera – A Japanese temple experience with a special view
By Thomas SpäterAt the end of my backpacking trip through Japan, I had three days to spare with no idea what to do. I had already explored the very south (Hiroshima) as well as all major landmarks around the central part of this beautiful Asian country (Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo). Read more
Asia Off the Beaten Path
Climbing A Stairway to Heaven in The Philippines
By Len CristobalGrowing up in the Philippines, an intensely Catholic country, I have seen the extremes that people sometimes go to in the name of religion. “Stairway to Heaven,” a giant, outdoor stairway leading to a breathtaking replica of heaven, or how heaven looks according to traditional beliefs. Read more
Asia Experiences Religious Travel
5 Ways to have a more cultural experience in Cambodia
By Derek CullenWhen you think of Cambodia, first impressions can come with some very negative connotations. Read more
Asia Experiences
Locals of Licin, East Java
By Ziba RedifThe sleepy village of Licin is situated in the Banyuwangi regency of East Java, Indonesia. It’s a 30-minute drive from the town of Banyuwangi – Java’s easternmost tip – and an hour from the slopes of Kawah Ijen, the legendary volcano famous for its electric blue flames. Read more
Asia Agritourism Indigenous Sustainability
The Risk of Rabies is Real: Here’s What Travellers Need to Know
By Melissa HobsonWhile rabies occurs in more than 150 countries and territories and causes around 59,000 deaths worldwide each year, many travellers don’t fully understand the risks. Read more
Asia Health & Wellness Insights
Historic Places in China You Absolutely Need to See
By Jennifer RaskinChina was a place I wound up in much by accident. It’s a place that tends to give most people intense culture shock, but once it wears off, you’re left to marvel at this beautiful place surrounding you. Read more
Asia History
Ri Kynjai — The Abode of Clouds in Misty Meghalaya
By Bandita MukherjeeBlessed with rich biodiversity and dramatic terrains, this North-Eastern state of India with Assam to its north and Bangladesh to its south is a paradise for nature lovers. The matrilineal state has decked herself up wonderfully for adventure seekers and laid back travelers across the globe. Read more
India Adventure Architecture
Longing for isolation: A demanding journey through Mongolia
By Thomas SpäterWhen I was desperately searching for a new place to explore without hundreds and thousands of other tourists around me, I came across a mysterious and equally attractive country called Mongolia. Read more
Asia Experiences
One Night on the Great Wall of China
By Thomas SpäterI have already traveled most of Asia, but never really had the chance to see the Great Wall of China. It was the end of May, when I touched down in Beijing after traveling both Japan and Mongolia for 8 days each. Using Beijing as a 3-day layover on the … Read more Read more
Asia Experiences
An Adventurous Backpacking Route Through Southeast Asia
By Tonya FitzpatrickThe Southeast Asian region, particularly Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos has become increasingly popular among adventure backpackers. Travelers visiting the region, however, are frequently faced with a dilemma: which path to take. Read more
Asia Adventure Backpacking & Camping
There’s More to Kundasang, Borneo than Mount Kinabalu
By Ziba RedifFarfetched as it may seem, the tiny Malaysian mountain town of Kundasang is sometimes compared to the pastoral villages in the Alps. S Read more
Asia Off the Beaten Path
The Myths, Legends, and Magic of Malacca
By Tonya FitzpatrickSoutheast Asia is filled with cultural diversity, unique cuisine, and the most unbelievable panoramic views, such as tropical rainforests and seas. Located in the Southern region of the Malay Peninsula is the state of Malacca, and the capital is Malacca City which UNESCO named a world heritage site in 2008. Read more
Asia Off the Beaten Path History Preservation
Wild Mahseer of Assam: In Harmony with Nature
By Bandita MukherjeeBlessed with serenity and tranquility, Wild Mahseer, named after one of the toughest game fishes, offers unique natural and cultural experiences to visitors. Spread over 22 acres of land, the heritage bungalows with antique furniture and colonial décor provide the opportunity to relive history and it is a perfect place … Read more Read more
Asia Conservation