makan | joie de vivre
Nestled among the misty peaks of Alishan, this little red pavilion stands quietly overlooking the rolling sea of clouds. Sitting near the Sacred Tree train station, where some of Alishan’s most majestic and centuries-old Taiwan cypress trees still stand tall, this resting spot was dedicated to Mr Sun Yat-Sen
Once a quiet isle in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, Nirup has transformed into a pretty exclusive retreat steeped in golden sunsets and picturesque islands. My hotel room had me waking up to breathtaking views of the South China Sea. Just 45 minutes by ferry from Singapore, the resort blends island tranquility […]
Hidden in plain sight, Baphuon Temple is actually older than Angkor Wat! It’s also home to Southeast Asia’s largest reclining Buddha-9m tall and 70m long, built in the 15th century from stones of a demolished tower. Love the peaceful walk in, and how the Buddha lies on his right, symbolising his journey to nirvana. Important […]
Spent an afternoon in the winding alleys of Talat Noi, Bangkok’s coolest old neighborhood, and had to drop by the abandoned Turtle Car. This rusted relic was once a shiny Fiat 500 and is now an unlikely icon blending perfectly with the district’s vibrant street art, eclectic warehouses and maze of stories. Surrounded by old […]
Capturing the serene charm of an alley outside a villa in Uluwatu, here’s sketch completed over a relaxing weekend with the cousins. Located in the south of Bali island, Ulutwatu is renowned for having one of Bali’s most beautiful beaches and ideal surf spots. It is also home to the stunning Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple. […]
Tucked away in the heart of Scotland’s St Andrews is a picturesque alley coming straight out of a storybook. While enjoying sumptuous scones and a warm cup of Earl Grey at The Cottage Kitchen, I had to capture this street view with a sketch. The intertwining cobbled streets, the shadows of the past, and the […]
Spent a weekend in the sun-kissed city of Split, Croatia, and oh, how I wish it was longer! The city’s beaches are a dream, with the Adriatic Sea’s crystal clear waters lapping against the shore. I found this little beach house near our hotel, nestled between the pines, a perfect hideaway from the world. Did […]
Did you know that the name of Petitenget Temple in Bali means “haunted container” in Behasa Indonesia? According to an old legend, villagers built the temple to ward off dark spirits from a nearby forest that made anyone who ventured into it ill. Since its construction, it’s been a peaceful place for both locals and […]
It’s hard to miss this magnificent tree with its gorgeous network of trunk and roots as well as branches which seemingly protect the entire Kilo Kitchen Restaurant from the elements. The restaurant’s architecture was clearly designed and built around this stunning specimen. Once inside, the ambiance is a heady mix of concrete textures, a sea […]
Take a leisure walk along the Benkei moat in Tokyo, named after the warrior monk Saitō Musashibō Benkei (1155–1189). The towering 2-metre tall man is popular in Japanese folklore and was known for his great strength and loyalty to his lord, Minamoto no Yoshitsune.