Located 10km southwest of Ubud, Pura Taman Ayun is a picturesque orange-walled temple surrounded by sculptures and a moat, a wonderful respite from the heat, and a refreshing walk through well-kept gardens. Although originally built in 1634, it was tastefully renovated in 1937. Located at GPS: S08°32.626’ E115°10.329’
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Pura Besakih temple near Bangli, Bali, Indonesia
The 23 temples that make up Pura Besakih comprise Bali’s most important temple complex. The most important temple is Pura Penataran Agung, a six-level temple that is off limits to non-believers. All other temples are accessible. Beware of the touts that continually badger you, and enjoy your walk. You do not need them to guide […]
Read the rest of this entry »Pura Kehen & Pura Dalem temples near Bangli, Bali, Indonesia
In and near the quiet city of Bangli in east Bali, you’ll find two wonderful temples, worth a visit. Pura Kehen is considered to be one of the most the nicer temples in east Bali, and serves as the state temple. Located right in Bangli, it rises from a hill has a nicely carved […]
Read the rest of this entry »Steve Rosse’s short story of Phuket: Two for the Road
Here at WoWasis, we think Steve Rosse’s short story Two for the Road is one of the most poigant we’ve read on life in Thailand (see Steve’s bio at the bottom of this article. ) The story is reprinted from the book Thai Vignettes, published in book or ebook format from Bangkok Book House Two […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis’ Philippines Bookshelf: Tribal books from the Luzon Cordillera
Two significant books regarding tribal groups in the northern Luzon Gran Cordillera area recently caught our eyes here at WoWasis. They’re both valuable for scholars as well as travelers, and are available at the bookstore in the Bontoc Museum, if you happen to be traveling in the area. Masferre: a Tribute to the Philippine Cordillera […]
Read the rest of this entry »Exploring Thai culture at Bangkok’s Siam Society
Bangkok’s best venue for exploring Thai culture and tradition is at the venerated Siam Society, whose exciting complex is on Soi Asok (Sukhumvit Soi 21), just northwest of the (BTS Skytrain Asok, and MRT Subway Sukhumvit stations). We attended an Isaan music and dance performance there for 200 baht, and were treated to fabulous Thai […]
Read the rest of this entry »Thailand’s Hill Tribes
Approximately 500,000 semi-nomadic tribespeople live in Thailand, comprising some 15-20 tribes. Each has its own culture, dress, language, customs, and belief system. Tribal culture crosses geo-political boundaries, and therefore each group will be known by several names, depending on the modern country in which they’re found, whether it be Thailand, Burma, China, Laos, or […]
Read the rest of this entry »Chiang Mai area: Golden Triangle and Points North
Aside from trekking opportunities, many visitors make the northern run to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle, to visit the Mekong area and Burma. There is very little to see in the ancient capital of Chiang Rai, as ancient buildings have been plowed-under. A few minutes north, in the Golden Triangle area, where Thailand, Laos, […]
Read the rest of this entry »Malaysia Oasis Top Ten Sites in Malaysia
Malaysia is full of great places, and here is our short list of highlights, not to be missed. Choose between Peninsular Malaysia, and Malaysian Borneo, or visit both, as air transportation is inexpensive and easy. Tour Malacca, tour Lankawi, tour George Town, or tour Kuala Lumpur now! Peninsular Malaysia 1. Melaka, a charming riverside town, […]
Read the rest of this entry »Shops & markets in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Shopping opportunities abound in Kuala Lumpur, with everything ranging from high end boutique items to brand-name knock-offs that keep international lawyers busy. Jalan Petaling: Same Old, Same Old, Day and Night By day, on two blocks of one of Chinatown’s main streets, you can visit Chinese shops selling everything from incense to dresses, but by […]
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