olaf purvis

Mar272015 by olafNo Comments

Phuket The Nature

Spectacular scenery, stunning tropical sunsets and warm blue sea await you at one of Asia’s most popular beach destinations. This fun island provides an unbeatable combination of perfect silky soft white palm-lined beaches, superb hospitality and great value accommodation. Whether it is its world class diving in the Andaman Sea, golf at world-standard championship courses or exciting eco-adventures in tropical forests that attract your interest, Phuket is certainly a place to extend your horizons. Take an exhilarating speedboat trip to the surrounding islands or enjoy a serene cruise around mystical Phang Nga Bay. Alternatively, why not simply enjoy Phuket’s vibrant nightlife in Patong Beach? I would not presume to tell you what to do in Phuket but there are some great places t...

Mar192015 by olaf2 Comments

Siem Reap Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia by TropicalLife Magazine Bali

Five Best

One of five best TropicalLife Magazine Bali is Siem Reap located in NW Cambodia and is where the famous Angkor Archaeological Park is located. Home to the remarkable temple ruins of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon and many others, the park has been designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site attracting million of visitors each year. Angkor Wat is of course the temple we all know about. It was built for Khmer King Suriyavarman II in the 12th century as his state temple and capital city, and eventually mausoleum. Angkor Wat is the country’s prime attraction for visitors and has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Here it is best to visit early in the morning during sunrise or late before sunset. Ta Prohm situated about one kilometre from Angkor Thom and is one of the most p...

Mar182015 by olafNo Comments

Malacca City

Next Destination

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_blockquote type="type1" border_color="#00e3ff"] Situated about 150 km south of Kuala Lumpur and 260 km north of Singapore, Malacca City was once central to Malaya during the 15th and 16th century’s. Established from its beginning as a small fishing village in the 14th century by the Prince of Palembang, Malacca City has had hundreds of years of colonial rule by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. [/vc_blockquote][vc_column_text] I visited Malacca a couple of months ago and was overwhelmed by the rich history, culture and landmark architecture. The city is a historical treasure trove and was listed in July 2008 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. From its foundation Malacca rapidly developed to become the most important warehousing and staging port as gateway...

Mar162015 by olafNo Comments

The Sayan House

Spice

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_blockquote type="type1" border_color="#00e3ff"] Casually tucked in Sayan area overlooking the majestic Ayung River just outside the crowded part of Ubud, The Sayan House is an extraordinary fine dining restaurant designed for comfort and expressing a home like atmosphere with an emphasis on “welcome” for all its guests. [/vc_blockquote][vc_column_text] The place is totally hidden from the main road, but as one drives into the circular sand area of the property it becomes obvious that one has arrived at somewhere special. Deceptive from the front but a full mind blowing vista awaits those who venture to the rear of this establishment. The green and scalloped landscape of Ubud fame spreads magnificent from the dining area. It doesn’t take much of a geographer ...

Mar132015 by olafNo Comments

DaLa Spa at Villa de daun

Unwind

The name DaLa comes from ancient Sanskrit and means leaf. The leaf symbolises Gaia’s or if you like nature’s bountiful gifts to all that live with it; providing shelter, food and vitality to its charges. Here at DaLa Spa treatments are drawn from traditional Asian healing and beauty practices. Despite the bustle of its surrounds, DaLa Spa welcomes its guests into a veritable haven of serene peace with the artful décor and lighting through the lobby and its 7 florally named treatment rooms. The spa menu is especially directed towards beauty and relaxation treatments and I was drawn to The Palace Ritual, a 2.5 – hour treatment inspired by gracious traditions of the Sriwijaya Kingdom of South Sumatra. My treatment room was designed in Moroccan classic style of maroon colours overlay...

Mar112015 by olafNo Comments

Penang

Next Island

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_blockquote type="type1" border_color="#00e3ff"] Penang is an island state of Malaysia, one of the most visited destinations for travellers to the country and has well earned the name ‘Pearl of the Orient’. This turtle shaped island covers 285 square kilometres, has its own international airport and is connected to the mainland by the Penang Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world. [/vc_blockquote][vc_column_text] Taking a short flight to Penang from Kuala Lumpur I landed on an island of modern business and holiday sophistication where a rich history and culture has been preserved. I chose to stay in the Batu Ferringhi beach resort area of the island where hotels and enticing restaurants line the coast and golden beaches on the N.W. tip of the island....