Russia’s Footprint on China’s Southern Tip: Travel Notes to Hainan
Hainan is China’s southernmost province—and also the only one entirely island. From the air, its shape resembles a drop of water falling into the South China Sea, as if destined to be a tropical paradise amidst the frigid Asian mainland. This is the island I was headed to for the next few days, on a […]
Roses for Xi Jinping and the One Child Policy
Our journey in Hainan continues. After a morning visit to a legendary traditional Chinese medicine factory, our next destination is one of China’s most famous rose gardens, Yalong Bay Rose Valley, sometimes called Yalong Bay Rose Park. On the way to the flower garden, our tour guide talked extensively about Hainan Island and briefly explored […]
At the Edge of the Sky and the Edge of the Sea: Sunset Notes at Tianya Haijiao
It was nearing dusk when our bus arrived at our next destination: Tianya Haijiao, which the tour guide had called the most romantic beach in Hainan—and indeed, in all of China. “If we hold hands with our partner here, our relationship is guaranteed to last until we’re grandparents,” Angela said teasingly on the bus. Not […]
Poco-Poco and Xinglong Coffee in a Chinese-Style Balinese Village
Travel Report from Hainan by Taufik Hidayat The afternoon sky in Hainan was a mauve hue as the chants of Poco-Poco echoed from an open-air stage. Rows of round lights hung between coconut trees, casting golden light onto smiling faces. Amidst the crowd, dancers dressed in orange batik swayed their hips energetically. The audience—both Indonesian […]
Barcelona, Home to Artists
Its appeal extends beyond being home to one of the world’s best football clubs. This Spanish city is also known as the “Mecca” of global architectural art. When we think of European cities and their cultural heritage, we often think of Paris, London, Venice, Berlin, and others. Surprisingly, however, it’s Barcelona that has the most […]
Vancouver, a Winter Paradise
Often ranked among the world’s most ideal metropolitan areas to live in. Crowned by the Coast Mountains and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and supported by environmentally friendly city management, this Canadian city inspires gratitude for being born here. By VALENTINO LUIS With the compelling motto, “By Sea, Land, and Air We Prosper,” Vancouver is a […]
Philippines Issues Digital Nomad Visa
The neighboring Philippines recently introduced the Digital Nomad Visa, a special long-term residency option designed for digital nomads and remote workers earning income overseas. The policy was announced by President Marcos on April 24, 2025, and went into effect mid-year, attracting significant interest from the United States. Visa holders can now stay for an initial […]
“Find Your 100%” New Zealand Tourism Campaign Slogan
“Find Your 100%” is the slogan for New Zealand’s latest tourism campaign. The campaign invites global travelers to experience a sense of connection, inspiration, and fulfillment in New Zealand’s destinations. According to Tourism New Zealand CEO René de Monchy, this is an invitation for visitors to fully immerse themselves and discover themselves “100%” in New […]
Indonesia Targets 2025 Visits from Russian Tourists of Over 180,000 People.
According to data from the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow, the number of Russian tourists visiting Indonesia in 2024 reached 180,215 people, an increase of 11.71% compared to the previous year. This figure is a new record and confirms Russia’s position among the top 15 countries contributing foreign tourists to Indonesia. This surge demonstrates Indonesia’s growing […]
Rote, the Temptation of Nusa Lontar in Southern Indonesia
Here, gentle breezes caress surfers’ bodies, soaring melodies from the strings of the Sasando, and lulling explorers to beautiful beaches. Text & Photos: Valentino Luis Among the tens of thousands of islands in Indonesia, Rote is designated as the outermost boundary of Indonesia’s southernmost region. It’s no wonder its name is often mentioned in Indonesian […]
