As the third largest island in the world, Borneo lies at the centre of Maritime Southeast Asia. The island is surrounded by the South China Sea to the north and northwest, the Sulu Sea to the northeast, the Celebes Sea and the Makassar Strait to the east. The Java Sea ...
Each year the Takayama Festival attracts thousands of visitors to play witness to some of the most colourful and vibrant festivals in Japan.
Noted as one of the three most beautiful festivals in the country, the festival takes place twice every year; once in the spring and then later in the ...
The Expo 2010 has opened in the City of Shanghai
The Expo 2010 in Shanghai is now open. The Expo showcases over 250 countries and international organisations from around the world, in an event themed around sustainable development.
The opening of the Expo involved 2,300 performers and musicians from around the world. ...
Mrs Jones travelled with Bales World wide on a trip to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Here they write to Steve Lidgey (Orient specialist) about their holiday which he helped them to co-ordinate…
Dear Steve
You may well be away travelling the world but just thought you would like to know that we had a really ...
Efforts to avoid extinction pay off as Sumatran Rhino expects its first calf.
The Rhino Foundation in Indonesia has been working hard to help raise the number of Sumatran Rhinos. In the past 15 years the Sumatra Rhino population has been reduced by almost 50%, and it is estimated that there ...
Japan remains for many a captivating enigma; a blend of ancient traditions, imperial grandeur and 21st century innovation that presents one of the most extraordinary destinations there is. From the heritage of its ancient capital Kyoto, to the vibrant streets of Tokyo, it is a land that has emerged as ...
Beyond the golden palaces and vibrant streets of Thailand’s capital lies a spectacular land of ruined cities and colourful hill tribes, where the rich cultural diversity of the Golden Triangle, permeates the very fabric of towns like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Bangkok
One of the world’s top tourist destinations, Thailand’s bustling ...
If you’re looking for a river boat cruise with a difference this is the one for you! Firstly it’s in Sarawak, much less well known than its neighbour Sabah in the north of Borneo, which is now a well-trodden tourist destination. Sarawak’s charm lies in its lack of exposure to ...
Dear All,
I have to contact you immediately to let you know what a wonderful trip I have just had with Bales to Tibet. It has literally been the holiday of a lifetime and I am greatly touched by my experience. I want to thank all of you that have contributed ...
I have just returned from the most amazing holiday to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. I have been away a fortnight but it feels like a longer when I look back on everything we have done. That is the beauty of the kind of holidays we organise - the variety and ...
Amankora’s Matsutake season in Bhutan
Revered in Japan the pine (matsu) mushroom (take) is the most anticipated of the autumn flavours and is so greatly cherished it is often given as a gift. However the matsutake resembles much more than a kind gesture, or thoughtful gift, it symbolises fertility, good fortunes ...
Okinawa, the southernmost region of Japan, boasts an archipelago of nearly 150 islands. With a subtropical temperature throughout the year, the region is awaiting to be discovered.
The region was an independent kingdom in the 15th century; Ryukyu. After the Satsuma (Kagoshima) of Kyushu, Japan invaded Ryukyu in 1609, the region ...
Countless news snippets of the crazy things that Japanese do have always amazed me. Are the Japanese just crazy or are just different? Or both? Our upbringing dictates our outlook on life and one of the wonderful things about travelling is experiencing different cultures. “And now for something completely different”…
I ...
Since I can remember I have always had a fascination with all things Japanese. From the delightfully intricate cuisine that is meticulously and skilfully prepared to the stories of Ronin or masterless samurai roaming the countryside during feudal times I was hoping that my first visit to Japan would not ...
Glistening Buddhist temples, golden beaches, colourful hill tribes, mouth watering cuisine and welcoming people are just some of the compelling reasons to visit this fascinating land.
Whether it is a beach resort, adventure holiday, exploring jungles or experiencing amazing wildlife that your family require, Thailand can offer your family a holiday ...
By Lizzie Johnson - India and Far East specialist
Having never visited Japan before I was delighted when the Kansai Tourist Board invited me to explore this region in March. Full of contrasts between the proud traditions of the past and the fast growing technological era, Japan had long fascinated me, ...
Jane is a travel journalist and The Telegraph’s cruise expert, writing regular features and a fortnightly online column. Her cruise highlights this year have included Antarctica, South Africa and, of course, China
As the sun slowly slid down behind towering peaks, unseen birds sang to each other in the lush orange ...
Operations and Airline Co-Ordinator, Neil Carpenter tells us of his recent stay at the luxurious Rasananda Hotel
Set at the base of a lush, tropical mountain on Koh Phangan, Thailand Island, lies the Rasananda, an oasis of villas and suites sitting on the unspoilt white sands of Tong Nai Pan Noi ...
