I have blogged about how Australia the movie has potential to be a great branding opportunity for Australia the country. There aren’t many other movies named after countries, but there are a number of movies named after cities and towns. Sometimes the film can become big enough that the city becomes synonymous with the film. […]
Jalan Jaksa – The backpacker budget accommodation street in Jakarta
For backpackers and budget travellers arriving in Jakarta, Jalan Jaksa is the the best option to find budget accommodation. The jalan (street) has Losmen (basic flophouse style accommodation) and budget hotels. The cheapest ones aren’t usally bookable online so you have to get there early to find them, otherwise you can book Jalan Jaksa accommodation […]
Staying in a capsule hotel in Tokyo
[A review of my stay at Capsule Inn Akihabara from my 2007 visit to Tokyo.] Tokyo offers a wide range of accommodation options, but nothing is as quirky as a capsule hotel. The first capsule hotel opened in Osaka in 1979 and they can now be found in major cities across Japan. I stayed at […]
Notes on Tokyo: Godzilla, hi-tech toilets, packed subways, fugu fish
Notes from my visit to Tokyo in April, 2007. Godzilla and I On my city map of Tokyo I noticed a dot marked “Godzilla Statue”. In my mind’s eye I pictured a statue at least one storey high of the lizard, perhaps eating a car, with life size people statues fleeing the scene in terror. […]
Trains in Java – Indonesia
Java has a useful train network which makes for a great way to get from Jakarta to major cities on the island. [Train at Jakarta Gambir Station] The trains are spacious and comfortable and have a meal service. [Jakarta view from train] After flying and overnight buses the train has been a welcome change. The […]
Flight Review: AirAsia – Padang to Jakarta, Indonesia
Airline: AirAsia From: Padang (PDG), Indonesia To: Jakarta (CJK), Indonesia I had originally intended to get the bus from Padang to Jakarta, until I discovered that the cost of flying was only a few dollars more than the bus. Seeing that the bus was also going to cost me 30 hours, flying was an easy […]
Flight Review: Jetstar – Melbourne to Bangkok
Flight: Jetstar JQ 29 Date: 27 Jan 2008 From: Melbourne (MEL), Australia To: Bangkok (BKK), Thailand Jetstar is the low cost airline brand of Qantas. They operate flights from Australia to popular destinations in Asia as well as New Zealand and Hawaii. As Jetstar is a low cost airline it doesn’t have the usual frills […]
Singapore Airport Budget Terminal
[Edit: This is a review from my visit in February, 2008. The Budget Terminal has now closed to make way for Terminal 4.] Singapore Changi Airport is world renown for its award-winning facilities. It is the home of Singapore Airlines and it’s a major air travel hub in Asia. Budget airlines though are not interested […]
Orangutans of Sumatra – Gunung Leuser National Park
Orangutans are the worlds largest living arboreal animal and can only be found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, Indonesia. These two islands have been logged extensively which has endangered the orangutan population. The North of Sumatra has seen less logging and palm oil/rubber plantation development thus has a the largest orangutan population in […]
Penang Hill – Penang Malaysia
Penang Hill is one the most popular attractions on the island of Penang, Malaysia. The peak is reached by a funicular railway and it is a great place to escape the heat of the island. The Penang Hill Railway terminus is in Air Itam, which is easily reached by a local bus from George Town, […]
