No. 15, Issue 4/2011

Epic Expeditions

Expats Exploring Asia is the new theme and direction for Asian Geographic Passport. I’m Singaporean but my ancestors were probably some of the earliest expats in the country - the Dutch, Portuguese and British colonialists. Like these historical expats who settled in the region for work, modern day ones travel extensively around Asia for leisure and business.

Ladakh, Mongolia and Sabah are a few exciting destinations to explore while Cebu offers a short getaway from big city life. More and more expats are buying their own boats to escape at their leisure to islands and dive sites. In fact, so popular are yachts and boats that one British boat manufacturer based in Singapore has seen regional sales growing by almost 600 percent annually since 2008. In addition to where, Asian Geographic Passport also offers the how, when and what in the form of important tips, information and facts. How to buy a boat, what visa you need to travel to Mongolia, what to wear on a jungle trek, and so on.

If photography is an interest, our Shoot It! section not only showcases some stunning photographs but photo experts also tell you how to take the pictures and what cameras and techniques to use.

So enjoy the new Asian Geographic Passport and explore exciting places in the region.

Your Editor,
Carol Kraal

Rejuvenate: Great Escapes

Sail Away

You’ll find it on most expat blogs in Asia. You’ll also find it in countless expat surveys about how to spend the perfect retirement life or holiday escape. Whether they’re based in Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines or China, what some expats crave is to get a yacht or sailing vessel, live in it, and explore the surrounding waters and landscapes in Asia.

Itenerary: India | Cambodia | Sri Lanka | South Korea

+ Sabah | Mongolia | Golden Triangle

Wedding destinations don’t come any hotter than India’s diminutive southern neighbour, Sri Lanka. Indeed, anyone willingly donning a gown or tuxedo in this exotic corner of Asia will doubtless be spending most of their time cursing the incessant heat. But there’s a much less stressful way to enjoy this island gem, and it’s the perfect marriage of fun and adventure: a wildlife safari. No formal attire required.

Expat Exploring Asia: The Foodie

Singapore

Dana Urmonas is an Australian in her mid-30s who has been in Singapore for six months. The single account director in a public relations company was relocated from Hong Kong where she spent 11 years working and 13 years growing up as a child. She loves to unwind in the evenings with a glass of wine, her dog and close friends. Chicken rice and pepper crab are top on her list of local food favourites.

Shoot It!

Landscapes & Cityscapes

Landscapes are the true essence of any country, all the more when photographed in striking light. These days, I gain equal satisfaction from seeking out coastal and mountain landscapes, with each genre throwing up different challenges, such as finding a composition that has no man-made “clutter” in the frame.

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