The journey to these enclaves of culture will reward those who dare to venture far from the big cities.
Compiled by: Abby Yao
If the thought of being cooped up in a vehicle for hours doesn’t put you off, experiences of a lifetime are guaranteed in these pockets of living history and tradition.
1. Hidden histories in Battambang, Cambodia
A four-hour bus ride from Siem Reap will take you to Cambodia’s second-largest city, blessed with a fair share of centuries-old Khmer temples, colonial architecture, and heritage houses. Don’t miss the so-called Killing Caves and the well-loved low-tech bamboo train.
2. A feast for the afterlife in Tana Toraja, Indonesia
© Barry Kusuma
Coffee plantations, rice paddies and a celebration of death like no other await those who survive the eight-hour bus ride from Makassar. Think buffaloes, an abundance of pork dishes, elaborately decorated houses, mummies and cliffs covered with coffins. Funerals have never been so grand and festive.
3. Wats and waterfalls in Luang Prabang, Laos
Far from the Laotian capital of Vientiane (think 10 hours on winding roads), this UNESCO World Heritage City is a relaxing getaway from the stresses of urban life. Don’t miss the morning almsgiving to the monks, the beautiful temples that dot the city, and the jade-like waters of the Tad Sae and Kuang Si waterfalls.
4. A nostalgic food trip in Ipoh, Malaysia
Coming out of the shadow of well-loved Penang, the old tin mining city of Ipoh is proud of its chicken rice, bean sprouts, white coffee, dim sum and many more yummy specialties. With its colonial buildings and much newer street art and creative festivals, Ipoh is fast becoming a destination for both foodies and hipsters, halfway between Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
5. Time travelling in Vigan, Philippines
Among the last surviving Spanish-era areas in the country, Vigan has preserved its cobblestone streets lined with ancestral houses. Pick up some miniature furniture, hop on a horse-drawn carriage and relive a bygone era in this city eight hours (and sometimes longer) away from Metro Manila.
More gadget review in www.38today.com.
