Asia Memories with Destination Asia
A monthly newsletter documenting our resident Asia expert Sophia’s favorite things pulled from her experience living and traveling around the region.
Our final newsletter of the year covers a walk around Luang Prabang, a bus ride to the northern tip of Okinawa island, a visit to the Bird Singing Club in Singapore, and a guest entry by another Asia aficionado, Jessica Rosen, a stay at Nihi Sumba in Indonesia. We hope that it fuels your desire to travel to this magical region when it is safe to do so.
A Walk Through Luang Prabang
In honor of Laos’ projected January 1st opening, I have been reminiscing on a weekend I spent in the sleepy town of Luang Prabang. I think I set a record for how quickly I fell in love with a place—I only spent 4 days there but I was totally smitten before I even got off the plane. Because the town is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, the descent from the air is very dramatic, as the clouds clear the mountains surrounded us as the plane dove deeper into the space between us and the mighty Mekong river below. After I gathered my breath from a spectacular arrival I was greeted by some of the nicest people on earth. By this point I was used to profound kindness of Asian hospitality but this was a different level, which continued as I left the airport as I wandered around the easy-to-navigate town interacting with the locals who were so happy to welcome visitors. The town is at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers so there is a river on either of the small town filled with beautiful, brightly colored buildings mixed with teak. Just by wandering around we were able to find gems such as 3 Nagas Restaurant (which doubles as a gallery), Tamarind cooking school (which actually takes you to a secluded spot outside of the city to cook next to a lily pond) and the Luang Prabang morning market. It really reconfirmed that the best way to take in a new destination is just by walking.
A Bus Ride to the Northern Tip of Okinawa Island
My first experience traveling to Asia lasted 3 months, as an intern at the Kafuu Resort in Okinawa, Japan, but I knew my love for the region would transcend the short time I spent there—6 years later I am still obsessing over how spectacular it is and have even made a career out of doing so. The Okinawa experience still stands out as one of my favorites though because it was so unknown with surprises at every corner and an entire island to discover. I made the most of not having a car by taking the bus with my friend Colleen, who was always up for exploring. We would walk to the bus stop outside of our apartment and just get in the one heading north on route 58, the main road of the island, never with a schedule, only a final destination in mind. Making the trip to the northern tip of the island was always in the back of our mind due to the Jurassic Park-like scenery. Towards the end of our time there we finally made the trek. We took the slow(er) route beginning with a stop for a delicious breakfast at Hawaiian Pancake House (we found it by getting off randomly at the correct stop one day) and another stop (closer to our destination) at the Ōgimi village which is a blue zone inside of a blue zone (the village is known for the longevity of its residence). Finally, as the bus climbed between jagged rocks and the riders had thinned out completely, we arrived at our destination: Cape Hedo. This waterfront cape has expansive sea & island vistas, which is stunning on any day (I eventually returned in winter) but on this specific day it was particularly gorgeous: clear skies that made the ocean water below illuminate in technicolor blue. The water was so clear that from high up on the cliff we were able to see the spots on the manta rays floating below.
Singapore Bird Singing Club
In honor of Singapore’s opening I wanted to highlight a super special experience that can be had there, a visit to the Kebun Baru Bird Singing Club. Bird Singing Clubs were once a popular hobby throughout the island but over time many have shuttered and the remaining ones survival is dependent on a small community of passionate aviphiles whose members (many of whom are retired) gather almost daily to practice the dying Singaporean tradition. For visitors it is a sight to behold with dozens of ornate bird cages dangling from tall poles, in the public expanse, with the sound of chirping songbirds taking over with their owners socializing and drinking tea. Taking all of this in, I really felt like a fly on the wall for a really special experience.
A Stay at Nihi Sumba in Indonesia
From guest writer Jessica Rosen: I am currently celebrating my three year travel-versary to one of the best places I have ever been: Nihi Sumba. I went to Indonesia in December 2019 and visited Yogykarta (Borobudur is such a highlight!), Bali (which I could write 10 pages on) and Sumba Island to visit one of the best hotels in the world, Nihi Sumba. The way we traveled to Nihi Sumba was by taking an hour flight from Bali, and then we got picked up in an air-conditioned van with coconuts handed to us to begin our journey through Sumba Island. We then arrived at what felt like the ultimate paradise. Nihi is the perfect combination of luxury and being on the “edge of wildness.” The activities offered at Nihi are endless. They offer some of the best surfing in Indonesia, horseback riding, paddle boarding, hiking, and the famous Spa Safari. I was lucky enough to experience the Spa Safari. The Spa Safari includes an hour and a half hike where you’re brought to a private area inclusive of a plunge pool and lunch overlooking the beach. We saw tons of sea turtles swimming below while we feasted on some of the freshest fruits, fish, and dessert. After lunch, we were then treated to three different spa treatments. It was a truly sensational day. Nihi Sumba is a perfect destination for people who want adventure mixed in with peace and relaxation.