oleh admin | Mar 15, 2025 | asia, culture, Travel, travel destinations, travel recommendations
Japan and South Korea continue to be favored getaways particularly for Filipinos. Both of these East Asian nations are renowned for their deep-rooted cultural traditions, delectable cuisine, and picturesque landscapes.
Interestingly, online travel agency Agoda revealed in a recent survey that 84-percent of travelers are eager to discover new destinations this year.
This tendency enhances the attraction of discovering hidden gems in less-traveled areas across Japan and South Korea, providing new adventures in these popular spots, particularly for visitors who have been to these nations several occasions before.
For individuals looking for distinctive experiences far from typical tourist hubs, insurtech company Igloo recommends these off-the-beaten-path locations in Japan and South Korea. These destinations provide an excellent chance to discover something new and remarkable.
Each nation provides a mix of old-world charm and contemporary offerings that strongly appeal to Filipino tourists, who value ease of access, bustling urban centers, and activities suitable for families.
1. The Tottori Sand Dunes located in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, lie close to the Sea of Japan and just beyond downtown Tottori. These expansive dunes provide an oasis of desert scenery. Covering a distance of 16 kilometers, visitors can enjoy activities like sandboarding or riding camels here. Additionally, one can appreciate the remarkable natural formation which has taken millennia to develop through wind action carrying river sands from the Sendaigawa River onto the coastline. For more artistic displays, head nearby to the Sand Museum where you can see detailed sand art created by renowned global sculptors.
2. Shirakami Sanchi, located within Aomori and Akita Prefectures in Japan, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This untouched woodland features towering ancient beeches, cascading waterfalls like Anmon Falls, and tranquil hiking paths. Believed to have stood for approximately 8,000 years, this primeval forest reportedly served as an inspirational backdrop for Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film “Princess Mononoke” from 1997. To experience serenity, you can wander around these majestic falls or reach the summit of Mount Shirakami for panoramic vistas.
3. Hahoe Folk Village, Andong, South Korea: Travel back through history as you explore Hahoe Folk Village, recognized by UNESCO for maintaining ancient Korean traditions with its classic hanok dwellings. Situated in Andong, this vibrant open-air museum provides insight into the customs of the Joseon Dynasty era. Be sure not to overlook their captivating mask dances and relish genuine Andong jjimdak, an aromatic steamed chicken delicacy.
4. Oedo Botania, Geoje Island, South KoreaThis hidden paradise is a marine botanical garden on Geoje Island. Featuring European-style terraces, lush gardens, and panoramic sea views, Oedo Botania feels like a dream. Accessible by ferry, it’s a serene escape perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
5. Damyang Bamboo Forest, Damyang, South KoreaImmerse yourself in the verdant expanse of Damyang Bamboo Forest, famously called Juknokwon. Here you can meander along serene trails flanked by soaring stalks of bamboo, creating an idyllic setting for relaxed strolls. Known for its culinary delights inspired by bamboo, this location invites visitors to savor specialties like bamboo rice and bamboo-infused ice cream, perfect treats for enthusiasts of gourmet experiences.
How to journey safely and with flair
The charm of lesser-known spots stems from their capacity to provide an alternative experience—escaping typical touristic throngs and diving into pristine landscapes and authentic traditions. Discovering these locations can feel akin to revealing a clandestine treasure, rendering each instant uniquely special and unforgettable. Picture yourself perched at the peak of the Tottori Sand Dunes, basking in the vastness of this desert oasis, or meandering along the serene trails of Namiseom Island, enveloped by the vivid hues of fall foliage.
The timing is crucial when you visit these lesser-known treasures. Going during the low season lets travelers enjoy the locations at their calmest moments—be it strolling through Shirakami Sanchi’s untouched paths or wandering around Oedo Botania’s verdant grounds sans the usual throngs of tourists. This way, individuals can get plenty of opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the ambiance and genuinely bond with nature.
Getting to these locations frequently turns into quite an expedition, whether you’re enjoying picturesque ferry trips or navigating twisty bus routes; this makes your voyage an integral aspect of the outing. It’s wise to scout out transport alternatives beforehand for a more seamless excursion, plus utilizing local travel passes might cut down on expenses as well as reduce travel duration.
To fully enjoy these places, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. Interact with residents, listen to their tales, and relish distinctive foods such as Andong jjimdak or specialities from Tottori Prefecture. A basic greeting in either Japanese or Korean could lead to heartfelt talks and cherished moments.
When you’re organizing your journey, keep in mind that lesser-known spots might present certain difficulties like being far-flung or having sparse amenities. That’s why all-encompassing travel insurance plays a crucial role. Created together with GCash and Malayan Insurance, Travel Master provides safeguards against personal injuries, delayed flights, missing baggage, health crises, and also includes protection from Covid-19 related issues.
Discovering secret spots isn’t merely about visiting different locations; it’s about crafting distinct recollections and encountering the globe with a sense of individuality and awe. Begin your preparations now and allow lesser-trodden paths to guide you towards indelible moments.
oleh admin | Mar 14, 2025 | anime, art, asia, entertainment, popular culture
TRIBUNSTYLE.COM –
Anime Shoujo: Kategori yang menyatukan cinta, perjalanan, serta tokoh-tokoh tangguh, membentuk narasi yang menawan tiap jantung penggemar!
Apabila Anda baru menginjakkan kaki di jagat anime yang gemerlap dan memiliki basis penggemar fanatik, bisa jadi Anda telah menangkap sebutan “Anime Shoujo”.
Genre ini amat digemari, tetapi untuk banyak pihak, khususnya mereka yang belum familiar, makna serta ciri-cirinya bisa jadi sulit dipahami. Maka dari itu, apa sesungguhnya definisi dari anime shoujo tersebut?
Agar bisa memahami genre ini dengan lebih baik, kita perlu memulai dengan mengerti makna istilah “Shoujo.”
Dalam bahasa Jepang, “Shoujo” berarti “gadis muda” atau “remaja perempuan.”
Maka dari itu, anime Shoujo dibuat sesuai dengan ketertarikan dan preferensi cewek-cewek remaja, terutama mereka yang memiliki usia sekitar 9 sampai 19 tahun.
Meski anime ini dikemas khusus untuk kalangan umur dan jenis kelamin tertentu, bukan berarti individu dari golongan lain tak bisa merasakan kesenangan dalam mengikuti alurnya.
Malahan, anime bertema Shoujo kerap kali mengundang minat banyak orang yang ingin menikmati kisah-kisah santai, berisi romantisme, serta sedikit petualangan.
Anime Shoujo tidak hanya merupakan sebuah genre, tetapi juga sektor demografis di industri anime. Beberapa seri populer yang berada dalam kategori tersebut antara lain Ouran High School Host Club, Cardcaptor Sakura, serta Fruits Basket.
Tiapjudulini mempunyai pesonanya masing-masing, bisa jadi berawal dari kisah cinta yang mesra, humor ringanyang segar, sampai pada cerita dramatis yang begitu menusuk hati.
Namun, terdapat sebuah kemiripan di antara keduanya: mereka sama-sama menghadirkan karakter perempuan utama yang tangguh dengan fokus cerita yang mendalam pada ikatan pribadi, perkembangan diri, dan penyelidikan identitas diri.
Anime Shoujo sering kali memadukan elemen-elemen seperti romansa, komedi, dan drama.
Tak jarang, ada juga unsur fantasi atau supranatural yang ditambahkan untuk membuat cerita semakin menarik.
Pemeran utama dalam anime bergenre shoujo umumnya menemui pelbagai hambatan emosi atau perkara keseharian yang rumit, di mana jalan cerita akan bertambah kompleks bersama-sama dengan hubungan antarabenda serta petualangan diri masing-masing tokohnya.
Satu elemen yang menjadikan anime shoujo sangat menarik ialah estetika artistiknya yang unik. Visual dalam jenis ini biasanya terang, mencakup palet warna lembut seperti pastel, efek bersinar mengkilap, gambar bunga yang memesona, serta tokoh-tokoh dengan mata besar yang penuh ekspresi.
Seluruh unsur visual tersebut menghasilkan atmosfer yang ringan, gembira, serta dipenuhi keramahan, sehingga membuat pemirsa merasa tersambung dengan alam semesta yang kaya akan emosi dan optimisme.
Anime Shoujo juga kerap menjadi pilihan ideal untuk disaksikan bersama kawan-kawan.
Bayangkan menghabiskan waktu bersama saudara atau teman dekat pada malam hari, sambil nonton anime dengan alur cerita yang memukau serta membincang-bincangkan pandangan masing-masing soal tokoh-tokohnya yang telah mencuri hati Anda.
Anime Shoujo memberikan tempat pada pemirsa agar dapat mengekspresikan serta membagi perasaan mereka, sehingga terbentuklah hubungan yang semakin erat di kalangan sesama penggemar.
Meskipun anime Shoujo sering kali digambarkan dengan nuansa yang ringan dan penuh harapan, genre ini juga dapat membawa kita ke dalam dunia yang lebih kompleks dan mendalam.
Tersembunyi di balik kisah-kisah yang romantis maupun menggelitik terdapat berbagai pembelajaran mendalam seputar kehidupan, persahabatan, serta nilai dari pengenalan diri.
Oleh karena itu, apabila Anda mencari anime yang mampu memanaskan hati, menyuguhkan tawa, serta kadang-kadang mengundarkan air mata, maka genre shoujo bisa menjadi pilihan yang sesuai untuk Anda.
Genre ini bukanlah sekadar untuk remaja putri, tetapi cocok bagi semua orang yang menginginkan pengalaman menikmati keelokan interaksi manusia serta petualangan emosi yang beragam.
(TribunStyle.com/Oneesports.gg/Hadyan)
oleh admin | Mar 13, 2025 | asia, islands, thailand, Travel, travel destinations
This year, Bali, Indonesia’s famous vacation spot, was named Asia’s most stunning island at the yearly Reader’s Choice Awards presented by travel magazine DestinAsian.
The Maldives took the second spot, with Boracay in the Philippines and Phuket in Thailand following closely behind.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s biggest island, secured the fifth spot. Completing the top ten list were Palawan from the Philippines at sixth place, followed by Thailand’s Koh Samui, Malaysia’s Langkawi and Penang, and Indonesia’s Lombok rounding off the rankings.
These accolades honor the best locations, accommodations, air carriers, and travel services throughout Asia, as determined by ballots cast by countless travelers globally. The list emphasizes superior service standards, exceptional travel encounters, and above all, customer contentment.
Bali has earned widespread acclaim for its deep-rooted cultural legacy, which combines elements of Hindu-Balinese customs. This includes elaborate dances, mesmerizing ceremonies, and historic temples.
In 2024, Bali saw an influx of 6.3 million international travelers, exceeding numbers from before the pandemic, with plans to welcome around 6.5 million visitors this year.
oleh admin | Mar 1, 2025 | asia, beverages, coffee, food and drink, foodies
This year’s roster of the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops includes nine establishments from Southeast Asia, with the Philippines contributing four, Malaysia three, and both Singapore and Indonesia adding one each.
In Singapore, Apartment Coffee secured the sixth position on the list.
Established in 2018 by the young entrepreneur Yeo Qing He at the age of 34—who was also crowned the champion at the Singapore Brewers Cup—this café boasts a tranquil and minimalistic ambiance. Its offerings center around meticulously crafted pour-overs using premium beans procured from countries such as Ethiopia, Brazil, Rwanda, and Costa Rica.
Malaysia’s ONO Specialty Coffee & Matcha secured the ninth position.
Established by a group comprising Shaun Liew, who won the title of Malaysia Brewers Cup Champion twice (in 2017 and 2019), Kent Wong, responsible for heading the roasting process, and Syun Hattori, the creator behind Niko Neko Matcha, this cafe caters to those seeking high-quality coffee alongside premium matcha selections. They provide an array of beverages and dishes designed to delight their customers.
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A fixed-menu offering from Malaysia’s ONO Specialty Coffee & Matcha. The image was provided courtesy of the café’s Instagram page.
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The list also features other Malaysian coffee shops such as Ome by Spacebar Coffee located at 56th and Sin See Tai situated at 73rd.
The yardstick from the Philippines achieved the 18th position.
Established in 2013 and situated in Makati City, this café stands out with its sleek minimalistic decor and offers an extensive selection of single-origin coffees along with various espresso mixes. Additionally, it functions as a hub for barista training sessions and workshops aimed at coffee aficionados.
The list also featured three additional Philippine-based cafes: El Union Coffee at 61st, Single Origin at 83rd, and Crema & Cream Coffee Roasters at 86th.
Indonesia’s only representative was Anomali Coffee at number 78.
Spread throughout Jakarta, this café has become a beloved spot for both locals and tourists, specializing in Indonesian coffee beans highlighted by their famous Black Pearl blend, which is renowned for its rich chocolate undertones.
Based on both public voting and assessments from experts, this ranking seeks to pinpoint the globe’s top-notch coffee shops. It evaluates several factors including the excellence of their coffee, food, and pastries; the proficiency of their baristas; the standard of customer service; innovative practices; atmosphere; and overall reliability as stated on its official site.
The announcement of the list took place at CoffeeFest Madrid, an international coffee exposition and conference that occurred in Spain between February 15 and 17.
At the top of the rankings is Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters from Australia, known for their commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced beans. Coming in at number two is Onyx Coffee Lab, which has gained popularity throughout various locations in Arkansas within the United States.
oleh admin | Feb 22, 2025 | asia, boats and ships, culture, education, history
A
new study
According to research from the Ateneo de Manila University, recently discovered archaeological findings indicate that ancient Filipinos had developed advanced boat-building techniques and extensive maritime skills long before Magellan, Zheng He, and Polynesians achieved these feats.
ADMU researchers Riczar Fuentes and Alfred Pawlik highlight that even though the Philippines and Island Southeast Asia (ISEA) have never been linked to mainland Asia, they still provide proof of early human settlement. This raises questions about how these populations managed to traverse vast oceanic expanses.
The microscopic examination of stone tools dug up from archaeological sites in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste revealed distinct signs of plant processing. These were particularly linked to extracting fibers commonly utilized for constructing boats and engaging in deep-sea fishing activities, according to the research team.
The institution mentioned that the research is set to appear in the April 2025 edition of the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.
According to Fuentes and Pawlik, sites in Mindoro and Timor-Leste also showed remains of deep ocean fish such as tuna, sharks as well as fishing tools used to catch these types of animals.
Therefore, this evidence disputes the notion that technological advancements during the Paleolithic era solely developed in Europe and Africa. The findings suggest that early societies in Southeast Asia could construct complex vessels and cords from natural resources for navigation and deep-water fishing activities.
“The presence of big predator fish remnants at these locations suggests the ability for sophisticated sea travel and understanding of the seasonal patterns and movement paths of these fish species… The finding of fishing tools implies the requirement for robust and high-quality cords used as ropes and fishing lines to capture marine life,” the researchers stated in their report.
“Prehistoric migrations throughout the Indo-Pacific region weren’t carried out by casual seafarers adrift on fragile bamboo rafts, but rather by adept navigators who possessed the expertise and tools necessary for traversing extensive expanses of open ocean to reach distant islands,” the declaration stated.
The Initial Remote Ocean-going Vessel Project (IROV), initiated by scholars and a group of marine engineers from the University of Cebu, aims to examine potential historical construction materials and recreate miniature versions of these watercraft.
— Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News
This article
A recent study from the Ateneo de Manila University indicates that ancient Filipinos were adept at navigation and sailing prior to many other world cultures.
was originally published in
GMA News Online
.
oleh admin | Jan 13, 2025 | asia, passports and international travel, politics, singapore, world
This year, American passport holders can enter 186 countries and territories without a visa. For Singapore it’s 195
A
United States
According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, which was first released 19 years ago, passports have become less valuable than they once were.
Based on the number of visa-free travel options available across 227 different destinations, this ranking includes 199 passports. The U.S. passport now holds the ninth position, having dropped from first place since 2014.
This year, it enables U.S. travelers to visit 186 countries and territories worldwide without needing a visa. The list does not include several locations as follows:
Nigeria
,
India
and
Russia
.
Are you curious about the most significant issues and global trends? Find out here with
SCMP Knowledge
Our latest platform features handpicked content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our esteemed team of experts.
Based on information supplied by the International Air Transport Association and refined with additional internal research and public online sources, London-based consultancy firm Henley & Partners compiled the list.
Singapore
for the second consecutive year, it stands as the globe’s strongest passport. This status grants entry to 195 different locations worldwide.
In second place stood the Japanese passport, boasting a visa-free travel score of 193. Sharing the third position were six nations:
Finland
,
France
,
Germany
,
Italy
,
South Korea
, and
Spain
.
The
United Arab Emirates
It was the sole Middle Eastern nation to secure a spot within the top 10. Since 2010, it has climbed a total of 55 positions in the ranking.
A powerful passport offers greater liberty when traveling, as it often eliminates the requirement to obtain a visa beforehand.
Nepal
,
Somalia
,
Pakistan
,
Yemen
,
Iraq
,
Syria
and
Afghanistan
placed last in the index. In comparison, a Singaporean passport grants visa-free entry to 195 nations and territories, whereas an Afghan passport only provides visa-free travel to 26 countries.
The article was initially published by
Business Insider
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Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
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