World music lovers take note, The Penang World Music Festival returns Mar 30-31 at the Penang Botanic Gardens and promising 12 different acts. Among the performers are folk band Mu from Portugal, West African singer Kimi Djabate, ethnic music performers Inka Marka from South America, pop-rock group Kalayo from the Philippines and Malaysian band Akasha.
The Penang World Music Festival returns Mar 30-31 at the Penang Botanic Gardens, featuring 12 music talents from around the world.
Accommodation choices for backpackers and budget travellers have long been limited to dorm-style hostels and low-quality rooms down dodgy alleys. No longer. It’s 2011, and we have to thank all the young entrepreneurs who have pioneered much nicer options for flashpackers (aka upscale backpackers). Here are our favorites around the region.
Wherever you travel in Asia, cool rooms don’t have to cost the earth.
Alishan Forest to Taiwan
This spectacular three-and-a-half-hour “corkscrew” train journey winds its way up the side of a mountain, taking you through four climatic zones: tropical, subtropical, temperate and frigid. This is one of only three alpine railways left in the world so be sure to catch one of the two daily departures and get your camera ready for the dramatic views. The narrow gauge train leaves from Chiayi station and costs around B420. www.tbroc.gov.tw.
