Bangkok Tree House
Bangkok, Thailand
Opened since: February 2012
The buzz: This innovative Bangkok hotel is breathing new life into the sleepy Bang Krajao peninsula area (just a few kilometers downstream from the Chao Praya River).
The facilities: On the rooftop deck is Reflect restaurant, where you can order high tea sets while enjoying the waterfront and forest views. Guests can use the complimentary hotel bikes to explore the surrounding neighborhood.
The details: A cluster of three-story suites in untouched green surrounds, this structure boasts a clean-cut modern design and architecture that combines mineral and organic materials. Rates for the suites are B6,000 ($244).
Perfect for: A convenient retreat that’s just down river from busy Bangkok.
60 San Phawut Soi 23, Phra Pradaeng, Greater Bangkok, +66 2995-1150, www.bangkoktreehouse.com. 

Naked Stables Private Reserve Tree Top Villas
Moganshan, China
Opened since October 2011
The buzz: Located in a nature reserve three hours outside Shanghai, it’s not the typical flashy China property but a super laid-back retreat in the hills of Moganshan.
The facilities: Expect a horse riding center, conference facilities, three swimming pools, restaurants and a spa.
The details: It’s all eco-friendly and back-to-nature here: accommodation in the 60-hectare resort is made up of treetop villas or earth huts made with sustainable materials. All treetop houses come with a full kitchen, private barbecue pit and outdoor hot tub. A two-bed treetop villa costs RMB5,800 ($1,146).
Perfect for: A secluded yet super luxe getaway.
No. 37 Shangxiazhuang Village, Paitou Town, Deqing County, +86 21 6431-8901, www.nakedretreats.cn.

Sanya Nanshan Treehouse
Sanya, China
Opened since: December 2000
The buzz: The Treehouses of Hawaii group is behind these four aerial lofts. They are set atop a sand dune—just a hop and skip from the beaches of the South China Sea—and surrounded by tamarind trees.
The facilities: There’s electricity and a small cafe onsite but no on-premise showers. Guests can order high-end Chinese vegetarian food from the Nanshan Buddhist Culture Zone Restaurant nearby.
The details: Find options to suit groups of all sizes. The Big Beach in the Sky tree house sleeps four, the Beach Club tree house and Guan Yin Spa tree house are designed for two, while the Hawaiian Hale Hotel tree house will accommodate 16-20 persons in seven separate spaces spanning three levels. Visit the Nanshan Buddhism Cultural Theme Park, which features a 108-meter statue of the Buddha Guanyin. Accommodation rates range from RMB220 ($43) for a room to RMB980 ($194) for the entire Beach in the Sky tree house.
Perfect for: A real rustic experience with virgin beaches and lush green surrounds.
Nanshan Rd., Runzhou, Sanya, Jiangsu, +18 0 8248-7241, www.treehousesofhawaii.com.

Tranquil Resort
Wayanad, India
Opened since: 2000 (tree houses added in 2006)
The buzz: Located in Southern India, this refurbished plantation—which originated in the late 1800s—is surrounded by coffee, tea and spice fields. The entire property is a homestay and includes a tree house and a larger tree villa resting on Gul Mohr trees.
The facilities: A pool, traditional ayurvedic massage, bird watching activities and tours of the working plantation are on offer. Communal Western and Indian meals are also served. Expect produce and coffee grown onsite as well as homemade breads and condiments.
The details: The 46 sq. meter tree house is built from coffee wood and features a king-size bed, veranda, and fab rainforest views. A more spacious option is the 100 sq. meter tree villa which has two bathrooms and two verandas on opposite sides of the house. Prices start at INR13,000 ($296) for the tree house and INR14,850 ($338) for the tree villa.
Perfect for: Local food lovers—the coffee and fresh meals are huge draws.
Kuppamudi Coffee Estate, Kolagappara Post Kolagappara Ambalavayal Rd., Kerala, +09 9 4758-8507, www.tranquilresort.com.

The Tree Top Lofts
Sentosa, Singapore
Opened since: July 2012
The buzz: The newest addition to RWS (they’re not even open to the public yet), these natural timber houses stand in stark contrast to the rest of the colorful man-made leisure center.
The facilities: Their butlers will drive you by buggy to any restaurant or attraction at RWS.
The details: Choose from two houses, Angsana and Tembusu, standing at seven and 12 meters tall respectively. Two to three people can stay comfortably in each. Both boast a double roof system to keep the interior cool. The living room, bedroom and bathroom of each house is 73 sq. meters in area, with 90 sq. meters of outdoor terrace space surrounding it. The rooms are airy too: ceilings are five to six meters high. The rate for each of the houses is $3,000++ a night.
Perfect for: Those who want to head to Sentosa but need to get away from the busy (and tacky) main entertainment stretch.
Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888, www.rwsentosa.com

Berry-Good Hand Massage
Been gripping that mobile phone so tight that your hand has cramped up? The soothing 20-minute massage ($26) promises to ease the tension. Pressure is applied to special reflexology points—from the top of your arm to your finger tips—to relieve any damage caused by overzealous texting on electronic devices.
Available at Refresh Bodyworks (Tanglin Mall).

CranioSacral Therapy
Sitting hunched in front of the computer all day can give you awful migraines, not to mention affecting your posture. Set things right with this hour-long therapy ($150) that involves applying gentle pressure to your skull bones and spinal cord, allowing the cerebral spinal fluid at the back of your head to flow. This should provide your noggin some pain relief while also straightening your back. 
Available at Awakening Touch.

Hopi Ear Candles
If you’ve been blasting music on your headset 24/7, use this all-natural method to soothe ear discomfort. Used by the ancient Native Americans, a hollow beeswax candle is lit and placed in your ear, causing a sucking sensation which gently massages the eardrum. A piece of linen at the bottom of the candle prevents hot wax from entering your ear. A half-hour session costs $48.
Available at Basic Essence Holistic Wellness Centre.

Quintessential Facial
Research has shown that most mobile phones are dirtier than the average toilet handle. Yet tech addicts have them plastered to their faces all the time. Repair any damage to your skin—unclog pores, clear acne, whiteheads, and blackheads, and even reduce those fine lines—with this comprehensive facial ($200). The 90-minute session involves exfoliation, the use of LED lamps, and custom blended masks and serums.
Available at Porcelain Face Spa.

Smooth Away Dark Eye Circles & Puffiness Now
Staring at the desktop late into the night can leave you with unattractive dark rings around your strained eyes. This treatment, which utilizes a handheld endermologie machine to stimulate the collagen cells under your eyes, will lighten any discoloration and soothe the swelling. A 20-minute trial session goes for $72.
Available at Spahaven.

CHIANG RAI

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

From B75,150 per night, all inclusive. Ruak River, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, 053-910-200. www.fourseasons.com/goldentriangle
One of the world’s most luxurious tented camps (it won the top prize from Conde Nast Traveler in 2010), this places takes “glamping” to a whole different level. Fifteen spacious 54-sq-meter tents, which sleep two and come with their own copper bathtubs and air-con are scattered amid the lush forest of the Golden Triangle cape, on the banks of the river overlooking Burma. Excursions include visits to the nearby elephant rehabilitation camp, cooking classes and jungle trekking.
Getting there: Upon arrival at Chiang Rai Airport, guests will have a 45-minute drive to the resort’s private pier before catching the slow boat up stream to the jungle resort.

TRAT

Keereeta Lagoon

B4,000 per night. 24/1 Moo 4, Koh Chang, Trat, 081-855-5004. www.keereetalagoon.com
Even though Koh Chang, the country’s second largest island, has proper roads the location of Keereeta Lagoon on the other side of a large canal means you can’t reach it by car. This tiny five-room boutique hotel sits on the banks of Klong Nam canal, just 200 meters from the beach. Rooms are cute with vivid colors and more than a hint of Moroccan influence, and include a small swimming pool and adjacent living area. If you really want to get away from it all then hire all five rooms and have the resort to yourself.
Getting there: Get a ferry from Trat to Koh Chang, and turn right from the pier. Keep going till you see the signs for Aana Resort. Turn into the soi, park the car, call the hotel, and they will come pick you up by small boat.

KANCHANABURI

The Floathouse River Kwai

From B3,750 per night. 55 Moo 5, Wangkrajae, Saiyoke, Kanchanaburi, 02-642-5497, 084-725-8686. www.thefloathouseriverkwai.com
The River Kwai’s latest floating resort lets you enjoy the stunning natural scenery of Kanchanaburi without having to slum it. Ten pretty opulent floating cottages come with teakwood furniture, big screen TVs and even free Wi-Fi so you never have to suffer true isolation, even as you relax out on the floating sun deck.
Getting there: Drive to Kanchanaburi and then follow the sign to Sai Yoke Noi waterfall. Resotel Pier is 8km from the fall’s entrance and is where you hop on a long-tail boat to the resort.

KRABI

Rayavadee

From B11,500 per night, for Thai residents only. 24 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi, 075-620-740. www.rayavadee.com
Due to the steep mountains that encircle it, Krabi’s most famous beach destination is simply inaccessible by any other means than long-tail boat. And the most luxurious resort on this isolated piece of the mainland is Rayavadee, a hideaway whose location manages to give you access to all three main beaches: Railay East, Railay West and Phranang. The 98 two-story cottages and their four villas, sat among 28 acres of coconut groves and verdant jungle, blend elements of colonial and Thai design. Just kick back in a hammock, explore the local islands or go kayaking through the mangroves.
Getting there: From Krabi Airport, you’ll travel to the private pier where the resort’s speedboat will whisk you to the resort in less than 20 minutes.

Hotel Hideaways in Bangkok 

Bangkok Tree House

60 San Phawut Soi 23, Phra Pradaeng, 02-995-1150. www.bangkoktreehouse.com
Bangkok Tree House is a cluster of three-story suites sitting a long way downstream in the green lung of the city, Bang Krajao. Featuring clean-cut architecture it combines mineral (metal, glass and lots of mirrors) and organic (wood and bamboo) materials to perfection. Ideal for a staycation, suites are B6,000, inclusive of breakfast, Wi-Fi, free ice-cream and bike rentals—useful as Bangkrajao is a great cycling spot.
Getting there: There are two options: (1) get a ferry from Sanpawut Pier (call upon arrival), 1.5km from BTS Bang Na, inside Wat Bang Na Nok or (2) go to Wat Bang Namphueng Nok, and then it’s a five-minute walk through a small soi.

Praya Palazzo

757/1 Somdej Phra Pinklao Soi 2, Bangyeekhan, 02-883-2998. www.prayapalazzo.com
The 1920s Italian-style mansion, once home to a noble family during the King Rama V era, was restored into a classy 17-guestroom hotel with one of the best views of Chao Phraya River overlooking Phra Sumane Fort. You’ll get to walk on century-old wooden floors, stay in a classically decorated room and dine on a selection of Thai dishes in an opulent ambiance.
Getting there: Get a ferry from Phra Arthit Pier or Wat Rachathivat Pier—the latter also provides a parking space. You’ll have to call upon arrival.

A Private Pilot License (PPL) takes at least three months to achieve with requirements of ground school lessons and a minimum 40-hour flight time covering solo, cross country and dual flight. But with these aviation schools, you’ll be flying within an hour.

Bangkok Aviation Center

Where: 222 Hanger 4414, Viphavadee Rangsit Rd., Bangkok, 02-535-7743. www.bangkokflying.com
Course: A private one-hour course covering basic aerodynamics, aircraft maneuvers, flight inspection, flight planning, route and weather briefing, along with one-hour flight time.
Price: B16,900.

Thai Flying Club

Where: Bangphra Airport, Sriracha, 081-996-2957. www.thaiflyingclub.com
Course: Just a little over an hour away from Bangkok, Thai Flying Club offers basic half-hour aviation and navigation lesson with 30-minute flight time with an instructor.
Price: B3,000 for 30-minute lesson and 30-minute flight.

Royal Skyways

Where: 222 Viphavadee Rangsit Rd., Bangkok, 02-531-5872-3. www.royalskyways.co.th
Course: Flight introduction with one-hour lesson on basic aviation and one-hour private lesson flying with an instructor, with one guest allowed on board.
Price: B13,000 for one hour lesson and one hour flight.

Sriracha Flight School

Where: Saha Group Industrial Park, Sriracha Moo 1, Chonburi. 083-848-2447. www.sravia.co.th
Course: Ground training with flight simulator for basic aviation knowledge, then actual flight time in a plane (purchased separately).
Price: B35,000 for 94 hours of ground training, B4,800 per hour flying a Cessna 152 and B7,800 per hour flying a Cessna 172 with an instructor.

Where to Find Flight Stimulators in Bangkok

Not ready to man a real plane just yet? Not to worry, test your wings with these flight simulators.

Flight Experience

Where: 1 Convent Rd., Silom, Bangkok, 02-237-9895-6.
Course: Take a trip in a replica Boeing 737 simulator, ranging from a scenic 30-minute flight to a full 90-minute airline navigation and landing experience
Price: 30-minute flight starts at B4,350 (like them at www.facebook.com/flightexperiencebangkok and pay B2,650), while a 90-minute flight costs B9,350.

Thai General Aviation Technology (TGAT)

Where: 2-4/F Garden Home Shopping Plaza, 1/742 Phaholyothin Rd., Bangkok, 02-531-2626, 02-531-3636.
Course: A private pilot ground training course with 94 hours of lessons covering everything from basic knowledge to navigation and flying cross-country, plus 10 hours using a flight simulator.
Price: B32,000.

Insomnia Bar & Restaurant
Along with their live music sets that start at 11pm, Insomnia’s long opening hours draw in the crowd. Indulge on Wednesdays, when you get free flow of standard house pours, beers and wines for $20 from 9-11pm—ladies enjoy the promo until midnight.

Taboo
On the local scene for 15 years, this two-story alternative dance club and bar keeps things fresh with its attractive weekend promo at $25. Enjoy free flow of house pours and beers from 10pm till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Studio
Outfitted with chic black and white furnishings, this cozy joint located near the CBD has the friendly staff and warm ambiance to make you feel right at home. Drink as much as you like for $38.80 every Wednesday from 8-11pm.

Wine BOS
This popular bar in the Kampong Glam ‘hood serves affordable drinks, along with a wide variety of wine—over 200 labels—from countries like Australia, Chile, Spain and New Zealand. Its daily promo at $18 lets you relish in free flow of wine and tapas from 6-8pm.

Jim Morrison once said, “The future is uncertain but the end is always near.” Such is the fatalistic nature of time seen through the eyes of the legendary American singer-songwriter-poet and frontman of rock band The Doors, who remains a source of inspiration for aspiring artists all over the world today.

In a similar vein, American artist-scenographer-filmmaker-poet Hilton McConnico explores the fragility and transient nature of time through his installation-based exhibition The Gift of Time, held at the Tanjong Pagar railway station in collaboration with luxury fashion brand Hermès. “Time is filled with fragments of everyday life. Simple things. Memories. Childhood. And it’s that emotion which is alive in each one of us,” he says. “Time is a circle.”

McConnico’s poetic and dreamy installations, set in different rooms within the unconventional space, charts the history and evolution of the Hermès brand through “a series of sensory discoveries and an imaginary experience because life is that way.

He adds, “Sometimes the room that follows is in harmony with the last one but most of the time I try to make it unexpected. A unity of color or theme might give us a feeling of déjà-vu.”

According to the artist, the connecting thread that brings these rooms together is their differences. A colored room may be followed by its complementary, whereas a dark room followed by a light one can give you a shock when you are in search of a certain harmony. In fact, it’s a series of “intentions that gives the illusion of an unwinding phenomenon.”

This explains some of the more ambiguous and surrealist-inspired pieces such as the two hanging horse heads set in a blood red-drenched room installation or another with a parrot in a cage. The works are displayed alongside some of Hermes’ most coveted bags like the Birkin—making them equally random, beautiful and suitably dark.

Part of the exhibition’s charm also lies in its venue. “We chose the railway station so that visitors can travel into the heart and emotion of Hermès time at a space which itself is embellished by time and movement,” explains Alli Sim, press and communication attachée at Hermès.

That emotion is translated into some of the most defining moments in art and McConnico sums up his philosophically thought-out pieces as an “imaginary trip into the heart of darkness.”

He adds, “With a bit of luck it will take us into a spiral of dreams projecting us into memories of childhood. The path of the exhibition is like a loop starting all over again.”

The Gift of Time is on through August 12 at the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.

1.) Mandarin Oriental Shop

B115. G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., Bangkok, 02-610-9845. BTS Siam. Open daily 10am-10pm
The winner of this dessert-war is the offering from the Mandarin Oriental Shop. For starters, it looks very pretty, more of a circular tart than the standard slice. The cake itself is perfectly silky with a nicely whipped cream cheese, super fresh blueberries and a flawless crust. All the tasters were in agreement that this is the hands-down winner.
Verdict: No wonder people get married at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, it must be for the cakes. Yum!

2.) Starbucks

B125. For a complete list of branches, visit www.starbucks.co.th

We admit to being mighty curious to see if the global coffee chain could handle this cake competition. While this cake, like many others at Starbucks, was actually made by Coffee Beans by Dao, you can’t necessarily tell. Here, it’s a little like their coffee: satisfying enough but not exactly mind blowing. The cream cheese is smooth and the slight sourness goes well with the blueberry texture. However, the crust is a bit salty and soggy, letting down the rest of the cake.
Verdict: An OK taste but a bit soggy.

3.) Krua Dok Mai Khao

B105. 678/4-7 Bamrung Muang Rd., Bangkok, 02-225-2749. Open Mon-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sun 10am-10:30pm

You don’t need to have taken one of their cooking classes to realize that this cheesecake is not good. The filling smells (and tastes) slightly stale while the biscuit is a bit soggy. Even though we like the nice, fluffy texture of the cream cheese it just feels a little bland and dull.
Verdict: Where’s the cheese?

4.) Coffee Beans by Dao

B140. G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., Bangkok, 02-610-9702-3. www.coffeebeans.co.th. BTS Siam. Open daily 10am-10pm
Quite similar to the Whittard’s one, the slightly sour blueberry jam and the excessive cream simply drown out the flavor of the cream cheese. The only good thing is the taste and texture of the crust but it’s not enough to save it.
Verdict: Fails to build on a solid base.

5.) After You

B105. Try G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., Bangkok, 02-610-7659. www.afteryoudessertcafe.com. BTS Siam. Open daily 10am-10pm
This popular dessert café is clearly an expert on making honey toast but their cheesecake is an odd affair. The smell and texture is OK, if a little bland, but it is all overpowered by the overriding flavor of the overly-buttery and oily crust.
Verdict: Stick to what they do best.

6.) Whittard of Chelsea

B150. G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., Bangkok, 02-610-7519. BTS Siam. Open daily 10am-10pm
Considering they pitch themselves as a high-end café, the colors of the cheese and the cream look remarkably pedestrian. Unfortunately, the disappointments continue with the flavor; the whole thing tastes plain wrong—with the cream cheese heavy, thick and very insipid and the whipped cream just as unpleasant. Plus, it’s the most expensive one.
Verdict: Really cheesed off.

1-Altitude
Cover charge is $47 per person (between 6-9pm) and includes two drinks at this open air gallery and bar. Entry after 9pm costs $30, with one drink included.

KU DÉ TA
Indulge in a 14-course set dinner that includes a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne at $228 per person (minimum two to dine), while enjoying the F15 Flypass at 7pm and the fireworks display at 8pm.

Lantern
Soak in the festive atmosphere at $80 per person. Group packages are available at $650 for a group of six—includes a bottle of Magnum Champagne or house pour spirit. Toast to the celebrations with a special National Day cocktail, Sing by the Bay ($18)—infused with a tropical mix of pineapple and strawberry.

Prel.ude
Enjoy a four-course set dinner at $188 per person, including a free flow of house pour wines and beers from 5-9pm. There’s also a special dessert buffet spread featuring chocolates, black sesame tartlet with passion fruit mousse, and Grand Marnier mascarpone cake.

Song: “Dancing”

Artist: Musketeers
Label: Believe Records
After releasing a debut album packed with hits like “Kong Kwan” and “Kwam Song Jam” a few years back, slick rockers Musketeers return with a follow-up, Uprising, which finds the four-piece in an altogether lighter mood. The lead single “Dancing” reflects this, with its upbeat melody and bright, inspiring lyrics—and just a touch of 70s Brit pop sensibilities.

Song: “Pa Son Nai Hong Mai Lek Neung”

Artist: Greasy Cafe
Label: Smallroom
It seems like he’s been around, but Lek aka Greasy Café is the man of the moment having just made his acting debut in Kongdej Jaturansaramee’s mind-bending P-047. And his latest single, which appears on the film’s official soundtrack, finds him in top form. Opening with subdued piano and Lek’s gruffly sincere vocals, it slowly builds to an emotional crescendo that’s neither overwrought nor heart wrenching. Rather, the track’s powerful post-rock sound and searching lyrics are a perfect fit for P-047’s existential themes.

Song: “Addicted”

Artist: Noah’s Tape
Label: Independent
Having been lucky enough to catch Noah’s Tape at the Popscene live sessions a couple of times, and as opening act for wild US rockers Black Lips earlier this year, we’re elated that they’ve finally committed some songs to tape (well, CD). Their debut self-titled EP, out this month, was produced and composed entirely by lead singer Jessica Nay. The first single, “Addicted,” finds the Britpop-inspired band taking the well-trodden acoustic pop route. But there’s nothing pretty or romantic about it, with Nay delivering some pretty devastating lines in a grunge-inflected voice dripping with misery. Heartbreak rarely sounds so appealing.

Song: “Bod Pleng Wan Sao”

Artist: Blues Bar
Label: Lemon Factory
Former Day Tripper frontman Wasit “Ooh” Mookdavijit sure keeps himself busy. Hot on the heels of releasing an album with Ooh & the Ballyhoo last year and composing the lyrics for DJ Suharit’s latest single “Love Lies Bleeding,” here he joins with former guitarist of Banwagon, Oud Pravaj, to become Blues Bar. The duo’s new single, “Bod Pleng Wan Sao (The Bittersweet Song),” takes noticeable cues from 80s rock ballads with lyrics that talk about dredging up bad memories. The gritty, slightly dissonant guitar work strikes a nice balance with Ooh’s romantically delivered vocals.

Song: “Kon Tee Mai Bok Pan”

Artist: P.O.P
Label: Love is
After eight years away from the music scene, Nop Pornchamni, Tong Montien Kaewgamnoed and Notapol Srichomkwan have reunited to deliver more soothing soft-rock under the name P.O.P. Not only will they be joining the line-up at this weekend’s Sonic Attack, but they’re collaborating with Somkiat Ariyachaipanich and Jerry Milindavanij to produce a forthcoming studio album. This teaser single is exactly what you’d expect (and not unlike their previous hit “Kong Tee Dern Pan”): all multi-layered vocals and sweet, sweet melodies.

Song: “Ti Da Pra Jam Am Per”

Artist: The Richman Toy
Label: Smallroom
You’ve got to admire the way The Richman Toy keep coming up fun with new spins on their sound. They might look like your standard rock outfit, but in the past they’ve infused their songs with touches of funk, country and unique singing style from the frontman, Jap. This first single from their new album gets even more interesting with not only a hook that employs the traditional luk thoong singing style, but a breakdown that involves a few choice lines of pleng choi. The end result is all the more hilarious due to the fact the lyrics tell of a guy learning to sing luk thoong to impress his crush.

iN988 
If it’s the cheery banter that draws you to the radio, this is worth a listen. Launched only at the end of last month but this multilingual station already has over 10,000 likes on Facebook. It features topical talk shows hosted by renowned and rising personalities such as Abigail of Under One Roof fame and Craig Teo round the clock.
What’s on air: Music and video variety programs on beauty, dining, food and gadgets in English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.
Find it: in988.com

Last.fm
Unlike other stations whose playlists are based on DJ preferences, this intuitive jukebox (like Grooveshark) recommends music related to your favorite artistes. If you chose “Coldplay” as one of your favorites when you log in, it’ll show playlists featuring similar bands like Keane, Snow Patrol, The Killers, The Fray and Kings of Leon. Like what you hear? There’s an option to buy the album on Amazon. It’ll even tell you who’s on tour so you can plan which gigs to catch and its music page will show you what tunes are popular in Singapore.
What’s on air: Any music you want to hear and other stuff they think you’ll like.
Find it: last.fm/home, Android, iPhone and iPad.

Live365
If it’s variety you seek, you’ll need an entire directory of internet radio stations like this. Popular among local audiophiles, this massive network lets you search music by song type and genre. It also provides support for anyone who wants to create their own internet radio station at little cost.
What’s on air: Everything from classical, country to hip-hop and Latin music—there are even stations that play Disney movie tracks.
Find it: last.fm/home, Android, iPhone and iPad

Sonar  
Started by Singapore’s best known voiceover Andrew Cothers (Drew) and former radio DJ Aloysius Tan, Sonar gives airtime to local beat makers like Vanessa Fernandez, Good Times, and X’Ho. “The only music criteria Drew told me about when I took the job was if I liked it, I should play it,” said Fernandez, who recently left her presenter job at 98.7FM to pursue music in LA. “Everyone on the station is allowed to play whatever they like. The station plays new music that doesn’t get featured on commercial stations because it doesn’t fit their ‘formula’.”
What’s on air: Drum and bass, house, indie, techno, jazz from both local and international acts, and K-pop—it even streams live gigs by Midnight Shift and Syndicate.
Find it: facebook.sonar.sg and Android

I-S ASKS:
Is traditional radio in or out?
“Because we’re governed by strict laws and codes, traditional radio will always be viewed as a more legitimate and trustworthy source. We’re held to a certain standard, while on the Internet anyone can say whatever they want. Most importantly, traditional radio still speaks to our local sensibilities. Sure, I could listen to some funny guy in South Africa but I’ll never connect with him because he doesn’t live where I live and doesn’t share my experiences. Also, Internet radio is more about self-expression as opposed to traditional radio, which is ultimately about the listener—we’re a service,” says Mister Young, radio DJ and assistant program director of Power 98 FM.