Christmas starts surprisingly early in the Philippines. As September ushers in the “Ber months,” Christmas songs and decorations begin appearing, building gradually toward December. But the early start isn’t the only difference. There are glowing stars, church services before sunrise, special food afterward, and families staying up together to welcome Christmas Day. Christmas Comes With […]
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A white screen stands against the darkness. Music begins, firelight flickers behind it, and suddenly an enormous figure appears in shadow. It isn’t an actor, and it certainly isn’t an ordinary puppet. This is Sbek Thom, Cambodia’s ancient large shadow-puppet theatre, where intricately carved leather figures, dancers, musicians and storytellers bring sacred stories to life. By […]
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Hoi An is famous for its lights. Every evening, lanterns glow above the Ancient Town and reflections shimmer across the Thu Bon River. But just off the coast, around the Cù Lao Chàm (Cham Islands), another kind of light appears after dark. Fishing boats head onto the water and switch on bright lamps, creating small […]
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When most people think of Indonesia’s volcanoes, they picture dramatic sunrises over Mount Bromo, the turquoise crater lake of Ijen, or the majestic silhouette of Mount Agung rising above Bali. These breathtaking landscapes have become some of the country’s most iconic attractions. But for millions of Indonesians, volcanoes are not simply places to visit. They […]
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A Border That Brings People Together Every day, the Johor–Singapore Causeway comes alive long before sunrise. Cars, buses, motorcycles, and trains carry thousands of people across the narrow stretch of water separating Singapore and the Malaysian state of Johor. Office workers begin their daily commute, students travel to school, families reunite for special occasions, and […]
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Costumes, candy, pumpkins, parties. Halloween might look familiar wherever you go, but across Asia, the same celebration can take on a different personality after dark. Halloween may not have originated here, but cities across Asia have embraced different parts of it. From Tokyo’s costume culture to Manila’s trick-or-treating and Bangkok’s nightlife, here is what October […]
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