The Mango Road

Putting the life back into lifestyle

  • More Travel Features
    • China
      • All along the Watchtowers
      • The Fire Carts of Xishi
      • Walking the Line
    • Hong Kong
      • Hiking: Ghost Brides and Haunted Villages
      • Ping Shan Heritage Trail
      • Salt, fish and the Battle of Tai O Bay
      • The waterways of Tai Tam
      • The Tai Tam West catchwater
      • Veggies and Rebellion
      • Violet Hill and The Twins
      • The Green Hub
    • India
      • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: The little blue train
      • War, subterfuge and a nice cup of tea
    • Indonesia
      • Botanical Gradens, Bogor
      • The sweet smell of steam
      • Sunrise over Gunung Bromo
    • Laos
      • Watching the river flow
    • Malaysia
      • The Jungle Line
      • Penang’s Living Art Gallery
      • Climbing Mt Kinabalu
      • North Borneo Railway
    • Nepal
      • High as a Kite
    • Thailand
      • Bangkok on foot
      • Historic towns of the Sukhothai Kingdom
      • Sukhothai, The Cradle of Thai Civilisation
      • Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam
      • Simian City
      • Ko Kret: Potters Island
      • Wat Pariwat aka Wat David Beckham
  • A Postcard from …
    • Bagan
    • Cambodia
      • Angkor
      • Silk islands of Koh Dach
    • Darjeeling
    • Hanoi
    • Hong Kong
      • An abandoned Hakka mansion
      • Devil beating in Causeway Bay
      • Nong Ping and Big Buddha
    • Kolkata
    • Krakatau
    • Singapore
    • Thong Pha Phum
  • Airports
    • Cambodia – Phnom Penh
    • Hong Kong – Chek Lap Kok
    • Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur, KLIA2
    • Thailand – Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi
    • Thailand – Bangkok, Don Mueang
    • Vietnam – Noi Bai, Hanoi
    • Vietnam – Da Nang
  • Food
    • Tai O Lookout – Hong Kong
    • Beer Republic – Bangkok
    • Glenary’s – Darjeeling
    • Shanak’s – Phnom Penh
    • Som Tam – Some Like it Hotter
    • Chops – Hanoi
    • 80/20 – Bangkok
    • Coliseum Cafe & Bar – Kuala Lumpur
    • Guppy’s – Bangkok
    • Kunga – Darjeeling
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Stories

War, subterfuge and a nice cup of tea
Features India 

War, subterfuge and a nice cup of tea

13th November 20192nd December 2024 The Mango Road 2 Comments Stories

Tea arrived in the UK in the early seventeenth century but it had a slow start. It was very expensive and was marketed primarily for its medicinal properties.

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Sunrise over Gunung Bromo and the Tengger Highlands
Features Indonesia 

Sunrise over Gunung Bromo and the Tengger Highlands

5th November 201917th August 2024 The Mango Road 0 Comments Stories

Sunrise over Gunung Bromo is one of the earth’s great spectacles. I first saw it, in less than perfect weather conditions, over twenty years ago. Back then there

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The South Park Street cemetery: A Garden of unfulfilled dreams
A Postcard From ... India 

South Park Street cemetery: Garden of unfulfilled dreams

14th October 20193rd April 2025 The Mango Road 0 Comments Stories

South Park Street Christian cemetery is an oasis of calm amidst the infernal cacophony of modern Kolkata. But it’s a spooky place, even in the middle of the day

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Climbing Mt Kinabalu South Peak
Features Malaysia 

Climbing Mt Kinabalu via the old Mesilau trail

7th October 20193rd April 2025 The Mango Road 6 Comments Stories

The name Kinabalu is derived from the words Aki Nabalu which, in the local Kadazan language, means ‘the revered place of the dead.’

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a model business woman
A Postcard From ... Cambodia 

A model business woman

21st September 20193rd April 2025 The Mango Road 0 Comments Stories

I’d arrived at Ta Prohm early to try and beat the crowds. It opens at 07.30, I had 15 minutes to wait. Of course this left me at the mercy of the souvenir vendors.

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Hiking in Hong Kong: The Tai Tam West Catchwater
Features Hong Kong 

Hiking in Hong Kong: The Tai Tam West Catchwater

16th September 201911th October 2024 The Mango Road 0 Comments Stories

A stroll along the Tai Tam West Catchwater and the southern shore of the Intermediate reservoir offers a lovely walk that doesn’t require any hill climbing

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Bagan Bike Trials
A Postcard From ... Myanmar 

Bagan bike trials

9th September 201931st October 2023 The Mango Road 4 Comments Stories

I like bicycles. Pedalling around Asia’s historic sites in an unhurried manner, stopping when I want and lingering for as long as I like is by far the best way to enjoy them.

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The fire carts of xishi Steam train
China Features 

The Fire Carts of Xishi

17th August 201913th January 2025 The Mango Road 2 Comments Stories

A shrill whistle splits the morning calm and echoes off the two enormous sandstone cliffs that shelter the little town of Bagou. A few moments later, in a cloud of smoke and steam, a train bursts out of a tunnel

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Tai Tam reservoir systen from Violet hill
Features Hong Kong 

Hiking in Hong Kong: Violet Hill and The Twins

6th August 201911th October 2024 The Mango Road 0 Comments Stories

“Violent Hill, I call it,” remarked a former colleague of mine. She didn’t say what she called The Twins, she doesn’t approve of strong language.

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A bicycle ride around Koh Kret: Island in the city
Features Thailand 

A bicycle ride around Koh Kret: Island in the city

1st August 20196th November 2023 The Mango Road 0 Comments Stories

Despite the trappings of modern life around it, the island has remained steadfastly rural and is an oasis of peace just a short hop from the city.

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CONCERTS AND SHOWS


FESTIVAL The Rainforest World Music Festival will take to the stage in Sarawak, Malaysia, from July 20th to 22nd. The event, now in its 28th year, showcases traditional and modern music from around the world, as well as local artists.

The theme this year is “Connections: One Earth, One Love” and heading the show will be Al McKay, Guitarist and Musical Director of the highly acclaimed funk/Soul/Jazz outfit, Earth, Wind and Fire. Also on the bill will be Otyken from Siberia and, representing their home, At Adau, who blend ancestral traditions with contemporary world music.

There are also workshops to encourage greater participation in culture and creativity as well as music and dance. And, of course, there will be some awesome food. More info here and tickets here

The Cotai Strip, Macau. Sometimes referred to as t The Cotai Strip, Macau. Sometimes referred to as the Las Vegas of the East, Cotai is a parcel of reclaimed land given over almost entirely to casinos and hotels. The replica landmarks make it popular place with instagram enthusiasts and wedding photographers.
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#macau #macao #macau_ig #macau🇲🇴 #macautravel #cotai #cotaistrip
#cotaistripmacau #london #paris #venice #casino #hotels #lasvegasoftheeast #instagrammers
A-Ma Temple, Macau. The temple was built in 1488 t A-Ma Temple, Macau. The temple was built in 1488 to honour the sea goddess, Mazu aka Tin Hau, the most revered deity along the South China coastal regions.
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#macau #macau🇲🇴 #macautravel #macauig #macau_ig#china #amatemple #tinhau #mazu #temple #architecture #architecturelovers #architectureporn #travel #travelphotography #travelgram
#hongkong #discoverhongkong #hongkongphotography # #hongkong #discoverhongkong #hongkongphotography #hkig #amazinghongkong #explorehongkong #newterritories #china #asia #asiatravelguide #asiatravel
The crab with the pretty green and black back is p The crab with the pretty green and black back is paraleptuca crassipes or the thick-legged fiddler crab, I’m not sure about the other one but they were both sharing a hole on some tidal mud-flats, though I think it was more to hide from me rather than for co-habitation. If one stands completely motionless for a few minutes they think you’ve gone and gingerly venture out. But the slightest click of the shutter and they dart back in again.
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#crabs #paraleptucacrassipes #fiddlercrab #crustaceans #mangrove #mangrovecrabs #mudflats #wildhongkong #lantau #newterrtories #exploringhongkongsnewterritories #hongkongphotography #explorehk #visualhongkong #discoverhongkong #amazinghongkong #hongkongphoto #discoverhongkong #picsofhk #nature #wildlife #wildlifephotography #earthoutdoors #fantastic_earth #lifeonearth #wildlifeonearth #wildlifecaptures #wildlifelovers #naturephotography #natureshots
The imposing outer walls of San Wai, a walled vill The imposing outer walls of San Wai, a walled village in Lung Yuek Tau which was founded in 1744. The houses within have all since been rebuilt to modern standards with electricity and plumbing, but the village still retains its original layout. 
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A central lane leads from the gatehouse to a communal shrine on the rear wall. The houses on either side are tightly packed into narrow alleys but along the inner walls at the back and sides, there is still room for trees, garden areas and small vegetable plots. The moat, which once surrounded the village, has since been filled in to create space for villagers to park their cars.
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Thamel district, Kathmandu. A warren of small shop Thamel district, Kathmandu. A warren of small shops selling everything from hippy couture to mountain treks as well as massage, balms and oils to soothe aching, post-trek, feet.

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#thamel #kathmandu #thamelkathmandu #nepal #crowds #streetscenes #KaleidoscopeOfCulture #shops #shopping #people #kathmandu_nepal #nepalpictures #ig_captures_people #people_infinity_ #1001people #postcardplaces #hello_worldpics #mostbeautifulplace #welltravelled #traveldestination #travellingthroughtheworld #travel_gram #travel_captures #travel_photo #travelblogger
A hefty strand of spider silk stretched across the A hefty strand of spider silk stretched across the footpath slammed into my face as I set off on my walk this morning. A reminder that Summer is just around the corner and that soon the trees in my neck of the woods will be festooned with nephila pelipes or golden orb weavers. Their name comes from the yellow sheen on the webs of mature spiders.
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They are quite majestic beasts but for those unfamiliar, they are the stuff of nightmares. Fully grown the body is about the size of my thumb with a leg span a little wider than my outstretched hand. The webs are commonly about a metre across, though I have seen some that were easily 1.5 metres, and are spun from some of the strongest silk known. Though they do look very pretty when caught in the sunlight. Multiple spinnerets at the blunt end of the spider mean they are quite capable of making spider rope and they are also able adjust the composition of the silk according to their environment. 
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These huge spiders are always female. The males are a rusty brown color and little bigger than a fingernail. They hang about on the edges of the web waiting, presumably until she has a meal large enough to hold her attention so that he can dart in, do the business and retreat without becoming a light snack himself. I’ve read that a bite can be quite painful but the venom itself is not considered dangerous. I have no plans to put it to the test.
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Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan, Ayutthaya, Thailand. Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan, Ayutthaya, Thailand. The 19-metre-high Buddha statue, known as Luang Pho Tho, dates back to 1334 although it has been renovated numerous times since then.
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#watphananchoengworawihan #ayutthaya #buddha #buddhism #temple #thaitemples #faith #religion #thailand #ayutthayathailand #amazingthailand #ig_thailand #loves_united_thailand #loves_thailand #ig_asia #loves_united_asia #super_asia_channel #unlimitedasia #unesco #unescoworldheritage #history #culture #statue #smartphone #igmoment #travel #wanderlust #beautifuldestinations #CreateExplore #stayandwander
Overlooking Stonecutters Bridge with the Hong Kong Overlooking Stonecutters Bridge with the Hong Kong island skyline in the distance.

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Ching Chung Koon Monastery, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong . Ching Chung Koon Monastery, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
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Queen Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, India . . . #vic Queen Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, India
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My latest project is now available in bookshops ac My latest project is now available in bookshops across Hong Kong.

Unlike most guidebooks on Hong Kong, this one delves deep into a region that is often ignored yet is replete with ancient monuments and temples, picturesque monasteries, abandoned villages and a network of excellent, well-maintained hiking trails.

Most of the attractions are free or very inexpensive and can be easily accessed using Hong Kong’s excellent public transport systems, details of which are included.
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Graham Street, Hong Kong . . . #central #alley #gr Graham Street, Hong Kong
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Ceramic figurines on sale at Cat Street market, Ho Ceramic figurines on sale at Cat Street market, Hong Kong.
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Cotton grass and limestone karsts not far from Yan Cotton grass and limestone karsts not far from Yangshuo, Guangxi province in southern China.

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Chapel of Our Lady of Penha The church built in 1 Chapel of Our Lady of Penha

The church built in 1622 by the crew of the Portuguese ship São Bartholomeu who, after escaping from Dutch pursuers, vowed to build a church to commemorate the Virgin Mary if they made it back to Macau.

#macau #macau_ig #macau🇲🇴 #macao #church #citynights #addicted_to_nights #nightphotography #nightimages #nightlights #nightphoto #dusk #cityscape #urbanlandscape #urbanromantix #buildings #buildingporn #architecture #architecturelovers #architectureporn #travel #travelphotography #travelgram
A tourist browses colourful silk lampshades in Hoi A tourist browses colourful silk lampshades in Hoi An, Vietnam
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#lamp lampshade #tourist #tourism #nightmarket #silk #traditional #shopping#hoiantown #hoian #discovervietnam #ig_vietnam #vietnamtravel #vietnam🇻🇳 #vietnamtravelers #igvietnam #vietnamese #vietnam #loves_united_vietnam #asiatravel #unlimitedasia #ecotourism #seetheworld #traveldeeper #doyoutravel #traveltheworld #traveladdict #borntotravel #traveltheworld #travelenthusiast
Eastern great egret (Ardea alba modesta) making of Eastern great egret (Ardea alba modesta) making off with the catch of the day.
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It's hiking season in Hong Kong. But beware the ol It's hiking season in Hong Kong. But beware the old abandoned villages are hungry.

#hongkong #hongkongphotography #hongkongphoto #hiking #hikingadventures #hike #abandonedplaces #abandoned #spooky #spookyseason #architecture
Main altar of the Tin Hau Temple, Joss House Bay, Main altar of the Tin Hau Temple, Joss House Bay, Hong Kong.
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One of the oldest and largest temples dedicated to Tin Hau. It was built in 1266 by two brothers who were salt traders from Fujian province. One day their boat was caught in storms and as they were swept overboard they appealed to Tin Hau for help. To show their gratitude they built the temple on the spot where they came safely to land.
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#tinhau #天后古廟 #temple #天后 #廟 #historicbuilding #historictemples #chinesetemple #hongkonghistory #hongkongphotography #hongkongphoto #hongkong #hkig #discoverhongkong #travel #travelhk #explorehk #visualhongkong #visithongkong #amazinghongkong #ilovehongkong #discoverhongkong #discoverhk #awesomehongkong #picsofhk #exploringhongkongsnewterritories #letsgosomewhere #traveltheworld #traveladdict #themoderndayexplorer
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