Insider

Executive summary by darmansjah

Destination Sofa ; Can’t get away this month? Tune in to the TV or pick up a book instead.

On Tv

Waterfront Cities of the World; Explore the world’s most vibrant port cities and their true essence an soul

Water is the source of all life and it is little wonder why the greatest cities in the world are all built close to the water. But how are these cities different and similar, what are the different roles this source of life plays, and how does it impact these cities? Find out with world-renowned photographer Heidi Hollinger on TLC’s brand new series Waterfront Cities of the world. Widely credited with having revolutionised political photography in Russia during her 10-year residence in Moscow and having won several accolades in various photo contest, Canada-born Heidi sets to explore the allures of these waterfront cities.

Waterfront Cities of the World bring viewers from Helsinki, the sauna capital of the world and whose and water are among the purest in Europe, to Havana’s rooftop gardens that feed 90 percent of the local population. Travel to Tel Aviv the White City, which is one of the world’s best examples of tolerant co-existence; get lost in Bangkok’s culture of chaos and its Buddhist serenity; be amazed by the mystical landscapes of Reykjavik, the only large city Iceland, an home to countries hot water geysers. Wheter it is Cape Town, Lisbon, Buenos Aires or San Francisco, each city holds it’s a unique story and a special reverence to water that-Heidi, together with her camera, is ready to unearth.  

Premiering 24 May, this series runs every Thursday at 10pm on TLC, starhub Channel 427.

READ

In Singapore – 60 Fabulous Adventures in the City; Marine Rogers (Marshall Cavendish; US$22)

This small nation-state is more than meets the eye-the diverse ethnicity and its unique enclaves, nature parks and trails within the concrete jungles, a plethora of eating places that earn plaudits for their scrumptious signature local dishes, and historical attractions.

What this book offers is a volume of meticulous research that beat s the assumption of the saying ‘there’s nothing to do in Singapore expect eat and shop’. Discover the serenity along HSBC Tree Top Walk;  indulge in one-day getaway at the holiday resort on Kusu Island, with its swimming laggons, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and holy sites; tread though the secret tunnels at FortPasir Panjang; take a thrilling ride on the virtual roller coaster at Sentosa 4D Magix; or visit the Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum located at the Chinese Garden. This 288-page full-colour adventure guide by Marianne Rogerson brings you to places that might even be surprising to the locals.

Lonely Planet Pocket Series (from US$12.99)

Packing in the best coverage of the must-sees at each city, thoughtfully selected eating establishments and coupled with comprehensive and updated maps, the full-colour pocket guide is the bible for urban travelers. The Lonely Planet pocket series, currently featuring the cities of Barcelona, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Prague and San Francisco, provide concise information of the ‘where’, ‘what’ and ‘how’ on all the places in the city that are worth a visit. Each pocket guide also comes with a detachable cit y map that consists of top sights, a full street index and a transit map.

Don’t Miss out

Start planning now for some of the best events in the world

The Tang shipwreck - Singapore

Asian civilization Museum present 130 highlights of the oldest Arab vessel’s remains discovered in Asian Waters, with exhibits ranging from exquisite white wares, Xing Klins, Changsha bowls to gold cups and silver flasks (acm.org.sg)

Thrissur Pooram – Kerala, India

One of the most colourful and vibrant temple festival of Kerala, Thrissur Pooram welcomes the assembly in and around Thrissur during this day. This city will see the gathering of large masses of devotees, as well as rituals and numerous orchestral performances (thrissurpooramfestival.com).

Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster – Kimberley, Western Australia

Celebrating Kimberley’s cultural diversity, stunning primeval landscape and warm country hospitality is a series of concerts and events, including the Airnotrh Kimberley Moon Experience, a showcase of the greatest Australian music legends (ordvalleymuster.com.au)

Haeundae Sand Festival – Busan, South Korea

Head down to Haeundae Beach this month as tourists and locals alike get caked in its mineral-rich sand, take part in beach volleyball competitions, and catch spectacular fireworks displays and concert. Don’t miss out the sand sculpture exhibits and Korean wrestling tournament.

Fes Sacred Music Festival – Fes, Morocco

Fes comes to life with a celebration of free concerts centering sacred, spiritual and world music, with musicians like Bjork from Iceland, Joan Baez from USA and Terra Maire from France scheduled to perform (fesfestival.com/2012)

Euro 2012 – Poland and Ukraine

Reigning champion Spain defends its crown against 15 other nations including France, Germany and England in the footballing event of 2012 years ago. (uefa.com/uefaeuro).

Singapore Food Festival – Singapore

Be prepared for a seafood extravaganza at The Promontary at Marina Bay, which will feature over 60 stalls serving iconic local dishes from black pepper crabs, chili crabs to barbequed sambal stingray (singaporefoodfestival.com.sg)

Rainforest World Music Festival – Serawak, Malaysia

This acclaimed music festival brings together musicians like String Sisters, Diplomats of Drums of Malaysia, Khusugtun of Mongolia to Sarawak for three days of world music indulgence. The performance of traditional Sarawakian music is also not to be missed (rwmf.net).

Hamburger DOM – Hamburg, Germany

Taking place three times a year, Hamburger DOM is the biggest and most famous fair in Hamburg. Packed with thrilling rides, colourful booths, nostalgic carousels and stalls serving lip-smaking snacks, this funfair gurantees a delightful time for families and friends.

Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal – Singapore

Held at Marina Bay Sands Art Science Museum, this exhibition features the most extensive collection of the legendary pop artist’s artwork ever to be presented in Singapore – 260 paintings, drawings, sculptures, films and videos (marinabaysands.com/siangapore-museum/whats-on).

Edinburg Festival Fringe – Edinburg, Scotland

One of the world’s greatest art and cultural festivals, Edinburgh Festival Fringe will see performers and creative souls from all corners of the world presents every art form imaginable, and bringing the best entertainment to this capital city (edfringe.com).

Sendai Tanabata Matsuri – Miyagi Prefecture, Japan

The entire Sendai City celebrates prosperity and prays for wellbeing of family members, progress in studies and rich harvest. With fireworks, parades and concerts. Colourful ornaments made of bamboo and exquisite Japanese papers called sasatake are displayed In the arcades in front of Sendai Station and other parts of the city.

Bangkok International Festival of Dance & Music – Bangkok, Thailand

Held at the Thailand Cultural Centre, this international cultural festival is Thailand’s largest display of opera plays, ballet and contemporary dances and musical performances by leading bands and artist from around the world.

China Open 2012 – Beijing, China

See previous winners Michael Llodra and Nenad Zimonjic battle out to keep their championship titles or root for your favourite tennis player at the Beijing Olympic Green Tennis Centre, where professional tennis players competer (chinaopen.com).

Solar Eclipse – Cairns, Australia

A total eclipse, most visible from Australia, will be formed shortly after sunrise on the 14^th. Don’t miss out this rare opportunity because the next total eclipse to happen in Australia will only be in 2023.