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Marco Ferrarese is a journalist and travel writer specializing on Malaysia, Southeast Asia and India. He earned a PhD in Anthropology with a focus on Malaysia from Monash University. Ferrarese has written about travel, culture and extreme music in Asia for a variety of international publications such as Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, CNN Travel, BBC Travel, South China Morning Post, NIKKEI Asian Review, Roads & Kingdoms, Southeast Asia Globe, Perceptive Travel and Time Out. He is co-author of the 5th edition of "The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget", having researched chapters on West Malaysia, Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah. He is also the author of two fiction and non-fiction books - one, "Nazi Goreng" (2013) currently banned by the Malaysian government - and several academic essays published by Routledge, Rowman & Littlefield and Marshall-Cavendish. Know more at www.marcoferrarese.com
Portfolio
World Nomad Games put the spotlight on the sport of the Great Steppe
The Fifth World Nomad Games, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, celebrated the sport and culture of Central Asia's nomadic peoples. Featuring over 2,000 athletes from 89 countries, the event showcased traditional games like kokpar, audaryspak, and kusbegilik. Kazakhstan emerged as the overall winner with 112 medals, including 43 golds. The games highlighted the cultural heritage of the Great Steppe and aimed to strengthen international friendships. Future editions may expand globally, with potential hosting in North America. The event underscored the growing global appeal of traditional Central Asian sports and culture.
How tourism can soften hard-line Aceh
Aceh province in northwestern Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its strict adherence to Shariah law, gained negative global attention after police actions against local punk rockers. This incident, along with the devastating impact of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, has affected the region's image. The article explores how tourism might help soften Aceh's hard-line reputation.
A dreamy stay on the Desaru Coast
The Desaru Coast in Johor State, Malaysia, is described as a prime family getaway destination featuring a long, wide, and semi-deserted beach backed by exclusive resorts. The area has been transformed from a neglected land into a luxurious retreat.
From market to table in Penang
The article recounts the author's experience attending a cooking class in Penang, Malaysia, led by Chef Samuel. The class offers a deep dive into Malaysian cuisine, including dishes like char koay teow, roti canai, satay, nasi lemak, and Nyonya specialties. Participants visit a local market to source fresh ingredients and learn to cook authentic Malaysian recipes. The author describes the process of making dishes such as Chicken Curry Kapitan and Babi Chilli Garam, emphasizing the flavors and techniques learned. The class concludes with the enjoyment of the prepared dishes, leaving the author with no complaints and a desire to share the experience with others.
Insider tips for Malaysia’s most famous national park
Taman Negara, a vast national park in Peninsular Malaysia, is renowned for its ancient rainforest, diverse wildlife, and various trekking and boating activities. Visitors typically access the park through Kuala Tahan, a village offering basic amenities. Key attractions include the Canopy Walkway, Bukit Teresik viewpoint, Lata Berkoh rapids, and the challenging Gunung Tahan trek. Guided tours are essential for most activities, with options ranging from short hikes to multi-day jungle expeditions. The park also provides opportunities to experience the local Batek culture.
Feels like Jurassic era jungle: a stay in Malaysia’s new Rompin State Park showcases rare wildlife and offers creature comforts
Rompin State Park, a newly upgraded reserve in the southeasternmost corner of Pahang state, Malaysia, offers a unique experience reminiscent of the Jurassic era with its wide-leafed fan palm trees. The park forms the northern portion of the Endau-Rompin national park, covering 870 square kilometers of rainforest. Previously more accessible from the Johor side, the area experienced significant flooding in March 2023, affecting local communities and altering the landscape. While Kampung Peta has reopened to tourism, Selai remains closed.
When death metal becomes one of 84,000 ways to practise Buddhism
Taiwan's Dharma band uniquely blends ancient Buddhist sutras with death metal music, challenging traditional perceptions of both genres. Founded by Jack Tung, the band includes Canadian singer Joe Henley and has performed internationally, promoting Buddhist teachings through their music. Despite heavy metal's association with negative stereotypes, Dharma's innovative approach has garnered a positive reception, inspiring fans and spreading messages of peace and self-improvement. Their latest album, blessed by Buddhist monks, reflects their commitment to integrating spirituality with contemporary music.
Malaysia’s MM2H visa shake-up prompts cautious welcome – and questions
Malaysia has announced new terms for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa, aimed at making it more accessible to expatriates. The revised program lowers the age requirement to 30 and introduces three tiers of fixed deposits, offering varying lengths of residency and the potential for permanent residency. While the changes have been welcomed for their flexibility, questions remain about income and asset requirements. The new rules are seen as a move to simplify the application process, though some expats are cautious about how the changes will be implemented and their impact on existing visa holders.
Family focus in Vietnam
Recommends parents to take holidays with their children, highlighting Cam Ranh in southern Vietnam as a rising destination. Describes Cam Ranh's location, its proximity to Nha Trang, and its transformation from a military area to a tourist spot with a deep turquoise ocean and misty peaks.
A dive back to beach-tinged Indochine style in Cam Ranh
Cam Ranh in southern Vietnam is emerging as a new destination for high-end luxury tourism, featuring properties like The Anam, which offers a blend of lush vegetation, immaculate lawns, and retro-styled modern villas. The area is conveniently accessible from Cam Ranh airport with direct flights to Kuala Lumpur and potentially soon to Australia.
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