September 19th, the 15th day of the 9th lunar month according to the Chinese lunar calendar, has been set aside this year to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival throughout China and amongst Chinese communities all over the world. From the 19th to the 21st of September, people of Chinese origin everywhere will take advantage of the pleasant autumn weather to get together with family and friends to share a meal, in which moon cakes figure prominently, under the light of a moon that is at its fullest. Thousands of people who may have migrated from Hainan Island return home to be with family and friends for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Many decorate their homes in coloured lights and red lanterns on tall bamboo poles. Street markets spring …

The international singing sensation Taylor Swift will be returning to New Zealand with The Red Tour. Make your reservations in advance at an Auckland city hotel such as Copthorne Hotel Auckland City to enjoy exclusive Auckland hotel specials to enhance your experience while you prepare to attend the concert. Taylor’s fourth studio album titled ‘Red’ was released back in October 2012 and features a number of hit singles. The red Tour’s concert in Auckland is set to take place at the Vector Arena on 20th and 30th of November 2013. Swift will be joined by the renowned alternative rock band Neon Trees for guest performances. The performances of the Red Tour feature elaborate costumes, multi-level stages, changing sets, aerialists, dancers and more. You can expect …

Located just south of the Indian peninsula is the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka. Also known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka is nation with a rich heritage and multi-cultural society. It is also a popular tourist destination, as it is home to beautiful golden sandy beaches, magnificent mountains with lush greenery, renowned religious and historical sites, and a booming hospitality industry along with a wide range of recreational and leisure attractions. There are many religious and cultural festivals that are celebrated in Sri Lanka. One such festival which is of immense significance to the Hindu Tamils of the island is Deepavali. This festival, which is a celebration of good triumphing over evil, is also celebrated in India, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, …

A traveller planning to enjoy their holiday in Indonesia to the fullest should make it a point to make reservations at a Bali luxury spa resort. An ideal choice of a Bali spa resort is COMO Shambhala Estate Bali. An island rich in natural beauty, Bali has long been a famed tourist destination. Whilst there are numerous attractions for travellers to explore, local events and festivals offer a glimpse into the distinctive local culture. Some of these festivals celebrate the art of woodcarving whilst others include harvest festivals, harvest festivals, colourful parades, fasting ceremonies and more. Experience the wide range of vibrant dances, processions, purification and much more. When it comes to non-religious festivals, there is the country’s Independence Day. Thanuja Silva is a travel …

Those vacationing in Jakarta during the month of December would do well to make the Jakarta International Film Festival part of their itinerary. Acknowledged as the country’s premier film festival, this showpiece event was inaugurated in 1999 and plays host to an array of films of various genres. If you are looking for a serviced residence in Jakarta, then try Ascott Jakarta. These Jakarta serviced apartments will provide you with a luxurious stay while you are in the city. The event is famous for its workshops and script development competitions and from the year 2006 has hosted an Indonesian Feature Film Competition that has been well received by both locals and tourists alike. In 2010 viewers were thrilled by the showings of Waiting for Superman, Outrage, When We …

Yoga, music and dance comes together in festive form for five days in a row with the participation of international music artists, bringing Bali to life each year. The Bali Spirit Festival is based in the country’s cultural capital Ubud and visitors are therefore advised to seek out an Ubud hotel to lodge in during the festival. However, finding Ubud accommodation may not be very easy during this period and specially if you want a comfortable abode like Alila Ubud Bali, you may have to book well before hand. During these vibrant days of celebration, Bali sees hundreds of the world’s top dancers, musicians, artists, yoga instructors and the like bring together elaborate workshops, seminars, exhibitions, performances and concerts bringing the city to life. Soak up some culture and …