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The Age
5 days ago
- The Age
Twenty things that will surprise first-time visitors to Bangkok
The west bank of the river was home to the first European settlers in Siam (as Thailand was then known), 16th-century Portuguese traders, missionaries and mercenaries. Kudichin, also known as Kudijeen, consists of narrow lanes (or soi) and old teak houses, including the ancestral Baan Kudichin Museum. The domed 1770 Santa Cruz Church and nearby Wat Prayurawongsawat ('Turtle Mountain Temple') with its hollow, 60-metre stupa are open to visitors. And look for the small family bakeries that sell the European-inspired tart called khanom farang ('foreigner cake'). See There are cannabis shops everywhere In 2022 Thailand surprised the world, and itself, by radically loosening its previously strict marijuana laws. Cannabis-based products, supposedly for 'medical use only', were soon on sale across the kingdom in glitzy shops, kerbside vans and street stalls. A new conservative government now hopes, belatedly, to legislate the billion-dollar genie back into its bottle. Whatever the outcome and your herbal inclinations, don't even think about exporting anything. It's home to the world's largest outdoor shopping mall Chatuchak Weekend Market is the world's largest, busiest, noisiest and allegedly best-bargain marketplace of all. Catch the SkyTrain north to Mo Chit to find this Mecca for impulse purchasers. With more than 15,000 stalls covering 14 hectares and selling everything from jewels, curios and pets to amulets and electronics, you'll need extra bags to lug home the loot. It's always a long weekend at Chatuchak, which trades full-tilt from Wednesday to Sunday. See History lives in the side streets The dowager Atlanta Hotel sits amid its considerable memories down Soi 2 Sukhumvit Road. The classic Bauhaus-deco lobby is unchanged from the 1950s, when this was the place to dine in Bangkok. A 1962 photograph shows the young King Rama IX playing saxophone there with Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman. The menu in the hotel's original LA-style diner declares: 'Typically, the Atlanta is not moving with the times.' See Hotel California isn't played here Forget the chrome pole clubs or beer bars still playing The Eagles, Bangkok has plenty of cool musical watering holes. The Saxophone Jazz and Blues Pub at the Victory Monument has delivered live Thai-Latino-whatever jazz, good drinks and great atmosphere with no cover charge or go-go dancers since 1987 ( Meanwhile, upmarket and down by the river, the Mandarin Oriental's elegant Bamboo Bar stirs smoky jazz into your late-night cocktail musings ( Something similar happens high above the river at the Millennium Hilton's ThreeSixty Bar. See A street corner named devotion Erawan Shrine in front of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel is renowned as Bangkok's most wish-fulfilling shrine. Day and night, Thais from all walks of life make offerings before its centrepiece, a four-faced golden Brahma statue. They pray for wealth, health, education or business success, or give thanks for prayers answered. Traditional dancers often perform here. Visitors welcome, respectful photography appreciated. See The world's most beautiful boatshed The National Museum of Royal Barges, the most beautiful boatshed in the world, houses the Crown's fleet of gilded, ceremonial vessels. These works of art with swan-necked prows and mythological figureheads glide out on rare occasions for the extraordinary Royal Barge Procession, when they parade, rowed by chanting sailors, past the Grand Palace and its dreaming spires. The barge museum, on the west bank in Bangkok Noi, displays these intricate vessels. Watch as artisans maintain them. See It's still a backpacker mecca Khao San Road, unofficial world backpacker HQ, gained fame last century with Alex Garland's novel (and subsequent Hollywood movie) The Beach. 'The main function for the street was as a decompression chamber … a halfway house between East and West,' he wrote. It still is. KSR endures, with the dreads-and-tatts crew sharing space with flashpackers and selfie-obsessives. By night the street is closed to traffic and becomes a free-range party zone. Explore it for music in clubs like Brick Bar. Above all, decompress. See The nicknames are delightful Don't be surprise to meet, for instance, a woman called Pla (meaning Fish) or another named Porn. Because formal Thai names can seem as long as a stretch limo, many Thais adopt a short, convenient nickname. Foreigners will be surprised to meet someone called Poo (Crab), Meaw (Cat), Moo (Pig) or Gai (Chicken). As for Porn, forget any preconceptions; it's an auspicious name, meaning blessing or grace. Thais sometimes translate their nicknames into English and you might find yourself chatting with Glass (Kaew), Smile (Yim) or Snack (Khanom), or perhaps plain Pop (as in music). It's easy to get high, literally The Great City of Angels lets you brush wings with its namesake celestial spirits via its rooftop bars. From up there you can muse, cocktail in hand, on the glittering street circuitry below or the looping calligraphy of the river as it signs off on its long run to the sea. In this city without hills, vertigo is a rare sensation, except at the MahaNakhon skyscraper. As Thailand's tallest building it trumps the skybars with its 78th-floor skywalk, the city's highest public point. Defy your survival instincts by stepping out onto its glass deck and then looking 310 vertiginous metres down to the toy town cars below. See Tuk-tuks are for tourists (and more expensive than taxis) Probably, yes. The iconic tuk-tuk (proper name samlor, 'three-wheel') functions today mostly as a tourist rattle-trap. They're unmetered, wind-in-your-hair fun, for sure. A first-time hoot. Until the end of the trip when, if you didn't first agree on the fare, the driver is charging you whatever he likes. For farang (foreigners), they're usually more expensive than a metered taxi. Go local, live like a Thai, catch the SkyTrain, Metro or ferry – all faster and cheaper than a tuk-tuk, even if less Insta fun. Thailand didn't invent massage, but perfected it Skip the fluffy rub-downs and five-orchid spa sessions. Try the real thing, where many Thai therapists learn their basics, at Wat Pho temple's 70-year-old Thai Traditional Massage School. Massage as developed here is included on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. For $20, a skilled trainee will turn your shoulder knots to noodles during an hour of pummelling, prodding and stretching. While you're at Wat Pho, visit its famous, 46-metre long, gold-plated Reclining Buddha. It has the world's wettest new year celebration Songkran, the world's wettest new year. Thailand's traditional new year falls in mid-April. Once the first jet of water hits your neck, things can descend into days of being drenched anytime you set foot outside. As a farang, you are an affectionate 'mark', so don't hit the streets wearing or carrying anything you can't afford to have soaked. You've stepped into the middle of the world's biggest water fight. Should you become a target, don't bother to plead: you're painting an even bigger bull's eye on yourself. Often the most indiscriminate water-bombers are inebriated, newbie tourists trying to 'go local'. The river commute is a fast and furious ride Khlong Saen Saep, built between 1837 and 1840, snakes its way through the city. Hop aboard a rocket and see how some Bangkokians get to the office. The skinny, 15-metre-long, 50-seat canal ferries rip along the muddy waters, making Formula One-speed pit stops at the khlong's 18 wharves. Leap – almost literally – on and off whenever you dare. A conductor collects fares as the projectile travels the 18-kilometre route. Blasting past temples and shacks, mansions and malls, it's your cheap-as-chips tour of the real Bangkok's backdoors. See The Risky Market is called 'risky' for good reason Talat Rhom Hoop – literally 'Closing Umbrella Market' – sounds curious enough, but its English name is more ominous – The Risky Market. You look up to see why: a locomotive is bearing down on you amid the market stalls. Their trackside awnings suddenly retract. You press yourself against a wall, flat as a Peking duck, with the train rumbling by, inches away. The fishing port of Samut Songkhram, also known as Mae Khlong, 80 kilometres south-west of Bangkok, is home to this death-defying shopping excursion and its 33-kilometre Mae Khlong-Mahachai railway, the shortest line in Thailand. See One of the world's longest roads runs through it Loading Hail a taxi on Sukhumvit and say: 'To the end of the road, please.' Four hundred and ninety kilometres later you'll be at Cambodia. Thanon Sukhumvit, Bangkok's boulevard of dreams and schemes, is not only the country's longest thoroughfare but one of the world's longest main roads. Until the mid-1960s, rice paddies and aristocratic estates bordered it. Novelist and composer S.P. Somtow recalled his family enclave there as 'our remote little island kingdom on Sukhumvit Road'. The rip-roaring progress monster that ate old Bangkok soon consumed the agriculture and enchantment alike. It's home to the world's narrowest Chinatown alley Bangkok is said to be home to the largest diaspora Chinatown in the world. Which might make Soi Itsara Nuphap, between Yaowarat and Charoen Krung roads, the skinniest Chinatown alley of almost anywhere. Inch your way along as it pinches down to a two-metre-wide crush of food stalls, handcarts, shoppers, monks, motorbike delivery drivers, grandmothers, schoolkids and bargain hunters. Ten minutes later you pop out at the other end, having sampled a parallel Thai-Chinese universe at very close quarters. Celebrate with a pickled egg. Watch your wallet. See
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Twenty things that will surprise first-time visitors to Bangkok
The west bank of the river was home to the first European settlers in Siam (as Thailand was then known), 16th-century Portuguese traders, missionaries and mercenaries. Kudichin, also known as Kudijeen, consists of narrow lanes (or soi) and old teak houses, including the ancestral Baan Kudichin Museum. The domed 1770 Santa Cruz Church and nearby Wat Prayurawongsawat ('Turtle Mountain Temple') with its hollow, 60-metre stupa are open to visitors. And look for the small family bakeries that sell the European-inspired tart called khanom farang ('foreigner cake'). See There are cannabis shops everywhere In 2022 Thailand surprised the world, and itself, by radically loosening its previously strict marijuana laws. Cannabis-based products, supposedly for 'medical use only', were soon on sale across the kingdom in glitzy shops, kerbside vans and street stalls. A new conservative government now hopes, belatedly, to legislate the billion-dollar genie back into its bottle. Whatever the outcome and your herbal inclinations, don't even think about exporting anything. It's home to the world's largest outdoor shopping mall Chatuchak Weekend Market is the world's largest, busiest, noisiest and allegedly best-bargain marketplace of all. Catch the SkyTrain north to Mo Chit to find this Mecca for impulse purchasers. With more than 15,000 stalls covering 14 hectares and selling everything from jewels, curios and pets to amulets and electronics, you'll need extra bags to lug home the loot. It's always a long weekend at Chatuchak, which trades full-tilt from Wednesday to Sunday. See History lives in the side streets The dowager Atlanta Hotel sits amid its considerable memories down Soi 2 Sukhumvit Road. The classic Bauhaus-deco lobby is unchanged from the 1950s, when this was the place to dine in Bangkok. A 1962 photograph shows the young King Rama IX playing saxophone there with Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman. The menu in the hotel's original LA-style diner declares: 'Typically, the Atlanta is not moving with the times.' See Hotel California isn't played here Forget the chrome pole clubs or beer bars still playing The Eagles, Bangkok has plenty of cool musical watering holes. The Saxophone Jazz and Blues Pub at the Victory Monument has delivered live Thai-Latino-whatever jazz, good drinks and great atmosphere with no cover charge or go-go dancers since 1987 ( Meanwhile, upmarket and down by the river, the Mandarin Oriental's elegant Bamboo Bar stirs smoky jazz into your late-night cocktail musings ( Something similar happens high above the river at the Millennium Hilton's ThreeSixty Bar. See A street corner named devotion Erawan Shrine in front of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel is renowned as Bangkok's most wish-fulfilling shrine. Day and night, Thais from all walks of life make offerings before its centrepiece, a four-faced golden Brahma statue. They pray for wealth, health, education or business success, or give thanks for prayers answered. Traditional dancers often perform here. Visitors welcome, respectful photography appreciated. See The world's most beautiful boatshed The National Museum of Royal Barges, the most beautiful boatshed in the world, houses the Crown's fleet of gilded, ceremonial vessels. These works of art with swan-necked prows and mythological figureheads glide out on rare occasions for the extraordinary Royal Barge Procession, when they parade, rowed by chanting sailors, past the Grand Palace and its dreaming spires. The barge museum, on the west bank in Bangkok Noi, displays these intricate vessels. Watch as artisans maintain them. See It's still a backpacker mecca Khao San Road, unofficial world backpacker HQ, gained fame last century with Alex Garland's novel (and subsequent Hollywood movie) The Beach. 'The main function for the street was as a decompression chamber … a halfway house between East and West,' he wrote. It still is. KSR endures, with the dreads-and-tatts crew sharing space with flashpackers and selfie-obsessives. By night the street is closed to traffic and becomes a free-range party zone. Explore it for music in clubs like Brick Bar. Above all, decompress. See The nicknames are delightful Don't be surprise to meet, for instance, a woman called Pla (meaning Fish) or another named Porn. Because formal Thai names can seem as long as a stretch limo, many Thais adopt a short, convenient nickname. Foreigners will be surprised to meet someone called Poo (Crab), Meaw (Cat), Moo (Pig) or Gai (Chicken). As for Porn, forget any preconceptions; it's an auspicious name, meaning blessing or grace. Thais sometimes translate their nicknames into English and you might find yourself chatting with Glass (Kaew), Smile (Yim) or Snack (Khanom), or perhaps plain Pop (as in music). It's easy to get high, literally The Great City of Angels lets you brush wings with its namesake celestial spirits via its rooftop bars. From up there you can muse, cocktail in hand, on the glittering street circuitry below or the looping calligraphy of the river as it signs off on its long run to the sea. In this city without hills, vertigo is a rare sensation, except at the MahaNakhon skyscraper. As Thailand's tallest building it trumps the skybars with its 78th-floor skywalk, the city's highest public point. Defy your survival instincts by stepping out onto its glass deck and then looking 310 vertiginous metres down to the toy town cars below. See Tuk-tuks are for tourists (and more expensive than taxis) Probably, yes. The iconic tuk-tuk (proper name samlor, 'three-wheel') functions today mostly as a tourist rattle-trap. They're unmetered, wind-in-your-hair fun, for sure. A first-time hoot. Until the end of the trip when, if you didn't first agree on the fare, the driver is charging you whatever he likes. For farang (foreigners), they're usually more expensive than a metered taxi. Go local, live like a Thai, catch the SkyTrain, Metro or ferry – all faster and cheaper than a tuk-tuk, even if less Insta fun. Thailand didn't invent massage, but perfected it Skip the fluffy rub-downs and five-orchid spa sessions. Try the real thing, where many Thai therapists learn their basics, at Wat Pho temple's 70-year-old Thai Traditional Massage School. Massage as developed here is included on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. For $20, a skilled trainee will turn your shoulder knots to noodles during an hour of pummelling, prodding and stretching. While you're at Wat Pho, visit its famous, 46-metre long, gold-plated Reclining Buddha. It has the world's wettest new year celebration Songkran, the world's wettest new year. Thailand's traditional new year falls in mid-April. Once the first jet of water hits your neck, things can descend into days of being drenched anytime you set foot outside. As a farang, you are an affectionate 'mark', so don't hit the streets wearing or carrying anything you can't afford to have soaked. You've stepped into the middle of the world's biggest water fight. Should you become a target, don't bother to plead: you're painting an even bigger bull's eye on yourself. Often the most indiscriminate water-bombers are inebriated, newbie tourists trying to 'go local'. The river commute is a fast and furious ride Khlong Saen Saep, built between 1837 and 1840, snakes its way through the city. Hop aboard a rocket and see how some Bangkokians get to the office. The skinny, 15-metre-long, 50-seat canal ferries rip along the muddy waters, making Formula One-speed pit stops at the khlong's 18 wharves. Leap – almost literally – on and off whenever you dare. A conductor collects fares as the projectile travels the 18-kilometre route. Blasting past temples and shacks, mansions and malls, it's your cheap-as-chips tour of the real Bangkok's backdoors. See The Risky Market is called 'risky' for good reason Talat Rhom Hoop – literally 'Closing Umbrella Market' – sounds curious enough, but its English name is more ominous – The Risky Market. You look up to see why: a locomotive is bearing down on you amid the market stalls. Their trackside awnings suddenly retract. You press yourself against a wall, flat as a Peking duck, with the train rumbling by, inches away. The fishing port of Samut Songkhram, also known as Mae Khlong, 80 kilometres south-west of Bangkok, is home to this death-defying shopping excursion and its 33-kilometre Mae Khlong-Mahachai railway, the shortest line in Thailand. See One of the world's longest roads runs through it Loading Hail a taxi on Sukhumvit and say: 'To the end of the road, please.' Four hundred and ninety kilometres later you'll be at Cambodia. Thanon Sukhumvit, Bangkok's boulevard of dreams and schemes, is not only the country's longest thoroughfare but one of the world's longest main roads. Until the mid-1960s, rice paddies and aristocratic estates bordered it. Novelist and composer S.P. Somtow recalled his family enclave there as 'our remote little island kingdom on Sukhumvit Road'. The rip-roaring progress monster that ate old Bangkok soon consumed the agriculture and enchantment alike. It's home to the world's narrowest Chinatown alley Bangkok is said to be home to the largest diaspora Chinatown in the world. Which might make Soi Itsara Nuphap, between Yaowarat and Charoen Krung roads, the skinniest Chinatown alley of almost anywhere. Inch your way along as it pinches down to a two-metre-wide crush of food stalls, handcarts, shoppers, monks, motorbike delivery drivers, grandmothers, schoolkids and bargain hunters. Ten minutes later you pop out at the other end, having sampled a parallel Thai-Chinese universe at very close quarters. Celebrate with a pickled egg. Watch your wallet. See
Pink Villa
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Inside Dipika Kakar-Shoaib Ibrahim's lavish 5 BHK Mumbai home
Television's much-loved couple, Dipika Kakar and Shoaib Ibrahim, have transformed their dream into a reality with a breathtaking 5 BHK home in Mumbai. What started as two separate flats is now a sprawling luxury space that reflects elegance, warmth, and their shared love for refined interiors. From European-inspired designs to cozy, personal touches, every corner of their home is a reflection of their journey together. Shoaib Ibrahim gave a tour of his new home in one of his YouTube vlogs. A grand entrance The moment you step into the couple's home, the grand hall leaves a lasting impression. The space is styled with European moldings and glimmering white marble flooring, subtly accentuated with golden strips. This balance of minimalism and opulence creates the perfect setting for both family moments and professional shoots. The picture-perfect corridor This aesthetic white hallway is nothing short of magical. Designed with clean lines and strip lighting, the corridor feels straight out of a fairytale. Whether it's for a quick photo or just a peaceful walk through the house, this spot blends functionality with Instagram-worthy charm. The guest bathroom Even the guest bathroom exudes luxury. With a timeless black-and-white color palette, golden fixtures, and elegant tile work, the space combines style and comfort in equal measure. It's the kind of bathroom that could easily feature in a high-end interior design magazine. The master bedroom Dipika and Shoaib's bedroom is a cozy yet classy haven. Soft peach tones on the bed add a warm touch, while mirror strips and European moldings on the walls bring in an air of sophistication. White marble flooring adds to the serenity, making this space a restful escape after long days. Watch the video here: The walk-in closet: One of the most talked-about parts of their home is the walk-in closet—a dream come true for fashion enthusiasts. Lined with organized racks of clothes and shoes, a full-length mirror, and perfect lighting, it's a dedicated space for getting ready in style. Their YouTube vlogs offer glimpses of this stylish zone, often used as a backdrop for outfit-of-the-day reels and makeup routines. What makes this home truly special is not just its design but the love story it holds. From co-stars on Sasural Simar Ka to real-life partners, Dipika Kakar and Shoaib Ibrahim built this home as a symbol of their shared dreams. Married in 2018 and blessed with their son Ruhaan in June 2023, their home is now a complete sanctuary for their growing family. Shoaib even gifted a house to Dipika's mother, adding a heartfelt gesture to their journey. Their 5 BHK residence in Mumbai isn't just a luxurious living space—it's a carefully curated reflection of who they are as a couple.
Tatler Asia
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
The best bars for first dates, from the Tatler Best Asia 100 list 2024
Bangkok Photo 1 of 2 The signature spirit-forward Vesper martini (Photo: Vesper) Photo 2 of 2 A candlelit room with European-inspired decor makes up the vibe at Vesper, Bangkok (Photo: Vesper) Awards 2025 Tatler Best Bars Thailand 2024 Tatler Best Bars 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Bars Must Try Modern Vesper Classic Vesper Negroni Vesper was established at the dawn of Bangkok's new cocktail culture era, that is, as people realised there needed to be better places for proper cocktails than just stuffy hotel lobby bars. Taking its name from the variation on a classic martini, Vesper initially set out to be a traditional cocktail venue serving mainly those drinks and other timeless classics amid vintage European decor, simple bar snacks and a relaxing atmosphere. But as the scene rapidly developed, so did the bar. Over the past decade, under a range of talented bar managers, it has become known for pushing creative boundaries, playfulness, refreshing reinterpretations and paying innovative homage to the classics. Each launch of a new signature menu is one of the most highly anticipated events in the city's bar scene. Tatler Tip: Candlelit room, European-inspired decor, and spirit-forward tipples. If this particular combination excites both of you, Vesper makes the perfect grounds to test your chemistry. If all else fails, you've got a world-class Vesper cocktail to fall back on. Duxton Photo 1 of 2 Meow Now Brown Cow is Cat Bite Club's irreverent crowd pleaser (Photo: Cat Bite Club) Photo 2 of 2 Cat Bite Club is an agave and rice spirits-focused speakeasy in Singapore (Photo: Cat Bite Club) Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Bars Must Try Cat Bite Margarita Soju Sprint Little Italy Agave and rice spirits take centre stage at this speakeasy, where you can savour cocktails celebrating the craftsmanship and tradition of these Mexican and Asian beverages. Founded by Gabriel Lowe and Jesse Vida, the club is easy to miss, its presence indicated by a glowing red sign with a mischievous Cheshire cat's grin. The Cat Bite Margarita—perhaps the best margarita in Singapore—is an epic celebration of agave made with Código 1530 blanco tequila, Siete Misterios espadín mezcal, Cointreau, a fresh citrus blend, sherry and agave nectar. It is the perfect balance of floral, citrus and tangy flavours to wake the appetite. Or go with the Soju Sprint, a tribute to rice spirits made with Tokki soju, peach, honey, mint, a fresh citrus blend, sherry, absinthe and soda. Tatler Tip: Sweeten up your date with the irreverent crowd pleaser, Meow Now Brown Cow. This sure-fire liquid icebreaker is recently updated, treating all to indulgent flavours of banana, coffee and vanilla. Taipei Photo 1 of 2 The Saketini is perfect for slow sipping and inspired chats (Photo: Chiu Xiang Sake Bar) Photo 2 of 2 Chiu Xiang Sake Bar blends the warmth of a home, the creativity of an art gallery and the comfort of a café (Photo: Chiu Xiang Sake Bar) Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Bars Must Try Special sake cocktails Saketini Bloody Mary crafted with sake Chiu Xiang Sake Bar blends the warmth of a home, the creativity of an art gallery and the comfort of a café. Created by former art world professional Mengmeng and bartender Xiao Qiu, it was born from the former's love of sake; after discovering the drink, she was captivated by its sweetness and drinkability, and decided to immerse herself in studying it. The space reflects this, filled with sake from different moments, books and keepsakes from travels. The bar offers 20 to 30 unique sakes, handpicked by the owners, as well as sake-based cocktails. Tatler Tip: The drink menu is tucked inside a poetry book. Take time to admire the curated artworks and ask the bartender for a classic cocktail with a sake twist. Think Saketini, perfect for slow sipping and inspired chats. In case you missed it: The best restaurants in Asia for the wine-obsessed, according to the Tatler Best Asia 100 list 2024 Chiu Xiang Sake Bar Address: 132 Section 4, Xinyi Road, Da'an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 Map Call Hours FB IG Bukit Damansara Photo 1 of 2 Reka:Bar distils mixology into an art form as well as a science (Photo: Reka:Bar) Photo 2 of 2 Watermelon sugar high combines sake with watermelon shrub and tarragon (Photo: Reka:Bar) Awards 2025 Tatler Best Malaysia: Best Design 2025 Tatler Best 20 2024 Tater Best Asia 100 Bars Must Try Liquid Ambra Nost Stirred Dusun 2.0 Reka:Bar distils mixology into an art form as well as a science. Since its debut in 2021, the bar has consistently championed the use of local produce and offbeat combinations in a thoughtfully developed drinks programme. Its Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat menu celebrates four foundations integral to the creation of an exceptional dish. A signature from this menu is the Pistapple Passion, crafted with pistachio distillate, brandy and clarified coconut. The Domino Effect V2 menu showcases the versatility of Asian flavours, combining sake with watermelon shrub and tarragon in its Watermelon Sugar High and infusing bourbon and rum with salted caramel and oolong milk tea in its Cloud & Clear. Tatler Tip: The playful drinks are sure to set the scene for the ideal first encounter. Park yourselves at the bar counter that offers just the right amount of privacy, complemented by unintrusive hospitality. Reka:Bar Address: 67M, Jalan Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur Map Call Email Hours FB IG $ $ $ $ | Makati Photo 1 of 2 Lounge by the intimate, dimly lit bar with cheeky, meticulously crafted cocktails (Photo: The Curator) Photo 2 of 2 The Curator is known to host highly anticipated guest shifts throughout the year (Photo: The Curator) Awards 2025 Tatler Best 20 Philippines 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Bars Must Try Salu salo Pandesal Gypsy Fizz This intimate, dimly lit bar's many regulars have come to expect cheeky, meticulously crafted cocktails, complete with flavour diagrams to help them navigate the menu. On the off-chance it's not one of your friendly Curator mixologists tending the bar, you'll likely find a seasoned veteran from another prestigious bar, as this haunt is known to host highly anticipated guest shifts throughout the year. Before nightfall, this neighbourhood favourite also functions as a café, specialising in expertly made coffee beverages and, more recently, matcha sourced from Japan. Tatler Tip: When in doubt, always choose the espresso martini; The Curator's cheeky version is a riff on Pandesal (a staple soft roll in the Philippines), promising rich creamy textures and accents of nutmeg. And if your date turns out to be a bore, trust the extremely hospitable staff to strike up a conversation. The Curator Coffee & Cocktails Address: UG/F Legazpi Parkview Condominium, 134 Legazpi Street, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines Map Call Email Web FB IG Macau Photo 1 of 2 The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge exudes a dark, moody charm that's instantly warmed by the presence of a fireplace (Photo: The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge) Photo 2 of 2 For something interactive, consider a flight of finest vintages where couples get to unravel different Macallan expressions (Photo: The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge) Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Bars Must Try Macallan Expressions Through Time Smooth 'Stache Crystal Island The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge exudes a dark, moody charm that's instantly warmed by the presence of a fireplace and the soulful sounds of a live band. Blending the essence of a traditional Scottish public house with refined elegance, the space features oak floors, leather sofas and beautifully patterned rugs. Stag antlers and a crystal chandelier add a touch of grandeur, while more than 400 malt whiskies, including rare selections from the Macallan distillery, are displayed proudly. Beyond whisky, guests can enjoy a curated selection of champagne, wine and cocktails. Whether settling in for a quiet evening or soaking up the live music, the inviting ambience and attention to detail make it a perfect destination for a refined yet relaxed night out. Tatler Tip: Cosy up at the fireplace and let the gentle crackle warm up the amorous evening over a dram of vintage Scotch whisky. For something interactive, consider a flight of finest vintages where couples get to unravel different Macallan expressions. The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge Address: 203, 2/F, Galaxy Hotel, Galaxy Macau, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai, Macau, China Map Call Book Hours Web IG
India.com
24-05-2025
- India.com
Top 5 Breathtaking Motorcycle Routes To Explore Near Pune
Pune stands as both a commercial and academic center of Maharashtra and functions as an access point to luxurious Western Indian vistas. Motorcycle enthusiasts starting from Pune can access a variety of stirring motorbike journeys between exhilarating routes and mesmerizing scenery. The following list includes seven breathtaking motorcycle routes which depart from Pune city and are suitable for riders of all experience levels. 1. Lavasa: A Picturesque Hill Station Ride Distance from Pune: ~60 km Motorcyclists can experience Sinhagad Road followed by Pirangut leading to Mulshi Dam which eventually directs them to Lavasa. The first planned hill station of India named Lavasa requires a visit from all bikers. The trip passes through twisting roads which lead bikers through verdant landscapes and peaceful lakes while passing through breathtaking valleys. When reaching Lavasa the area metamorphosed to become a European-inspired township situated within the Sahyadri mountain range. A visit to the Mulshi Dam route introduces a majestic new element because the contemplative lake water creates elegant reflections of the surrounding hills. Those who desire both outdoor scenery and architectural sightseeing will find perfection in this journey. 2. Lonavala-Khandala: A Classic Weekend Getaway Distance from Pune: ~65 km The journey goes through Mumbai-Bangalore Highway (NH48) before leading through Khandala Ghat then stops at Tiger's Leap after a visit to Bhushi Dam. The Lonavala-Khandala travel route serves as one of the prime weekend vacation spots located near Pune. This ride opens up with the ghat section which presents both exhilarating bends and sweeping views of the Western Ghats. The photo-worthy attractions of Lonavala-Khandala are Tiger's Leap and Bhushi Dam. The traffic tends to slow down in monsoon due to stronger waterfalls at Kune Falls and Duke's Nose bringing happiness to motorcyclists who want both adventure and natural sights. 3. Malshej Ghat: A Monsoon Marvel Distance from Pune: ~120 km Travel along the route from Ahmednagar Road toward Nagar Road before reaching Malshej Ghat and continue to Pimpalgaon Joga. Malshej Ghat showcases breathtaking sights to its audiences especially during wet weather because the area transforms into a spectacle of falling waterfalls and mountain peaks wrapped in fog. Both the ride route and its driving experience create suspense because of the many steep hills and sharp turns which navigate through forested areas. Traveling through this route will lead you to both visit Harishchandragad Fort and enjoy multiple viewpoints from which you can admire valley landscapes. Two distinct communities adore this location since it suits both nature admirers and photographers. 4. Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Loop: A Serene Escape Distance from Pune: ~120 km (to Mahabaleshwar) The journey begins at Wai before moving to Panchgani and then visits Table Land and finally ends at Mahabaleshwar. This loop leads travelers to connect between the famous tourist destinations Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani in a single magnificent passage. Tourists experience a journey which leads to grassy hills and ends at strawberry farms and idyllic towns. The Table Land in Panchgani functions as an exceptional observation point for viewing the surrounding landscape because it stands as one of the largest flat-topped mountains of Asia. Both recreational destinations attract tourists with their colonial atmosphere alongside breathtaking sights across the Krishna Valley. The journey provides an excellent experience for people who want both peace and beautiful natural scenery. 5. Tamhini Ghat: A Nature Lover's Paradise Distance from Pune: ~70 km The journey starts with traveling along Pune-Bangalore Expressway toward Tamhini Ghat while crossing through Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. Tourists find delight in Tamhini Ghat as it provides Western Ghats visitors an opportunity to experience its natural biodiversity and abundant forests. The challenging and tight pathway provides motorcycle riders with intense excitement but the thick forest cover provides both exciting and pleasant riding conditions. When the monsoon season sets in, the area attracts numerous waterfall destinations including Nane Ghat and Amba Ghat. Spend more time on your trip to discover the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary which shelters various plant and animal species. Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Ride The following advice will help make your trip safer before starting any of these rides. The motorcycle needs to be fully checked before a ride to confirm it functions properly and its tires maintain correct pressure levels and oil quantities as well as its brakes function correctly. Stay alert to the weather reports particularly during the monsoonal season because wet roads present a dangerous condition. Safety Gear Consists Of Protective Clothing Together With Gloves And A Helmet That Should Always Be Worn To Prevent Injuries. Prepare in advance to have water and snacks alongside basic medical supplies and route-finding equipment. Show respect for the natural environment by leaving no litter behind and treating the people of local communities as well as wildlife with kindness. Conclusion From its central location Pune provides ideal access to explore all the diverse land features across Maharashtra through these remarkable excursions. Each adventure-packed drive provides lifelong memories since it guides visitors through mystic ghat passages and enables both fort exploration and peaceful hill station experiences. You should prepare your vehicle and start driving because these scenic pathways will mesmerize you with their breathtaking views.
