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CTV News
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
‘They started singing along': Vancouver musician plays the melodica for elephants in Vietnam
Vancouver concert pianist and composer Martin Mayer has plenty of fans around the world, especially in China, where he's known as 'Canada's Prince of Piano.' He's performed for sold-out crowds on several multi-city tours of the country and says he's been mobbed for autographs, followed by paparazzi, and was even woken up at 3 a.m. by a fan knocking on his hotel room door. And now Mayer has two new devotees in Vietnam—who happen to be elephants. The musician visited Vinpearl Safari in Phu Quoc on a recent vacation, and because you can't fit a grand piano in your pocket, he brought a melodica—a handheld keyboard you play by blowing into a mouthpiece. While feeding the elephants at the zoo, Mayer's partner suggested playing them a song. He went with the recognizable 'Perfect' by Ed Sheeran. 'These two elephants basically stopped what they were doing, stopped taking food from the other people, walked up and started listening,' he told CTV News. They flapped their ears, put their trunks together, and 'started singing along.' 'I've played for thousands of people in concert and millions of people on TV and the whole notion of playing for two elephants in the sanctuary—I can't think of any way to top that,' he said. Mayer was at a loss for words after the encounter and later ran back to see the elephants again. He whistled at them and the animals turned around to give him a final look. 'I remember feeling this innate sense this is beyond human-to-human, this is human-to-animal, and I'm able to communicate with these two in a way that is beyond language or anything like that,' he said. 'It's the best feeling to be able to provide joy and possibly the first music that they've ever heard.' Mayer is now considering continuing his new gig as an animal entertainer, floating the idea of performing at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, Vancouver Aquarium, or even bringing the melodica on a boat to play for the harbour seals and orcas. 'Human beings shouldn't be the only ones that get a chance to experience music,' he said. With files from CTV News Vancouver's Spencer Harwood
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
11 most unique travel destinations your friends from Singapore haven't visited
Japan, Korea, Australia and the U.K. are all fine destinations, sure. Almost everyone you know has already been there or plans to go. But how about getting off the beaten track to experience unique travel destinations in this great big world of ours? Whether you are an experienced traveller ticking countries off your list or a newbie adventurer who prefers not to go to the same places everyone's already been, here are 11 unique travel ideas for your next getaway. (Plus, you get to one-up that one friend who's always travelling!) They are arranged in order of travel time from Singapore, starting from 2 hours and going all the way up to 16 hours (for the fastest flights). The first 4 are regional and while you may have visited the countries they are in, probably have not discovered these specific unique travel destinations. Happy travels! My standout memory is of the wildlife park, especially its large roaming pride of lions, a scene I never expected to see outside Africa. The beaches are amazing and if you are a seafood aficionado, this has to be on your bucket list. Phu Quoc is Vietnam's largest island and off its pristine beaches is abundant marine life that contributes to its strong tradition of fish sauce craftsmanship. Unlike bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, Phu Quoc offers peaceful island life, perfect for snorkelling and diving. It's also one of the few places in Vietnam where you can enjoy both forest treks and coral reef adventures in a single day and savour hyper-local seafood that never travels far from ocean to plate. 2 hours Vinpearl Safari, Vietnam's largest and ethical wildlife conservation park Sao Beach for soft white sand and turquoise waters Dinh Cau Night Market, a cultural hub buzzing with food and local crafts Snorkel around An Thoi Islands to experience colourful, vibrant coral reef life Tour a fish sauce factory to learn about the island's signature craft Island-hop by boat and discover hidden coves and coastal fishing villages Nhum (sea urchin), fresh or grilled with lime and chilli Banh Canh Ghe, a rich crab noodle soup Goi Ca Trich, a tangy herring salad unique to Phu Quoc Was I in Amish country? Nope, but with only bicycles and horse carts, the Gili Islands seem to be stuck in a wonderfully idyllic past. The Gili Islands are made up of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, and are best known as a car-free tropical escape between Lombok and Bali. The eco-friendly vibe with no motorized vehicles is a commitment to sustainability in sync with the marine ecosystem. Each island has its own personality: Gili T for parties, Gili Meno for serenity, and Gili Air for a laid-back mix of both. You'll find crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a welcoming, slow-living island culture. 3–3.5 hours (flight to Lombok, then ferry) Underwater statues near Gili Meno, perfect for snorkelling photos Sunset from Gili Trawangan, especially with the famous swings in the sea Horse carts that are the main mode of transport after bicycles Cycle around the islands, with no cars or motorbikes to interrupt the peace Scuba dive or snorkel, spotting turtles and reef sharks, and underwater statues Relax in a beach hammock, drink in hand, watching the tide Ayam Taliwang, spicy grilled chicken from Lombok origins Sate Ikan Tanjung, fish skewers grilled with turmeric and lemongrass Bebek Betutu, slow-cooked duck infused with Balinese spices While it's just north of Cambodia, Laos is one of the most overlooked ASEAN destinations. Vientiane is the capital but Luang Prabang is its cultural heart and has remained largely unchanged for centuries. A serene blend of ancient Buddhist temples, French colonial charm, and lush riverside jungle, Luang Prabang is a spiritual and cultural heart of Southeast Asia. Its UNESCO-listed old town, framed by mountains and the Mekong, radiates calm, history, and understated elegance unlike any other Southeast Asian city. 6 hours Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang's most ornate temple, glittering with mosaics and sweeping roofs Kuang Si Falls, multi-tiered turquoise waterfalls surrounded by forest and hidden pools Morning Alms Giving Ceremony, where hundreds of monks collect offerings in a peaceful dawn ritual Take a sunset cruise on the Mekong River, drifting past misty hills, bamboo villages, and golden skies Climb Mount Phousi, a hilltop stupa with sweeping 360° views of the city and surrounding rivers Explore local night markets, filled with handmade textiles, lanterns, and spicy Laotian street food Or Lam, a traditional stew with buffalo meat, eggplant, and pepperwood—Laotian comfort food Khao Soi Luang Prabang, a local version of noodle soup with minced pork and fermented soy topping Mok Pa, fish steamed in banana leaves with lemongrass and herbs—fresh, fragrant, and truly Laotian You might have been to India but probably not to this remote state in the Himalayan range. Be prepared for a unique travel experience of snowy mountains, shimmering blue lakes and golden Buddhas, all in one vista. Nestled between Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal in the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim offers a rare mix of Tibetan Buddhist culture, alpine wilderness and vibrant tribal traditions. It's peaceful, clean and deeply spiritual, with snow-capped peaks, wildflower valleys, and monasteries carved into cliffs. 10 hours Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by snow, sacred to locals and stunning year-round Rumtek Monastery, one of the most important Tibetan monasteries in India, with intricate artwork and serene chanting halls Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, forming a dramatic backdrop visible from many parts of Sikkim Trek through the Yumthang Valley, known as the 'Valley of Flowers,' blooming with rhododendrons and hot springs Visit a traditional Lepcha village, to experience indigenous Sikkimese life and hospitality Attend a Buddhist festival, where masked dances and fire rituals bring ancient stories to life Phagshapa, strips of pork cooked with radish and chillies, a spicy, tangy Sikkimese favourite Gundruk soup, a fermented leafy green stew that is earthy, sour, and comforting in the cold Chhurpi, Himalayan hardened yak cheese—chewed like gum or added to soups for flavour and protein I love horror films and Romania had me at 'Transylvania' (You have to watch both Nosferatu films!). So much untouched forest, the Carpathians, and Voroneț Monastery, the 'Sistine Chapel of the East' make this an unmissable hidden gem. Romania offers a rare mix of storybook castles, mystical forests, and colourful village traditions that still feel untouched by mass tourism. From the painted monasteries of Bucovina to the gothic charm of Transylvania's fortified towns, it's a destination where legends and landscapes come alive. This is where Dracula lore meets real-world magic. 14 hours Voroneț Monastery, known as the 'Sistine Chapel of the East' for its vivid blue frescoes Bran Castle, often linked to the Dracula legend, perched dramatically on a hilltop in Transylvania Sighișoara, a perfectly preserved medieval town and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler Wander through the cobbled streets of Transylvania's fortified towns, surrounded by gothic towers and pastel buildings Sleep in a guesthouse in rural Bucovina or Maramureș, where traditions like woodcarving and bread baking are still practised Trek through the Carpathian Mountains, where wild bears, remote sheepfolds, and panoramic views await Sarmale, savoury cabbage rolls stuffed with spiced minced meat and rice Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână, creamy cornmeal porridge served with tangy cheese and sour cream Tochitură, a hearty pork stew served with fried egg and polenta on the side Most of us know the US state but not this nation bordering the Black Sea. Wine has been made here since the Neolithic period and 5 monks still live in the Vardzia cave monastery hewn into a hill. A crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia offers a mesmerizing mix of snow-capped mountains, ancient churches carved into cliffs, and soulful polyphonic singing. Its distinct language, alphabet, and cuisine set it apart from any other destination, while locals are renowned for their warmth and hospitality. 14 hours Tbilisi Old Town, a maze of pastel houses, sulfur baths, and winding alleyways beneath a hilltop fortress Gergeti Trinity Church, perched dramatically under Mount Kazbegi with panoramic views of the Caucasus Uplistsikhe, a mysterious rock-hewn city carved into cliffs from the early Iron Age Hike in Svaneti, a remote alpine region dotted with medieval stone towers and glacier-fed trails Soak in Tbilisi's sulfur baths, ancient domed spas with natural hot springs and steamy ambience Wander wine country in Kakheti, where vineyards stretch to the mountains and traditional clay amphorae (qvevri) line the cellars Khinkali, juicy hand-twisted dumplings bursting with spiced meat broth Khachapuri Adjaruli, boat-shaped bread filled with bubbling cheese, butter, and a runny egg Lobio, hearty stewed beans with coriander, served in clay pots and paired with cornbread Singaporeans can now visit North Korea! Bulgaria is a unique travel destination for its combination of natural beauty and rich history, evident in its buildings and culture. The Seven Rila Lakes and Pyramids of Melnik are must-sees if you love nature. Bulgaria is a unique travel blend of ancient Thracian history, Orthodox tradition, and untamed natural beauty—all at a fraction of Western Europe's cost. From Black Sea beaches to rose-scented valleys and snow-capped mountains, it's a destination that surprises at every turn. The fusion of Slavic, Balkan and Ottoman influences makes it culturally rich and visually diverse. 15 hours Rila Monastery, an iconic 10th-century mountain monastery with vibrant frescoes and striped arcades Plovdiv Old Town, Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city, with Roman ruins and revivalist mansions Seven Rila Lakes, glacial wonders connected by mountain trails and panoramic viewpoints Hike in the Pirin or Rila Mountains, among alpine lakes, meadows, and Orthodox chapels hidden in the wild Wander the cobbled streets of Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital carved into cliffs above a winding river Soak up the sun in Sozopol or Nessebar, ancient seaside towns with beaches, ruins, and wooden houses perched over the sea Shopska Salad, a crisp mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and sirene cheese—fresh and iconic Banitsa, layers of filo pastry stuffed with egg and cheese, eaten warm for breakfast or as a snack Kavarma, a slow-cooked stew of meat and vegetables served in clay pots, often seasoned with paprika and herbs This unique European travel destination is often confused with the region in Greece. It has the most interesting Orthodox Christian architecture, apart even from the neighbouring countries'. The churches of Ohri and the Millennium Cross are the perfect examples. A landlocked unique travel wonder in the Balkans, North Macedonia is known for its blend of ancient ruins, bazaars, and Orthodox monasteries. The country offers dramatic mountain landscapes, tranquil lakes and a slower pace of life, with a deeply rooted Byzantine (Eastern Orthodox) and Slavic heritage that feels untouched by mass tourism. 15 hours Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes, with UNESCO-listed churches and crystal-clear waters Skopje's eclectic cityscape, where giant neoclassical statues stand brutalist architecture, including the imposing Millennium Cross Matka Canyon, a serene gorge just outside Skopje, filled with caves, medieval monasteries, and emerald waters Explore the cliffside churches of Ohrid, including the iconic Church of St. John at Kaneo overlooking the lake Kayak through Matka Canyon, discovering hidden caves and peaceful coves along the way Hike Mount Vodno, ending at the Millennium Cross with sweeping views of the city and surrounding countryside Tavče Gravče, slow-cooked beans in an earthenware pot, North Macedonia's beloved national dish Ajvar, a rich, smoky red pepper spread served with fresh bread or grilled meats Pastrmajlija, a Macedonian flatbread boat filled with seasoned diced pork and egg, often dubbed the 'Balkan pizza' While Croatia gets the bulk of tourists due to its GoT connection, neighbouring Serbia is a unique travel destination as the birthplace of Nikola Tesla. I'm still mesmerised by the meandering Uvac Canyon. A landlocked gem in the Balkans, Serbia blends Orthodox heritage, gritty charm, and fiery passion. It's less polished than Western Europe and perhaps even meighbouring Croatia but brimming with bohemian soul, fortress towns, and vibrant music scenes—from folk festivals to underground techno. 15 hours Belgrade Fortress, perched above the confluence of two rivers, offering sweeping city views and Roman roots Drvengrad, a traditional wooden village built by filmmaker Emir Kusturica, blending surreal art and rustic charm Uvac Canyon, with meandering emerald rivers and rare Griffon vultures soaring overhead Stroll through Belgrade's Skadarlija, the bohemian quarter filled with cobbled streets, live music, and kafanas Attend the EXIT Festival in Novi Sad, one of Europe's best music festivals held in a medieval fortress Soak in a traditional Serbian spa, like Vrnjačka Banja, combining thermal waters with Austro-Hungarian architecture Ćevapi, juicy grilled meat fingers served with raw onion and fluffy flatbread Sarma, cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, slow-cooked in clay pots Urnebes, a fiery cheese and chilli spread that lives up to its name—'chaos' Apart from its almost-unknown status, I was drawn to Montenegro's fjords, a natural feature I had assumed was unique to the Scandinavian countries. This unique travel gem has such a medieval feel! Montenegro offers jaw-dropping diversity in a compact size — from dramatic Adriatic coastlines and UNESCO-listed old towns to towering mountain ranges and glacial lakes. Unlike its more tourist-heavy neighbours, Montenegro remains underrated and uncrowded, with a raw natural charm and authentic Balkan hospitality that make it truly distinct. 16 hours Durmitor National Park, home to glacial lakes, deep canyons, and alpine peaks Bay of Kotor, often called Europe's most southern fjord, surrounded by historic towns Sveti Stefan, a fortified island village turned exclusive resort Raft the Tara River Canyon, one of the deepest in the world Hike to Black Lake, nestled in pine forests near Žabljak Walk the cobbled streets of Budva, a lively beach town with medieval charm Njeguški pršut, a locally smoked and air-dried ham Kačamak, a traditional cornmeal dish topped with cheese and cream Cicvara, a rich, buttery polenta-like dish made with cream and local cheese Home of US First Lady Melania Trump, Slovenia is apparently supermodel haven. The beauty of its landscape isn't far behind either, with many scenes seemingly straight out of fairytales. A fairytale blend of Alpine peaks, emerald lakes, and underground wonders, Slovenia is where eco-conscious living meets old-world charm. It's compact but rich—with everything from wine valleys to Venetian-style coastal towns, all within a few hours' drive. 16 hours Lake Bled, with its church-topped island and cliffside castle, straight out of a storybook Postojna Cave, a 24,000-meter-long karst cave system you explore by train Piran, a romantic seaside town with Venetian architecture and Adriatic breezes Row to Bled Island and ring the wishing bell, then reward yourself with a slice of cream cake Hike or cycle through Triglav National Park, Slovenia's only national park, packed with alpine magic Sip local wines in the Vipava Valley, an underrated wine region with farm-to-table feasts and no crowds Kranjska klobasa, a smoky Carniolan sausage protected by EU designation Idrija žlikrofi, dumplings filled with herbed potato and served with meat sauce Prekmurska gibanica, a multilayered dessert of poppy seeds, apples, walnuts, and cottage cheese 4 hours to heaven: 10 short trips to take from Singapore The post 11 most unique travel destinations your friends from Singapore haven't visited appeared first on
