Asia Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Kyrgyzstan where it’s no mad

7th February 2026 funtime65

With all sporting eyes focusing on the Winter Olympics in Italy what of Kyrgyzstan where it’s no mad?

The former Soviet republic will be gathering Asian itinerants for the World Nomad Games kicks off in August and September.

Who knew… well, our old friend Stans and Asian go-to Wendy Wu.

Who is putting on a brand-new, fully inclusive tour through Kyrgyzstan.

All in good time to coincide with those biennial 2026 World Nomad Games.

Wendy’s Games

Wendy has put together an itinerary which covers a country of towering mountains and red rock canyons to vast alpine lakes.

And another too… in Uzbekistan.

Wendy’s 2 September departure can be combined with an 11-day fully inclusive Ultimate Uzbekistan tour.

The Kyrgyzstan & the World Nomad Games
11-day fully inclusive tour is priced from £3,940pp.

Departing 29 August & 2 September 2026.

Giddy up

You’ll witness the beauty of the alpine heaven Ala-Archa National Park in the Tian Shan mountains

Bishkek is known for its Manas Monument and vibrant bazaar.

And we know you know that Issyk Kul is home to the world’s second-largest mountain lake and you’ll want to go on a boat ride.

You’ll spend a full day at the World Nomad Games.

Where you’ll soak up nomadic sports like horseback wrestling, archery and eagle hunting.

And take in village life in Tup and enjoy a tour and tasting of the region’s Kyrgyz cheese.

Before relaxing in the natural hot springs of Karakol.

Yurt to know better

Go native in the evening in Karakol with a local family for a home-cooked dinner of lagman.

Which we don’t have to tell you is a popular Central Asia noodle dish with stewed meat.

Now you can’t visit Central Asia without spending a night or, in this case, two in a traditional yurt camp.

Yours along the edge of Issyk Kul Lake has, of course, private en-suite facilities.

And how to make your own from a local family in Kyzyl-Tuu village.

You’ll even take part in a hands-on cooking class with a local chef.

That’s all folks

And what about a lunch in Kadji-Sai village with a family of local musicians.

And a lively folklore performance as you dine.

While Wendy also tempts us with a walk in scenic Chon-Kemin Nature Park.

Followed by a hands-on cooking class making Boorsok – a traditional Kyrgyz bread.

Asia, Countries, Deals, Europe, Flying

A flying horse the answer to your airport stress

30th December 202530th December 2025 funtime65

A flying horse the answer to your airport stress… and very little drachma.

And see what we’ve done there.

Because our old friends at Pegasus Airlines have put on some epic deals for 2026.

And flagged up Istanbul for special treatment.

We have take-off: The original Pegasus/Tulpar

Although we’re almost surprised they haven’t stuck with Constantinople, the Greek name for the Grand Old City.

Which our Athenian guides cling doggedly to when casting an eye east.

Now Pegasus is the half-man/half-equine begotten by Poseidon and Medusa.

When the Gorgon let her snake hair down.

On a wing and a prayer

Now we’re not sure what a sample £117.49 return is in old Socratearian coinage.

But in today’s money it’s classic.

And as far as what we call things around here well, potato, po-ta-to.

The Greeks and the Turks are cut from more similar cloth than they sometimes care to admit.

And where Pegasus gives the Greeks wings the Turks turn to Tulpar.

Faster and truer

Now we’re reliably informed that Tulpar flies between three ancient worlds, the upper, middle and lower.

Runs faster than the world and is the horse of batirs, or heroes.

Now as two things can be the same at the same time then Pegasus and Tulpar will fly you faster and truer.

Which is music to the ears for when you get to Istanbul/Constantinople and explore the city of two cultures, civilisations and continents.

Asia, Countries, Pilgrimage

Away to the manger… Bethlehem is back

24th December 202524th December 2025 funtime65

Whether it ranks as a miracle is for others to decide but this year after a two-year hiatius it’s away to the manger… Bethlehem is back.

Which is good news for the Little Town (population 32,000) which depends for 85% of its economy on tourism.

And unemployment is three in five, up from one in ten.

And which this year is restating their tree-lighting ceremony.

When a 50ft Christmas tree dominates Manger Square.

And vies in height with the basilica built over the grotto where Jesus was born.

And what of inns, we hear you ask.

Under the tree

Well, in a usual year, we’re told that you’d have to book inns well in advance to avoid getting stuck with a stable.

While, of course, the local economy depends on the throngs of pilgrims snapping up religigous souvenirs.

And guides to tell us presumably where the shepherds watched their flocks at night and taxi drivers to take us there.

This year hotel bookings are up from virtually zero to 7,000 on December 8, the day of the tree-lighting ceremony.

Now the place to mark the First Christmas we’re told is the Church of St Catherine.

Midnight Mass with the Cardinal

Where none other than the late Pope Francis’s old friend, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, touted as his successor, holds Midnight Mass tonight, Christmas Eve,

For the record the British Foreign Commonwealth and Developments Office advises.

Against all but essential travel to Bethlehem.

While the Irish government too urges that only essential travel should be taken.

All our Christmases ahead

All across the world: Baby Jesus in Tobago

So where does that leave us?

Well, probably praying that things return to normal next year, firstly for everyone in the West Bank.

But also so that we can fulfil our life’s pilgrimage.

And add Israel to the missions we’ve taken to Rome, Lourdes, Fatima, Santiago de Compostella and to the banks of the River Jordan where Jesus was baptised.

And a Happy Birthday to Bethlehem’s most famous native.

America, Asia, Countries, Flying

Avoid air tax hikes and fly through Dublin

29th November 202529th November 2025 funtime65

It’s music to the ears. Avoid air tax hikes and fly through Dublin.

With British travellers feeling the pinch of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ money grab for their air pounds many are looking to their neighbours.

Just like they did when there was a rush on Irish passports after Brexit, Britons are looking to cash in on Ireland’s easier relationship with the world.

Particularly when they are flying transatlantic.

Which we’ve been advising here for all Bandanini and Bandanistas to do since we moved back from Ireland.

Because, of course, as well as being exempt from the tax, unique to the UK, Ireland boasts pre-clearance for visitors going to North America.

Dublin for the night

Catching up with friends: With Teresa, Eoghan Corry and Sharon Jordan in Dublin

It’s a route I know well and confession time here there is a right way and a stressful way of doing things here.

And you won’t be surprised to hear that your Accidental Tourist has more often than not chosen the stressful option.

Through on the day connections from Edinburgh to Dublin and then the States.

Only however many hours you think you have on your side ‘domestic’ flights will usually let you down.

And you may well find yourself rushing through customs and finding yourself still catching your breath on board for your connecting flight to Chicago.

Even if your lemon suitcase takes another four days to join you.

So you might consider a stop-off in the Irish capital the night before and what’s not to like about that option.

Particularly as you’ll still be in pocket through the money you would have spent on those extra Rachel Reeves surcharges.

Turk an overnighter in Istanbul

So you’re going long-haul the other way to Asia or Australia and New Zealand.

Travel expert Simon Calder of the Independent, advises, as we do, Istanbul as your stop-off point.

Where again you can take advantage of the rules by taking a 24-hour plus break in your journey to avoid those extra costs.

Which you won’t regret as you cross continents on a boat trip on the Bosphorus, count your blessings in the Blue Mosque.

And detox from your kofti and Antalya wine in the Cagaloglu Hamam, just like Florence Nightingale, John Travolta, Oprah Winfrey et al have done.

So while all these Rachel Rates have been taxing Britons this week and for years to come, stick with us.

To avoid air tax hikes and fly through Dublin and the jewel of Turkey.

And we’ll keep you straight and with more cash in your pocket through our Holidos and Holidon’ts tips.

Asia, Countries, Food & Wine

Japan to a Scottish whisky isle for goodness Sake

22nd October 202522nd October 2025 funtime65

And as we increasingly start to run out of excuses to visit the Land of the Rising Sun a time when we brought Japan to a Scottish whisky isle for goodness Sake.

Now, of course, you need the perfect ingredients.

A Scots groom Stewart, a Japanese bride Hisayo, family and friends.

From the Scottish mainland and the bride’s family from France.

Mix with the Scottish whisky island, Islay, with its ten distilleries which is roughly one for every 300 of its inhabitants.

With the odds improving when you consider some of them will be children.

A humanist celebrant, a fine Islands day, the bridal party in kimonos and kilts.

And you have an occasion with which VisitScotland should surely have been on board.

The perfect mix

Now distilleries and breweries can be hit and miss, often slowed up by information overload on mashing and the like.

And folk asking overscientific questions.

Just when you want to get wired into the drink.

There are exceptions, of course, and Ardbeg Distillery on that day especially.

But any day really with its smoky, peaty tincture soothing your soul as well as your palate.

Same with the sake which was shared just like a quaich around the party after Stewart and Hisayo had broken the wooden box open.

Made in Scotland and Japan

Across continents: But Japanese and Scots is a perfect mix

The links between Scotland and Japan run deep.

With our Asian friends’ interest in our usca beatha, or water of life, pricked by a Japanese student in Glasgow University in 1918.

The future father of Japanese whisky Masataka Taketsuru enrolled in the West End of Glasgow.

To study chemistry and learn our distilling secrets.

And find himself a new wife, Rita, a doctor’s daughter from Dunbartonshire.

And a perfect fusion Scots and Japanese is with our friends Stewart and Hisayo having gone on to forge a new generation themselves.

Now apart from my imminent move into my sixties and a bout of nostalgia holiday providers Heaven Publicity have tipped us the wink.

On this special Sake experience in Japan.

Fuji sake

You’ll visit the Ide Sake Brewery in the northern part of Mount Fuji, near the southern shore of Lake Kawaguch.

Just like our whisky, sake’s secrets are in its water and yours is draw.

From an altitude of 1,150 metres, flowing to the town of Fujikawaguchiko.

Yes, you’ll get to listen to the experts for an hour before the tastings.

Of three distinct types of sake, plus a plum sake, and a whisky.

Offering a well-rounded appreciation of the brewery’s diverse offerings.

The tour and tasting are priced from ￥1500/£7.95pp.

Stay in a Glamping Hanz Pao, an igloo-like tent encircling a communal bar in the depth of the forest in the Hanz Outdoor Retreat.

Complete with modern and antique Japanese furnishings, bathrooms and outdoor dining areas.

Prices from ¥32,128 / £176 per Pao sleeping two people per night on a room only basis, breakfast can be added for ¥2,373 / £13pp.

Flights and transfers extra.

Asia, Countries, Deals

Sumo Fomo then this is what’s big in Japan

18th October 202518th October 2025 funtime65

It’s the heavyweight attraction taking London by storm but if you can’t get there and are having Sumo Fomo then this is what’s big in Japan.

Wexas Travel will take you to the stable, well they are thoroughbreds.

Where for a £125pp extension to your holiday you can get inside the sumo wrestler (insert your own gag here).

All with the help of a guide and reference book (in English) for the tournament.

Of course the best place to learn about Sumo isn’t Channel Four.

Although that was for most of us our introduction to the heavyweight sport back in the 80s when the station launched in Britain.

A yen for sumo

But, fair play, they had gone out to the Kokugikan National Sumo Arena, Tokyo, where you’ll be going.

You’ll meet your guide at a nearby hotel at 1.15pm for a short lecture about the history of the sport.

And then join the crowds of fans awaiting their favourite wrestlers.

Sumo being as much about the stylised ritual as the sport you’ll enjoy the entrance ceremony of the highest ranked yokozuna wrestlers.

The matches start and continue until 6pm.

All the time guests will be free to explore the stadium as they please.

I’ll have what he’s having

The sumo museum is a must and you’ll be keen to fill your cart with merch and we just know a nodding sumo on your bookcase will get people talking.

Of course the highlight outside the arena will be channeling your inner Japanese at their food and drink stands.

And particularly the hall where sumo wrestlers serve chanko nabe, the delicious that they eat to bulk up.

All of this, of course, is a combo with your main tour.

Essential Japan

And Wexas offers Essential Japan, a 10-day tailor-made holiday from £4,125 pp including flights.

With three nights in Tokyo, two nights in Hakone and three nights in the ancient capital Kyoto.

Wexas kindly boil that down to:

Experience the big city commotion and skyscrapers of Tokyo
Stay in stunning national park ryokans, hike past peaceful forest-fringed lakes and soak in private onsen baths
Take in scenic mountain railways and elevated metropolitan loops on authentic Shinkansen bullet trains
Discover Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto
Explore ancient geisha districts and elaborate Buddhist temples.

Asia, Countries

Qatar Airways shine bright like a diamond too

1st June 20251st June 2025 funtime65

She’s long been my wake-up call for my travels and she’s now caught on as Qatar Airways shine bright like a diamond too.

You’ll doubtless have watched the Gulf airline advert pitching their routes and its destinations.

Off the back of Rihanna’s empowering hit.

As a Gulf state with all that desert Qatar is a natural for dark sky tourism.

As is increasingly the case Get Your Guide is our go-to itinerary provider.

And they have a range of adventures from which to choose all with the dark sky at their heart.

Get Your Guide

Now if your programme is tight GYG will suit you right down to an apple or rose hip tea (our faves).

And we would recommend their four-hour Doha night safari & STARGAZING free camel ride, falcon pic and all-terrain vehicle.

You’ll enjoy a quad bike and dune bashing too and all for just £85.44pp.

A night in the desert

And one we prepared earlier: Jimmy with G Adventures in Jordan

While having enjoyed an overnighter in the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan and endured the Moroccan Sahara.

And witnessed light shows and shooting stars.

We’d expect the same on a Doha Desert Camping With BBQ Dinner & Breakfast £153.79pp down from £170.87.

And you’ll be made to work for your lying around on the dunes watching the stars.

So they’ve put sand boarding and swimming on the agenda.

Deal us in

We found a five-nighter with Qatar Airways for two, staying at the Shaza Doha.

For sample dates in July from £2,780, down from £3,506.

All to prove Qatar Airways shine bright like a diamond too just like our Rihanna.

Asia, Countries

Ibn Sina’s Canon of Medicine as a travel companion

29th May 2025 funtime65

I could have done with Ibn Sina’s Canon of Medicine as a travel companion when I was wasting away from food poisoning in Marrakech and the Moroccan desert.

And it’s not even as if Ibn’s potions are new on the market either with this year marking 1000 years.

Since the great physician first brought his medicines to the Arabic world’s attentions.

But hey ho, you only hear of these things and Immodium when you get home.

And I’ve lived to travel another day.

Of course having the right medicines with you and knowing what to do in an emergency will take the stress out of every holiday.

Now you’ll never be caught short on a wellness retreat.

Eclectic Qatar

Give yourself a shake: And get out to resort

And the Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar is only the Middle East’s first and largest full-immersion wellness resort.

And the world’s first contemporary showcase of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM).

So in the year of Ibn’s 1,000th this resort invites guests.

To discover a millennium of holistic wellbeing with its ‘Wellness Plus’ offer.

And that’ll be an opportunity to stay longer, address personal wellbeing needs and goals.

And explore the ancient roots of modern wellbeing with five nights for the price of four.

Glad medicine

With Ibn’s Canon of Medicine laying the foundations for many aspects of modern medicine.

And continuing to inspire holistic health approaches around the world.

All of which encompasses diet and nutrition, physical movement and recovery.

Adequate rest and sleep, optimal digestive function, and mindfulness practices.

Spoiled for choice

Those enjoying the benefit of an additional complimentary night can further immerse themselves in the resort’s comprehensive programmes.

And experience an array of treatments and consultations including:

Wellness Retreats and Activities: Whether stress and burnout recovery or rehabilitation, every programme is tailored with the TAIM philosophy in mind.
Integrative TAIM Consultation: Guests receive tailored guidance on optimal nutrition, herbal remedies, and therapies to support holistic wellbeing.
Signature TAIM Treatments and Therapies: Treatments include Hijama (cupping therapy), Massage Al Batin (abdominal massage), Traditional Qatari Hamiz (deep tissue massage), and herbal remedies.
Daily Wellness Cuisine: With menus that are anti-inflammatory, high in fibre, and rich in antioxidants with lentils, herbs, legumes, whole grains, and regional superfoods. Three daily wellness cuisine meals.
The House of Wisdom: Inspired by the legendary library of Baghdad, the collection of over 4,000 English & Arabic books includes rare texts and wellness literature.
The Apothecary and Tea House: Guests can explore the time-honoured use of herbs, spices, and natural remedies with handcrafted elixirs and botanical blends.

All guests benefit from daily group activities and movement classes.

Access to resort facilities, and a personalised wellness journey tailored to their individual goals and TAIM constitution.

The resort is home to men’s and women’s gyms, a Pilates studio, Mind & Body studio, fitness assessment room, Watsu pool, swimming pools and an aesthetics centre.

Drawing on Chiva-Som’s 30 years of pioneering wellness expertise, Zulal Wellness Resort offers two distinct paths to achieving wellness goals.

Zulal Discovery, which invites families to connect and embark on a wellness journey together.

And the adults-only Zulal Serenity.

Deal us in

Full of life: You’ll come back refreshed

A five-night retreat, based on the Wellness Plus offer starts from QAR 22,600 (approx. £4,642).

Based on two sharing a Serenity Deluxe Room, inclusive of complimentary fifth night.

And all of which entitles you to Ibn Sina’s Canon of Medicine as a travel companion.

Asia, Countries, Deals

Wendy Wu’s Race Across the World

3rd May 2025 funtime65

Now as we all peak through our fingers at the gutsy adventurers trekking through India and China we opt instead for Wendy Wu’s Race Across the World.

We are, of course taking Wendy’s word for it and the Daughterie who is living vicariously through the travels and travels of Ying and Gaz.

Who we’re reliably informed helped the locals serve noodles in the ancient stilts town of Fenghuang.

Which Wendy helpfully informs us is front and centre of their Natural Treasures of China tour.

While Letitia and Elizabeth soak up China’s rural splendour with a bullet train journey through the karst limestone peaks of Guilin.

And again Wendy has that covered too on her China by Rail excursion.

Always helpful she adds that if you were as equally as mesmerised.

by the scenic Longji Rice Terraces, you have the option to hike through these landscapes on China: The Big One.

Out of this world

Of course if you’ve been hiding under a stone you won’t know what the RATW contestants’ challenge involves.

Well teams of two are required to dash across Asia.

From the Great Wall of China to the southern tip of India with no phones, limited funds, and zero comfort.

And the winners scoop up 20 big ones at the end.

Well, Race Across the World aren’t the only ones with a big giveaway.

With Wendy offering a partner fly free deal on China and India tours for this year and next.

And 50% off the price of your flights if you’re travelling solo.

And a saving of up to £350 per person.

Virtual reality

Wall, this is what it’s good for: The Great Wall of China

And if you’re feeling withdrawal symptoms between episodes then Wendy has a side dish which will keep you sated until your next fill.

Wendy Wu experts will be on hand on Wednesday 11th June at 3pm.

For a virtual journey following in the footsteps of this year’s racers, from the Great Wall of China to southern India!

Where they’ll tell you all you need to know about visiting these bucket list destinations.

And how you can experience it all at a leisurely pace with everything taken care of for you on our fully inclusive escorted tours.

Plus, you’ll be joined by some very special guests and previous winners to get all the behind the scenes gossip from Race Across the World!

Asia, Countries

Find your own Love Island in the Maldives this Valentine’s Day

17th January 202517th January 2025 funtime65

Looking for lapping waves for romantic rendezvous then you’ve come to the right place… we’ll help you find your own Love Island in the Maldives this Valentine’s Day.

With a little help from our friends and no we don’t mean Maya Jama and the rogues gallery that is that reality TV show.

But our long-haul friends in the Maldives.

Now, we’ve all of us got our favourite islands, whether they be our own Britain and Ireland and the rocks around its mainlands.

Or those we adopt around our continents or further afield.

Islands in the sun

And it was on an island, Malta, that I made Herself the happiest woman in the world when I popped the question and pride of the Aegean Corfu that we honeymooned.

Of course, horizons have been naturally broadened in the intervening years, although regrettably I’ve been a single Pringle on some of those work trips.

Among the loved-up ones, in Barbados and the Maldives.

Now with lovers’ day coming up I’m just putting it out there knowing that among my Bandanini and Bandanettes there is someone here at home tugging at my hem.

Loving touch

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is set on its own private island, the Dhaalu Atoll.

And you can choose from ultra-luxurious overwater or beachside villas providing unrestricted ocean views.

And utilising the Marriott resort’s discreet St. Regis Butler service.

Now because few things make you feel more relaxed and receptive the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s Iridium Spa is offering indulgent couples treatments.

That includes the ‘Divine Duo’ where pairs can massage one another’s skin with natural pure rose oil alongside private Indian Ocean views, sparkling champagne and fresh berries.

The ‘Champagne Toast couple’s spa treatment’ is an equally rejuvenating experience, allowing duos to sip on champagne while basking in a foot soak.

Followed by a soothing massage and refreshing grapeseed oil scrub.

The treatment ends with a suitably romantic rose-petal bath.

Wine and dine

Atoll well that ends well: Water lot of fun

St Regis offers six dining options – five of them boasting breathtaking ocean views.

Whale Bar is a highlight, sat overwater, serving delectable tapas and the resort’s signature drink.

The St. Regis Bloody Mary – the quintessential red-coloured beverage for marking Valentine’s Day with the colour of love.

Now whichever atoll you drift in on on your seaplane will be heart stopping.

Find your own Love Island in the Maldives this Valentine’s Day. But here’s one for starters.

A Garden Villa with Pool, 1 Bedroom Villa, 1 King on a full board package.

With breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and 250 USD resort credit per stay. For $2,500 avg/night.

So we’ll do the math… for four days that’s $13,678. And ain’t that worth it that you’ve been saving up.