Special thanks to Oman Air.

With the city still recovering from the aftermath of the earthquakes in April, the consequences of the tragic events are somewhat visible on the streets of Kathmandu. The Hyatt Regency hotel, located only a stone throw away from the Boudhanath Stupa - the most holy of all Tibetan Buddhist shrines outside of Tibet, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was quieter than it should have been for this time of the year. During my visit, it came across to me that the majority of the occupants were not entirely tourists (as one would expect), but rather were airline crew on their layovers, diplomats from various NGOs and governments that were helping out with the relief of the earthquake disaster, and some corporate individuals.

You only have to venture for about two-minutes to see the stark contrasts between the reality of Kathmandu on the outside and the beautiful ivory towers that the hotel’s guests enjoy. As one sits in the Club Lounge, sipping their masala chai, they get to witness the damaged roof of the Boudhanath Stupa. Indeed, most of the hotel’s 280 rooms and suites enjoy views of either the Boudhanath Stupa or the lush gardens and the surrounding mountain ranges (provided it is a clear day). What I found particularly sad was the sight of witnessing a massive refugee camp located right next to the grounds of the Hyatt Regency. The camp is for those displaced from the earthquake, financed by the United Nations and the Red Cross. It is all fair for me to comment on the fact that all the rooms and suites at the Hyatt Regency are well-equipped and generously spacious with a private bathroom, a walk-in rainforest shower, an in-room safe and a mini-bar. At first glance, the rooms seem enormous – you end up feeling like a king!

Those fortunate enough to stay in Regency Club rooms and suites get to enjoy additional privileges and facilities, such as the boardroom meeting space usage, a dedicated concierge and evening happy hours where they can indulge in drinking countless amounts of Gin and Tonic while feeling like Royalty- the place almost has somewhat of a Colonial era feel to it. I managed to bump into some amazing personalities, whom now I’ve become good friends with.

Most of the Spa treatments I’ve experienced have been in five-star hotels in China, Malta, Dubai, Turkey and other parts of SE Asia, and every time I have been highly impressed by the professionalism and high-quality of the spa facilities. I must say that the Spa facilities at the Hyatt Regency’s Club Oasis surpassed by expectations – it really is world-class here. Then there are also the spanking clean tennis courts and an indoor 1.6 km (0.9 mile) jogging track.

And how about the food? Well, if you’ve come to Nepal and haven’t tried the traditional Nepalese ‘Thali’, then you’re obviously missing a lot. The Hyatt Regency serves one of the best non-Western authentic meals I’ve had: stuffed parathas, lunches of Nepalese thali on the lawns and suppers of local-river sole cooked in mustard oil and fenugreek amid gilded splendour. The staff are always greeting with a genuine smile, the swimming pool awaits – it looks more beautiful when the weather is clear and you can see the magnificent hills in the background and all is well with the world.

​The Hyatt Regency could be your own palace for a night, two nights, a week, or even for two months as my friend from the American government. Whatever the reason and however long you stay, there is no doubt that this is a thrilling place which is nothing short of being a heaven for the senses in beautiful Kathmandu. I’m sure I will come back soon. 

On April 25, 2015 at 11.56am local time, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, and killed over 9,000 people and injured more than 23,000. It was the worst natural disaster to strike Nepal since the 1934 Nepal–Bihar earthquake. The first quake's epicenter was identified at a distance of around 80km to the northwest of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Bharatpur was the nearest major city to the main earthquake, 53 km (33 mi) from the epicenter. Another earthquake struck on the 12th of May, measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale. It occurred 65 km (40 mi) east of Kathmandu and its seismic focus lay at a depth of 10 km (6.2 mi) below the earth's surface. More than 200 people were killed and more than 2,500 were injured by this aftershock. Over thirty-eight aftershocks of magnitude 4.5 Mw or greater occurred in the days following the initial earthquakes. It is common for aftershocks to happen for up to a year after the initial earthquake, and they gradually become less powerful as time goes on. According to experts, the real danger lies if you don't suffer any aftershocks. 
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Three months after the earthquake, in the early part of August, I went to Kathmandu to see for myself the destruction that had been caused. What I can from initial observations was that despite the city losing much of the infrastructure, it wasn't all doom and gloom as the media had initially reported. Yes, the major sights of significance were destroyed (some were sadly completely demolished beyond any way for repair, especially in places such as Patan Durbar, Durbar Square and Bhaktapur town on the outskirts of Kathmandu). Thankfully, it is not on the same scale as some other global disasters as in Haiti or the aftermath of what the world saw after Hurricane Katrina.

Remarkably, the Nepalese people, being the strong, warm and kind heartened people they are, seem to be going on their everyday lives without a major concern. Despite the destruction, the city of Kathmandu is very safe and very open for tourism. I spoke to a few Western women and they told me that they felt much safer walking at night in Kathmandu than walking during the daytime in some other cities around the world, including London. In my experience, during my week in Kathmandu, I never once came across a Nepalese person haggling me, or forcing me to buy anything or following me around. To my surprise most people speak good enough English to get by and came across as very humbling.

During my stay, I became good friends with an American diplomat who works in the Obama Administration. One of the questions that came up during our many long conversation was, "Are the people at the ground level in Kathmandu getting all the money that the relief agencies promised they would deliver?". There is no doubt that helicopters belonging to the UN World Food Program (WFP) deliver food and vital medical equipment to those living in the remote mountainous regions, and seeing around the city it is obvious that the Red Cross and the United Nations (specifically from neighboring China and India) have provided temporarily shelters scattered across parts of the city. Nevertheless, when you take a walk across the dusty lanes of the city, it is clear to see that there are people that are rebuilding their own homes by themselves and with no help from any government agencies. Yet, remarkably they are not complaining. Whether they should or not is not a debate I'm going to garnish my thoughts upon. 

It goes without saying that sometimes the media (especially the tabloids), don't always tell the truth. The sad part is that while news is about getting the message to the masses...it is all business at the end of the day...they all want stories that can generate the most click rates and viewer numbers. That's what has gone wrong with the media industry everywhere. Real stories are seldom taken into account and most people want to see how big their Facebook/Twitter/Instagram accounts are. Do we really want to see dead people or relatives of those who have died crying? Photographers and journalists will take those photos to please their editors because that's what's going to generate money for the media outlet with high viewer rates etc., but no, I don't want to see that (and neither would anything with a bit of respect and compassion). Yes, the media is about telling the truth and observing what you see...and sometimes such images can be powerful enough to change a whole government's mind (like for example in the Syrian migrant crisis stories when the media decided to publish an image of a dead boy at the beach- it got Western governments to change their mind and accept more migrants). Nevertheless, in my opinion we should not be showing gory images. But, of course, in a world of free speech, that viewpoint may not be accepted by everyone.   

​Nepal is a safe place to visit, and is open for tourism. You only have to come here and see for yourself. I have no doubt that tourism numbers to Nepal will grow. It is perhaps one of the most beautiful laces in the world, and who does not enjoy the charm of the Himalayas?

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Nepal, like India, is home to many Sadhus (or Holy men). They are sannyasins (renunciates) who have left behind all material attachments and live in caves, forests and Hindu temples all over the country. With long dreadlocks and their faces smeared with ash taken from cremated bodies, the sadhus usually live around cemeteries, meditating and/or smoking cannabis to achieve nirvana close to Lord Shiva. 

It really is amazing how they manage to remain so healthy despite living a life on the streets. They have such remarkably good conditioned skin and hair (except for the ash that is smeared on their faces). One of the Sadhus I met told me he has been meditating in the same spot for the past 34 years- I say again- 34 years. Amazingly some of them even speak very good English.

Before I went to Kathmandu, and when I was informed that I would be staying at the Yak & Yeti hotel, my first impression was that this is a hotel located in some exotic hillside in the spectacular Himalayas. Of course, I had not been to Kathmandu before and so I was not aware of what I was to be greeted by. I was met at the airport by the hotel’s chauffeur driver, and as we made our way to the hotel, I was still expecting for him to take me to somewhere out of the city (that’s the impression I got from the initial read-up).

After about a 20-minute drive from the airport, we arrived at the hotel, which is neatly hidden away from the hustle & bustle of the city’s noisy roads and is just a 10-minute walk from the old Royal Palace, and has its own security gates, which are manned 24 hours a day. Interestingly, there is an authentic North Korean restaurant located right next to the hotel and manned by native North Korean women dressed in their national costumes rather bizarre to see this in Nepal (even in China I had not come across a native North Korean restaurant).
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The hotel was built and run from 1970 by a Russian entrepreneur, and then after 12 years it was sold to other investors. Situated in tranquil surroundings, the 270-room hotel with 5 star amenities that are branded to its name, is designed to harmonize with the special features of the Lal Durbar. Along with the construction of the new (Durbar) wing, a brand new porte-cochere, lobby, a new lobby bar, shopping arcade, an atrium, a second swimming pool and two tennis courts have also been constructed, whilst the Café Restaurant has been extended and upgraded, along with the refurbishment of the existing guest room wing.

After a long hard day of walking or roaming the busy, dusty and noisy streets of Kathmandu, it is a sheer respite to come back to the safe and secure enclave of the hotel. Some of the display carved windows are more than 200 years old, and while some of the other creature comforts may not be that old, they still remind you of the nostalgic glamour that would have been experienced by the wealthy in the 1980s. The lifts for example are certainly old-fashioned, and so are the bathroom facilities- all remarkably in excellent condition and working to the delight of the Western tourist. The place somewhat captures the old charm and style of Kathmandu, while providing the international quality standards of accommodation and dining facilities.
 
The best part of all is the food offered. Catering to the tastes of the most frequented tourists, the hotel provides a delight of Chinese, Indian, Western and local Nepalese cuisine for breakfast, lunch or dinner. In keeping up with the times, it is also a delight to know that Hotel Yak & Yeti offers Wi-Fi (chargeable).

After a four-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, we landed at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. This was my first trip to the country, and as with any trip where you go to a country for the first time, there was a sense of excitement lingering in my mind as to what to expect when I arrive. Prior to my trip to Kathmandu, I had read some blog posts written by Western tourists who had expressed their disappointment with how bad the conditions are at the arrivals hall at Kathmandu Airport.

From my experience, I can say that the process from disembarking from the aircraft to going through customs and to finally collect my luggage from the baggage carousal was a smooth one. There were no touts at the arrivals hall, no pushing or shoving from any of the fellow passengers and there was no confusion whatsoever. All the staff at the airport speak good enough English and I did not at any moment feel that they were going to cheat me in any way. Everything seemed to be in order and cleaner than I had thought before I arrived here. Even if I had flown Economy Class (I flew Business Class in this instance), then the experience would have been the same, as there is no separate formality for Business Class passengers arriving at Kathmandu (except the express customs lane and/or unless you are a VVIP!). My first impressions were that Nepalese people are very friendly and hospitable. Though, however, I have to admit that there was a sense of expectation of coming across traumatic scenes. This may have been because the city had recently been through two devastating earthquakes and received a lot of media attention. At the airport, I saw a few helicopters belonging to the United Nations World Food Program. At a side of the airport, and away from the main apron, there was also a damaged Airbus A330 belonging to Turkish Airlines, which, on the morning of the 4th of March, skidded off the runway after landing. The pilot overshot the runway during an initial attempt to land, before making a second attempt that sent the plane skidding off the tarmac.

Being a small airport, understandably, it is not so busy. Most importantly, I did not see or feel at any moment that someone was going to snatch my luggage and run away with it (as someone had pointed out in a blog I had read before I arrived here). I had five pieces of large luggage (plus my cameras and my laptop!), and as a single man travelling by himself, I felt completely safe. In fact, some of the fellow Nepali passengers were willing to assist me with my luggage, which was nice to see.

One thing I would recommend is that you can pre-book your taxi with your hotel or host company before you arrive here. My chauffeur driven van from the Hotel Yak & Yeti was waiting for me outside the arrivals hall. 

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is getting well accustomed to accommodating plenty of five star international hotels. Located in the heart of the city’s Golden Triangle business district, and perhaps the most happening place for shopaholics, The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is somewhat of an historical gem in terms of luxury hotels in the city, having been opened in December 1997. The hotel’s 365 guest rooms, including 30 One-Bedroom Suites are a marvel that stand out like a sore thumb. Unlike other hotels’ in this city, irrespective if they are of a five star or not, the beauty of The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is that residents in this hotel are treated to arguably the best customer service in town. Every industry has their gold standard: for coffee, it is Starbucks, for aviation is either Airbus or Boeing, and for hotels? I’d say it’s the Ritz-Carlton without a doubt from my experience.
 
Kuala Lumpur is one of the prime destinations for Arabs and for Muslims as well – many come here for their honeymoon. The city is almost like a mini-Dubai, except that there is not as much glitz and glamour. Guests at this distinctive property can enjoy convenient access to upscale shopping, dining and entertainment. The magnificent Petronas Twin Towers are only around a twenty-minute walk from the hotel via an air-conditioned walkway.
 
However, I have to say that the hotel’s management and owners have not really capitalized on the location well. From the outside, had it not been for the magnificent doorman, I almost had got the hotel building confused for a high-rise office block! However, take a step inside and The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is fun – it doesn’t take itself very seriously. If I could, I would adore living here every day: drinking endless amounts of special cocktails in the Lobby Lounge, lunching with great company in the hushed surroundings of the César’s Restaurant, where the locals’ sobriety so perfectly meet Malay culinary savoir faire.

The hotel displays an interior that displays astonishing craftsmanship but feels remarkably formal and fussy, a delight to experience in a place such as Kuala Lumpur. Relive nostalgia at its best. Nevertheless, it is such a shame that all the rooms are almost identical, and their walls are surprisingly thin; so much so that I could hear my neighbours in all the three rooms I stayed in! On the plus side, the feather beds, feather duvets and goose down pillows certainly are supremely comfortable, and not to forget the well kitted out excellent marble bathrooms with rainforest shower heads, Asprey toiletries, plush bathrobes, and superb beds. The sleep was the best part.
 
One key speciality of The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is its amazing suite. Unlike some of the other suites that are offered around the world, this one is much more spacious. 24-hour in-room dining for your convenience, Laundry and valet services and a 24-hour butler service for your personal convenience are some of the main highlights.

The butlers here are trained to read guests’ body language. Whatever you need, and whenever you need it, their wish is your command. Not in the least oleaginous, but very professional, old fashioned and exceedingly friendly, with some charming personalities. Of one thing I’m certain: the service here is second to none. From the doormen with their white gloves tucked into their epaulettes and the pair of bellhops who open the double doors to each arriving guest, they’re all faultless.
 
Even taking afternoon tea at the marvellous Lobby Lounge has a particular sense of occasion. OK, it may not be as impressive as the tea service at the Ritz in London, nevertheless, it is still enough to take your hats off to. I am impressed and pleased that The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur has retained the time-honed character that makes a prime Kuala Lumpur hotel more than just luxurious. It’s vibrant, it’s buzzing with delight and it’s not overpriced. It’s just perfect (it really is). So much so that even American diplomats love it to bit (John Kerry stayed here a few days before my visit).
 
So, apart from world leaders and the Hollywood crowd, who else likes to sleep here? Foreigners, including plenty of wealthy Arabs, Japanese and Indians, naturally. Lots of men in black suits and/or white robes with designer stubble and sunglasses and women surrounded by endless amounts of designer shopping bags and dresses.
 
One of the favourite aspects of residing at a five-star hotel is that you can also experience some amazing food- some of it’s so amazing that it’s just out of this world. Just make sure you keep yourself hungry enough to absorb the culinary escapade because there is, of course, something that suit’s everyone’s tastes.
 
The hotel claims to be running at 95 per cent occupancy, so someone must like its sleek and chic design. But as far as I’m concerned, you can keep modern luxury. Install some true class back into the luxury, I say! But, above all else, expect intelligent opulence.

Unless you're privileged enough to be a member of the Royal Selangor Club and have tea there, the best afternoon tea in Kuala Lumpur is served at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur. Though, of course, it is not of the same charm and opulence as the afternoon tea the Ritz in London, where tea has been served since its 1906 opening, however, there is a sense of ceremony and of heritage that is partly why it remains so popular.

Served with precision in the hotel's Lobby Lounge, the tea includes the requisite finger sandwiches with smoked salmon, roast beef et al (no ham or pork in respect of Malaysia being a Muslim country), alongside fresh raisin and apple scones and cakes on a tiered cake stand. Service is assured and seamless if occasionally a touch perfunctory. There is a waiting list, and usually the afternoon tea session is fully booked with reservations only.

The only contrast to the Ritz in London at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is that there is no formal requirement to dress in formal/semi-formal wear. I've seen people come to have tea wearing their Nike shoes and jeans. It is nevertheless, an elegant affair that one should not be missed.

Civil servants and British colonialist of Edwardian times would have frequented the Royal Selangor Club, the half-timbered pastiche of a Home Counties golf club on the west of Merdeka Square, that was once known as the Spotted Dog in honor of a resident Dalmatian.

It remains a members-only bar. I was allowed inside with special permission and given a tour of the magnificent facilities. Built in 1921, with Art Deco flourishes, this was the bar bar and café to go to for the British. Cricket used to be played by civil servants, mostly educated at top British Public Schools such as Eton, Harrow, Dulwich etc. (i.e. private schools). Nowadays it’s wealthy Indians rather than Britons that are privileged enough to come here. 

Kuala Lumpur means muddy confluence, perhaps because it gets it's fair share of rain. The 13th busiest in the world always seems to be empty, unlike JFK which at 19th busiest always appears to be more busy than it should be (or can handle). It's built about 50kms from the city, about an hour's ride by taxi, and is surrounded by forest because the former prime minsiter wanted to create the illusion that the airport is in the middle of the forest (which it is), and would pave way for other airports to be environmentally friendly - away from the city centre to reduce noise etc. The Kuala Lumpur Grand Prix track is located nearby.

Forests mean green, and green means hot...it gets very hot and humid here - almost into the 90 percent humidity as well as into the 40 degrees Celsius. During approach, planes have to contend with turbulence due to the localised hot air rising from the canopy (whcih we experienced on our way from Hong Kong).

The beautiful Paracel Islands belong to China and are located just off the coast of Vietnam. I took these photos while on the way to Kuala Lumpur from Hong Kong (Malaysia Airlines).