Richard Bangs Adventures - Travel writer Melissa DeVaughn relishes the experience of being "in the middle of nothing" in Alaska. Read more…

A rough night drinking Happy Shakes on Lonely Beach, Koh Chang.  Read more…

As I grew up in Africa I often get asked about going on safari. Let's been clear about one thing; don't think of Stanley searching for Livingstone. Safari may originally have meant a truly adventurous trip more akin to an expedition, often lasting months. In this time-poor, cash-rich era it means a fly-in, fly-out stay with guided game drives. I've experienced this type of safari many times and there seems no end to the variety in choice. Whatever you choose, here's my advice to help ensure your African adventure at least has some flavour of the original truth. Read more…

London has recently unveiled a memorial, to honor the victims of the 2002 Bali Bombings. My brother Chris sent me a photo, which shows the 202 doves, carved into a globe, representing the victims. Here in Bali, nationalism has overtaken the Bali Bombing memorial, but to me its not about what country you are from , [...] Read more…

POLICE are investigating a case of burglary and unlawful use of motor vehicle at Namadi Heights early on Saturday. Read more…

THE Mineral Resources Department has reassured residents of Vatukoula that there is no cause for concern following two tremors at the weekend. Read more…

The Ministry of Social Welfare is considering a helpline for young people so they could have an avenue to talk to a counsellor when there is a need. Read more…

AN elderly farmer and his daughter were rudely awakened last Saturday morning by five men at Koronivia in Nausori. Read more…

WATER rates will rise in all likelihood despite the assurances of Public Enterprises Minister Savenaca Draunidalo, warns the Fiji Chamber of Commerce. Read more…

Investment in the country would decline if banks keep on increasing fees, warns the Fiji Chamber of Commerce president Taito Waradi. Read more…

THE non registration of mataqali, yavusa and vanua title holders with the Native Lands Commission contributes to the increase in splits and disputes in the vanua as people refuse to take instructions from untitled leaders, says Native Land Commissions chairman Ratu Viliame Tagivetaua, Read more…

Two teacher unions have labelled a nationally-televised quiz as demoralising for students because questions were largely unrelated to local curricula and current affairs. Read more…

Fiji has defended its nomination of South Korean foreign minister Ban Ki-moon who was successfully endorsed as the Secretary General to the United Nations on Friday. Read more…

The incidents of cervical cancer in Fiji are almost double the average for developing countries. This is why women should undergo a pap smear, a simple procedure that screens for cervical cancer, says Dr James Fong of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. Read more…

SEVENTY-eight Koro islanders are praying hard that their boat trip home today the fourth within a week will allow them to set foot on the island again. Read more…

A GROUP of volunteers yesterday carried out a relay between Nadi and Sigatoka to raise the public's awareness on the benefits of walking. The walkers, led by Diagnostic and Specialist Medical Centre's director, Doctor Ram Raju departed Nadi at about 5am and reached their destination at 2pm. Read more…

FOR 23-year-old law firm receptionist, Maisea Tukua, being crowned Miss Vodafone Ba 2006 came as no surprise. Read more…

The tourism industry is reeling in frustration over a pornographic movie that was allegedly filmed in five of the country's most prestigious resorts. Read more…

Bangkok Golf Club brings back many fond memories as I was a member there in the early ‘90’s. It is probably the course I have most played during all of my time in Thailand. Having hosted several major tournaments, plus... Read more…

State witness Iliesa Lutu in the $29m agriculture scam says Fiji's Agriculture ministry failed to comply with Read more…

Fiji police will soon begin viewing over a hundred locally made pornographic movies in the hope of finding leads, which could help Read more…

The town of Klungkung is the capital of Klungkung regency, which includes the islands surrounding Nusa Lembongan. Most tourists don’t visit Klungkung, but it has an important history. During the Hindu, Majapahit invasion of Bali in 1343, the new rulers set up a court at Gelgel, which is south of Klungkung. The prime minister of the [...] Read more…

In the center of Klungkung at the main roundabout, is Taman Gili (Island Garden). This impressive place, complete with decorated bales and ponds, contains 3 important places, Kerta Gosa, Bale Kambang and the Semarapura Museum. •Taman Gili was built in 1710 and is the only surviving part of the old palace. Besides the royal courts at [...] Read more…

Most tourists visiting the highlights of Klungkung don’t spend the night there. Bali has its tourist areas (Kuta, Legian, Sanur, Ubud, Nusa Dua etc.) and its traditional district capitals (Bangli, Gianyar, Klungkung etc. ). Its almost like having a parrallel universe, one that the locals think is all important, but one we westerners hardly notice. [...] Read more…

Exploring Bali is probably my favourite thing to do here. With a motorbike and some time, I can always find new and interesting places to eat, hike and photograph. My GPS unit comes in handy, allowing me to see, via a line of dots, exactly where I’ve been. There is a pastime called Geo caching, [...] Read more…