Journey Of The Senses: Globetrotters On Their Favourite Destinations And What Makes Them Distinctive
Er Shu Qin, Bino Chua and Tessa Burton tell us how to let your senses guide the way.
By Shermin Ng - published
From charming historical sites to picturesque landscapes, our glorious planet’s untapped destinations never fail to inspire even the most intrepid explorer. Travel is a feast for the senses and actively engaging all five of them can enhance the experience of an unforgettable destination. Here, globetrotters Er Shu Qin, Bino Chua, and Tessa Burton tell us how to let your senses guide the way.
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Er Shu Qin: Cuba
Er at Fusterlandia, a mosaic-clad neighbourhood.
A UX writer by day, and social media content creator by night, Er (who goes by @shuutravels on Instagram) loves travelling—especially when it involves chasing sunsets on summits and street cats in the cities. Her colourful feed evokes wanderlust with her many explorations and travel recommendations.
Three words that describe Cuba: Energetic, spirited, colourful.
The best place to soak up the sights is… Fusterlandia at Calle 226 esquina 3ra A, Jaimanitas. This sprawling, kaleidoscopic labyrinth of mosaic-encrusted houses was created by artist José Fuster. Think Gaudi’s Park Güell, but supersized, like a neighbourhood.
Take your nose on a journey at… Modern Partagás Cigar Factory at Calle San Carlos. Cuba is known for its fine cigars. Go on a guided tour of the new Partagás cigar factory and learn about the cigar-making process, while being greeted by the rich smell of tobacco that permeates the air.
Er recommends cruising through Havana in a classic ’50s American convertible.
A sonic wonder not to be missed is… the engine roar of a classic ’50s American convertible. The streets of Havana and Santiago de Cuba are filled with ageing Buicks, Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles and Plymouths. Take an iconic classic car tour of Havana and cruise through the charming city.
The best restaurant for a hearty meal is… Lamparilla Tapas Y Cervezas at Lamparilla #361 e/ aguacate y Villegas. We didn’t have a single bad meal in Havana, but I’ll always remember this cosy tapas bar in the old city for its juicy, fun (and strong!) daiquiris—honestly the best in the world.
A thrilling place to touch and feel is… Salsabor a Cuba dance school at Calle Consulado #222 entre Animas y. You’ll be hard pressed to find anyone with two left feet in Cuba. I can’t say the same about myself, so I pre-booked a private class at a Cuban dance school to learn some basic salsa steps. Visit with a partner or hire a professional to dance with you.
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Bino Chua: Azerbaijan
Chua marvels at the Palace of Shaki Khans.
Chua started his blog, I Wander, to share his unique travel experiences and amazing places he’s had the opportunity to visit. His informed posts not only provide handy travel tips and food recommendations for off-the-beaten path locales, but also delve into a city’s architecture, landscape and culture.
Three words that describe Azerbaijan: Futuristic, traditional, friendly.
The best place to soak up the sights is... the Heydar Aliyev Center at 1 Heydar Aliyev Ave, Baku 1033. If you are an architecture buff, check out the futuristic Heydar Aliyev Center—one of renowned architect Zaha Hadid’s works. The curvy and fluid contours of the building are unlike any other.
Chua with the Heydar Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid in the background.
Take your nose on a journey at… Çay Bağı 145 at 3 Kichik Qala, Bakı 1000. Located in the old town of Baku, this is one of the most atmospheric places for a cay or tea break. The fragrant aroma of cay wafts through the air.
A sonic wonder not to be missed is… the Highland Park in Baku. Baku is known as one of the windiest cities in the world and the howling wind is best heard and experienced on elevated ground.
The best restaurant for a hearty meal is... Nakchivan at 8a Parliament Ave, Baku. This restaurant specialises in cuisine from the Azerbaijan exclave of Nakchivan. Try the Nakchivan variation of Dolma (stuffed vegetables), chicken with pomegranate sauce as well as flat walnut pies.
A thrilling place to touch and feel is… the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum at 28 Mikayıl Hüseynov Prospekti, Bakı 1000. Take a hands-on approach to appreciating the world’s largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets.
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Tessa Burton: Puglia, Italy
Burton soaking in one of the best views of Matera at sunset.
Tessa Burton is an English-Singaporean model and content creator with a passion for exploring, eating great food and turning her creative visions into reality. Living and creating between Manchester and Singapore, Burton and her other half, Mack, create travel-based content at @alifeofattraction on Instagram and YouTube.
Three words that describe Puglia: Authentic, classic, beautiful.
The best place to soak up the sights is… Via Madonna dell’Idris in Matera. For one of the best views at sunset, find a viewpoint overlooking the skyline. We sat at the top of the steps, and watched the world go by under the city lights as cave dwellings turned into honeycombs.
Take your nose on a journey in… the Locorotondo countryside. Our trullo (traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof) was located in the surrounding farmland area of Locorotondo, where we ate a breakfast of local cheeses, salty hams and sweet figs.
Burton savours a breakfast of local cheeses, salty hams and sweet figs in Locorotondo.
A sonic wonder not to be missed is… Masseria Montenapoleone at C.da Bicocca (Via delle Croci) n° 8, 72010 Pezze di Greco (Brindisi). Beneath the olive trees we picnicked, serenaded by Italian classical music crooning softly out of speakers. We were accompanied by the gentle sounds of the breeze rustling through olive trees and birds tweeting.
The best restaurant for a hearty meal is… Conzato Norcineria at Via Fiorentini, 241, 75100 Matera MT, Italy. The restaurant offers a contemporary take on Puglian cuisine, which reflects the quality and diversity of Italian produce—we had sweet cherry tomatoes, smoky burrata, stracciatella and ham bruschetta.
A thrilling place to touch and feel is… Bari Vecchia (Bari’s old town). Puglia is filled with stone-built town walls laden with soft flowers that are draped over restaurant entrances.