For centuries European artists, especially painters, have been coming to Bali to soak in the heady air of complete artistic dedication that is the unique character of the Balinese people. Nowhere else will you find such a diversity of creative skills expressed by so few -- and the "Island of the Gods" could not be a more conducive location.

The mountainous provinces of the Cordillera, Northern Philippines, are perfect for trekking. This is the territory of former headhunting tribes who were also the master hydro engineers who constructed the world's first and most impressive rice terraces over 2000 years ago - considered by some to be the eighth Wonder of the World.

Tumbuna is the Tok Pisin (the lingua franca of Papua New Guinea) word for ancestors. "Taim Bilong Tumbuna" refers to the time before the white-man came, being the ways of the ancestors.

The peaceful and tolerant nature of the Thai people is legendary in South East Asia where they are regarded as humble, hospitable and easy going. Combined with 13th century history, fantastic scenery and great, but not too difficult cycling, in areas where few tourists go, you have all the ingredients of a truly great discovery bike ride.