Can you use some scientifically sound shortcuts to fitness, weight loss and stress management that apply to our unique Jakartan existence? Probably, since many of us are stuck – for so many reasons – doing little or nothing about our wellness. We often cloak – and even ennoble – this inaction with the familiar litany [...]

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The Long Par 5 Hole #11 At Sentul Highlands, photo by Dennis G. Kloeth Jakarta is probably one of Asia’s best golf destinations and certainly when judged from the amount of courses that can be played in and around the city, thirty eight in total. Next to fabulous golf, Jakarta also offers a thought-provoking package [...]

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A few days ago, as I was in the clinic practicing like usual when a patient of mine – Priti – walked in and said, “I think I have Jakarta Belly Syndrome.” It took me a while before I broke into laughter realising what she meant. Jakarta Belly Syndrome is a syndrome where an expat [...]

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So it just dawned upon you that it is now 2012, and you have procrastinated a resolution of “doing sports regularly” for (yet) another year ; something you told yourself to do at the beginning of last year (or maybe even a year before last). Instead of beating yourself up, better make your mind up [...]

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In 1994 there were an estimated 1.38 million vehicles (cars, motorcycles, lorries and buses) in Jakarta; 27 years later in 2011 the total number of vehicles is estimated to have risen eight-fold to 11.3 million and yet, believe it or not, air pollution measured by any internationally recognised index (TSP – total suspended particulates, PM10 [...]

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As the dry season turns wet and the rains come knocking on our doors (and, in my case at least, dripping through our ceilings and onto our computers) it’s time for me to enjoy a bout of flu and to create a mini-Mount Merapi of used tissues next to my sickbed. Eventually, it came time [...]

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Hash House Harriers also known as “The Hash” can be found in many countries throughout the world and especially in South East Asia from where it first originated in Kuala Lumpur, way back in 1938. The Hash is a social gathering of people known as “hashers” who meet regularly (usually weekly) for cross-country running followed [...]

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Alliance Jiu-jitsu is one of the most prominent  Brazilian Jiu-jitsu associations, and the current, defending Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World team champions, having won the team title at the World Championships in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. Alliance Jiu-jitsu  was founded by Romero “Jacare” Cavalcantiand his students Fabio Gurgel, Alexandre  Paiva and Fernando Gurgel. Alliance Jiu-jitsu won [...]

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Let nature calm your mind through yoga Many yoga asana (pose) names and characteristics are derived from nature like the mountain pose, the tree pose, the half-moon pose, the sun salutation and many more. If you ever find yourself outdoors in nature and have at least fifteen minutes to spare, try to do several asanas [...]

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Imagine if you could turn your home in Jakarta into a modern tropical paradise.  Imagine it was like staying in a resort. Think lush greenery, natural materials, smart technologies, and cozy interiors.  Think water features like ponds and intelligent rain water catchment systems, and productive gardens that are pleasing to the eye and to the [...]

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