iDiscover is about the spirit of place. We work with locals who show us their favourite places and tell us their stories. We put them in a handy map and savvy app to create honest and authentic routes in Asia’s most captivating neighbourhoods so that you can Travel Good. Our mission is to keep the heritage alive for a vibrant and viable urban future. Keep in mind that the guides are created locally, designed, and powered by locals…with a little help from iDiscover.
We create an immersive and meaningful ‘Travel Good’ experience that gives you the opportunity to spend money locally and consciously in Asia’s heritage cities. How? Watch this video created in partnership with Cathay Pacific and Two Humans Travel and travel responsibly and respectfully in Yangon, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Bali, Colombo, Chiang Mai, Manila and Penang.
Locals handpick the sites and handcraft the iDiscover walking and cycling itineraries. They know the places that are unique to the neighbourhood and are worth a detour. Not just temples and monuments, but also popular café’s, local hangouts and lesser known sites. This is the iDiscover community curative process in 6 easy steps:
The local community is the curator. In each city we work with local NGOs, universities, community groups and creative collectives. We spend a few days together and tap into their vast knowledge of local culture and living heritage. Collectively we define the spirit of place. Meet the curators
#neighbourhood
#cityspirit
#localcommunity
We wander the streets. We listen to old shopkeepers, colourful characters and creative entrepreneurs. Through them we learn about the traditional trades, hidden secrets and local legends that make each neighbourhood so unique. We’ve taken over a million steps, join our journey.
#travellikealocal
#insidersecrets
#authenticity
Maps, words and photos are combined into one handy app. We think the best way to experience a city is walking through back alleys or cycling through little laneways. So we take great care to craft your perfect neighbourhood itinerary. Download the app here
#wanderlust
#travelapp
#getlostwithoutgettinglost
A local illustrator designs the neighbourhood map. Each map is a unique artistic ode to the spirit of place. Maps are printed locally in Hong Kong, then distributed to hotels and shops that share our passion for the authenticity. Find all neighbourhood maps here
#localdesign
#appandmap
#supportlocaltalent
We put locals on a map and make them proud. We drive traffic to the traditional shops and small entrepreneurs for whom it is increasingly difficult to survive in a 21st century city. Every dollar spent in a local shop is a dollar well spent! Travel responsibly and shop locally
#shoplocal
#responsibletourism
#supportlocalbusiness
We bring the local community together through fun-filled events that celebrate the neighbourhood spirit. Even better, you can be part of it. Grab a map and start exploring
#spiritofplace
#socialenterprise
#keepheritagealive
iDiscover is an inclusive platform for cultural mapping, community engagement and place branding that’s simple and affordable. An Asian initiative that started in our hometown Hong Kong and has since mapped over 60 neighbourhoods, collaborating with over 100 partners.
A Hong Kong registered charity that seeks to
…to keep heritage alive, boost cultural capital and buildings stronger communities in Asia’s historic districts. We offer two complimentary services: iDiscover App&Map – awardwinning digital content platform – and iDiscover Academy – toolkits & educational collabs. We’re always on the lookout for new destinations and new partners. Want to work with us? Download key info here or get in touch! i-discover@urbandiscovery.asia
founder / director – passionate urban explorer
Ester moved from Amsterdam to Hong Kong just before “The Handover” in 1997… with little more than a backpack. She fell in love with the city’s energy and almost 20 years later, she still calls Hong Kong home; a base from where she works on cultural heritage projects throughout Asia. Her favourite cities include Hanoi, Istanbul and Yangon. In Hong Kong she’s happiest exploring the city’s busy backstreets or hiking in the country parks.
Favourite spot in Hong Kong: Sai Kung waterfront on a Sunday afternoon.
project manager – super-organised, enthusiastic urban observer
An energetic and inquisitive traveller, Stephanie has visited Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. That leaves only South America, Africa and Antarctica as the remaining continents to explore! Her Global Business Studies background, versatility and organisational skills are well used in her role as our dynamic community manager.
Favourite spot in Hong Kong: the relative calm of a Sheung Wan rooftop above the bustling metropolis
community manager – iDiscover’s friendly face
Sheren loves to travel. Whether it is volunteering at a school in Cambodia, backpacking in South Africa or hopping on the Trans-Siberia express. Born and raised in Hong Kong she likes sharing the culture of her city with people she meets on the way. Her multi language proficiency, versatility and organisational skills make her a great fit for the role of community manager.
Favourite spot in Hong Kong: any coffeeshop with a good street view
Johnson brings a wealth of on-the ground experience as a social worker in Hong Kong. For many years he was responsible for children and youth projects in deprived and transient communities. He worked for the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association (HKYWCA) where he collaborated with different stakeholders, i.e., NGOs, district committees, government officials, pressure groups, residents, community organizations, and local SME’s. He now teaches at the Department of Social Work at The University of Hong Kong because he believes that it is important to pass on his practical and theoretical knowledge to a growing young generation who want to enter this industry. We’ve met Johnson at a UBS/CUHK NGO leadership trajectory in which our colleague Tiffany recently participated and he was one of the key advisors.
Yeone is an avid traveller and heritage lover. She has lived in the US, Asia, and Europe, and today calls Hong Kong home. After a career in investment banking at bulge bracket banks, Yeone founded SparkRaise.com, a crowdfunding platform for the socially conscious that helps social enterprises, startups and non-profits succeed. SparkRaise also proudly hosted iDiscover’s first and successful crowdfunding campaign, helping iDiscover launch the first co-created travel guide to be crowdfunded. In addition to exploring urban jungles, Yeone’s wanderlust has led her to trek in more remote locations, including small parts of the Himalayas and the Gobi and Sahara deserts.
Johannes originally from Indonesia, now a Singaporean- is a lecturer at the National University of Singapore where he teaches urban history of SE Asian cities, modern Asian architecture, and heritage conservation & management. He is a well-travelled and greatly respected academic and hands-on expert and tireless advocate for heritage conservation throughout Asia. He is a member of several international advisory bodies and industry associations in the field of heritage and has a very wide network of local heritage professionals and NGO’s. We have crossed paths many times and recently collaborated on a cultural mapping exercise for cultural heritage students at the Institute for Tourism Management in Macau.
We love what we do and we’re delighted there is a community out there that values our work. We even managed to pick up some awards on the way. No matter how big or small, each of these marks another step in our journey. It means the world to us and the people we work with. Together we try to keep heritage alive for a better urban future.
A big thank you for the recognition and making us feel humbled and honoured:
2020 . Hong Kong . W3 Awards . silver award . best travel mobile sites & apps
2020 . Hong Kong . DFA Design For Asia Awards . bronze trophy . communication design & new media
2019 . Hong Kong . HKICT Awards . runner up . innovative smart tourism product
2018 . Myanmar . Responsible Tourism Award . runner up . best tourism innovation
2018 . Chiang Mai . Chiang Mai Design Award . winner . graphic design for social purpose
2017 . Hong Kong . UBS/Chinese University NGO Leadership Programme . outstanding performance .
2016 . Hong Kong . American Institute of Architects Award . winner . raise awareness for built environment
2016 . Hong Kong . City Tech Award . winner. innovation of urban walking experience
2014 . Hong Kong . Cathay Pacific Shooting Star Award . winner . successful, innovative, creative and sustainable entrepreneurship