Netflix has recently pulled two episodes of an Australian spy show, “Pine Gap” from its service in the Philippines after it showcased a map with China’s claims to the disputed South China Sea.

On 1 November, the country’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that it had lodged a complaint on the matter with the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) over the show using a map with the nine-dash line – the demarcation line used by the People’s Republic of China for its claims of the major part of the South China Sea that has been branded illegal by an international court ruling.

The department stated, “Such portrayal is a crafty attempt to perpetuate and memorialise in the consciousness of the present generation of viewers and the generations to come the illegal nine-dash line. Using the medium of a motion picture is but China’s unconventional approach to gain an upper hand in the territorial conflict in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea.”

It is noted that Vietnam had also lodged a similar complaint over the issue, prompting the platform to pull the entire six-episode drama in the country.

Beijing’s nine-dash line claim had been invalidated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) back in 2016, with Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia rebuking the claim. However, the country has refused to comply.

Netflix has not commented on the issue.

Da Nang is one of the biggest and more advanced cities in southern Vietnam. It is well known for its combination of amazing manmade structures and tranquil natural beauty comprising mountains, forests, and beaches as far as the eyes can see.

It may have slipped under the radar for many since most tourists tend to focus on more popular cities like Ho Chi Minh and Ha Long Bay.

For tourists looking for a vacation that’s filled with exciting activities, Da Nang is the best destination for you! Let’s take a look at a few must-visit places if you’re planning a visit there in the future. (Alternatively, you can always hit up the equally beautiful Da Lat).

Marble Mountains

(Photo source: asianwaytravel.com)

Aside from visiting the Buddhist pagoda and amazing caves like the Huyen Khong Cave at Marble Mountains, challenge yourself to scale the highest peak of the mountains that are known as the ‘mountains of 5 elements’.

Dong Dinh Museum

(Photo source: traveldanang.org)

Nestled amongst the natural beauty of the Son Tra Nature Reserve is the Dong Dinh Museum, which showcases Vietnamese art and culture, including antique artifacts aged thousands of years old!

Ban Co Peak

(Photo source: justgola.com)

Ban Co Peak, or Chessboard Peak in English, is a tourist ‘hot spot’ when it comes to taking in the panoramic view of Da Nang while breathing in the fresh air at a height of nearly 700 meters above sea level.

Golden Bridge

(Photo source: vcdn-english.vnecdn.net)

One of the magnificent structures in Da Nang is the Golden Bridge, located at Bà Nà Hills. Aside from boarding or driving land vehicles to the place, visitors can also opt to ride the Bà Nà Cable Car, which is the longest ‘single track’ non-stop cable car in the world!

My Khe Beach

(Photo source: 4.bp.blogspot.com)

Those looking for peace can visit My Khe Beach, arguably the most beautiful beach in Vietnam. It’s an ideal vacation spot as hotels, resorts and world class restaurants line the beach, ready to welcome and rejuvenate weary travellers.

Thia Go Danang-style

(Photo source: https://www.instagram.com/p/B1_BWPDBmnk/ & indanang.vn/)

A trip to Da Nang is incomplete if you don’t give the traditional Vietnamese cuisines at the Thia Go Danang-style Restaurant (previously known as Thien Ly Danang-style) a go. The owners, Tung and Ly, dream of sharing their secret recipes with the world. To Muslim customers, don’t worry, because everything here is halal!

DHC Marina

(Photo source: justgola.com)

The three main attractions at DHC Marina are the Love Bridge (built based on the models of famous bridges around the world), the Statue of Carp Becoming a Dragon, and DHC Yacht (a five-storey luxury yacht with a Sky Bar).

Dragon Bridge

(Photo source: witatour.com)

Dragon Bridge is the longest bridge in Vietnam, built across the River Hàn. Don’t miss out on the city’s biggest show held every evening on the weekends, during which the golden dragon will “breathe” fire and water from its mouth!

Sun World Danang Wonders

(Photo source: twitter.com/coasterforce/status/985588497095503872)

Get your adrenaline fix at the Sun World Danang Wonders (Asia Park) theme park, which promises an exciting world class experience! Some of the most popular rides at this park are the Golden Sky Tower, the Ferris Sun Wheel and the Queen Cobra roller coaster.

Con Market

(Photo source: bazantravel.com)

Your vacation is not complete without shopping, so don’t forget to stop by the biggest and busiest mall in Da Nang – Con Market, which is also known as Da Nang Commercial Centre.

The Wau Animation film is among the 16 movies that will be competing in the Best Animated Film category at the 24th edition of Cartoons on the Bay – Pulcinella Awards that’s set to be held from 3 to 5 December at Pescara, Italy.

We know we’re barely into 2019 and we’re already talking about ushering in next year but we like looking ahead to the future – and that future has EPIZODE turning it up!

Peggy Gou performing at one of the stages.

Last year’s festival saw more than 10,000 people from 79 countries in attendance, with 140 international DJ superstars including Ferry Corsten, Dubfire, Peggy Gou and Apollonia, as well as regional DJs such as Diskonnected, Alam, SEQU3L and more dropping the beats. 

This is also a good chance for anyone to unleash their artistic side by taking creative photos with the art installations spread across Sunset Sanato Beach.