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Photographing Central Otago in Autumn

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Central Otago in Autumn

You’d think the best time to visit New Zealand (and Central Otago specifically) would be the middle of summer, but if you’re travelling in December and January you’ll most likely get some pretty awful weather.  You’ll also have to deal with a lot of holidaying locals so if you’re thinking of making the journey then … Read more

The 15 Best Natural Wonders in Southeast Asia

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The best natural wonders in Southeast Asia

As my time in Southeast Asia draws to a close, I’m starting to think about all of the awesome places I’ve been. I love cities, history and architecture, but the most memorable aspects of the region for me are the unique and varied natural wonders. I hope you enjoy my list of the best natural wonders in Southeast Asia, but bear in mind that these are only places that I’ve been to, so I might have missed some popular ones!

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How to Get (And Keep) a Comfortable Seat on a Crowded Bus

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How to get a comfortable seat on a crowded bus

I love taking local buses. You see a side of the country that you’d never see by flying or hiring a car and you get the chance to interact with a wide range of locals. Even though there are many positives about riding on local buses, there’s always an overbearing thought on the horizon…what if I end up sitting on half a seat/someone’s knee with no leg room while listening to old women throwing up into plastic bags? I can’t help you with the last part, but I can show you how to ensure you get (and keep) a comfortable seat with good leg room while travelling on a crowded bus.

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Backpacking in Sri Lanka: Costs, Tips and Places to See

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The old city of Polonnaruwa, a great stop on the backpacking in Sri Lanka trail

Sri Lanka occupies a strange space in the backpacking world. People say backpacking in Sri Lanka isn’t as exotic, chaotic, cheap or challenging as in India, and it’s a long way from the Southeast Asia backpacking trail that it’s probably better suited to. While travelling through Sri Lanka I saw similarities with Laos and Myanmar (2 of … Read more

The Best Walks in Singapore: From the Forest to the City

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The Southern Ridges - a great place to walk if you have 2 days in Singapore

Singapore crams a lot of variety into its tiny borders, and there is no better way to get to know this misunderstood country than to go for a walk. Check out this list of the best walks in Singapore, which pass by beaches, mangrove forests, historical districts, skyscrapers and a whole lot of trees.

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Exploring the 17 Islands Marine Park in Riung, Flores

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Backpacing in Indonesia - a view of the 17 islands marine park in Riung, Flores

The 17 Islands Marine Park in Riung would be really popular if it wasn’t so hard to get to, which means if you brave the terrible roads and overcrowded buses you’ll have an array of island paradises that are begging to be explored. I learnt, after a quick search online, that Riung is 72 km from … Read more

Why Everyone Should Travel with a Guitar

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As you know by now, I am of the opinion that image plays a huge role in defining us as travellers. If we go quietly about our work and don’t take every opportunity to show people how awesome we are, how will anyone know? It’s not good enough to simply be cool these days – … Read more

The Colourful Crater Lakes of Kelimutu, Indonesia: Jon Vs the Volcano

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The blue lake on Mt Kelimutu, Flores, Indonesia

After reading the title of this post you might be thinking that climbing Kelimutu was a really difficult and harrowing experience. That couldn’t be further from the truth, although waking up at 4 a.m is always a little traumatic for me. Getting to the crater lakes of Kelimutu requires a 40 minute motorbike or car … Read more