Destinations

Are Kuang Si Falls the Best Waterfalls in Southeast Asia?

by
Kuang Si falls, waterfalls close to Luang Prabang, Laos

Yes. I could end this post right there and just point you towards the photos, but since I’ve already abused the photo essay phenomenon in a previous post, I’ll spin you a story about this wonder of Southeast Asia. Heading out onto the Laotian highway, with a faint idea of which direction I was going, … Read more

Searching For Crocodiles at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore

by
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Kranji, Singapore

You might think it’s crazy to search for crocodiles at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in Singapore, but recent evidence might get you thinking…

Exhibit A: A wild elephant swims over from Malaysia and ends up on Pulau Ubin.

Exhibit B: Locals (also on Pulau Ubin), report sightings of a tiger prowling the island. While never verified, experts claim Pulau Ubin is within swimming range of Malaysia for a tiger.

It’s not much of a stretch then that a crocodile, a creature whose bread and butter is actually swimming (and eating, and fighting snakes) could swim over from the wilds of Malaysia and make its home in the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. It wouldn’t be the first Malaysian to cross the border in search of better wages and a more comfortable standard of living, and with this thought in mind I started my search. I actually had no idea there might be crocodiles lurking until I saw sign after sign warning people about them. I’d received my challenge and was determined to spot one in the wild.

Read more

Galle Fort, Sri Lanka: Strolling Through Time

by
The old colonial town in Galle, on Sri Lanka's west coast

Sri Lanka has had a colourful history when it comes to being colonized. The Portuguese, Dutch and English all had a crack, and all left an indelible mark on the culture and landscape of the country formally known as Ceylon. This history really comes to life in colonial Galle, a small Dutch-built town within an … Read more

Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia: A Romantic Getaway

by
The pier at Lazy Beach, Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia

Are you looking for a romantic break from the bustle of Southeast Asia? Are there too many tourists, touts and Bob Marley songs on other islands? Head to Koh Rong Samloem, where the water is clear, the bungalows are private and the beach is almost deserted. There are actually a few different beaches to stay … Read more

Changes in Vang Vieng, Laos: Should you Still Go?

by
A farm in Vang Vieng, Laos

Are drugs, bikini clad women in the middle of town, and blatant disrespect for a modest culture not really your thing? You’re in luck, as all of those dodgy (and some might say fun) things are no longer a reality in Vang Vieng, Laos. I was lucky enough to visit just before and just after … Read more

Is Haw Par Villa the Weirdest Tourist Attraction in the World?

by
A crab boy at Haw Par Villa, Singapore

Are you looking for something different in a tourist attraction? How about something a little bit weird (and a bit scary if you’re a kid!) Haw Par Villa might be the place for you, it’s definitely one of the strangest places in Singapore!

The Ten Courts of Hell

For some reason I thought Buddhism was a peaceful religion. That all changed when I entered the Ten Courts of Hell exhibit at Haw Par Villa, Singapore. Models of decapitations, people getting thrown on spikes, chucked into pools of boiling blood and almost every other gruesome torture you can imagine greet those who enter. The fact that punishments for things like cheating on exams and wasting food seemed just as harsh as the ones for rape and murder confused me, and I walked out of the exhibit completely rethinking my view of Buddhism. In reality that view was based on almost nothing, as the only time I’ve come in contact with the religion is at temples, and I’m not really one to ask too many questions about the spiritual side of them; I just like how they look. The Ten Courts of Hell is definitely one of the scariest places in Singapore, make sure you visit but warn your children first!

Read more