At first glance Malaysia just doesn’t seem as exotic or interesting as other countries in the region, but take a closer look and you’ll find everything you need for a rewarding backpacking experience. You won’t get hassled by touts and you’ll be treated to the best food in the region, so if you’re looking for a more relaxing alternative to Thailand, Malaysia could be a great choice. While backpacking in Malaysia you’ll see a huge variety of landscapes, from the jungles of Borneo to the white sand beaches of Pulau Tioman, via the very British Cameron Highlands hill station, where you can stroll through tea fields and search for the largest flower on Earth.
Photographing 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
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!
How to Get (And Keep) 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.
Backpacking in Sri Lanka: Costs, Tips and Places to See
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
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.
Komodo National Park Tour: More Than Just Dragons!
Everyone has heard of the Komodo dragon – the largest lizard in the world and part-time human eater who stalks the barren islands off Flores, Indonesia. There is far more to a Komodo National Park tour than just dragons though, including a pink beach, some rugged coastline and that calm feeling you get while sleeping on … Read more
Exploring 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