Jonistravelling

Rote Island, Indonesia: A Gem Hidden from the Tourist Trail

February 19, 2019July 9, 2014 by Jon Algie

Nemberala, Rote Island, Indonesia- far from the tourist trail

“Bule, bule, hello, bule!!” screamed young and old as I passed through their tiny village. Bule means foreigner – I’m not sure if they were really saying hello or they were just alerting their friends that a tourist was in town. I’d wandered a few kilometres from Nemberala, the tourist epicentre of Rote Island, and by … Read more

Island Hopping in El Nido, Palawan, the Philippines

September 5, 2019July 7, 2014 by Jon Algie

There are 4 things you should look for when considering island hopping in El Nido, or anywhere else in Southeast Asia: 1: Nice beaches: If the beaches aren’t nicer than the one you’re staying on then what’s the point? 2: Blindingly blue, clear water to swim and snorkel in. 3: Interesting island scenery. You’ll spend a … Read more

Are all those Selfies Shrinking Your Soul?

December 25, 2014July 5, 2014 by Jon Algie

Certain tribes around the world believe that every photograph taken of a person steals part of their soul, a part they’ll never get back. It sounds like the premise of a low-budget horror movie starring a washed up Tara Reid anxiously taking selfies to improve her self-esteem while unknowingly killing herself in the process. The question is – are they right? This narcissistic trend of constantly taking photos of ourselves to show other people that A: We have at least 1 hand (to hold the phone) and B: A functional face – is brought about by our new found need to appear more awesome. But is it having the opposite effect?

The Beaches of El Nido, Palawan

August 17, 2016July 2, 2014 by Jon Algie

The Philippines is home to over 7000 islands, but ask anyone who has been (or is planning to go) about their trip and they’ll probably mention El Nido, on the stunning and sparsely populated island of Palawan. Most people come for the island hopping tours, but spend a bit of time in and around El … Read more

Backpacking in Yunnan, China: Costs, Tips and Places to See

January 5, 2016June 30, 2014 by Jon Algie

Yubeng is a great place to visit if you are backpacking in Yunnan, China

Choosing a destination to travel to in China can be daunting. There is so much to see and do, but rather than try and cram too many places into a short trip it’s better to focus on one area. I chose Yunnan (followed by a week relaxing in Yangshuo) and it was a great decision. I weaved … Read more

How to Get an Overweight Bag on an Airplane as Carry-On

December 15, 2014June 23, 2014 by Jon Algie

How to get an overweight bag on a plane as carry on

Sorry to disappoint you, but this isn’t a post about smuggling large women onto planes so you can avoid buying them a ticket. This is a serious (sort of) tip about cutting down on airline fees, just don’t blame me for any resulting back/shoulder injuries!

Yangshuo Me the Money!!!

January 5, 2016June 20, 2014 by Jon Algie

The 20 Yuan note which features the scenery around Yangshuo

After 3 weeks travelling in Yunnan I was ready for a bit more comfort. I’d slept in more dorms than ever before and had to put up with cold showers, toilets without doors and thousands of Englishly challenged Chinese people. I found what I was looking for in Yangshuo – a great place to relax … Read more

Yubeng, China: More of a Paradise than Shangri-La!

January 5, 2016June 9, 2014 by Jon Algie

There’s a tiny Tibetan village in Northern Yunnan that might just be the most stunning place in Asia. Snow covered peaks surround lush green valleys filled with birds, butterflies, flowers and prayer flags. This village isn’t Shangri-La, instead that name (in 2001) went to a dusty, traffic filled Chinese city surrounded by barren hills. Whoever oversaw … Read more