Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoi, Laos: An Awesome Boat Ride

Boats on the river on the journey from Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoi

Laos is full of idyllic riverside towns and taking a boat between 2 of the most beautiful ones, from Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoi, was one of my favourite experiences in Southeast Asia’s most laidback country.  This stretch of the Nam Ou River is particularly stunning; the only problem is that the boats aren’t built with photography … Read more

Backpacking in Malaysia: Costs, Tips and Places to See

Backpacking in Malaysia

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.

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Photographing Central Otago in Autumn

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

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

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

Komodo National Park Tour: More Than Just Dragons!

Komodo National Park tour, Indonesia: A large komodo dragon

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

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

Dali Old Town: A Backpacker Paradise in China

A Photo from the reflection pool of The Three Pagodas in Dali Old Town, Yunnan, China

From outside my window I could hear a covers band murdering an Arctic Monkeys song, I could see 4 western style restaurants, and every conversation I had with the staff at my guesthouse was fully understood in perfect English. Is Dali Old Town still in China, or had I travelled through a wormhole back to … Read more

Are Kuang Si Falls the Best Waterfalls in Southeast Asia?

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