14 of the Best Beaches in Southeast Asia

Nacpan beach, one of the beaches of El Nido, Palawan, The Philippines

This post was first published in 2015, but I’ve been to a lot more Southeast Asia beaches since then so it needed an update! Are you planning a trip to Southeast Asia? There’s so much to see – from ancient history, pulsating cities and stunning natural wonders, but perhaps the biggest draw in the region is the … 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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The 15 Best Natural Wonders in Southeast Asia

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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The Rat Factor: What is the Cleanest Country in Southeast Asia?

The rat factor: What is the cleanest country in Southeast Asia?

Everyone says not to judge books by their covers, but if you’re lazily looking for a quick way to review them then there really is no better way. I took the same attitude when trying to decide the cleanest country in Southeast Asia. Sure, I could have done a whole lot of research and bombarded you with facts and figures – but to be honest, the only figure I really care about is the number of rats I see (I have a fear of rats, check out this post to find out why). The rat factor may be a flawed system, but it’s as good as any other and could 1 day be the official cleanliness yardstick in respected publications like Lonely Planet (as long as they pay me for using my idea!).

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The Best Islands in Malaysia (and the worst)

A beach on Penang, one of the best islands in Malaysia

Malaysia is often underrated when it comes to islands. It has some of the best islands in Southeast Asia, but also one of the worst. Warning: a rant is coming…..

Perhentian Kecil: The worst island in Malaysia (and maybe even Southeast Asia)

From a distance Perhentian Kecil looks pretty good, but once you walk down Long Beach you start to see its “no makeup” face, and it isn’t pretty. 

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Island Hopping in Langkawi, Malaysia

Boats getting ready to go island hopping in Langkawi, Malaysia

Can setting foot on 2 islands really be considered island hopping? That’s the kind of philosophical question I’d have to spend years meditating in an ashram to answer, but what island hopping in Langkawi lacked in islands it made up for in value. Walking down Pantai Cenang, Langkawi’s main backpacker beach, I was immediately struck by … Read more