nature

14 of the Best Beaches in Southeast Asia

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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

The Colourful Lakes of Southern Bolivia

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We visited several surreal lakes during the three day “salt flat” tour between Uyuni and the Chilean border. The flamingos and dramatic surrounding scenery added to the mystery and beauty of these colourful little lakes — here are lots of photos (and some words) from one of the most unique regions of South America. Laguna Hedionda (Nor Lipez) Laguna … Read more

Queenstown: An Average Town Surrounded by Remarkable Scenery

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Skyline Gondola in Queenstown, New Zealand

Imagine this scenario: You stumble out of a cheap hotel room with a head full of clouds and a sharp pain in your back. You realise your kidney has been stolen and you have no recollection of where you are and how you got there. You wander the streets in despair, everyone you overhear has … Read more

The Best Walks in Singapore: From the Forest to the City

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The Southern Ridges - a great place to walk if you have 2 days in Singapore

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.

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Searching For Crocodiles at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore

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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.

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A Day Trip to Pulau Ubin: Escaping Singapore City

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A pond on Pulau Ubin, Singapore

Five million people crammed into an area four times smaller than my hometown Dunedin (which has a population of around 120,000). People everywhere, all the time. This place has energy, a stir-fried charm that clings to your skin and makes you feel alive and exhausted at the same time. Every now and again, to stop … Read more