Backpacking in Indonesia: Costs, Tips and Places to See

Backpacing in Indonesia - a view of the 17 islands marine park in Riung, Flores

This post was originally published in May 2015 and updated in February 2019 after my big trip to Bali (and nearby islands) in 2018 With over 17,000 islands (I’m sure some of those are just rocks that disappear at low tide though) to choose from, planning a trip to Indonesia can be a daunting prospect. … Read more

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 Laos: Costs, Tips and Places to See

A bird cage at a riverside restaurant in Luang Prabang, Laos

Laos probably isn’t the first place you think of when planning a trip to Southeast Asia. There is no world famous cuisine, exotic beaches or crazy nightlife, but the stunning mountain scenery and laid back attitude of the locals make it my favourite country in the region. Backpacking in Laos is a far more relaxing … 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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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

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

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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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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Things to Do in Brunei on a Budget

Things to do in Brunei

Brunei is a really unique place to visit and makes for a great detour on any Southeast Asian trip. There are plenty of things to do in Brunei (Bandar Seri Begawan mostly), but the most interesting aspect of the country for me is the atmosphere. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful, the people are extremely friendly and … Read more