travel Archives - Page 3 of 8

The Planet of the Apes: The Monkey Temple in Kathmandu

November 4, 2016October 3, 2014 by Jon Algie

It took me 28 years to learn the difference between apes and monkeys. I always thought it was based on size: King Kong > gorillas > apes > monkeys. Apparently I was wrong, and it took a text book for five year old Singaporean children to teach me that. Apes don’t have tails but monkeys do, gorillas … Read more

My Predictions for the Future of Travel

December 13, 2014September 26, 2014 by Jon Algie

Selective time travel

It’s always a good thing when destinations are as authentic as possible, so as soon as we invent time travel I’m sure we’ll use it to make tourism reach its full potential. Going back in time sounds great, but who wants to go without modern conveniences like internet and flying cars? Someone will invent a kind of gun or time-mist that can blast a predetermined area into the past, leaving everything else around it in the present (or future for us – this is getting as confusing as most time travel movies). We’ll be able to visit tiny villages untouched by the ravages of time and still be able to use magical food making machines all in the same outing – what could be better?

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

January 5, 2016September 12, 2014 by Jon Algie

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

Cities and Their Celebrity Doubles: Vientiane / Robert Downey Jr.

January 5, 2016September 8, 2014 by Jon Algie

Vientiane wasn’t always the laid back, family friendly Lao capital you see today. For a period in the 1960’s and 70’s it was a town where anything went, where foreign spies mixed with prostitutes in city bars; a place you probably wouldn’t take your wife and kids to. The same can be said for Robert … Read more

Backpacking in Malaysia: Costs, Tips and Places to See

November 15, 2018September 1, 2014 by Jon Algie

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.

Photographing Central Otago in Autumn

February 8, 2019August 28, 2014 by Jon Algie

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

The 15 Best Natural Wonders in Southeast Asia

January 5, 2016August 22, 2014 by Jon Algie

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!

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

January 5, 2016August 14, 2014 by Jon Algie

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