The year 2000 was a big deal for me. I turned one of those milestone ages, traveled to Southeast Asia for the first time and got my first tattoo. I also rode an elephant. I thought I was pretty cool. It wasn’t until 15 years later that I read a blog post about the plight […]
Laksa 101: Written By A Clueless Tourist
I am a clueless non-foodie tourist. There, I’ve said it. And I feel much better confessing that straight away. Yet I am driven to untangle the mysteries of Malaysian Laksa. Not because I am a massive fan of Laksa, per say, but because there is so much heritage wrapped into this dish. I had erroneously […]
Langkawi Guide to a Unique Kampung Stay
As night gives way to the slivers of daybreak, the quiet of the morning village air is broken first by the calls to prayer followed by the crescendo of song birds’ choruses. The familiar daily soundtrack repeats itself as the scent of the sea drifts through. And thus, begins another day in a seaside kampung. […]
Jerejak Island Resort, Penang’s Staycation Gem
Where Penang may have dibs on being the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ there is another nearby island jewel which often goes unnoticed. Located on the eastern coast of Penang Island, Malaysia is the historic island of Pulau Jerejak; a jungle clad, 362 hectares ‘hidden gem.’ Many people are not even aware of this island’s existence […]
Discovering Ramadan Market Food in Langkawi, Malaysia
Without going into the details of Malaysia’s Ramadan fasting month and what it means for Muslims, I will say there is a lot of food involved (between fasting). For non-Muslims, if you aren’t fortunate enough to be officially invited to a traditional ‘break fast’ (buka puasa), you can still experience some of the cultural aspects […]
Kota Kinabalu and My Discoveries in the Land Below the Wind
There’s more to Sabah, Malaysia than rainforests, orangutans and mountain gods. The many things to do in Kota Kinabalu alone is evidence that it’s just the tip of the state’s jungle-clad destination iceberg. Like meeting new people, first impressions of a new destination weigh heavily in my initial decision as to whether I like a […]
Feeling the Love at Lipe Beach Resort
Finding an affordable Koh Lipe accommodation during ‘high season’ can be a challenge, especially if a waterfront location is at the top of one’s preferred amenities list. But taking advantage of the seasonal Langkawi to Koh Lipe direct ferry service means travel to Koh Lipe during their busiest and most popular time of year. Did […]