Like many American kids of a certain era, I grew up dreaming of rafting down the mighty Mississippi, just like my childhood heroes Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. Mark Twain’s fictional duo lived the life I thought I was destined for: one of freedom, mischief, and adventure. This was, of course, long before I ever […]
Hooked on Terengganu: Squid Jigging, Culture & Endless Coastlines
Twelve years ago, Kuala Terengganu felt like a sleepy seaside town with an eclectic array of storefronts and seemingly no visible town theme. It was real, raw, and unfamiliar. Beyond the Perhentian Islands, this part of Terengganu felt like secret handshake territory to me (at the time) and a little uncomfortable. Returning this year on […]
Squid, Sea Legs & Salty Boats: A Real Candat Sotong Experience
Curious about candat sotong? This Malaysian squid jigging tradition takes place every year off the coast of Kuala Terengganu during the annual Candat Sotong Festival, and throughout the squid season. After 10 years of wanting to join, I finally did have my first candat sotong experience. From rustic fishing boats to the real challenge of […]
RWMF 2025: My Ten-Year Reunion With Rainforest World Music Festival
Although I had planned to return much sooner, somehow a decade slipped by before I finally reunited this year with Sarawak’s Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF 2025). Ten years ago, I shyly shuffled through the festival grounds wide-eyed, inspired by the music, the culture, the art, and the fascinating people. Imagine my surprise to find […]
Rainforest World Music Festival 2025: One Earth, One Love
Let the countdown begin! The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) returns to the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching from June 20 to 22, 2025, marking its 28th edition with the theme “Connections: One Earth, One Love“. This year’s festival continues its mission to celebrate cultural diversity through music while expanding its focus on environmental sustainability. […]
Sungai Petani, Malaysia to Betong, Thailand (What You Should Know Before You Go)
Getting from Sungai Petani, Malaysia to Betong, Thailand is relatively fast if you have all your ducks in a row. I did research ahead of time and had surprisingly few glitches in my overall plan. But! I did have a few glitches, so here you go with a basic plan based on my own personal […]
All Aboard! Riding the Rails from Kuala Lumpur to Perlis and Beyond
Train travel in Malaysia is a marvel. Especially along the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia. For a mere RM100 (about 21usd) you can get all the way from KL Sentral to Padang Besar, Perlis and the border of Thailand in about 5.5 hours. Malaysia train travel is an excellent alternative to over-priced flights or long […]