Haw Par Villa (previously known as Tiger Balm Garden) had been on my radar for years, so I was excited to finally see it for myself during a recent trip to Singapore. In fact, I found it so intriguing that I visited twice in one week! I had initially expected to learn all about Tiger […]
My Return Visit to Changi Chapel and Museum
I recently returned to Singapore’s Changi Chapel and Museum, after finding it closed for remodeling on my last visit several years ago. Walking through the galleries again brought back memories of my first visit, which had a powerful impact on me, along with an awareness of how much the space has changed over time. This […]
Langkawi Geopark Discovery Centre: Geology, Legends and Nature
Did you know that Langkawi is the first UNESCO-endorsed geopark in Southeast Asia? That’s a much bigger deal than the average tourist even realizes. And it’s complicated, too. However, the best place for visitors to learn all about Langkawi’s geopark is at the Langkawi Geopark Discovery Centre at Kilim Karst Geoforest Park in Kilim. The […]
Setting the Record Straight, The Real Story Behind Teluk Yu
Teluk Yu in Langkawi, Malaysia, is a small, quiet seaside park that has been a favorite local picnic spot for generations. A golden sand beach stretches along the bay, palms sway in the breeze, and a few gazebos dot the park’s seafront. Food trucks also add to the chillout vibe, and people often come to […]
Hat Yai Municipal Park: A First-Time Visitor’s Guide
Hat Yai Municipal Park is a must-visit for anyone coming to Hat Yai, but here’s the catch: it can be tricky to fully enjoy without your own transportation. Why, you ask? Because if you’re relying on community songthaews to get there and back, their schedule is not necessarily going to match yours. In fact, I’d […]
Visiting Kuching’s Borneo Cultures Museum
Malaysia has plenty of fascinating museums, but Kuching’s Borneo Cultures Museum is one of my most recent favorites. With an impressive 1600-plus artifacts on display, it’s easy to get spiritually pulled into the visuals. One of the exhibits drew me in so intensely that my eyes welled with tears. There was something hauntingly familiar about […]
Kampung Walks in Langkawi: 20 Local Plants Worth Slowing Down For
Back in late 2024, I started taking daily village walks in Langkawi as a healthier lifestyle goal. It’s easy to do, free and all it requires of me is stepping out the door and just doing it. By taking the smaller village side roads I’m able avoid busy road traffic and kind of get lost […]