At a glance Sandakan, Sabah may appear like some forgotten industrial area. Many of the towns’ charming but forlorn buildings are encrusted with fine coats of soot and screaming for a fresh coat of paint or at the very least a good pressure washing. But settle in for a few days and Sandakan’s unique charm, […]
My Search for Elephant Utopia in Phuket
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 […]
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 […]
I Survived Koh Tarutao and You Can Too!
Reading the words ‘sand flies’ in a Trip Advisor review, had me rethinking my grand Koh Tarutao adventure. A fate worse than prisoner ghosts or giant jungle snakes, in my opinion. But the historic ex-prison island of Koh Tarutao has fascinated me for years. Looming on the distant horizon, its mysterious, yet picturesque presence is […]
My Perfect 4 Days in Langkawi Itinerary
Need some help planning your 4 days in Langkawi? Langkawi itinerary advice is a dime a dozen these days. Which is a good thing when it comes to planning a Langkawi holiday. Especially if time is limited. Nothing worse than missing something you could have seen or done had you only known about it. Despite […]
7 Southeast Asia Museums That Enlightened Me
Southeast Asia is no stranger to museums of all shapes and sizes. From government sponsored institutions to labor of love community or privately sponsored venues. The significance being that these Southeast Asia museums tell stories which are important to particular areas. Stories that communities want to have remembered. Perhaps in some cases, governments are unwilling […]
