Backpacking around South East Asia is an amazing adventure, travelling through amazingly diverse landscapes and from country to country like a true explorer. When we discovered the amazing, picturesque and beautiful adventure that is the Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang slow boat we knew we had to do it. We always like to add to the adventure
Experiences/ Stories
How to Get from El Nido to Coron: A Guide for the Coron to El Nido ferry, Philippines
The tiny island of Coron off the north end of Palawan might seem quite remote and hard to get to. However for such a small and unassuming place the sheer beauty that can be found here means many flock to its turquoise waters and powder white sand beaches for a slice of paradise! However, depending
Backpacking in Manila: A Guide to the Crazy Capital of The Philippines
We’ve travelled all around the world, to some of the planets largest and busiest cities, but nothing quite prepares you for Manila. The capital of The Philippines is chaotic, overwhelming, intimidating and bigger than you can comprehend. Crossing the city takes hours, the traffic is exhausting, the poverty of the local people is so plain
Delving into the post apocalyptic world of abandoned soviet Chernobyl and exploring the eerie streets of Pripyat.
For years now visiting Chernobyl and the post apocalyptic abandoned soviet town of Pripyat had been a dream. There is something eerily alluring about the idea of a town trapped in time, as the world has moved on this time capsule of the soviet era has been slowly crumbing. Twisting this once idealistic Utopian dream
Paragliding off Babadag Mountain and landing on the stunning Blue Lagoon Beach in Oludeniz, Turkey!
Back in 2006 I visited Oludeniz for the first time, this picturesque beach town on the south coast of Turkey was somewhere Shorty (Paul) had visited many times growing up and we were keen to check it out! Of course, being over 10 years ago and a family holiday it was VERY different to our
Learning to SCUBA dive in Borneo: Completing our PADI course in the most stunning and unexpected place!
When we set off backpacking around South East Asia, doing a PADI course to become qualified open water SCUBA divers was one of the first things we added to our list of things to do! After doing a taster session over 10 years ago on a family holiday to Turkey and also having friends who
Seeing Orangutans in Borneo: A magical experience seeing this fascinating endangered animal in its natural setting.
Flying over to the Malaysian part of Borneo most have one main objective: To see the endangered Orangutans in their natural environment in the only place in the world where they exist. With dwindling numbers over the last few decades this bucket list item is even harder to tick. However with many amazing conservation areas
Visiting the awe inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha in China, the largest pre modern Buddha in the world! A perfect day trip from Chengdu.
A magical and mysterious place, this ancient wonder left us in awe and made a perfect day trip from Chengdu to Leshan. The sheer scale of this enormous place almost too much to take in, the 90 year project of a dedicated monk it is still one of China’s most sacred Buddhist locations. It draws
Taking the 762 turn Chiang Mai to Pai scooter trip & the information on the bus from Chiang Mai to Pai, Thailand
After riding the length of Vietnam on motorbikes they became our favourite method of transport around South East Asia and wherever possible we would jump at the chance to do another trip. After such a long a gruelling trip in Vietnam though we searched out day trips on bikes as well as shorter multi day
Tea Ceremony in Tokyo: The Beautifully Serine Hamarikyu Gardens Tea House, Japan
When we visited Japan we were keen to try out a tea ceremony in Tokyo, to soak in all that tradition and observe the preparation and presentation of “The way of Tea”. But upon researching these ceremonial and ancient services we discovered that many were quite expensive and also a little too full on for
Experiencing the unique culture of Borneo up close and personal at the Mari Mari culture village. Plus, Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu!
When we decided to head over to Borneo, specifically the Malaysian side, we were keen to take the opportunity to soak in all this magnificent and mysterious island had to offer and especially to visit a Borneo cultural village. From trekking through the jungle in search of endangered animals to embracing the rich tribal culture of
Ayutthaya Thailand: The Lost World of Ancient Thailand & a Treasure Trove of Temples
Ayutthaya Thailand is the one time ancient capital of the Siam, the precursor to the modern-day kingdom of Thailand. Founded in 1350 it is Thailand’s answer to Angkor Wat or Bagan, a huge complex of crumbling ancient temples awaits the intrepid to explore this historic gem. Easily accessible from on the Bangkok to Ayutthaya train it can
Vang Vieng Tubing, Laos: Why its still a fun way to see this beautiful town!
When you think of backpacking excesses, debauchery, drunkenness and generally the sort of behaviour that gives us more cultured travellers who happen to carry their belongings on their back a bad name the place Vang Vieng won’t be far from a mention. Over the past decade or so it has built up a reputation for all
Alternatives to the crowded Blue Mosque: The incredible Suleymaniye Mosque and it’s authentic neighbourhood!
Strolling around Istanbul, the intoxicating air of history, the well worn streets and the breathlessness of the electrifying hum draws you into its endless energy. A city split between two continents, a city of sharp contrasts and diversity, a beacon of symbolism for Turkey, its modern incarnation and long historic enduring historic past. It’s a
Cruising The Nile & The Egyptian Temples from majestical Luxor
Back in 2010 I visited Egypt, cruising down the river Nile we experienced the many temples and historical sites this amazing country has to offer and along the way managed to see a side to this country many miss out on. This wonderful and intriguing country left me in awe and challenged many preconceptions and