Part 1 of our initial foray into Australia and our trip up the wild west coast from Perth to Exmouth. We explore the outback and encounter our first kangaroos, koalas, and scary locals…
Snapshots
Current Location
Bangkok, Thailand (3 days ago)
Author Archives: Erik
Paradise Found – Gili Air, Indonesia
After a disappointing experience on neighboring Gili Trawangan, we head over to smaller, quieter Gili Air and find the island paradise we had been dreaming of…
Paradise Lost – Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
We hit this popular “paradise island” during the peak season, but find it doesn’t quite live up to the hype…
The Volcanic Sulfur Miners of Ijen Crater – East Java, Indonesia
Following in the footsteps of primitive miners of sulfur from the volcanic Ijen Crater in East Java, Indonesia.
The Heart of Central Java – Yogjakarta, Indonesia
Yogjakarta is the most popular tourist destination on the densely-populated island of Java. And for good reason. This small city is home to sites exemplifying Indonesia’s multicultural history, including Hindu and Buddhist temples, sultans’ palaces and playgrounds, and old colonial forts. We left the congestion, noise, and pollution of Jakarta behind, departing on an early [...]
Celebrating Erik’s Birthday in the Lion City – Singapore
We left Malacca, Malaysia on my birthday – August 2nd – for the quick trip to the small city-state of Singapore, situated at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula. We knew Singapore would be expensive. Very expensive. But since it was my big day, we decided to take a break from backpacking for a [...]
Into the Jungles of Borneo – Uncle Tan’s Jungle Camp, Lower Kinabatangan Valley, Malaysia
We thoroughly enjoyed viewing Orangutans and Proboscis monkeys up close at a “rehabilitation centre” and “wildlife sanctuary.” Of course, the only reason these semi-wild animals can be found in these sanctuaries is due to their native habitat – the Borneo rainforest – quickly disappearing under a carpet of perfectly-planted rows of palm oil trees. Palm [...]
Life Among the Sea Gypsies at Singamata Dive Resort – Semporna, Malaysia
From Kota Kinabalu, we boarded a 12 hour bus crossing Sabah, bound for Semporna. This small town near the border with the Indonesian side of Borneo is the launching point for the world famous islands and underwater adventures found in the Celebes Sea. Most divers come here to dive Sipadan, a small island filled with [...]
Old Friends and New Foods – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We left the tropical rainforest of Taman Negara bound for Malaysia’s other major (urban) jungle in the buzzing capital city of Kuala Lumpur. This would be my second visit to KL – as it’s called by the locals – the first being some eight years before for the wedding of my good friend Rizal to [...]
Turtles, Sharks, and an Island Paradise – Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Malaysia
We left the cool hills of the Cameron Highlands, eager for more island time in Malaysia’s Perhentians. These two islands – Perhentian Kecil (small island) and Perhentian Besar (big island) – are in the country’s Northeastern border, close to the Thai border. But unlike the party-hardy islands of its neighbor to the North, these smaller, [...]
