Indonesia

Mount Bromo Now a sunrise visit to Mount Bromo in East Java inevitably entails an early start. Very early. The reward for this short night’s sleep though is a truly unforgettable and we reckon unique experience and some truly awe-inspiring vistas (plus there’s plenty of available siesta time later in the day for the sleep-deprived). We’ve heard a few grumbles…

Indonesian food Prior to a recent Java trip, we confess to not having travelled in Indonesia for a long time and last time we did, it was to some further-flung parts of Sumatra, where frankly, the Indonesian food on offer was rather limited. Well, no offence to the friendly residents of the neighbouring island – and apologies to chefs on…

Dieng Plateau There must be days when the sun shines and skies are blue. (we’ve seen the photos in the tourist brochures), but it’s somehow hard to imagine Java’s remote Dieng Plateau without its characteristic swirling mists, dark pine forests and brooding, terrace-covered hills. The lush valleys, cascading rice terraces and villages clinging Provence-style to rugged hillsides would certainly look…

Malang’s Rainbow Village Just a few years ago Malang’s Rainbow Village, or Jodipan district, was an embarrassing eyesore for city authorities and an unsanitary, squalid slum for residents. This old favella-style quarter of crumbling houses built almost one on top of another along the banks of the Brantas River in the heart of the city was considered a lost cause…

A Borobudur sunrise visit is definitely going to be one of the undeniable highlights of any Java, or for that matter, Indonesia tour. Certainly, a world-renowned site, but just to remind you, UNESCO World Heritage Borobudur is a 9th-10th century Mahayana Buddhist Temple situated around 40 kilometres northwest of Yogyakarta City. A sunrise entrance pass costs extra, which keeps visitor…

In light of a few recent incidents, we’d like to reiterate some essential passport information for Southeast Asia travel.  (Most are undoubtedly relevant for travel anywhere else these days, but we are, of course, used to immigration procedures in this part of the world.)  They may seem minor and are easily overlooked, but aren’t necessarily so in the eyes of…

So…wretched mosquitoes and how to avoid them! First, the good news: they will be nowhere near as prevalent on your Southeast Asia tour as many first-time visitors might imagine them to be. Especially in urban areas, particularly during the daytime and certainly outside of the rainy season. In fact, we’ve been to many European or North American destinations with far…

First off, when we say photo sharing, we mean with the subjects of your images, not just Grannie, mum, your mate in the pub or whoever else you share it with on social media. Most people, whether in Southeast Asia or elsewhere, enjoy seeing photos of themselves. When taking people photos, the first thing to do (well, second, after having…

One of the best times of year to visit! We can only guess that the absence of visitors during the rainy season in Southeast Asia is down to their own preconceptions of what a monsoon period in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, etc, must be like. Constant torrential rain, unbearable heat and humidity, impassable roads and permanent ankle deep (or worse) water?…

The coffee doesn’t taste the same “But the coffee doesn’t taste the same as at home”. How many times have we heard that? Funny, (funny peculiar), how someone travelling half-way around the world would expect certain things to be different yet hope, (assume), that other things would be the same. Now the people have to be different; the photogenic orange-clad…

Beers of Southeast Asia Now beer – there’s a good subject and one that’s close to our heart so here’s a brief rundown on some of the commonly found beers of Southeast Asia you’re likely to come across on one of our small group tours! International brands aside, there’s actually a very limited choice of locally made ales in many…

Responsible Eating in Southeast Asia As we see it, a tour of Laos or Vietnam should include a tour of Lao and Vietnamese food, so here’s a brief rundown on the All Points East meal thinking, or as we’ve titled it, responsible eating in Southeast Asia. Local food and meals are an essential part of any culture; therefore, an essential…