An insight into Tokyo

 

Geisha Girls

Whats it like to live in Tokyo?

As living in every city, depending on where you live determines the lifestyle, facilities, night life and community of your area. Lucky for me living in Tokyo, i live in Roppongi Hills in an incredible apartment very close to things i need including the train line, shops, crossfit and cafes.

Tips for exercising when you are travelling!

If we all did the things we are capable of doing we would literally astound ourselves. – Thomas Edison

Keeping your blood pumping, heart thumping, lungs working even while travelling on the other side of the world is essential to maintaining a happy and healthy body, mind and soul. Need some motivation? Here’s a few of my tips….

Ifugao Rice Terraces & Villages

Tapiya Falls

Close your eyes. Imagine you’ve been on a cramped bus overnight from Manila. You get off the bus and you waken your senses. You can smell the fresh mountainous/rice air, you can feel the cool breeze rub up against your skin then open your eyes to an incredible sunrise over the mountains; welcome to Banaue.

Getting around the Philippines

If your travelling to The Philippines, the exotic beaches on many of the islands are a must see. But if your wondering how to get around The Philippines; here is my suggestions! (as well as some suggestions for travelling by road)

Diving the World War II Wrecks in Coron, The Philippines

 

It was only until i got to Coron that i realised the significant history of The Philippines and the war between the Japanese and the Americans. In September of 1944 the American’s sunk the Japanese supply fleet in Coron Bay. These were the wrecks i knew i wanted to dive. Arriving by bunga boat from El Nido after 9 hours i was pleasantly welcomed by Ricardo from Seadive Resort who talked us into staying there for the next few days. 

Finding paradise in El Nido

Good Morning El Nido

The picturesque town of El Nido situated in the north of Palawan is the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago. The stunning scenery of limestone cliffs and turquoise waters is what brings many people here. As the town is a little off the beaten track, there’s not many foreigners; making it even more special. I visited the area at the beginning of low season, the weather was perfect and the streets and tours were less crowded.

Live-aboard diving at Tubbataha Atoll

One of the worlds hidden secrets, this World Heritage Listed National Park situated a 15 hour boat ride from Puerto Princesa is an atoll haven. With two main atolls stretching over 90,000hectares, the dive sites are unbelievably untouched and pristine.

A short stay in Puerto Prinesa, Palawan.

Puerto Princesa Church

Puerto Princesa located in the mid-east of Palawan is a bustling little city with a soon to be international airport. It is the gateway to the famous Tubbatha National Park and within a couple of hours the famous underground river and El Nido further north.

10 reasons your must visit Borneo!

Turtle at Mabul Island

Are you contemplating travelling South East Asia? Wondering which countries to visit? In my opinion you can not miss Borneo. With an abundant amount and range of activities, it is an adventurists playground.

Gunung Mulu National Park

Gunung Mulu National Park

A short flight from Kota Kinabalu hidden amongst the rich jungle, lies the incredible world heritage listed Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Borneo. Listed as ‘one of the top sites to visit before you die’ i had to see it before i left Borneo. It honestly was an unbelievable site to see. 

Into the jungle in Kinabatangan National Park

Long tailed Macaque

If your up for a David Attenborough style adventure, you should visit Kinabatangan National Park in eastern Sabah. Borneo is the oldest rainforrest in the world and has been aged at 130 million years old being one of the only remaining habitats for the endangered orang-utan. 

Sipadan – a divers dream

 

Hundreds of turtles in the area

One of the top dive sites in the world in Sabah, Malaysia. We did 6 dives on Sipadan including Barracuda point, south tip, hanging garden and turtle cave. All were incredible. Unfortunately we didn’t spot hammerheads but the diversity and abundance of coral and marine life with plentiful grey and white tip reef sharks and turtles made it live up to its name.

The Secrets of Batu Caves

Long tailed macaque stole a ladies glasses

The majestic Hindu Shrine cave located 20 minutes drive north of KL is a must see for anyone looking for a small cultural day trip. The Caves are perched on top of an isolated limestone hill which does mean you do need to climb over 250 steps to reach the top.

The Breath Taking Mt Kinabalu

Magical Heights of Mt Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu; one of the highest mountains in South East Asia and definitely the highest in Malaysia. The picturesque mountain is perched in the Kinabalu National Park around a 2 hour drive from KK. The summit of 4095m is a tiresome effort to climb but its well worth it. 

Kuala Lumpur – The heart and soul of Malaysia

KL Petronas Towers

I’m sitting in a cafe on Labour day on Jalan Bukit Bintang watching all the different people walk on by. An incredibly multicultural city, very fascinating but at the same time you can see the is a big gap between the wealthy and those less fortunate. I was lucky enough to live it up at the Hilton (KL Sentral) for a week having what felt like endless amounts of time to walk and explore the city. Here’s my two cents!

Life in Phuket, Thailand 2013-2014

Sawatdee Ka! As you’ve known i’ve been living and working in Phuket, Thailand for over 6 months. Originally, i thought no way was i going to live in Thailand; full of dirty, crowded, littered cities and beaches (and dive sites), ping pong shows and neon lights, definitely not my cup of tea. However, once you look beneath the surface and know the places to go (or avoid at all costs) then i’m sure you’ll love this picturesque cultural country just as much as i did.

Taking vitamins while on the road

From experience i know its hard to stay ‘healthy’ while on the road. Yes, there are often many vegetable options, but its part of the experience to try traditional foods in different countries. In Thailand for example, the majority of street food is deep fried or based on rice or noodles and for someone like myself with an incredibly slow metabolism its not ideal. However, if you manage to get non-deep fried vegetables here they are often very fresh; bought from the local markets that morning. This doesn’t mean your getting all you daily vitamin and mineral requirements.

Travelling with Gadgets!

So your heading out on road, contemplating which gadgets to take with you? You can start of with 2 questions – purpose and duration of travel?

Music, photos, movies, communication; what are you using technology for while on the road? As my road doesn’t end, i’m out travelling the world on a one-way ticket i guess i could say i’m pretty gadget up; travelling with many items but for me they all have a different purpose. 

Sawasdi Pi Mai Ka – Happy New Year!

Happy Songkran!

Songkran – Aka Thai New Year, one of the best days in Thailand and the best festivities around the world. A day filled with laughter, happiness, water fights and a few drinks it is an exceptional day to experience. In Phuket, the festivities last one day; however further north they can last up to 6 days, bringing in the new year. 

Basic things to know about Thailand before you travel

Thailand is a beautiful country that has attracted expats, tourists and backpackers for decades. Thai culture and society is very strong and they love their country, there are a few things you should know before travelling to Thailand.