Rich and diverse cultures. Delicious food and entertaining festivals. Friendly people and impressive history. This is just a tiny part of why Asia — especially the Southeast Asian countries, which have long been budget traveler favorite — is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Over 300 million international tourists visit annually and that number is increasing rapidly every year. (Between 2015 and 2016 tourism to Asia increased 9%!)
It is hard to describe just how many amazing opportunities and adventures await tourists in Asia. No matter what you like, you can find it here. Don’t believe me? Take a look at some of my adventures, tips and travel guides below, then hop on a plane and come witness it all for yourself!
Colorful Yunnan. The signs are everywhere, from the airplane seats to the tour buses…sometimes misspelled 😉 We spent two weeks exploring what to do in Kunming and the rest of Yunnan — now my favorite province in China — all summed up in one short but amazing video embedded below. Who is “we” ?? … Read more
Southeast Asia is filled with gorgeous landscape waiting to be explored. Countries like Indonesia and Malaysia are rich in natural beauty and destinations to choose from. Southeast Asian countries are also famous for their cultural roots, so don’t be surprised to find exciting things as you explore the region’s breathtaking terrain. There is no shortage … Read more
We had a day in Hanoi before departing for Halong Bay, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site. The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes. Ha Long Bay is a center of a larger zone which includes Bái Tử Long bay to the northeast, and Cát Bà islands to … Read more
My first experience in Nepal was filled with earthquakes and relief work, so it was not until my third trip to Nepal that I finally got a chance to go trekking Annapurna Conservation Area, something most people do their first trip. Was great to cross another thing off my travel bucket list (because we all … Read more
Best. Food. Ever. After the last episode of Derek Eats That! featuring the worst food ever — cockroach — it seems only fitting that this week I indulge in something delicious. And Babi Hutan, also known as Sinalau Bakas, might just be the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten in my life. Sabah in East … Read more
After visiting countless Hindu temples across the globe now I truly have a deeper grasp….of the phrase “same same but different” 😉 After the first few dozen they all start to blend together. The only exceptions are those rare offbeat temples that are so strangely unique they become impossible to ever forget. Like this one … Read more
In Semporna scuba diving is the #1 pastime. There are dozens of nearby islands to dive and snorkel and hike. Sure, Sipadan Island is one of the most famous, however it is also the most expensive. That’s okay! If you want to get under the sea around Semporna without having to empty your wallet, consider … Read more
Do you love an ice cold bottle of beer or a glass of wine? No, I’m not going to tell you to stop! In fact I’m most likely the one urging you to have another glass. Just don’t drink the same thing on vacation that you would be at home — try something new! Like … Read more
“Don’t be afraid of what I eat — be afraid of what I won’t eat.” Of course eating cockroaches is not quite as delicious as you might think. (And this is coming from someone who has eaten bull penis, raw cobra hearts and goat brain, among other things.) Why did you eat cockroach? Why not? … Read more
The royal Rajasthan forts and palaces are high on the tourist trail. The luxury of the kings and queens, the princely state and the comforts of the royals have now open to the world. Lots of old forts and palaces are opened to the guest for their comfort stay as well as royal treatment and … Read more
Sipadan Island in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, is one of those legendary places that every diver has heard of but few have visited. Scuba diving Sipadan Island is a breathtaking bucket-list destination. Why? Sipadan is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. Unfortunately, the island also has an infamous history that even now, … Read more
It only took me 5 trips to Malaysia to make it to Sabah — and I want to make sure that you do not make the same mistake. Sabah is calling. Plus the sunsets in Sabah are some of the best in the world. Always so colorful, no matter where you are. Don’t believe me? … Read more
