Articles By

Derek Freal

Giving Thanks For My First Trip To Japan #FriFotos

This week’s FriFotos theme is ‘thanks,’ meant to coincide with Thanksgiving. Unfortunately since I am in southeast Asia and have ...
Read More

*NEW* Version Of My Siak Tourism Film + Amazing Race Video

I grew up acting then gave it all up for a career in a cubicle. Fun stuff, right? NOT! After ...
Read More

Photo Essay: House Of Sampoerna, Cigarette Factory And Museum

Located in Surabaya, the House Of Sampoerna is museum and active factory, as well as a popular tourist attraction. In ...
Read More

FriFotos: Geometric Waterfall Inside Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi

Before returning to Southeast Asia, my favorite corner of the world, six months ago I was in Abu Dhabi, United ...
Read More

First Impressions: Thailand, The Land Of Smiles

Continuing my First Impressions series, the new country this week is Thailand, known as the Land Of Smiles. And for ...
Read More

My Siak Tourism Film

  This is part two documenting my first film in Indonesia — Be sure to read the beginning before continuing ...
Read More

Behind The Scenes: My First Film In Indonesia!

I had just finished breakfast one morning at EDU Hostel Jogja when a lady came up to me. “Hi, you’re ...
Read More

A Hostel So Nice I Lived There For 4 Months

That’s right, I’ve been living out of the same hostel for nearly four months. But in my defense if you ...
Read More

Panjat Pinang, The Slippery Traditional Game Of Indonesia

From the moment I first saw this traditional game being played a few days before August 17th, Indonesian Independence Day, ...
Read More

First Impressions & Photo Gallery: Malaysia And Its Capital, Kuala Lumpur

Arriving in Malaysia was a breeze. No visa is required for travelers from 80% of the countries around the world. ...
Read More

Banyusumurup Traditional Village: Home Of The Keris

In my quest to explore the non-touristy side of Indonesia I recently took a day-trip out to Banyusumurup, a small ...
Read More

FriFotos: 66th Floor #RoomWithAView at Swissotel Singapore

Singapore is an impressive city/country, but also one that becomes exponentially more fun the more money you have to spend. ...
Read More