Pantai Merakit & Bigfin Dive Camp
Back in paradise. Rounding out our two weeks in Malaysia with—you guessed it, more Borneo beach time!—at a remote, off-the-grid dive camp.
Family Travel
Adventures on the Kinabatangan
Three days exploring one of the most diverse habitats in the world—the Kinabatangan river basin—home to Borneo’s highest concentration of wildlife.
I Get Chased by an Orangutan (Seriously)
A morning at world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre offers a close-up view of these amazing apes—which turns out to be a bit too close for some of us.
Sandakan Town
Sandakan is Sabah’s gateway to the jungle. Not known for much else these days, this unassuming town’s myriad trekking agencies and backpacker hostels belie Sandakan’s unique history and quirky offerings.
Taking a Bush Plane into the Jungle
Our experience taking a DHC-6 Twin Otter across Borneo’s northernmost region of Sabah, Malaysia from Kudat to Sandakan. 40 minutes in a plane won out over 10 hours in a bus over rugged terrain.
Kudat Day Trip: Secret Beach
Kicking things into high gear, as the search for the perfect beach continues. Today’s contender, a little-known beach in the extreme north of Borneo.
Kudat Peninsula: Sunsets & Beaches
A last minute change in plans takes us to the north of Borneo—and by north, I mean the tippy-top north—rumored home to the island’s most beautiful beaches [and sunsets].
Kota Kinabalu: Arrival in Borneo
Finally arriving on Borneo—just in time to witness one of Sabah, Malaysia’s world-famous sunsets and grab some delicious island eats.
Petronas Towers & Jalan Alor Night Market
We make our necks sore and our tummy’s very happy making our way around some of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic landmarks.
Exploring the World’s Largest Aviary
Comprised of 20 enclosed acres, Kuala Lumpur’s KL Bird Park is home to 3,000 birds representing 200 colorful species, and quite unlike anywhere else on the planet.
Kuala Lumpur
We set off to explore a new country: Malaysia!
Two weeks in Borneo with a stopover in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Bound for Borneo
We’re off to Sabah, on the Malaysia side of the island of Borneo! Last year, we opted to stay Laos-side to experience (i.e. endure) Lao New Year. This year, it’s beaches, baby!
Out and About in Central Laos
Exploring the rural Lao community around our weekend island retreat with friends.
The Secret Island Hideaway
A traditional Lao house moved, piece-by-piece, to the tranquility of a riverine island — off the grid and completely offline. Yep, this is one special place, and one we’re not divulging the location of any time soon!
Vang Vieng with Visitors
Back to the Adventure Capital of Laos with Uncle Dan and Aunt Lauren, where sunsets (and sundowners) rarely disappoint.
Luang Prabang: No Reservations
Luang Prabang is a funny place — and even funnier in peak season. In Vientiane, no reservations? No Problem! In Luang Prabang…oh boy.
Welcoming 2018 in Luang Prabang
Our last post of 2017 takes us back to Luang Prabang! A journey over the mountains, world-class cuisine, and fish slippers await!
Riding the Ou River to the End of the Line
We take a boat up a Mekong tributary poised to be dammed in seven locations, visiting Muang Ngoi Neua and two other isolated villages along the way.
Nong Khiaw
We spend four nights in Nong Khiaw, a remote and subdued jewel of the north, soaking up the fresh mountain air and easy-going vibe.
North Into the Unknown
We venture to the remote north of the country, covering our first new territory in Laos in 13 months.
Floating Lunch
We’re constantly trying to come up with stuff to do with visitors that isn’t in the guidebooks. A lunch on a barge drifting down the river seemed like just the ticket.
Grammy & Grampy Return to Laos
Grammy and Grampy are back in Laos for an encore of their January adventures…but I suspect mostly to see the kid we tote around with us.
Railay: Baby Overboard
Finally, the post you’ve all been waiting for… Noe (and friends…but mostly Noe) in Railay!
Railay Night Life
When the sun sets at 6pm, even Noe gets a sampling of the beach nightlife. And when the grandparents are in town, mom and dad get even more.
Railay: Reasonably Unseasonable
We spend five days on the Railay Peninsula with Grammy, Grampy and friends, soaking up the beach life and warm company, despite an unexpected visit from Old Man Winter.
Meet Me in Railay
Heading down south to one of our favorite places on the planet for five fun-filled days with four of our favorite people on the planet.
Vang Vieng: If at First You Don’t Succeed
Last May, we attempted summiting Pha Ngeun, but the mountain had other plans for us. This time, we brought reinforcements.
Vang Vieng: Tubing & Swimming Through Caves
From caves to lagoons, ziplines to inner tubes, we make it a water-themed day in Vang Vieng with an out-of-town visitor.
Vang Vieng: Champa Lao Bungalows
We’ve wanted to stay at this rustic little hideaway as long as we’ve been coming to Vang Vieng, and finally got our chance.
The Lao Zoo
The Lao Zoo may just be the most overlooked and misunderstood zoo in Southeast Asia. It’s not really even a “zoo” at all, but in fact something far more interesting.
Hiking & Kayaking the Nam Lik Basin
Making the most of a couple of much needed sun breaks to explore the lush Nam Lik area by foot and paddle.
Nam Lik Eco Village
Call it a Robinson Crusoe fantasy, outdoor enthusiast’s dream, or ad hoc creation of an isolated madman, Nam Lik is a lodging enigma of the best kind.
Sanctuary
What can US$50 get you in the Green Season in Laos? Both, much more than you’d expect, and exactly what you’d expect.
Birthday Weekend on the Nam Ngum
It’s my birthday [again], so we’re heading up to the lake! Our usual place is closed for renovations — a perfect excuse to try some place new.
Summer in the USA: Path of Totality
Venturing into the Path of Totality as Eclipse Apocalypse grips the nation in the final days of our 2017 visit to the U.S.
Summer in the USA: Oregon Coast
Soaking up the sunshine in and around Florence, Oregon with Grammy and Grampy.
Summer in the USA: Tahoe Road Trip
After two weeks in Portland and Roseburg, it was time to road trip it South with Nanny and Poppi.
Seoul Stopover
Three zombies roam the streets of Seoul on a 12-hour layover with three objectives: Stay awake, meet an old friend, and make it out before nuclear Armageddon.
Koh Samet: In Search of the Perfect Beach
We venture to the far south of the island to Wai Bay. Could this prove to be the perfect beach we’ve searched for all these years? We’ll find out!
Koh Samet Cove Hopping
On some islands, you beach hop. On Koh Samet, you cove hop. Today, we visit five distinct coves without setting foot on a lick of blacktop.
Island Life on Koh Samet
Awake early in the small Thai fishing village of Ban Phe with a couple of unhappy stomachs. Nothing that some tropical beach time won’t cure!
Island Escape: Bangkok to Ban Phe
With work obligations finished, we’re off on our long overdue first beach holiday since moving to Southeast Asia!
Bangkok: Adventures Along the Sukhumvit Line
Noe and I explore Bangkok on our own while Lori attends a physical therapy conference … until we decide to sneak our way into the conference, posing as Dr. Singha and his esteemed colleague, Professor Peepoo.
Bangkok, Old & New
Starting the week on old Rattanakosin Island, before relocating into the exploding high-rise jungle of Eastern Bangkok.
Trip Report: Ancient Siamese Capital of Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya. For over four centuries, the magnificent center of the Siamese kingdom. Say it three times fast and you just may give yourself TMJ.
Bangkok: Khaosan Road and the Temple of Dawn
Continuing on our Saturday out in Bangkok, we catch a ferry to the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and cool down with some drinks along Bangkok’s infamous Khaosan Road.
Bangkok, Baby
After nine months of living in Laos, we finally make it down to the Big City, a mere 400 miles south of Vientiane (but a world apart).
Vang Vieng: Nadao Village (aka Elephant Adventure Village)
Following our failed attempt at climbing to a lookout point, we were in need of some mulberry pancakes and an easy stroll around a traditional village. Luckily, we knew just the place.