Some say that Yogyakarta, commonly called Yogya or Jogja, is the true essence of Java…where the heart and the soul collide in its history, arts and culture. It is a destination that is on nearly every travelers’ Java itinerary for this reason, and because of its proximity to the wondrous and notable ancient ruins of Borobudur and Prambanan. So...Borobodur or…
Arriving to Mount Kinabalu National Park After a three hour escape from the wilds, we still had an endless five-hour bus journey to bask in our grime before arriving to our refreshingly cool next destination of Mt Kinabalu National Park. If we had to plan this again, (which we won’t but maybe it’ll save you), we’d definitely stay in Sepilok…
We spent three weeks on the Malaysian side of Borneo, the third biggest island on earth, traveling from west to east, and also made a stop in the tiny Islamic sultanate of Brunei. Our experience was mostly very positive and we’d highly recommend a trip here most notably for the diverse and unbelievable array of wildlife, but also with some…
Health Assessment at Prince Court (July 2024) Time to derobe, spread ‘em and generally do things that make us uncomfortable. Ah yes, it’s medical month in Kuala Lumpur! We’ve been waiting four years for our first official health assessments since we first learned about them. And I don’t mean checking five things in your blood, standing on a scale, and…
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia>>>>>Surabaya, Indonesia After a month of much needed kitty, kitchen and komfort (oh yes, I did spell it like that!) time in KL, it was finally the day to repack the freshly bathed non-jungle-smelling backpacks and hit the jetway again. This time we were bound for the most populous island nation on earth on our maiden voyage. We were…
One Night in Semarang Semarang is a steamy port city on Java’s north coast of 1.3 million people, which most travelers don’t make it to, unless they’re on their way to or from Karimunjawa. This is a bit of a shame because its Old Quarter, or Kota Lama, currently being renovated, is dripping with Dutch colonial charm blended with a…
Getting to Karimunjawa Many of the best places we’ve been have also been a bit arduous to get to, and arriving to Java’s off-the-beaten path northern isle of Karimunjawa was certainly no exception. But, after five hours by train, three hours by bus, and two hours by ferry, we arrived to find a glittering aquamarine paradise awaiting us in the middle…
The Journey into the Jungle We wouldn’t recommend coming all the way to Borneo without slipping into something far less comfortable…aka the jungle…for a true experience. Our comfort zone destroyer of choice was through Uncle Tan Wildlife Adventures which took us up the Kinabatangan River and allowed us to stay at a rustic…very rustic…jungle camp for three days and two…
