Its award season in the film business, and with the Oscars around the corner I thought I’d submit my nominations for greatest destinations in South-East Asia from my trip so far.
In my 4 months travelling, to date, I’ve stayed in over 30 different places, divided over 4 countries and trying to choose my favourites has not been an easy task. Its also difficult to know how to judge between places and I need to state this disclaimer straight away: My experiences are my own and they will not be the same as anyone else’s. If you were to go to any of these places, and I hope you do someday, your adventure will be different to mine and if I were to go back to these places, I will not have the same experience again.
There is a reason why we say carpe diem, seize the day, because you will never have that day again. I discovered recently that its statistically impossible to shuffle a deck of cards the exact same way, in the same way, one moment will never be the same as another.
So opening monologue over, let’s begin.
1. Karimun-Java.
I’ve spent time on quite a few islands so far on my trip, all have their own character, and there’s nothing quite like the island-life bliss. However, Karimun-Java was my first, you never forget your first, and it set the bar pretty high! The beauty and excitement when we docked into the harbour couldn’t even be diminished by the 30 hours without sleep and 5 hours on a ferry.
Our days were spent on the gorgeous white sands beaches, snorkelling and kayaking through the crystal clear turquoise sea, eating delicious food with the locals and watching the sunset, waiting for the stars to come out and splashing in the sea after dark, trying to spot glow in dark plankton! Everything here is designed to slow you down and bring you peace and joy.
2. The next place that stole my heart was Ubud.
Some of my favourite days were spent around this area, climbing through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, swimming in the Goa Rang Reng Waterfall, photographing the most diva-esque monkeys and trying to understand the meaning behind men kicking flaming coconuts around a temple in the moonlight!
3. Favourite place in Malaysia: Georgetown, Penang Island.
I like cities, particularly cities with character, the quirkier the better. The best thing to do in cities is get out your comfiest walking-shoes and wander round until you’re completely lost, you never know what you might find, and what you’ll find in Georgetown, is a treat on every corner! The city is known for it’s street art, so have your camera ready.
Don’t worry if you get tired from walking, there’s a huge variety of food everywhere, cute elegant cafes, street food and of course make sure you’re wandering feet make their way to little India, for lots of samosas, roti and a butter chicken curry that could successfully tempt a vegetarian!
4. The next one gets on the list for its breath-taking natural beauty; Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Home to some of the world’s most majestic and largest caves, the limestone surroundings seem to engulf you too! Our drive to Phong Nha had not been a pleasant one, it had rained… the entire way, we were frozen and soaked through and couldn’t wait to get off the bike and into a hot shower (Phong Nha has hot showers – another reason it gets into the top 5). The last stretch of road we actually drove through the national park, and even as miserable, cold and wet as we were, we could not help but be in awe of the stunning landscape everywhere we looked.
We spent the next day (mercifully not in the rain) exploring caves. Some of them get very pricy and take a long time to see, but we visited paradise cave, which seems to just keep going back, even after reaching the end of the path set down for tourists you can tell the abyss continues on even further. Caves are one of the most undiscovered features on our incredible planet, depths of mystery and beauty carved out of limestone over so many years… It was awe-inspiring and humbling to stand encompassed by those stalactites and stalagmites.
5. Last, but not least: Chiang Rai.
I’ve spent about a month now in Northern Thailand. Having heard about this place since I was 10 from my big sister, I’ve always wanted to experience it for myself and I’ve absolutely loved it! Chiang Mai, Pai, Chiang Dao, all could have made it into my favourite places, but I’m choosing Chiang Rai because its a lot less touristy and much more peaceful, than Chiang Mai but there is still lots to do and see, like the famously beautiful temples, or ornate clock tower.
But, equally you don’t have do anything. If you wanted to just walk through tea plantations, stroll through night markets, drive up into the mountains on a motorbike, you can find the stillness here you might be searching for. I certainly did.
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