Cherating Beach, set to the north of Kuantan and about three hours south of Kuala Terengganu, has long been heralded in guidebooks and the travel press as some kind of fabled East coast Malaysia backpacker beach hangout. The first I heard about it though was from another backpacker during our trek in Taman Negara National … read the full post

It’s not till you reach Teluk Chempedak, a 15-minute bus ride out of Kuantan, that you realise this is actually Kuantan’s main attraction. Sure, as we did, you may need to walk through a McDonalds drive-thru to reach the beach, and there may well be a combined education and mobile phone festival going on, but … read the full post

With increasing numbers of direct international flights into Langkawi, happy travellers could find themselves killing up to three hours in a rather entertainment-limited airport. Eating is an effortless time killer, but as we all know airport prices tend to be a tad high, especially when it comes to food and drink. But within a five-minute … read the full post

Other than being famed for its jungle, Sarawak is also known for its indigenous communities and for good reason; there are more than 45 recognised ethnic groups. Between them they make up more than half of the overall population and it is this diverse range of cultures that makes Sarawak one of the most fascinating … read the full post

I’m not 24 hours into my stay in Kuantan yet and I’ve gone from being indifferent to it to loathing it to finding it just okay to just loving it — and I’ve not been here for breakfast yet! All those emotions over a Malaysian state capital that really isn’t overwhelmed with attractions — what … read the full post

Langkawi’s wet markets can be superb resources for the budget traveller. Sometimes guesthouses on the island come with kitchen availability or access, and while Langkawi does indeed have grocery stores and minimarts, shaving a few ringgit from your food budget by shopping at wet markets on the island is worth the effort. Anything from freshly … read the full post

Handicrafts make great souvenirs from Sarawak; not only are they a change from mass-produced knick-knacks but, when bought from a local community, you are supporting their economy and can ensure the producer gets their fair share of payment. Sarawak has a plethora of indigenous communities and each have their own handicraft tradition. From beaded jewellery to rattan … read the full post

Kuala Lumpur isn’t the most pedestrian friendly city in the region, but that’s not to say you should spend your entire time in taxis, buses and elevated trains. Bukit Bintang is our favourite area for flashpacker digs in Kuala Lumpur and while it isn’t home to much in the way of tourist sights itself (unless … read the full post

Tropical islands tend to embrace water sports and Langkawi is no different. The sailing is excellent and contrary to popular belief, clear water snorkelling and scuba diving are available as well. But the two most popular beaches in Langkawi, Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah primarily tout no licence-needed, fun-in-the-sun activities; you’ll find an abundance of … read the full post

Every visitor to Melaka explores Chinatown and sees the Malay settlement of Kampung Morten from the river cruise, but the Portuguese Village on the outskirts of the city receives few visitors. Make the trip out to learn more about the descendants of Melaka’s first colonisers, or at least to enjoy a delicious seafood dinner by … read the full post