Floating Through the Noise

A Wildlife and culture journey through malaysia

Timothy Blake — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 20:08:12 GMT

As a birdwatcher and wildlife enthusiast, getting into the deep rainforests of Sepilok and river cruises down the Kinabatangan River was a dream come true. Here is the step-by-step log of my journey, the incredible close-up encounters had with Borneo’s famous “Big 5”, and some of the best moments I captured along the way.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpu is a melting pot of different cultures, with a heavy influence of Indian and Chinese cultures mixed with Malay culture. It also features a wealth of architecture from when the Europeans colonised Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia.

Getting Around and Where I Stayed

My time in Malaysia started in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, where I stayed in central Kuala Lumpur at a hotel called Travelodge City Centre. It was a great hotel cheap, comfortable, and in an great location. It is very easy to get to if you are flying into Kuala Lumpur because you can catch the express train, change to another train, and it is just one stop to that station. From there, you are right at the Travelodge, literally in central Kuala Lumpur. This gives you plenty of options for walking around, with various food spots and shopping malls to visit within the area.

Birdwatching at KL Bird Park & KLCC Park

During my time in Kuala Lumpur, being a big birdwatcher, I checked out the KL Bird Park. To my knowledge, it is the biggest free-flight walk-in aviary in the world. It is a huge park with a large variety of birds. The overall park does feel a little bit tired, but it is a great place to visit if you like birds. It is very cheap and affordable, making it a perfect afternoon activity.

Cattle Egret at KL Bird Park

Night Heron perched on a branch

Milky Stork

Once I finished my time at the bird park, I headed over to KLCC Park, which is one of the biggest parks in Kuala Lumpur. It is home to the famous Petronas Twin Towers, one of the most iconic buildings in the city. It was fantastic to see the huge twin towers up close.

Scenic park view at KLCC Park

The iconic Petronas Twin Towers towering above KLCC Park

Braving the Monkeys at Batu Caves

I also spent time at Batu Caves, a religious Hindu temple site. I believe it takes about 272 steps to get to the top of the cave. Once you are inside, you can explore the cavernous spaces, which are incredible to experience.

There are lots of macaque monkeys watching you as you walk up. They are very cheeky; if you have any plastic bags, they will attempt to take them off you. When walking up, you need to ensure that everything is sealed away and avoid carrying loose bottles or plastic bags to prevent the monkeys from stealing them.

The massive Lord Murugan statue and colourful entrance steps at Batu Caves

Inside the expansive cavern of Batu Caves

Green Hanuman statue near the entrance to Batu Caves

Colonial Architecture at Merdeka Square

Another highlight of Kuala Lumpur is Merdeka Square. This area features magnificent building structures; the architecture is absolutely stunning and unlike anything I have seen before. This square is where Malaysia declared its independence, so it holds great historical significance and is very popular amongst tourists.

The grand colonial facade of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building at Merdeka Square

Historic colonial architecture surrounding Merdeka Square

Penang

Getting to George Town

I caught a flight to Penang in the morning. It is a very short flight from Kuala Lumpur they say an hour and 15 minutes, but it only took 45 minutes to arrive. There are alternative options, such as a train from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, but that takes about three hours. Because the price difference between the train and the plane isn’t very large, it is well worth catching a flight.

I stayed in George Town, a highly iconic area where a lot of people go to see the street art and graffiti. Arriving in the afternoon, I caught a Grab to my hotel. I stayed in a lovely apartment at the Macallum Central Hotel, which was very affordable and nice. It had a living room, a bathroom, and two bedrooms; I would definitely recommend it if you are staying in George Town.

Since I arrived in the afternoon (my flight landed at 2:50 pm and I reached my hotel by about 5:00 pm), I walked down into central George Town to look at some of the iconic graffiti. I then headed over to a famous local food spot, but because it was close to closing time, I was only able to grab a few items a vegetable samosa and a chicken one. I had a walk around, took a few photos, and headed back to the hotel for an early start the next day.

Vibrant street artwork painted on historic shopfront shutters in George Town

Classic brightly coloured heritage architecture in George Town

Interactive wall mural integrated with wooden doors in George Town

The imposing exterior of The George Hotel in Penang

Exploring Penang Hill and The Habitat

The next morning, I headed over to Penang Hill. They have a funicular railway (a cliff railway train) that takes you to the highest point on the island. The views are amazing, allowing you to see over the whole of George Town. On that particular day, it was very foggy, so it was hard to get a clean shot of the view. Nevertheless, it was a breathtaking experience to be up so high, looking out over George Town, Penang, and the sea.

The Penang Hill funicular railway train ascending through the forest

Penang Hill offers a variety of things to do. There are temples to visit, including a mosque and a Hindu temple at the top, offering great architecture for photos. A recent addition is The Habitat, which features a canopy boardwalk tower where you walk above the treetops. You can see loads of different birds, macaques, and squirrels. It offers an amazing 360-degree viewing deck that is highly elevated, allowing you to see the entire rainforest. I really enjoyed this experience. They have loads of different walking trails which take about an hour to walk around at a leisurely pace. If you want to sit down to do some photography and capture the birds, you could easily spend a lot more time there. It is a very good place to visit and highly recommended.

Walking high above the rainforest canopy at The Habitat, Penang Hill

Kek Lok Si Temple and the Botanical Gardens

After spending half the day there, I headed over to Kek Lok Si Temple in the afternoon, which is a massive temple complex in Penang. It was a great experience. You can pay a small fee to use the inclined lift to access the different levels. You can go inside the temples, which are active religious sites, so you need to be respectful of the people praying. At the very top floor, there is an iconic, massive bronze statue of Kuan Yin. You can either walk all the way back down via the pathways or pay a fee to catch the lift back to the ground floor. It is a beautiful temple and an experience you definitely shouldn’t skip.

The impressive multi-tiered complex of Kek Lok Si Temple

The massive bronze statue of Kuan Yin standing atop Kek Lok Si Temple

Next, I headed over to the Penang Botanical Gardens for a wander. I did some wildlife photography, capturing photos of various birds and monkeys. It was a lovely, quiet, and empty place to walk. I saw a Kingfisher, a Little Egret, and a Night Heron. It was a very rich place for wildlife. I can imagine that getting there early in the morning would make it a prime spot to watch the birds feeding.

Entrance sign to the Penang Botanic Gardens

A Little Egret standing near the water’s edge in Penang Botanical Gardens

A vibrant Stork-billed Kingfisher perched on a branch

Street Food and Photographing Graffiti

Right next to my hotel, there were street food vendors where you could experience a bunch of different dishes, particularly Chinese cuisine. It was great for enjoying cheap, affordable food in the evening.

The following day consisted of walking around George Town. The night before, I had mapped out all the locations of the iconic graffiti pieces. In the morning, I ran around to photograph those pieces of art. Walking around George Town, taking in the culture, and seeing the historic buildings was highly enjoyable.

The iconic street art mural featuring a boy sitting on a real motorbike in George Town

The world-famous ‘Children on a Bicycle’ mural in George Town

Large-scale wall painting depicting a young girl on a George Town building facade

I checked out of my accommodation at 12:00 pm and transferred to a hotel closer to the airport because I had an early flight the next morning to Sandakan, Sarawak (Borneo) via Kuala Lumpur. I arrived in East Malaysia in the evening, ready to spend the next couple of days exploring.

Borneo – Sepilok

Sunrise at the Rainforest Discovery Centre

I arrived at the Sepilok B&B in the evening. It was dry when I arrived, so I had a meal and headed straight to my room to get a good night’s sleep before an early start. Staying at the Sepilok B&B was excellent because it is in very close proximity to the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)—a renowned wildlife destination home to various bird species and famous for visits from hornbills.

I headed to the rainforest as soon as it opened at 8:00 am. I was the first person in line to get into the park.

Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle perched high in the rainforest canopy at RDC

The elevated metal canopy walkway through the lush rainforest at the Rainforest Discovery Centre

Top Tip: The RDC offers an early-entry ticket, but you have to purchase it the day before. While the park officially opens at 8:00 am, this special ticket allows you to enter at 6:00 am. This lets you experience the rainforest as the sun starts to rise, when the park is much quieter and there is less disturbance from other visitors—which is ideal for wildlife viewing.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

After 90 minutes, I walked over to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, which is just under a mile away. It is a very easy, flat route where it is almost impossible to get lost. The only thing to bear in mind is that you are walking directly in the sun, so remember to bring water and sunglasses.

Upon arriving at the rehabilitation centre, you buy your tickets. You are not allowed to bring any bags onto the viewing platforms, so they provide a secure storage area. You put your bags and loose items into a locker, pocket the key, and head out.

If you arrive before the 10:30 am feeding time, you can visit the outdoor nursery, which is dedicated to younger orphaned orangutans. They also have a main feeding deck where semi-wild orangutans can come in from the reserve to feed on fruit. Because it is an open rainforest, other animals can access the deck too; the platform was joined by some pig-tailed macaques who indulged in the fruits. It was lovely to see the mothers and small baby macaques alongside the orangutans, which were definitely the star attraction.

A young orphaned orangutan practicing climbing skills at the outdoor nursery

Orangutans gathered around the feeding platform enjoying fresh fruit

Close-up portrait of a Bornean orangutan climbing down from the trees

A mother pig-tailed macaque holding her tiny infant at the feeding deck

A pig-tailed macaque inspecting visitors along the wooden viewing boardwalk

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

After getting some great photos, I headed over to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which is located literally opposite the orangutan site. This makes it incredibly handy to do both in one visit, though they are separate facilities so you do have to pay a separate entrance fee.

The centre has around 40 rescued sun bears and features large forested enclosures with viewing platforms. The bears can roam, forage, and bathe, but unlike the orangutans, they cannot come and go into the wider wild as they please. It is a large, natural enclosure that provides ample space and all the necessities they would have in the wild. Many of these sun bears were rescued from places where they were mistreated, kept as pets, or commercialised in private zoos. Sadly, because they have been domesticated or traumatised, many can never be fully released back into the wild and will live at the centre for the foreseeable future. The centre is highly educational, with excellent signage explaining the mission and the rescue efforts being made.

A rescued Malayan sun bear foraging through the forested enclosure

Educational information display boards outlining rescue and rehabilitation work at the centre

Up Close with Proboscis Monkeys at Labuk Bay

After my sun bear visit concluded, I headed back to my accommodation, grabbed a late lunch, and then visited the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. I took a taxi from my accommodation, and paid the driver a fee to wait for me.

There are various scheduled feeding times throughout the day. This sanctuary was one of the absolute highlights of my trip because of the incredibly close proximity you get to the proboscis monkeys. They come right onto the wooden boardwalk platforms, literally metres away from you. This allowed me to capture highly detailed portraits, close-up headshots, and intricate photos. I was incredibly pleased with the shots I got there.

Detailed portrait of a male proboscis monkey sitting on the boardwalk platform at Labuk Bay

Close-up headshot showing the prominent nose of a male proboscis monkey

Profile portrait capturing the unique features of the endemic Bornean proboscis monkey

A proboscis monkey eating fresh vegetation provided during feeding time

The RDC day pass is valid for the whole day, so I chose to head back there for another hour or two in the late afternoon before returning to my B&B to unwind. The next day, I was scheduled to start a river cruise safari with a touring company called River Junkie.

Kinabatangan River

Day 1: Cruising and Ticking Off the “Big 5”

Day one of my river safari along the Kinabatangan River began with a 12:45 pm pickup. River Junkie picked me up directly from Sepilok B&B. The journey took two hours to reach Nature Lodge Kinabatangan.

Upon arrival, we were briefed on how the itinerary would play out and what to expect. The evening plan consisted of a river cruise. We checked in at 3:00 pm, and the cruise began at 4:00 pm, giving us just enough time to refresh, shower, and get ready.

The river cruise vastly exceeded my expectations. Anyone travelling to Borneo hopes to see the “Big 5″—the five most iconic wildlife species on the island:

Proboscis Monkeys perched in riverside branches (endemic to Borneo)

A proboscis monkey foraging high in the canopy along the Kinabatangan riverbank

A magnificent Rhinoceros Hornbill perched high up on a dry jungle branch

Rhinoceros Hornbills

A large Estuarine (Saltwater) Crocodile resting along the muddy riverbanks

On this very first cruise, we saw four out of the five! The only one that evaded us was the pygmy elephant. We saw proboscis monkeys, macaques, saltwater crocodiles, a Blue-eared Kingfisher, and a Stork-billed Kingfisher. We even saw three different species of hornbills, including the majestic Rhinoceros Hornbill flying right over the river. It was a jam-packed route, and we were able to get incredibly close to the kingfishers and other wildlife, resulting in some eye-catching shots. It was an unforgettable experience.

Close-up view of a tiny Blue-eared Kingfisher perched right over the water

We returned to the lodge for dinner at 6:30 pm, which featured a great selection of both Western and traditional Malay food. After dinner, I returned to my room to go through the photos I had captured, tagging the images I wanted to keep and edit later. I brought a portable hard drive with me to back up my photos every day, ensuring I wasn’t solely relying on the camera’s SD cards.

At around 8:00 pm, we went out for an hour-and-a-half night walk through the jungle. Thankfully, it hadn’t rained for a few days, so the jungle track was dry and easy to navigate. We saw a range of different nocturnal wildlife: an abundance of bugs, lots of moths, various spiders, stick insects, a Malay civet (which looks a bit like a small cat/skunk), and several sleeping kingfishers nestled in the branches. It was a brilliant first day.

Day 2: Tracking the Pygmy Elephants and a Jungle Trek

Day two started with a 5:30 am wake-up call to meet at the reception area for 5:45 am. The lodge offers hot drinks and light snacks that you can quickly grab before the 6:00 am boat departure.

The focus of this morning’s itinerary was to track down the Bornean pygmy elephants. This species often eludes visitors due to their declining numbers, but our guide was determined to find them. They often cross the river right as the sun rises, so it was a bit of a race to get down the river to where they were reported.

These are the smallest elephant species in the world, but they still seemed fairly massive and impressive to me! It was magnificent to witness them swimming across the river so early in the morning.

Bornean Pygmy Elephants wading and swimming across the Kinabatangan River at dawn

A Pygmy Elephant reaching the opposite riverbank after crossing

As we headed back down the river, we spotted a macaque that appeared to have been injured, with lots of cuts and scars on its face. It looked quite young, but thankfully it still seemed to be in good spirits. We also saw an array of birds, more hornbills, and groups of proboscis monkeys hanging out near the riverbank before venturing deeper into the forest to forage for food.

Close-up portrait of a young macaque showing visible facial scars and battle marks

We arrived back at the lodge around 8:00 am for breakfast. At 9:15 am, we set out on a guided jungle walk. We did a loop through the forest, searching for insects and spotting wild orangutan nests. It was impressive to see the complex nests they construct fresh every single night in the canopy to sleep in. While we didn’t spot any wild orangutans on the walk, we hiked up to a viewpoint that offered a beautiful bird’s-eye view of the river.

Panoramic viewpoint overlooking the winding Kinabatangan River and rainforest canopy

We returned to our rooms, had lunch at 12:30 pm, and met back up at 3:45 pm for an early evening safari cruise. We left 15 minutes earlier than the day before, and those 15 minutes proved incredibly beneficial. We encountered several pygmy elephants right on the edge of the riverbank. To see them twice in one day was an unbelievable experience, and I managed to get some great photographs of them bathing in the water and coming right up to the edge.

Pygmy elephants gathering along the muddy edge of the Kinabatangan River

We also encountered a large troop of macaques with tiny babies playing together on a small patch of grass. We were able to get the boat incredibly close to create some beautiful, detailed portraits. Along the river, we also saw several White-bellied Sea Eagles soaring overhead.

A troop of macaques including young infants playing near the water

A White-bellied Sea Eagle perched on a dead branch scouting the river

We returned for dinner at 6:30 pm. Afterwards, we had the option of another night walk or a night cruise. Because the night track was going to be similar to the previous evening, I opted for a relaxing night cruise on the water.

Day 3: Rare Storks and Final Reflections

Our final day started with a 6:00 am departure for the last cruise of the trip. This river cruise was a bit shorter about an hour and a half and it was a very quiet, misty morning on the water.

However, we were treated to a wonderful surprise: we spotted a group of Storm’s Storks perched in the trees. They are an endangered species on a massive decline in Borneo, with fewer than 500 individuals left in the wild. It was incredibly lucky to see a group of them together. It was fascinating to observe them from a distance, even if I wished they had been just a little bit closer for photos.

We also saw several large crocodiles lounging on the edge of the mudbanks. Because they remained perfectly still, I managed to get some highly detailed close-ups of their eyes and scales. With White-bellied Sea Eagles and hornbills flying overhead, it concluded a quieter but highly rewarding final cruise.

Detailed close-up shot of a large saltwater crocodile resting perfectly still on the mudbank

We got off the boat around 7:30 am and went straight to breakfast. Checkout was at 8:30 am, so I quickly packed my gear and headed to reception. All meals were included in the River Junkie tour package, so I only had to pay the remaining balance for a few extra soft drinks I had purchased, alongside the standard Tourism Tax of 10 Ringgit per night (20 Ringgit total).

My next destination was a brand-new hotel that had just opened in Sandakan called the Ormond Hotel. It had only been open for four weeks, so it felt incredibly fresh, modern, and clean—a really nice place to relax after a busy few days in the jungle.

Exterior view of the new Ormond Hotel in Sandakan

Closing Reflections

From the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur to the historic, art-filled lanes of George Town, my latest trip to Malaysia was already unforgettable. But the real adventure began when I flew across the water to Borneo. As a birdwatcher and wildlife enthusiast, getting into the deep rainforests of Sepilok and cruising down the Kinabatangan River was a dream come true.

Reflecting on this journey, it is safe to say it surpassed every expectation I had. Ticking off four of the “Big 5” on my very first river cruise, tracking down the elusive pygmy elephants not once but twice, and capturing incredibly crisp, detailed portraits of proboscis monkeys and endangered Storm’s Storks made every early 5:30 am wake-up call completely worth it. Whether I was dodging cheeky macaques at Batu Caves, looking out over the misty canopy from Penang Hill, or backing up my day’s shots in a quiet jungle lodge, Malaysia and Borneo delivered an absolute masterclass in both vibrant culture and raw, spectacular wildlife. Packing up my gear at the Ormond Hotel, I am leaving with a completely full hard drive, some of my favourite photographs to date, and memories of a rainforest expedition that I won’t soon forget.

Japan: Two weeks exploring

Timothy Blake — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 22:03:34 GMT

Thanks to Japan’s incredible travel network, getting around is a breeze, making it easy to visit different cities across the country. My best advice? Don’t confine your trip to just Tokyo; you’ll only get a small glimpse of what makes Japan a must-see and explore country. Here is a look at my 14-day journey!

Part 1: Osaka and the Kansai Region

After a 7-hour flight from Chiang Mai, Thailand, to Osaka airport, arriving at 8 AM, I caught a train from the airport to the hotel. I dropped my luggage at the hotel in Tennoji, a great central location. Since I was unable to check in immediately, I walked and explored nearby attractions.

Osaka sign

Days 1: Vibrant Osaka

Osaka Tennoji Zoo (大阪市天王寺動物園): which first opened its doors in 1915 and is home to 1,000 animals and 170 different species. The really affordable cost of only £2.60 makes it a very family-friendly attraction for local Japanese people.

Black-crowned Night Heron

Grey Heron

White Stork

Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower: We grabbed some great food in the picturesque Shinsekai area and took in the city views from the huge observation deck of the Tsutenkaku Tower.

Osaka Shinsekai

Tsutenkaku Tower Street View

Yokozuna Signage

The Golden Billiken

Day 2: Osaka

Namba Yasaka Temple: An early start, getting up at 5:30 AM and leaving the hotel by 6 AM. One thing about Japan is that the earlier you get up, the fewer people there are, which is great if you want to capture some photos. Headed straight to Namba Yasaka, a very unique and iconic temple. It is believed that the lion’s giant, open mouth swallows evil spirits, bringing good fortune, particularly for success in business or school.

JR train Namba Yasaka Temple

Namba Yasaka Temple

Namba Yasaka Temple close up

Osaka Castle: This was one of the places I was really excited to visit in Japan after reading so many references to it in books and video games. The castle grounds are huge and free to explore. There is a fee for going inside the castle, which, when the castle was last destroyed, was reconstructed with the inside being turned into a museum. On top is an observation deck for panoramic views of the castle grounds.

Front of Osaka Castle

Shitennō-ji Temple: Founded in 593 AD by Prince Shōtoku, Shitennō-ji is regarded as the first Buddhist temple in Japan to be officially administered by the state [1.1]. It was established to honour the Four Heavenly Kings (Shitennō) after the prince prayed for victory in a conflict against anti-Buddhist clans.

Shitennō-ji Temple entrance

Shitennō-ji Temple

Paying respects to Kobo Daishi (Kukai). The inscription Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo on the stone pillar marks this as a site of Shingon Buddhism

Dotonbori: An abundance of food stands and restaurants. It is really enjoyable to walk along the river and see all the neon signs. This is home to the world’s most popular neon sign and a very popular photo spot: the Glico Man, a large-scale, illuminated advertising billboard located in the bustling entertainment district. The sign advertises Ezaki Glico, a major Japanese confectionery company headquartered in Osaka, famous worldwide for producing snacks such as Pocky and Pretz.

Glico Man

The Angry Chef (Kushikatsu Daruma)

Neon Streets & Retro Gaming

Day 3: The Deer of Nara

Nara is an easy, short train journey (30–55 minutes) from Osaka and makes for a fantastic day trip.

Nara Park: A prime, must-visit spot where hundreds of wild Sika deer roam freely. You can purchase crackers to feed them, and they will even bow before taking the treat—it’s both hilarious and charming!

Deer nara park

Todai-ji Temple: Visited the Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall), which held the record for the world’s largest wooden building for centuries. The huge Nandaimon Gate with its imposing Nio guardian statues is a national treasure.

The Great South Gate (Nandaimon)

The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden)

The Great Buddha (Daibutsu)

Kasuga Taisha Shrine (春日大社): Famous for its approximately 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns, only fully lit during the Mantoro festivals in February and August.

Lanterns of Kasuga Taisha

The endless lanterns of Kasuga Taisha

The Main Sanctuary

Day 4: Majestic Himeji & Gastronomic Kobe

Both cities are on the same train line and are easily accessible from Osaka.

Himeji Castle: A stunning UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1609. Remarkably, it was never destroyed or rebuilt like many others. We spent hours exploring the grounds and climbed to the top for spectacular panoramic views.

Himeji Castle

The Hishi Gate (Hishi-no-mon)

Himeji-jō against the blue

Kobe: A pilgrimage for foodies! Indulging in the infamous Kobe beef was pricey but absolutely worth the splurge.

Kobe Animal Kingdom: A wonderful place with huge open enclosures where you can get incredibly close to animals like Chinese Mandarin ducks and the African shoebill—an amazing experience.

Toco Toucan

Spoon Bill

Part 2: Remembrance, Serenity, and Culture

Day 5: Poignant Hiroshima

A very poignant day spent exploring the history of Hiroshima, a city that had to be rebuilt after the 1945 atomic bomb.

Atomic Bomb Dome: The only building that wasn’t destroyed by the blast, standing as a powerful and moving symbol of peace.

Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) river view

Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) the park context

Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) – The skeletal remains of the Industrial Promotion Hall.

Peace Park & Peace Memorial Museum: A serene, reflective memorial park and an impactful museum documenting the bombing. Be warned, the photographs are very graphic and make for a very emotional experience.

Memorial park

Visited Hiroshima Castle and the Observation Tower Deck for a bird’s-eye view of the city’s incredible recovery.

Hiroshima Castle – The Omotegomon Gate

Hiroshima castle

The Ninomaru & Skyline

Hiroshima Castle grounds

Day 6: Floating Torii of Miyajima

This is a great day trip from Hiroshima, easily reached by speed boat or ferry. The island is famous for shrines, temples, and more wild deer!

Miyajima Torii Gate: The iconic “floating” gate and entrance to the sacred Itsukushima Shrine. Travel tip: Head straight there upon arrival to beat the crowds and get close to the gate.

Miyajima Torii Gate

Miyajima Ropeway: A scenic cable car ride offering breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea, with various hiking routes to explore the mountain further.

Miyajima Ropeway

Breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea

Days 7 & 8: Historical Kyoto

Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japan, and its historical center is unforgettable.

To-ji Temple & Nidec Kyoto Tower Started with To-ji Temple, home to the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan (55 meters), then contrasted it with the modern views from the Nidec Kyoto Tower, the tallest structure in Kyoto.

Tō-ji Temple Pagoda

Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower City View

Gion District: The famous Geisha district, where walking through the machiya (traditional wooden merchant houses) feels like stepping back in time.

The Slopes of Higashiyama (Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka)

Traditional Merchant House (Machiya)

Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji Temple)

Kiyomizu-dera: A UNESCO World Heritage site whose main hall features a massive wooden stage built without a single nail—a truly mind-blowing marvel of Japanese engineering.

The vibrant entrance to Kiyomizu-dera

The Three-Story Pagoda (Sanjunoto)

Nestled in the green hills of Higashiyama.

Nijō Castle: The former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, famous for its “nightingale floors” (uguisubari) that chirp when walked upon to warn of intruders.

The Main Hall (Honden)

Fushimi Inari-taisha (Senbon Torii): We walked through the famous thousands of vermilion torii gates that straddle the trails up sacred Mount Inari—an incredible photo spot!

Entrance to the sacred Mount Inari

Senbon Torii (The Thousand Gates)

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): The top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. A truly stunning sight against the water.

Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)

Part 3: The Modern Metropolis and Natural Beauty

Day 9: Journey to Tokyo

The journey from Kyoto to Tokyo on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) took just over 2 hours a fast and comfortable way to travel!

The Shinkansen – The sleek nose of the Bullet Train

Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building: We found a fantastic free alternative to the Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower. Its observation deck offers panoramic views of Tokyo and, on clear days, you can even spot Mount Fuji! Definitely go here to save money.

Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building view point

Day 10: Tokyo – Culture & Tech

Tokyo is a blend of old tradition and hyper-modern technology.

Tokyo National Museum: It rained the whole day so visited the Tokyo National Museum located in Ueno Park, which is the oldest national museum in Japan. It houses a vast collection of art and archaeological artefacts, including samurai armour and katana swords, providing deep theoretical insight into Japanese martial history.

The Wooden Guardian

Blue Samurai Armour

Helmet Detail

Standing Buddhist stone sculpture

Akihabara Electronics District (“Electric Town”): The center of Japan’s otaku (diehard fan) culture. As a video game fan, visiting “Super Potato” for retro gaming history was a must, along with checking out the various Sega/Gigo arcades.

Akihabara (Electric Town)

Day 11: Mount Fuji – The Iconic Landscape

Chureito Pagoda: This day was all about getting that classic photo! We visited the Chureito Pagoda, which is the location of the “classic” Japan photo featuring the pagoda in the foreground with Mount Fuji in the background. It is worth the climb.

Chureito Pagoda & Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji

Lake Kawaguchi: On a calm day, the lake acts as a perfect mirror for the mountain. We were lucky enough to catch a great reflection.

Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba (Village & Fuji)

Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba: A beautiful, reconstructed traditional Japanese village with thatched-roof houses, now an open-air museum and craft village.

Thatched House

Day 12: Tokyo – Nature & Tradition

Ueno Park & Ueno Zoo: Started the day at Ueno Zoo, Japan’s oldest zoo, opened in 1882. It is located in Ueno Park, a massive public park known for its museums and shrines. It is a prime spot for bird watching in the city; keep an eye out for Azure-winged Magpies, which are common here but rare in Europe a nice little wildlife bonus!

Uneo Park

UENO ZOO Entrance

Uneo Zoo Panda

Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa. The Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its massive red lantern is a major symbol of the city.

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji Five-Story Pagoda

Senso-ji Main Hall (Hondo)

Tokyo Skytree: At 634 metres, it is the tallest tower in the world. Its earthquake resistance engineering, which mimics the central pillar (shinbashira) of traditional pagodas, is a fascinating architectural study.

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Tower The Cityscape View

Great Hall (Daiden) of Zōjō-ji Temple (San’en-zan Zōjō-ji), located in the Minato ward of Tokyo, Japan. The red and white lattice structure visible in the background is the Tokyo Tower.

Zōjō-ji Temple & Tokyo Tower

Day 13: Narita

Narita is an hour away from Tokyo and is where the airport is located. If you have a late or early flight, you can stop in Narita and take advantage of what the city has to offer instead of just heading straight to the airport.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple: One of Japan’s largest and most popular Buddhist temple complexes, famous for its daily Goma fire rituals performed in honor of Fudo Myoo. It’s a powerful thing to witness before heading home. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, one of Japan’s largest and most popular Buddhist temple complexes, founded in the year 940.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple – The three-story Pagoda

The Prince Shōtoku Hall (Shōtoku Taishi-dō)

Final Thoughts

Japan has to be one of the ultimate travel destinations, rich in history, culture, and food. The culture is incomparable to any other country I have visited in the world, creating amazing, unforgettable memories I will cherish and never forget. Japan has an incredible travel network, making it easy to visit different cities across the country. The best advice would be to not confine your itinerary to only exploring Tokyo, as you’ll only get a small glimpse into what makes Japan one of the countries to see and explore.

Exploring Beijing

Timothy Blake — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 13:10:45 GMT

Day 1 – Discovering Beijing’s Imperial Majesty

Great wall of China

Start your journey with one of the most iconic landmarks on Earth, the Great Wall of China. Though not located directly in Beijing, it’s easily accessible from the city and absolutely worth the trip. The Mutianyu section is the best area to visit it’s less crowded and offers two distinct experiences: the Western section, which has been extensively restored, and the Eastern section, which remains less renovated and provides a more authentic glimpse of the Wall’s original state. The experience is truly breathtaking.

Travel Tip: Get there early to avoid crowds, and wear comfortable shoes there are plenty of steep steps and uneven surfaces!

Great wall of china

Summer Palace

Next, head to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Its a great way to slow down and soak in some history. You can purchase a ticket for boat which takes you around the lake where you can up close and personal with the sights.

Beijing summer palace

Day 2 – Culture, Pandas & Imperial Grandeur

Beijing Zoo & The Panda House

Start your day with something a little more playful a visit to the Beijing Zoo, home to a wide range of animals, but most famous for its Panda House. Watching the pandas lounge around and munch on bamboo is a heartwarming experience. With only 1,900 pandas left in the world, seeing these rare animals up close is truly special.
Fun Fact: Giant pandas are considered a national treasure in China!

Panda House Beijing

Yellow-billed stork

Forbidden kingdom

This massive palace complex served as the home of emperors for nearly 500 years. It’s such an impressive infrastructure, another UNESCO Heritage site and one of the highlights of my time spent exploring Beijing, as it’s just filled with an abundance of history where you could spend hours exploring.

Forbidden kingdom – Beijing

Temple of Heaven

Next, make your way to the Temple of Heaven, a serene complex of religious buildings set in a beautiful park. This is where emperors once prayed for good harvests.

Temple of heaven – Beijing

Exploring Chiang rai

Timothy Blake — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:55:35 GMT

Since three of our destinations are places of worship, please remember to dress appropriately and modestly no exposed knees or shoulders.

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

The White Temple is one of Chiang Rai’s most popular attractions. Visit early to avoid crowds. Entrance fee is 100 baht.

Designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this temple stands unique in the world. Its pure white exterior, symbolizing Buddha’s purity, is studded with tiny glass pieces that sparkle in the sunlight.

Front of the white Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

The Black House (Baan Dam Museum)

The Black House Museum offers a fascinating exploration of death, spirituality, and the afterlife. The complex features over 40 black structures, with artwork crafted from animal bones, skins, and horns.

Building structure in the black house museum

Big Buddha (Wat Huay Pla Kang)

Wat Huay Pla Kang, known as the “Big Buddha” of Chiang Rai, beautifully combines Thai and Chinese architectural styles. The 79-meter-tall structure features a lift (40 baht) that takes visitors to the top for panoramic views of Chiang Rai.

Outside the temple, there’s a great restaurant which offers pad thai and ice cream for 20 baht each. It’s an affordable and delicious meal, or you can simply enjoy some ice cream to cool down from the heat.

Wat Huay Pla Kang temple

Guan Yin Temple nine-tiered pagoda

Blue Temple (Rong Suea Ten Temple)

Built in 2016, the Blue Temple showcases vibrant blue colors and contemporary Lanna art. This striking temple harmoniously combines traditional Thai architecture with modern artistic elements. Entry is free, and it tends to be less crowded than the White Temple.

Blue temple front (Rong Suea Ten Temple)

Blue temple back (Rong Suea Ten Temple)

Chiang Mai temples

Timothy Blake — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 10:09:01 GMT

This is a list of 5 temples you must visit in Chiang Mai, which all can be visited within a few hours. I would recommend starting the visit as early as possible all temples open from 6am. Starting early makes the experience more pleasant as it’s not as hot in the morning. It’s best to follow the temples visit in the order below.

Top 5 Chiang Mai temples

1. Wat Phra Singh

Located in the heart of Old Town, this 14th-century temple is one of Chiang Mai’s most revered sites, featuring classic Lanna architecture and housing the famous Phra Singh Buddha image.

Wat Phra Singh temple

2. Wat Chedi Luang

This is a short walk from Wat Phra Singh. It’s a temple that dates back to the 14th century. This temple was one of the tallest structures in Chiang Mai. Though partially ruined, its impressive architecture and elephant sculptures make it a must-visit destination.

Outside of the temple there’s a 7-Eleven, so it’s a great opportunity to pick up a drink or refreshments before walking onto Wat Chiang Man.

Wat Chedi Luang temple

3. Wat Chiang Man

This is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dating back to 1296 when it was built. This temple houses the Crystal Buddha and Marble Buddha, both believed to have protective powers.

Quieter and less touristy perfect for a peaceful moment.

Wat Chiang Man temple

4. Wat Lok Moli

Its massive ancient chedi (stupa) is made of exposed brick very raw, striking, and different from the usual gold plated or whitewashed styles. This is another quiet temple situated at the north gate of the old city.

Wat Lok Moli temple

5. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

This is the only temple that’s not within walking distance but easily accessible via taxi using Bolt or Grab from Wat Lok Moli, which is fairly cheap and affordable.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic temples, perched on Doi Suthep mountain with stunning views over the city. Built in 1383, it features a golden chedi containing holy Buddha relics.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple

Exploring Singapore

Timothy Blake — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 18:08:43 GMT

How to spend 2 days exploring Singapore

Day 1 Exploring Singapore

Morning

Hawker centre

A great option when visiting Singapore is to check out one of the affordable hawker food centres, which you’ll find various ones all across the country. What I love most about the hawker centers is that they’re affordable yet offer authentic Singaporean food, so it’s a great way to indulge in some of the local dishes.

Singapore zoo

Singapore Zoo is comparable in size to Disneyland theme park. It comprises four different parks: Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Bird Paradise, Night Safari, and River Wonders. Visiting all four parks would take the better part of a day. If you’re short on time, I’d recommend exploring just one or two parks.

What I love about this zoo is the spacious enclosures for the animals. They have ample room to roam, creating an almost natural environment. Unlike some other zoos, you never get the impression that the animals are neglected or mistreated. Theres also opptunitys to feed animals and theres also live shows throughout the day you can sit and watch..

My top tip is to arrive at the zoo early. Many animals retreat to shaded areas during the hottest part of the day, typically around midday. By starting your visit early, you’re more likely to see your favorite animals when they’re most active, reducing the chance of missing out on exciting sightings.

Malayan Tiger – Singapore Zoo

Chimpanzee – Singapore zoo

Afternoon

Chinatown

Head to Chinatown, where you’ll find several authentic Chinese restaurants to enjoy. It’s a delightful area to stroll through and experience the Chinese culture that’s an integral part of Singapore’s heritage. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is within this area which is a great temple i recomend checking out while visting this area.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum

Little India

Little India is also close to Chinatown, offering a similar experience with vibrant streets and shops to explore. No visit to Little India is complete without seeing the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple with exquisite attention to detail. You’ll be awestruck when you see it for the first time.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Evening:

Gardens by the Bay and the Cloud Forest

For the evening, I recommend heading over to explore Gardens by the Bay and the Cloud Forest in Singapore. It blends togther a great blend of nature and technolgy from the worlds tallest indoor waterfall to super trees you can walk across for amazing views of city skyline or just observe the symphony of lights and music.

Gardens by the bay

Supertree Grove – Singapore

Day 2 Exploring Singapore

Morning

Botanic Gardens Nature Walk

Start your day early with a visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a chilled escape from the bustling city. This lush oasis, spanning 82 hectares, is home to over 10,000 species of plants and is certainly worth experiencing when visiting Singapore. As you stroll through the grounds, don’t miss the National Orchid Garden, which houses the world’s largest orchid display featuring over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids.

Afternoon:

Sentosa Island

For your afternoon adventure, head to Sentosa Island, a man-made island that has been transformed into a premier leisure destination. You can take a scenic cable car ride over to Sentosa, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and harbor. Once on the island, you’re spoiled for choice with activities. If you’re in the mood for thrills and excitement, Universal Studios Singapore awaits with its movie-themed rides and attractions. Nature enthusiasts can explore the S.E.A. Aquarium, home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 1,000 species. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, Sentosa’s pristine beaches offer the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, or simply unwinding with a good book.

S.E.A. Aquarium Sentosa

Evening:

Marina Bay

As the day winds down, make your way back to Marina Bay for a spectacular end to your Singapore adventure. Time your return to catch the Marina Bay light show, where the waterfront comes alive with a symphony of lights, lasers, and music. Following the show, treat yourself to dinner at one of the many rooftop restaurants in the area.

Marina Bay Sands

Summary

This carefully crafted itinerary strikes a balance between Singapore’s cultural experiences and natural wonders, giving you a taste of the city-state’s diverse offerings. To maximize your time and budget, remember to utilize Singapore’s efficient public transportation system. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and bus networksare very cost effective and reliable. We hope this guide enhances your Singapore adventure, helping you create lasting memories in this vibrant and multifaceted destination!

Tarragona Spain

Timothy Blake — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 18:05:01 GMT

Morning

Pont del Diable

Pont del Diable, also referred to as “Devil’s Bridge” in English, is an ancient Roman aqueduct. It is a significant historical landmark known for its impressive architecture and engineering, dating back to the 1st century AD. It’s a popular tourist spot amongst people exploring Tarragona, but if you get there early, it’s fairly quiet and you can even walk across the bridge.

Les Ferreres Aqueduct/Pont del Diable Bridge (MHT)

Tarragona local market

Tarragona hosts a vibrant outdoor market twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This popular market offers a range of items, from clothing to flowers.

Central Market of Tarragona

Located just outside Tarragona’s central market, it complements the indoor market venue perfectly. The central market itself is an excellent spot to purchase fresh meat and enjoy a quick meal.

Central Market of Tarragona

Afternoon

Rambla Nova

Walk along the Rambla Nova, the city’s main boulevard.

Tarragona Mediterranean Balcony

Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city’s coastline. It’s a great viewpoint and a must visit when visiting Tarragona.

Ancient Roman Circus and Praetorium

During the afternoon exploration at the Roman Circus and Praetorium complex, essential components of the ancient city’s layout. The Circus, once a venue for thrilling chariot races, and the Praetorium, a tower offering panoramic views, together paint a vivid picture of Tarragona’s importance during the Roman era.

Ancient Roman Circus

Summary

Tarragona is a charming small town, easily walkable for exploring its main attractions in a day. The surrounding areas offer excellent hospitality and lovely hotels, making it perfect for a day trip. You can stay nearby and visit Tarragona to experience the best of the city. A day in Tarragona is sure to be a great experience it’s well worth the visit.