Secret Street Art in Butterworth, Malaysia

Everyone knows Penang street art. The cool kids flock to Penang island, Malaysia, where hipster cafes, gentrified shopfronts selling artisanal breads and barista coffee abound. While Penang island itself is trotting out the reclamation of heritage buildings for an overseas … Continue reading

Nozawa Onsen’s Dosojin Matsuri (Fire Festival) – how NOT to be a douche at the Fire Festival

Every 15th of January, the villagers of Nozawa Onsen gather for the highlight of the Dosojin Matsuri. Matsuri means festival, and Japan is filled with many matsuri throughout the year. The “Dosojin” are Shinto guardian deities, and come in various … Continue reading

Travel tips: 20 travel tips to help you survive a long haul flight

If you live in Australia, you’re likely cursed with the resignation that most countries you travel to will be at least 10 hours flight away (if you live on the East Coast) and you shall suffer these hours in economy. Likewise if … Continue reading

The best cafe in Nozawa-Onsen

If Studio Ghibli ever made a movie about a cute, loving couple who ran a cafe that served fantastic lattes, mochas, hot chocolates, baked curry, cakes, other home-made comfort food, and THE CUTEST cookies in the world…THIS cafe would be … Continue reading

Sushi Bar Yasuda Tokyo – 2015: Q&A with Naomichi Yasuda

Sushi – it's what everyone thinks of when they think "Japan".  Well, this sushi bar offers you something a little different. Naomichi Yasuda was head chef & part-owner of the legendary "sushi yasuda" in NY since 1999. He's since left North … Continue reading

Shanghai, but not as you know it: ZhuJiaJiao water township

Forget the Bund, the shopping madness, the city lights…..get out of Shanghai and see something different.  ZhuJiaJiao is an ancient water township about an hour by rail out of Shanghai – and another 15 mins by taxi. We caught the train from … Continue reading

Singapore’s secret – where to find the best view of Marina Bay?

Singapore’s secret – where to find the best view of Marina Bay?

Let me start off by saying that I have travelled to Singapore before. And I DID spend more than a night there….but I didn't LOVE it or immerse myself in it the way I normally do. Each place has something … Continue reading

The Philippines – Salamat po

The Philippines – Salamat po

The Philippines. First time I've travelled here. And I'm surprised, delighted and intrigued. My only knowledge of the Philippines was academic – history of Rizal, the Spanish, the conversions, the US control, Japanese occupation. These people have been through so … Continue reading

Dogs – the universal language of awww

Dogs – the universal language of awww

Along my travels through Shanghai, Beijing, Lhasa, Nepal etc. one of the greatest bonding factors I've experienced is the universal love of animals. Purge all your Asian-eating-dog jokes/ preconceptions here. Shake it off, and embrace the fact that humans share … Continue reading