Is Boracay Worth Going in the Rainy Season?
The Philippines has a distinct typhoon season towards the middle to later months of the year (although as climate change progresses, it is becoming a bit less distinct – and ‘typhoonier‘). This does not...
Tagged: island
Did We Find the Hidden Sibu Island Mermaids?
He chose Sibu Island for the dugongs. “Remind me to take you to a Malaysian island!” I had said, many weeks before my couchsurfer even arrived. In retrospect, it was an unusual invitation to...
Pulau Sibu is the Most Unique Malaysian Island
One of the perks of having marine conservationist friends, is that you have the inside scoop to the many islands they work in. I already knew about the endangered dugong population of Pulau Sibu,...
Dancing with Pulau Carey Guardians on Mah Meri Spirits’ Day
“Why don’t you ask the shaman directly? He’s at ease now, since we’re waiting for low tide,” the organiser said. He led me over to the rough wooden platform, bedecked in nipah frond origami decorations,...
The Non-Honeymoon Maldives Introduction
When I decided to join the MWSRP project in the Maldives, I faced a hesitation that probably only other females would guess. And that was: Would I feel absolutely stupid and awkward, going to the...
The Tide to Dhigurah and Jumping Overboard
I hadn’t even arrived in Dhigurah yet. My flight to Maamigili, where I would transfer by boat to the atoll island of Dhigurah was late that night. But Day 0 of my volunteering stint...
2 Days in Tacloban: Beyond Yolanda
Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a wayfarer.* The city of Tacloban in the Philippines has a couple of distinctions. First, it was where the American General MacArthur landed...
Luxury Camping: Discovering Glamping in Ko Laoliang
“On Ko Laoliang we will be camping. On the beach,” said my friend W–i with some measure of satisfaction when the idea of this trip was gestated. Some of us were hesitant. “I’m game...
Ko Sukon and the Ultimate Thai Seafood Obsession
“We can organise another holiday together – in Thailand. Can choose an island with many seafood.” My Thai colleague and friend W–i reflected one day in our free time during one of the meetings...
Your Perfect Perhentian Islands Beach – by Zodiac Sign!
Every now and again, I am asked by friends new and old for Perhentian Islands beach recommendations, based on my time there volunteering across 2015-2016. Aside from mentioning those resorts which have good sustainability habits...
Hiking to the Meromictic Lake in Penang State Park
It was my English colleague-friend who told me about the meromictic lake in Penang State Park. I can’t remember now why I contacted him in the first place. Or whether it’s because he replied...
Sights from a Delightful Weekend in Georgetown, Penang
I arrived in Penang (Pulau Pinang to locals) via plane. I had debated making it a road trip, but it was only a weekend trip. So I did not want to waste time on the...
