It’s no big secret that I have a thing for tropical islands and beautiful beaches. I guess it’s a good thing I’ve spent the majority of the past four years based in the tropics! And in that time, I’ve had the chance to visit quite a few of what I think are some of the best islands in…
It’s hard to believe just how much has happened this year. The past 12 months have taken me around the world and back again. From living in Jakarta to moving to Phnom Penh. From traveling to the beaches of the Philippines to the beaches of California. As always this year has been full of highs…
My big trip to Boracay didn’t exactly go according to plan. Instead of having a week filled with sun and sand, the weather didn’t cooperate. Like, at all. Who knew there was a windy season in Boracay? Just kidding… I should have done my research before visiting Boracay in July. Because we were battling the…
I love Boracay. Ever since my first visit to the Philippines’ most popular beach in November 2013, I’ve dreamed about frolicking in its turquoise waters on oh so many occasions. I mean, look at it. It’s no wonder White Beach is my second favorite beach in Southeast Asia. It’s perfect! Or is it? For those who…
There are many things that keep luring me back to Southeast Asia. The food, the temples and the culture all play significant roles but, for me, the beaches are a huge part of the draw. It’s true that Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s best beaches (and best islands!). But contrary to what…
It’s safe to say that this year has been the craziest of my life. Last year at this time I was living the dream as a backpacker, doing things like island hopping around the Philippines, exploring ancient temples in Indonesia and eating my way through the culinary wonderland that is Malaysia. It sounds perfect, but the reality is that…
As our ferry puttered toward the island of Camiguin, Philippines, it felt as if we were sailing toward a lost world. Set amid the cobalt sea, the untamed oasis felt worlds away from the crowded beaches of Boracay and Bohol. Fringed with lush palms, lime green rice paddies, and pebbled beaches, its appearance was deceptively tranquil. Also…
I was lured to the island of Bohol for the same reason every other tourist is. Promises of dreamy tropical beaches, cuddly miniature primates, and surreal Chocolate Hills made it impossible not to visit this popular island getaway during my trip to the Philippines. But, honestly, it was the prospect of motorbiking Bohol that was the…
Some say that the nine-hour ferry ride from Coron to El Nido is a hellish one. I’ve read stories of seasickness, overcrowded boats and even shipwrecks. But I experienced none of these things. Our ferry – which was actually more like a large boat – had only a handful of passengers. It was a flawless…
As I mentioned before, my trip to the Philippines was ill-timed. A week before my arrival Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) ripped through the country. It just so happened to stop off at many of the same destinations on my itinerary, including the city of Coron, Palawan. Coron is known for having some of the most stunning scenery in all of…