South East Asia & New Zealand

A 168-day adventure by Juliet Read more

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Day 72
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 6:13 AM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 45 m
Cambodia Phumĭ Koŭk Dong (2)13.429703, 103.86779313°25’47” N 103°52’4” E
Sunrise at Angkor wat
November 20, 2019 in Cambodia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
We were up hideously early to queue for our tickets and be in position with the hundreds of other tourists in time for sunrise. It was worth it. Ankgkor is one of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World; built in the first half of the 12th century, it is one of the oldest and largest temples in the world. It is truly amazing that they built such a huge complex and in such intricate detail all by hand and with basic tools.Read more
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Day 72
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 11:10 AM
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 24 m
Cambodia Angkor Wat 13.41247, 103.8669913°24’45” N 103°52’1” E
Morning in Angkor wat
November 20, 2019 in Cambodia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
We visited the three main temples in Angkor and yet there is still much more to see however this was out last day of the tour so could only see the highlights. After such an early start, we had a restful afternoon before our farewell dinner,Read more
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Day 73
Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 3:00 PM
⛅ 30 °C
Altitude: 20 m
Cambodia Siem Reap 13.36325, 103.856413°21’48” N 103°51’23” E
Cambodian food & drink
November 21, 2019 in Cambodia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
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Day 74
Friday, November 22, 2019 at 3:31 PM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 17 m
Indonesia Pantai Batubelig -8.67698, 115.15418°40’37” S 115°9’15” E
Bali
November 22, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
We have four days to do nothing before the tour starts and the hotel is near the beach, has a pool, sun loungers and a gym so we're set. Seminyak is very touristy, even most the restaurants are western, but we found a little Indonesian place which we visited a few times for their delicious food.Read more
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Day 79
Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at 12:49 PM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 70 m
Indonesia Belukar -8.82833, 115.098°49’42” S 115°5’24” E
Uluwatu temple
November 27, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
We met the tour group last night for our first introductions and drink session. Today we went to Uluwatu on a quiet peninsular of the island. Bali is predominately Hindu and the temples are different from the Buddhist and Taoist we'd seen already. The key feature of this one, is the beautiful hilltop location and the small temple only accessible during low tide. Our local guide protected us from the monkeys and told tried to teach us some Balinese. We spent sunset on Double Six beach lounging on beanbags (a very popular activity in Bali).Read more
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Day 80
Thursday, November 28, 2019 at 6:00 PM
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 27 m
Indonesia Tukad Miyah -8.64782, 115.138528°38’52” S 115°8’19” E
Canggu surfing
November 28, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
We left the super touristy Kuta for chilled surfer hangout Canggu. On our way we had a surf lesson; just about managed to stand up a few times but spent most the time falling off. We had a teacher each who pushed us over the wave but still it was hard but fun. The worse part was getting out the water and crossing the burning hot sand. The evening's activity, another night watching the sunset on the beach.Read more
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Day 81
Friday, November 29, 2019 at 9:41 AM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 534 m
Indonesia Gitgit -8.19237, 115.134888°11’33” S 115°8’6” E
Tanah Lot, Gitgit fall & Luwak coffee
November 29, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Busy day touring a temple, rice fields and a waterfall. We started the day at Tanah Lot, a temple dedicated to a sacred snake and there were several real ones around that you could touch for a blessing. The temple also features a small temple on a rock only accessible at low tide. After the rice fields we went to Gitgit waterfall. As we arrived the monsoon began, the locals were thrilled as the rainy season was late, we were less so. The waterfall was filthy thanks to the rain and we took our pictures and hurried to the coffee hut. They grow their own coffee here and have a Luwak to hunt out the best beans and we got a chance to taste the world's most expensive coffee.Read more
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Day 81
Friday, November 29, 2019 at 12:21 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 705 m
Indonesia Banjar Kesambahan Kaja -8.36859, 115.124978°22’7” S 115°7’30” E
Jatiluwih rice fields
November 29, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
With our very smiley rice enthusiastic tour guide we spent a couple of hours walking around the rice fields, admiring the views, learning about rice growing, different types of rice and rice snacks. Our guide provided many rice songs and rice puns to keep us entertained.Read more
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Day 82
Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 8:17 AM
☀️ 31 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Indonesia Enjung Buntekan -8.15356, 115.031018°9’13” S 115°1’52” E
Lovina dolphins
November 30, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
After a full breakfast sitting right on the beach, we divided into small groups to hop on traditional outrigger boats that took us out to find the dolphins. We were so lucky there was a massive pod of dolphins, even the tour leader was surprised by how many there were. We could sit on the boat stabilisers and float over the water as we sailed after the dolphins. The dolphins didn't hang around to have a swim with us in the perfect water.Read more
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Day 82
Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 1:01 PM
☀️ 30 °C
Altitude: 126 m
Indonesia Pangkung Cangkangsohang -8.18896, 115.000628°11’20” S 115°0’2” E
Lovina farm & basket weaving
November 30, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
This afternoon we went to a beautiful garden farm up in the mountain. On the drive up we passed through small villages and everyone had immaculate front gardens with decorated doorways. We had a tour of the garden, where they grow a little of all kinds of fruit and veg to eat and sell at the market. They also grown coffee and we got to taste the home brew along with getting a coffee facial. We attempted basket weaving, luckily the baskets were already half made to make it easy for us. The wife lady who was teaching us was incredibly quick at turning them out and had won local awards for her work. Finally, they finished off the trip with the most amazing homemade lunch buffet.Read more
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Day 83
Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 12:03 PM
☀️ 33 °C
Altitude: 12 m
Indonesia Teluk Padang -8.53008, 115.508488°31’48” S 115°30’31” E
On the road to Gili T
December 1, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C
Today we made the long trip from Lovina on the west over to the east via the Mt Batur viewpoint to catch the ferry over to Gili Trawangan. We spent the afternoon chilling by the pool and exploring the beach. Gili T is the party island of the three Gili islands, although there was just one bar open late each night. The beach is short but the water was beautiful. They also have the best seafood night market on the island. So delicious and cheap.Read more
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Day 84
Monday, December 2, 2019 at 4:19 PM
⛅ 30 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Indonesia Gili Trawangan -8.35113, 116.044328°21’4” S 116°2’40” E
Diving, cycling & beach frolic on Gili T
December 2, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
First up, more diving! Gili T is hugely popular for diving and there are over 20 dive shops on the tiny island, luckily there were only 20 people on my boat. The dive crew were fun and the diving was amazing. I saw a massive turtle, so large and still I floated over the top thinking he was a rock before I saw him. The sea was teaming with fish and loads of turtles gliding about. There aren't any motor vehicles on the island so in the afternoon we cycled round the circumference of the island.Read more
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Day 85
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 12:34 PM
☀️ 31 °C
Altitude: 19 m
Indonesia Gili Air -8.36061, 116.081838°21’38” S 116°4’55” E
Gili Air & snorkelling
December 3, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
Today we went over to Gili Air (known as honeymoon island as there's much less partying!). Beautiful waters over at this island and we hand lunch and shakes on the beach. We had three snorkel stops on the way over and swam with the turtles and under water statues. I love being under water!Read more
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Day 87
Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 11:01 AM
☀️ 31 °C
Altitude: 191 m
Indonesia Tukad Tapes -8.51874, 115.25868°31’7” S 115°15’31” E
Ubud Monkey Forest
December 5, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
Yesterday we returned to Bali and travelled to the inland sanctum of Ubud. The town is small but popular due to it's laid back vibe and you feel closer to the "real" Bali. Top attraction, the Monkey Forest. It's a protected space for the monkeys to live and there are keepers to feed them, protect the tourists and rescues people's stuff. The monkeys are little thieves and will take everything and have no problems going into people's backpacks or stealing from local temple offerings.Read more
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Day 87
Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 1:07 PM
🌧 29 °C
Altitude: 209 m
Indonesia Tukad Ubud -8.5067, 115.262728°30’24” S 115°15’46” E
Ubud town
December 5, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ 🌧 29 °C
Spent the afternoon exploring the town of Ubud, including the small old Ubud palace. Our hotel has beautiful gardens and a huge handsome rescued fruit bat called Charlie, which was a real highlight.
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Day 88
Friday, December 6, 2019 at 6:17 AM
☁️ 20 °C
Altitude: 1,542 m
Indonesia Gunung Batur -8.24204, 115.378528°14’31” S 115°22’43” E
Mount Batur
December 6, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
It's the final day of the tour and it's a slightly early start at 2am. The sunrise hike to the top of Mt Batur is one of the busiest attractions on Bali, sitting with the monkeys, enjoying the sun rising over Mt Agung is truly spectacular. We had an hours drive to the bottom of the mountain where we picked up our guides. It's compulsory to have a guide so there's a snakey trail of tourists and guides hiking up the mountain by torch light in the dark. Once at the top, you need all your layers to keep warm as the sun rises and you enjoy your banana sandwich breakfast. It took us around 2 hours at a slow pace to walk up. We were back at the hotel by 10.30am and were treated to a Balinese massage.Read more
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Day 89
Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 10:59 AM
☁️ 31 °C
Altitude: 191 m
Indonesia Tukad Lungsiakan -8.51071, 115.250198°30’39” S 115°15’1” E
Ubud cooking class
December 7, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C
Spent an amazing last day in Bali creating (and eating) seven traditional Balinese dishes at a cooking class in the Ubud countryside. We also went shopping veg at the local market, visited the family's rice field and spent time at their beautiful home.Read more
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Day 89
Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 31 °C
Altitude: 12 m
Indonesia Batubintang -8.67046, 115.212638°40’14” S 115°12’45” E
Balinese food & drink
December 7, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C
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Day 90
Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 11:55 AM
🌧 29 °C
Altitude: 12 m
Philippines Alona Beach 9.54833, 123.776679°32’54” N 123°46’36” E
Philippines
December 8, 2019 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌧 29 °C
We've come to the Philippines to sit by the pool, go to the beach and dive. Panglao is our first stop. It's right on the bottom of Bohol island and the tourist area is focused around two main streets near the beach. All the hotels are aimed at divers and it's nice and quiet on the beach.Read more
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Day 92
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 2:56 PM
🌧 28 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Philippines Alona Beach 9.54936, 123.775929°32’58” N 123°46’33” E
Two days diving Bohol
December 10, 2019 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌧 28 °C
The diving is amazing. As the most junior diver in our group of eight, I get my own dive instructor and we spend a happy couple of days bobbing around the sea. The rest of the divers are all English which is fun and there is as much recovery pineapple and coffee as we need. The visibility is great, the sea is warm and there are more fish than I can remember. We spotted squid, turtles, a baby shark, octopus, large fish, tiny fish and lots of starfish.Read more
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Day 93
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 9:38 AM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Totolan 9.6365, 123.853769°38’11” N 123°51’14” E
Morning on the Bohol countryside tour
December 11, 2019 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
Spent the day seeing the highlights of Bohol with a small and nice tour group. Unfortunately not much information but we did get to see lots and the countryside and local villages are very pretty. I rode the giant zip line over the river gorge which was fun, and a great photo op. We also saw the ancient Baclayon Church, the Bilar Manmade Forest and Loboc River.Read more
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Day 93
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 2:40 PM
☁️ 27 °C
Altitude: 326 m
Philippines Aipes Hill 9.80144, 124.165649°48’5” N 124°9’56” E
Afternoon on the Bohol countryside tour
December 11, 2019 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
After lunch we saw the super cute Tarsier's at the local sanctuary and admired the geographic marvel that is the Chocolate Hills.
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Day 96
Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 8:54 AM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Santiago 10.58952, 124.3030310°35’22” N 124°18’11” E
Camotes Islands
December 14, 2019 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Bit of a trek to get here from Bohol; taxi to the pier, ferry over to Cebu, taxi over to another part of Cebu (where he tried to drop us in the correct place but there were no signs that it was the correct place, so asked him to drop us at the google address but that was wrong and then back to the original place), just in time but then the ferry was late, ferry over to Camotes and then taxi to the hotel. Took most the day. We did get to enjoy some Christmas songs from the staff on the boat. We're staying at one of the few hotels on the island. There's pretty much nothing touristy here just a little resort and a massive shallow bay and sunsets galore.Read more
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Day 98
Monday, December 16, 2019 at 10:04 AM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 44 m
Philippines Campo 10.64492, 124.323910°38’42” N 124°19’26” E
Underwater caves tour
December 16, 2019 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
We didn't really know what we were signing up for on this private tour but thought we should see something of the island. Our driver took us around various hotels and random spots to go to the underwater caves. They have the clearest (and cold) water in them as the water is many times filtered as it drips through from ground level. The caves also have stalactites and quartz inside. They're fun for a little splash around in. We also got dropped at a lake for lunch where we took a sinking pedalo out for a spin.Read more
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Day 100
Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 4:03 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Philippines Basdiot 9.95333, 123.366679°57’12” N 123°22’0” E
Moalboal
December 18, 2019 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Yesterday we made the lengthy trip to Moalboal; taxi, ferry, taxi and then a five and a half hour bus ride, which gave us another chance to see all the colourful modes of transport in the Philippines. Moalboal is popular, again for diving, but it seemed to have a bit more life to it than Panglao although the beach is smaller. There is a small road/walkway which runs between the beach side building and the hotels and this houses all kinds of small gift shops, restaurants and bars. I had a day out diving, which was of course excellent.Read more
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