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Southeast Asia
  • Orion Global Nomads
  • Craig Bowman

Southeast Asia

A 160-day adventure by Orion Global Nomads & Craig Read more
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  • Southeast Asia

    Museum and Around KL

    March 9, 2023 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Christine, Craig, and I had a day at a few of the museums In Kuala Lumpur.

    We first visited The National Museum which provides an overview of Malaysian history and culture. Its facade comprises elements of traditional Malay and modern features1.

    The museum houses four main galleries allotted to ethnology and natural history (geology). The displays range from free-standing tableaux showing cultural events like weddings, festivals and costumes; to traditional weapons, musical instruments, arts and crafts, ceramics, and flora and fauna. It was great learning about Malaysia.

    We also visited the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery. Located on Merdeka Square in the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur1, this gallery showcases history and culture of Malaysia’s capital city.
    The building itself is a classic piece of Indo-Saracenic architecture, built in 1898 to serve as the colonial government’s printing office. Inside, you’ll find a wealth of information about Kuala Lumpur’s past, present, and future. The city models were impressive!!!    Read more

  • Southeast Asia

    Karaoke Night

    March 9, 2023 in Malaysia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    I don’t karaoke but Craig and Christine sure do! In full disclosure I am a proud Asian man and I believe karaoke
    to be the worst contribution by Asians to modern society lol!!!! In all fairness we had a fun night!!Read more

  • Southeast Asia

    Caves

    March 10, 2023 in Malaysia ⋅ 🌩️ 23 °C

    Christine, Craig, and I ventured out to explore The Batu Caves. Located on the edge of Kuala Lumpur, this temple complex is one of the most visited attractions in Malaysia. The colorful Batu Caves stairs, the big Lord Murugan statue that guards the entrance, and the caves at the top make for quite a sight.

    Some info about the caves: The Batu Caves are a set of Hindu temples built in both caves and the surrounds on the edge of Kuala Lumpur. The limestone formation is thought to be around 400 million years old The caves were first used by humans as shelter by the indigenous population. Then around 1860, Chinese settlers began taking the guano found here for fertilizing their gardens.

    The caves were impressive. There were too many people feeding pigeons - I don’t like pigeons but that was offset by the fun monkeys looking for food! It did end of raining before we left but we made it back to our hotel.    Read more

  • Southeast Asia

    I Want a Smoking Jacket

    March 10, 2023 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    On our last night at Majestic, we headed to one of the bars located near the swimming pool. This bar shared the wonderful design and architecture of the hotel. Craig and Christine enjoyed a scotch tasting and I had an Old Fashioned. We enjoyed our beverages while wearing some cool and smoking jackets. What a fun evening!Read more

  • Southeast Asia

    The Big Buddha of Phuket

    March 10, 2023 in Malaysia

    Our adventure began in the morning as Craig and I hopped on our motorbikes and set off towards the Big Buddha on Phuket Island. The winding roads and lush greenery made for a scenic ride as we made our way up the mountain. We passed various off road adventure businesses, elephant sanctuaries, and restaurants.

    As we approached the top, the towering statue of the Big Buddha came into view. Standing at 45 meters tall and made of white marble, it was an awe-inspiring sight. We parked our bikes and made our way up the steps to the base of the statue. As usual, there many people taking endless selfies. We’re not talking about quick pictures but way to much production that takes to much time - makes me grumpy…:)

    From the top, we had a breathtaking view of Phuket and the surrounding islands. We took our time exploring the area and learning about the history and significance of the Big Buddha.

    Here is some interesting facts we learnt about the Big Buddha. The Big Buddha of Phuket is a 45-meter-tall white marble statue located on top of Nakkerd Hill near Chalong. It is visible from anywhere in the southern part of Phuket and is considered one of the island's most iconic landmarks. The official name of the statue is Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, which means "the Cherished Auspicious Lord Buddha atop Nāga Hill".

    Construction of the statue began in 2004 and was funded primarily through donations. The statue was declared the "Buddhist Treasure of Phuket" by Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, in 2008.    Read more

  • Southeast Asia
    Beautiful views and sitting area on our balcony

    Phuket @ Nai Harn Beach

    March 12, 2023 in Thailand

    We said our goodbyes to our friend Christine, and we have many fond memories of our time in Kuala Lumpur together. Craig and I headed back to Phuket for some fun island exploration and the beach!

    A shirt flight later, and we arrived on the island of Phuket. We took a car to the Nai Harn Resort. Nai Harn Beach is a beautiful beach located in the very south of Phuket. It is tucked between green hills and a couple of tiny islands. The beach has soft and smooth white sand and beautiful, clear water.

    The protected bay offers great anchorage for sailing boats and luxury yachts and has stunning views.    Read more

  • Southeast Asia
    Incredible sky and the architecture
    Interesting Chinese ArchFlat wide noodles & Seafood!Historic building with nice details

    Old Town

    March 14, 2023 in Thailand

    Craig and I took a motorbike trip to Old Town Phuket. The ride was about an hour long since we were coming from the southern most tip of the island. It is an area of historical interest in the city of Phuket. The main streets of Old Town are Thalang, Phang Nga, Krabi, Dibuk, and Yoawarat. Old Town is noted for its Sino-Portuguese buildings on both sides of the street. Many old buildings have been converted into shops, hotels, restaurants, and museums.

    An interesting fact: Phuket has a rich history as a tin-mining country peopled by Siamese, Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians, and sea gypsies.

    In the 18th century, much of the island's tin mining was carried out by Hokkien Chinese who were instrumental in building the old part of the city. Many buildings in Sino-Portuguese style from this period are preserved and restored, particularly the shophouses and the big mansions.

    We enjoyed the markets, cafes and restaurants, historic architecture, and all the warm and friendly people!    Read more

  • Southeast Asia

    Hello Bangkok!

    March 19, 2023 in Thailand

    After departing Phuket, we arrived in Bangkok the capital of Thailand. Contrasting in about every way to Phuket - the skyline, cosmopolitan feel, businesses large and small, and population.

    We will enjoy cultural and gastronomic pursuits in the next few days!Read more

  • Southeast Asia

    The Marble Temple

    March 20, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Craig and I headed out to visit Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram, also known as “The Marble Temple”, is a Buddhist temple located in the Dusit District of Bangkok, Thailand. The temple was designed by Prince Narisara Nuwattiwong and built of Italian marble. It is known for its display of Carrara marble pillars, a marble courtyard, and two large Singha lions guarding the entrance to the bot.

    It was a hot day. The temple had beautiful alters, and statues.    Read more

  • Southeast Asia

    The Reclining Buddha

    March 21, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    During our trip to Bangkok, we had the opportunity to visit Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Located on Rattanakosin Island, directly south of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest temple complexes in Bangkok.

    As we entered the temple grounds, we were struck by the beauty and grandeur of the architecture. The temple complex covers an area of 50 rai or 80,000 square meters and is home to more than one thousand Buddha images.

    The highlight of our visit was seeing the famous Reclining Buddha. At 46 meters (151 feet) in length, it is one of the largest single Buddha images in the world1. The statue is truly awe-inspiring.

    In addition to housing this magnificent statue, Wat Pho is also considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage and still serves as an important center for studying traditional medicine.

    This wasn’t our first visit, however it’s an amazing temple to visit. The Reclining Buddha is too large to fit in a single frame of a picture!    Read more

  • Southeast Asia

    Temple of the Emerald Buddha

    March 23, 2023 in Thailand

    During our trip to Bangkok, we had the opportunity to visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, commonly known as Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Located within the precincts of the Grand Palace in the historical center of Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.

    As we entered the temple grounds, we were struck by the beauty and grandeur of the architecture. The temple complex was constructed on the orders of King Rama I in 1783 and has been improved upon over the centuries by successive Thai kings.

    The highlight of our visit was seeing the famous Emerald Buddha. The statue is only 26 inches (66 centimeters) tall but is considered the most sacred object in Thai culture. Only the King of Thailand may touch the sacred object and does so three times a year to change its golden garment during a formal ritual.

    In addition to housing this magnificent statue, Wat Phra Kaew is also an important center for religious ceremonies attended by government officials and members of the royal family.

    The architecture, craftsmanship, history, and beauty of Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram made our visit a memorable experience.    Read more

  • Southeast Asia

    Wat Arun Ratchawaramahawihan

    March 23, 2023 in Thailand

    Our final temple visit was to Wat Arun Ratchawaramahawihan, also known as Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn.

    Located on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is one of Thailand’s best-known temples.

    As we entered the temple grounds, we were struck by the beauty and grandeur of the architecture. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun. The first light of the morning reflects off the surface of the temple with pearly iridescence.

    The highlight of our visit was seeing the temple's distinctive prang (spire), which was built in the early nineteenth century during the reigns of Rama II and Rama III. The prang is adorned with colorful glazed ceramic tiles and stands over 260 feet (about 80 meters) tall.

    In addition to its stunning architecture, Wat Arun is also an important center for religious ceremonies attended by government officials and members of the royal family.    Read more

  • Southeast Asia
    Dinner with our friends from London
    Dinner at the Banyan Tree In Bangkok

    Farewell Thailand

    March 23, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ 🌙 30 °C

    Craig and I enjoyed our five and half months in Southeast Asia - concluding with Thailand. Our visit and time in Bangkok was amazing. We reunited with my best friend Teh, from our time when we lived in London many years ago. We enjoyed seeing his apartment with fantastic views of the Bangkok skyline, and dinner with his partner Paul.

    Summing up our time in SE Asia, I’d have to say it was awesome to see and learn so much about the history and different cultures in the countries of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. My heritage is from the south east Asia region, and it was invaluable and life changing to connect with family and culture.    Read more

    Trip end
    March 26, 2023
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