guides

Guides for travelers who prefer depth over distance.

Sculpture by the Sea, Sydney, October 2025.
Campfire at the Man from Snowy River Festival in Corryong, Victoria, Australia. A cold morning but the sun will soon burn the mist away.
Cows on Norfolk Island. They wander around all day but somehow find their way home at night. And they have right of way always.
Hat Yai, Thailand - floods November 2025

Hat Yai, Thailand – After the Floods

Recently I visited Hat Yai, in southern Thailand. The town experienced dreadful flooding in late 2025, and I had a brief opportunity to view recovery efforts and talk to some local people. And to take in some viewing highlights near the city.

Soviet and Chinese military equipment rusting away in the grounds of the War Museum near Siem Reap, Cambodia. You can see it all in less than an hour.

Buddhas by the Beach

I don’t know why I didn’t think about this before…many of the most spectacular Buddhist temples and statues are by the ocean. So I will start a collection.

Aeroline bus loading at TRX terminal, Kuala Lumpur, bound for Penang.

Travelling from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Penang?  Consider the Bus

I recently travelled from KL to Penang. Having done the trip a couple of times before, my initial instinct was to fly – Air Asia has about 8 flights per day and it is not over-expensive. But at the suggestion of a friend we took the bus – and it was a very good experience.

Inside the Roman amphitheatre in Pula, Croatia. One of the largest remaining in the world.
Close look at a Komodo dragon. Komodo National Park, Indonesia.

Komodo Island: See the Dragons and Stay Overnight

Most visitors just take the day trip to Komodo to see the dragons. But you can stay overnight and be hosted by a friendly family. This is an update of an earlier post, with 2026 advisory information, including some important detail on the new requirement to book in advance via a digital app.

The Wall in the Wilderness. Carved by Greg Duncan in Huon Pine. Source: ABC.

Go to Malta, See the George Cross

The National War Museum at Fort St Elmo, just outside of Valetta, provides insight into the courage and determination of the Maltese people during World War 2. Getting there is a big part of the enjoyment. Bring sunscreen.

East Coast of Malaysia: Mersing and Tioman

Catch a bus to the east side of the Malay peninsula. Meet the locals and take a ferry ride to Tioman. Be careful not to over-indulge on fried chicken, and don’t expect swanky accommodation.

How to Spend a Day In And Around Mae Sai, Thailand

If you find your way to the northernmost point of Thailand, there are plenty of things to occupy and interest you. Rent a motorcycle or a car and driver and have a great day out along the shores of the Mekong.

Monte Piana, Italy: An Unplanned Climb, an Unexpected Find

During a trek through the Dolomites, Allan found himself snowed in for a day. Instead of sitting around drinking hot chocolate, he and his friend walked up a 500 metre escarpment to explore the remains of a 100 year old battlefield.