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Keelung: Ghosts and Good Times
Taiwan is currently in the heart of Ghost Month, a time when locals honour their ancestors. This time around, rather than taking a back seat, I decided to jump right into the festivities. Sure enough, we found a place nearby where we could celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival first-hand. That place was Keelung, somewhere I was yet to visit. So what better time to explore it than now? Celebrating The Hungry Ghost Festival The entire reason for coming to Keelung in the first place was to see the iconic Hungry Ghost Festival. It was the nearest point to Taipei where we could see a large-scale ceremony. But what is it…
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Hungry Ghost Festival: A Foreigners Perspective
“I’ll see it eventually”. These words have haunted me countless times during my travels. Having lived in Asia for close to 5 years, I repeatedly miss out on things I assumed I would have seen at some point. Whether it was camping on the Great Wall or crossing the border into North Korea, too many opportunities were missed. That regret also extended to local festivals, something that I had never really taken part in. But that was about to change. As I’m likely leaving Taiwan in the near future, this was my last chance, so I had to take full advantage of it. Right now, Taiwan is in the heart…
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The Ultimate Itinerary: Chiang Mai in 4 Days
The ancient capital of Chiang Mai perfectly illustrates the spectrum of what makes Thailand so great. Spectacular natural landscapes and undeniable spirituality live hand in hand alongside vicious martial arts and vibrant red-light districts. There’s little wonder that so many expats lay their foundations in this city! Though as much as we’d all love to spend months exploring this fascinating region of the world, few of us have that luxury! So, in that case, let me show you the perfect itinerary for exploring the spiritual haven of Chiang Mai! Day 1 Time to hit the road running and start your first day with some of Thailand’s biggest cultural icons. You…
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Beigan, Matsu Islands: The Asian Mediterranean
After spending 4 days exploring military forts and experiencing the iconic blue tears on the island of Nangang, our eyes were set on our next adventure on another of the Matsu Islands. Thankfully, we wouldn’t need to go too far! Our next stop was within sight and would only take a short ferry ride to get there. The question was, would the island of Beigang hold up to the very high standards set by our previous Matsu experience? Thankfully, we wouldn’t be disappointed! All Aboard! The first task of the day was to head to the Nangang’s port and hop on a ferry! Jess wasn’t too happy with the prospect…
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The Ultimate Travel Guide: Kaohsiung
While Taipei represents the fast-paced city life of the North, Kaohsiung encapsulates the easy-going laid-back vibes of the South. Though don’t be fooled by its casual nature, as this city packs quite a punch! The beachside municipality epitomizes the blossoming artistic and alternative cultures that resonate through Taiwan’s youth with an energy you’d find in any other surfing hotspot! Even the city’s temples and holiest sites can’t help but be influenced by the unrelating wave of creativity that makes Kaohsiung the most vibrant city in Taiwan! So just before you add one more stop to your Taiwanese itinerary, let me guide you through everything you need to know about Kaohsiung!…
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The Ultimate Travel Plan: Visiting Mount Rinjani
Scattered precariously along the ring of fire, the islands of Indonesia are full to the brim with fascinating volcanoes, 130 in fact! While some have become tranquil inactive mountains, others continue to smoulder and teeter on the edge of imminent destruction! Of these many megalithic monsters of nature, one stands out above all others, Mount Rinjani. This mighty volcano towers over the island of Lombok at 3,726 meters, making Rinjani the second-highest volcano in Indonesia! Within its gigantic caldera, plumes of smoke continue to rise from yet another volcano which sits inside it… it’s a volcano IN a volcano!! The UNESCO Geopark is considered one of the best treks in…
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How to Pray in a Taiwanese Temple
There are a few countries as in touch with their spirituality as Taiwan. The crucible of Taiwanese culture has brought together elements from some of the world’s oldest religions and ancient superstitions. This unique blend has resulted in some very unique practices in Taiwan, including a way to pray directly to the gods. Temples have become a conduit through which worshippers are able to ask questions to the spirits above and receive an all-important answer. Want to try it for yourself? Of course, you do! So let’s find out how you can ask your own question to the spirits above! This article may contain affiliate links, for which I may…
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The 7 Best Places to See Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing
Ingrained in our minds through movies, documentaries and countless Instagram shots alike, the Shibuya Crossing is the iconic image of Tokyo! The 4-way intersection is the epitome of the city’s perfect harmony of fastidious organisation and total chaos as it cuts through one of Tokyo’s most hectic shopping districts. As the lights turn red, a swarm of 3,000 bodies mob the streets under the flashing of enticing advertisements and choruses of indistinguishable noises! The question isn’t whether or not you want to visit, but rather where’s the best place to see it from? As you’ve come all this way, you’ll want the perfect vantage point to observe the madness in…
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The 20 Best Highlights To See In Seoul
Seoul is an up-and-coming trend-setting capital that has helped push South Korea onto the edge of everyone’s mind. From its own music genres and jaw-dropping series to culinary masterpieces and life-changing technology, Seoul functions as the beating heart of a country at the centre of human advancement. The capital is a beautiful representation of Korea’s surrounding cultures while always managing to create something completely unique in a way that only Korea knows how. As such, this criminally underrated capital is home to all manner of things to please all manner of travellers. So, in that case, let’s take a look at the 20 best things to see during your time…
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The Ultimate Travel Guide: Alishan
Along with Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge, Alishan tops the list of Taiwan’s most iconic attractions! The extraordinary natural beauty of the National Park and its surrounding township brings visitors from throughout the country and greater Asia alike who come to marvel at the rolling mountain ranges and vast green vistas of picturesque tea plantations. For almost a century, Alishan has been Taiwan’s most popular mountain resort, and will continue to be for many years! So in that case, let me guide you on everything you need to know about Alishan! This article may contain affiliate links, which I may receive compensation for at no extra cost to you dear readers! A…
