We spent five days in Bali, taking it easy, soaking up the atmosphere. It was the perfect place to relax and explore at our own pace. One of the highlights was a bike ride that took us through some stunning parts of the island—down to Nusa Dua, along the cliffs of Uluwatu, and up into the lush hills of Ubud. It's a great mix of beaches, culture, and scenery.

We’ve just arrived at the Kuta Villa Bungalows. It’s a laid-back spot with a nice vibe—perfect for unwinding after a few days on the road. We are looking forward to exploring more of the area and soaking up the Bali atmosphere from here.

We headed down to Kuta Beach, where I treated myself to a nice massage. It was just what I needed to relax and unwind by the ocean.

We hired a bike and rode down to the southwest, all the way to Uluwatu, where we enjoyed a refreshing swim. The coastal views along the way made the trip even better.

We started at the top of Uluwatu, gazing out over the rugged cliffs before tackling the steep descent. The staircase seemed endless—Denise paused for a breather halfway down, catching her breath and enjoying the view. Once we reached the base, we descended a narrow bamboo ladder, scrambled through a small cave, and finally emerged onto the secluded beach below. There, with the warm Balinese sun overhead, Denise stretched out on the sand to soak up the rays while I waded into the clear water.

The next morning, we hopped on our bikes and headed north toward Denpasar—what a ride that was. We threaded our way along one of Bali’s main roads, passing rows of warungs, temples, and a constant stream of scooters. Once we rolled into Denpasar city, we parked and spent some time wandering the streets. The canal water along the roadside looked a bit murky, but the real action was around the market: vendors were shouting out their prices, colorful displays of fruit and spices, and a nonstop buzz of locals and motorbikes. It was lively, chaotic, and utterly captivating.

After Denpasar, we continued riding further north to Ubud, a much quieter town known as the heart of Bali’s art scene. Along the way, we stopped for a break beside the endless green rice paddies stretched out alongside the road—it was the perfect peaceful spot to rest and take it all in. Once we arrived in Ubud, we watched a traditional Balinese dance performance, soaking up the rich culture and mesmerizing movements.

We returned to the Kuta Villa Inn to rest up. The next day, we rode down to the southeast coast, arriving at Nusa Dua—the area known for its cluster of 3- and 4-star hotels. We spent the day eating, swimming, and just relaxing by the beach. Denise was enjoying the prawn cocktails and, of course, the cocktail drinks. Along the water, a few fishing boats bobbed gently, looking ready to head out for their next catch. Meanwhile, I  kicked back, soaking in the peaceful scene and the Bali vibe.

We both wandered around the rocks to snap some pictures—I think I managed to get the best shot.

On the way back, we stopped by some small huts and asked a few locals what the huts were. They told us they’re salt huts used for drying salt. It was interesting to see a different side of Bali’s traditional life.

soon, it was time to leave Bali and head to Malaysia. Denise didn’t look too happy about saying goodbye.

Malaysia

After five days in Bali, we flew up to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We spent a couple of days exploring the city before catching a bus to Butterworth. From there, we took a ferry over to George Town, Penang. There wasn’t much happening in Penang, so we hopped on another bus to the Malaysia-Thailand border, then caught a ferry to Langkawi Island, where we stayed for five days.

Langkawi is the largest of 99 tiny islands, but upon arrival, we noticed some curious looks from the locals. Later, we learned about a famous local legend: the island had been cursed by Princess Mahsuri Binti to endure no peace or prosperity for seven generations. The curse read:

“THERE SHALL BE NO PEACE AND PROSPERITY ON THIS ISLAND FOR A PERIOD OF SEVEN GENERATIONS.”

Well, curse or not, we had an amazing time on Langkawi. The island was beautiful, and the hospitality unforgettable.

We’d just arrived in Kuala Lumpur, unsure of where to go or what to do next. Denise kept an eye out for a taxi as we searched for the KL Train Station Hotel.

We found the KL Train Station Hotel and stayed there for the night, using it as a convenient base to catch our train to Penang. That afternoon, we took a walk around the area to get a feel for the city. We weren’t in a rush since we’d be flying out of KL to head home, so we decided to spend a few more days exploring before our departure.

Kuala Lumpur Train Station Hotel.

We took the train to Butterworth, Malaysia, then caught a ferry over to George Town, Penang. One of the main streets in George Town was bustling with life. While Denise took a rest, I went off to find some accommodation. Once we secured a room, we freshened up and headed out to explore the town.

First things first—I had to grab a late breakfast before heading out for the day. Along the way, I even made a new friend (as you can see!). Denise snapped a photo with a security guard outside a gold shop—he looked serious enough, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d actually use that gun if it came down to it.

We pulled out the Lonely Planet guide to figure out how to get to the Fu Xing Gong—better known as the Snake Temple. Once inside, we discovered that handling the snakes is said to bring good luck and good health (assuming, of course, the snake doesn’t bite you!). Naturally, we went all in—getting as many snakes on us as possible in the hopes of stacking up a little extra luck.

After leaving the Snake Temple, we made our way to the Penang Botanical Gardens. It wasn’t long before Denise found herself feeding one of the many monkeys roaming the park. Before we knew it, she had them lining up—now making them beg for the nuts she had in hand. The place was teeming with monkeys, clearly used to tourists and always ready for a snack. It was chaotic, funny, and a little wild—all part of the experience.

It was time to head north, so we caught a bus to Kuala Perlis and then took the ferry over to Langkawi Island. In town, we heard about Charlie’s Bungalows on Kedawang Beach and hired a bike to find the place. There were only three bungalows—one of them was occupied by two English girls. We all shared the beach but kept a respectful distance for privacy. As you'll see in the later photos, we spent most of our time nude on the beach, enjoying the freedom and quiet of the place.

Kedawang Beach Langkawi Island.

This waterfall, is located near Telaga Harbour, is considered by many to be the most beautiful on Langkawi. To reach the top, you walk up 638 steps through lush rainforest, and once there, you’re rewarded with stunning views across to Burau Bay and Pantai Kok. From the top, a jungle path winds another 990 metres further uphill. On the way down, you can use the natural rock slides to slip into the refreshing rock pools below. There are seven cascades in total—hence the name Seven Wells Waterfall.

The view from the top was incredible—looking out over Burau Bay, with the rainforest stretching out below us. We were on our way to the Seven Wells Waterfall when, of course, we got a flat tyre. Just part of the adventure!

We spent the afternoon at Seven Wells Waterfall, starting at the top and working our way down the natural rock slides. First, Denise took the plunge, whooping as she slid into the cool rock pool below. Then it was my turn—I launched myself down the smooth stone and splashed into the water with a grin. At the very bottom pool, we relaxed and even made a new friend who was as curious about us as we were about the waterfall.

Denise had a blast playing around in the tyre tube on Kedawang Beach. I couldn’t resist joining in—we were having a bit of fun in the sun. The best part was having the entire beach to ourselves, so no need for swimsuits! Then it was my turn with the tube, and let’s say... this is what happens when you hit the water at full speed. Pure, carefree fun.

Denise and I decided to build a sandcastle—just a bit of classic beach fun to pass the time. Nearby was Charlie’s Bungalows, our little home base on Kedawang Beach, with a small restaurant next door that served up simple, tasty meals. Along the way, I snapped a photo of a beautiful Malaysian house—couldn’t resist capturing its charm..

We visited the tomb of Princess Mahsuri Binti, a key figure in Langkawi’s history. According to legend, she married an outsider from the mainland, which led to jealousy and false accusations. As she lay dying, she placed a curse on the island: that there would be no peace or prosperity for seven generations.

Later that evening, we watched one of many stunning sunsets on Kedawang Beach. The sky lit up with warm oranges and pinks, casting a golden glow over the water—Langkawi at its most magical.

Thailand

After spending five beautiful days on Langkawi Island, it was time to head north to Bangkok for a couple of days back in the hustle and bustle of city life. We had a four-hour wait at Kuala Perlis, the border town between Malaysia and Thailand—not exactly the most inviting place, as you can see in the picture of the train station below.

From the Thai side, we watched guards stopping people trying to smuggle goods across without paying tax. It was quite a scene—especially the older ladies who, despite guns being pointed at them, shouted and even hit the guards. It seemed like an attempt to embarrass the officials, but the guards were unfazed—they had a job to do and did it, regardless of age or attitude.

Finally, from Padang Besar at the Thai-Malaysian border, we caught the overnight train straight to Bangkok. The journey took 17 hours, but the trains were surprisingly comfortable. We had just three days in Bangkok, which suited us fine—we actually couldn’t wait to get back to a beach.

The border train station.

We packed our few days in Bangkok with everything you could imagine—floating markets, the snake farm, and the unforgettable elephant and crocodile shows. Of course, we also visited some incredible temples that left us in awe. One highlight was a trip just outside the city to the Rose Gardens, where you can experience a vibrant snapshot of Thai culture all in one day.

At the Rose Gardens, we watched traditional Thai dancing, thrilling Thai boxing, a self-defense demonstration, a traditional Thai wedding ceremony, cockfights, and even saw how silk is made—you name it, it was all there. It really felt like a day to experience the heart of Thailand, and I highly recommend it.

At the Samphran Elephant, Crocodile, and Snake Show, Denise had a blast riding a small elephant, and we both got to meet a baby elephant up close—a truly unforgettable experience.

This is the fearless guy who wrestles crocodiles for money—definitely a crazy act to watch! Meanwhile, Denise got up close and personal with one of the crocodiles, capturing some intense moments.

More snakes! This big python was a highlight. We then went to the snake show, where we learned that these snakes still have venom, so it wasn’t a show to take lightly. The handler caught two snakes with ease, but the final one he grabbed in his mouth—an incredible and nerve-wracking moment! After the show, they carefully milked all the snakes to collect their venom.

We packed a full day of adventure, all thanks to our taxi driver, Charlie, who took us anywhere we wanted to go. One of our stops was the Rose Gardens, where you can experience the heart of Thai culture all in one place. We watched traditional Thai dancing, thrilling Thai boxing matches, a self-defense exhibition, a traditional Thai wedding, cockfights (without the blades tied to the birds’ feet), and even saw how silk is made.

Here’s a snapshot of a cockfight in action—fair and blade-free. We also caught a mesmerizing exhibition of traditional Thai bamboo dancing, full of rhythm and precision.

We took a long-tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River over to Wat Arun, also known as the Morning Temple. The dock at Wat Arun was bustling with visitors and vendors, setting the scene for an exciting visit.

At the temple, Denise and I snapped a photo with some friendly Thai ladies, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Denise even tried to climb one of the steeper sections of the temple, but it was too steep to proceed  further safely, so we admired the view from where we could stand.

One of the many iconic ways to get around Bangkok is by Tuk Tuk—a fun and lively ride through the city streets.

For me, the nightlife was the highlight—especially heading down the famous Patpong Road. Most people know the reputation of Patpong, but I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. The street is a mix of bustling markets, Turkish baths, and, of course, the notorious girly bars. A lot can happen on Patpong Road—Charlie even got us into an underground sex show, which was an eye-opener.

On our last day in Bangkok, we visited the Chatuchak Market, north of the city. It’s the largest weekend market in Thailand and a must-see for anyone wanting a taste of local life and endless shopping.

Leaving Bangkok behind, we caught a train south to the beaches, here we come! We stopped at Hua Hin, a quiet fishing village on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand. We spent four relaxing days there, soaking up the laid-back vibe.

Denise even went horse riding on Hua Hin Beach. As you can see, the beaches were huge and almost deserted—perfect for unwinding.

Leaving Hua Hin, we caught a train to Surat Thani, then hopped on a ferry to Koh Samui Island—a roughly two-hour ride. We finally arrived at Lamai Beach, where we stayed for about six days. Back in the late ’80s, Lamai was a fantastic spot—full of wandering hippies, friendly faces, and a peaceful, laid-back vibe. It felt like a place built on free love, kindness, and community. And yes, we enjoyed plenty of those famous healthy mushrooms the island is known for—if you catch my drift.

Some of the hippies made beautiful jewelry, selling their crafts on the beach for a small amount of cash. Evenings brought stunning sunsets that lit up Lamai Beach in brilliant colors, making every night magical.

Our bungalow was right on the beach—simple, cozy, and the perfect home base for those six unforgettable days.

We took a bike ride out to the Namuang Waterfall near Ban Thurian. It’s the largest and most impressive waterfall on the island, with a 20-meter drop and a refreshing pool perfect for a swim. After soaking in the scenery and cooling off, it was time to start our journey back down the east coast of Malaysia.

Malaysia

After six days on the mushroom diet, we left the island and returned to mainland Thailand. From there, we caught a train heading south toward the border, making our way to Kota Bharu, Malaysia, where we stayed for the night. We only had 3rd class tickets, but decided to sneak into a sleeper carriage for some proper rest. The next morning, the train guard wasn’t impressed—we copped it. But after playing the part of broke, clueless travellers (with a healthy dose of Denise’s charm), we managed to talk our way out of it after a half-hour standoff.

From Kota Bharu, we hitchhiked down through Marang to Kuala Terengganu for a night, then continued hitching to Cherating Bay the next morning—surprisingly easy. We stayed at Indah Bungalows, run by Rozan, a top bloke and a natural entertainer. He took us out to some great bars with live music and a brilliant atmosphere. It was a shame we only had three days there—it left us wanting more.

We spent a few days exploring the Bay of Marang before heading to Cherating Bay, where we stayed at Indah Bungalows for three nights. It was a peaceful spot right near the beach, and the relaxed vibe made it hard to leave.

Rozan, the manager of Indah Bungalows, was a great host. We got to know him and his girlfriend during our stay—warm, welcoming people. One night, Rozan took us out to one of his favourite local bars. It had a laid-back atmosphere and live music. At one point, Rozan even got up on stage to sing a song with his friends. It was one of those unexpected, memorable nights that make travelling worth it.

Still hitching our way down the coast toward Kuantan, we stopped at Mersing and managed to catch a fishing boat out to Tioman Island. We spent five days on Tioman, including a day trip to nearby Coral Island. The beaches were stunning—powdery white sand and crystal-clear water. The only downside? The sand fleas—they were relentless and drove us mad.

We stayed at Nazara Bungalows for five days. The place was simple but perfect, and the owners were genuinely lovely people who made our stay even better.

I hiked to the highest point for a view of Tioman Island
Worth the climb—breathtaking views in every direction.

The start of another beautiful sunset on Tioman Island
The sky is slowly turning gold... this place never stops impressing.

On a boat for a day trip to Coral Island 🛥️
Just off the coast of Tioman Island, Malaysia, this little paradise is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.

Spending the day on Coral Island 🏝️
Can you believe how clear the water is? Stunning.

Denise with the pet monkey at Nazara Bungalows 🐒
A surprise visitor at our stay—cheeky and full of personality!

After leaving Tioman Island, we hitchhiked across Malaysia—passing through Kluang, Segamat, and Tampin—before spending our final two days in Kuala Lumpur.

This marks the end of an eye-opening journey. It made me reflect deeply on how others live: many people don’t have much, yet they make do with what they have—and always with a warm, genuine smile. They look out for one another, and above all, they respect their elders.
There’s a lot the Western world could learn from the values and resilience found in some so-called "third world" countries.