Chasing dingoes, and other fun things to do on Fraser Island
UNESCO World Heritage listed Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world complete with scenic lakes, a wreck, some epic 4WD tracks, and dingoes, and for the last year I’ve lived less than two hours away. With crocodile and dingo warnings aplenty, as well as the very real possibility of getting bogged in fine sand, it could only be an adventure. What had I been waiting for? Here are the ten best things to do on Fraser Island. An island completely made of sand perhaps doesn’t sound that exciting, but Fraser Island’s bold landscape, wild dingoes and varied scenery definitely make for some adventures. 35 Mile Beach Driving…
Exploring Zanzibar’s Spice Island capital, Stonetown
Few places in this world are truly exotic, but Zanzibar Island, 25 kilometres off the coast of Tanzania, is one of them. Stonetown, the capital of the ‘Spice Island’ as it is also known, is a blend of cultures, ethnicities, flavours, and history. Everything from the food to the architecture seems to feature elements from countries miles away The historic trading centre is fascinating and has to be seen to be believed. Here are my favourite things to do in Stonetown. Former capital of the Zanzibar Sultanate, Stonetown is the main settlement of Zanzibar’s main island Unguja. The town has a long history as a spice and slave trading centre,…
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, the most beautiful building in Penang?
While researching accommodation options in Penang, I quickly realised there was only one place I wanted to stay while there. Historic Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as the Blue Mansion, is a 19th century mansion that has been restored to such a high standard that it received a UNESCO heritage conservation award. The rich blue walls and the intricate and colourful details make this heritage building absolutely beautiful, and a real treat for romantic souls and dreamers. The history of Cheong Fatt Tze Cheong Fatt Tze was a Chinese merchant that arrived in Penang as a penniless teenager but established himself as a successful businessman and built the mansion…
What to see in Hoi An Old Town
Stepping on a dead rat may not have been the best start to our walking tour of Hoi An but it did mean it could only get better. Walking is really the only way to explore Hoi An, since much of it is pedestrianised during the day, making for some very pleasant strolling (expired rats aside). The history of Hoi An Hoi An dates back to the first century but the town developed significantly between the 15th and 19th century when Hoi An was the main trading centre in central Vietnam. The local architecture blends many influences and ideas. During Vietnam’s French rule trade moved to Da Nang and Hoi…
Magical ‘Must-See’ Halong Bay Vietnam
What do you imagine when you think of Vietnam? I’m going to take a wild guess that Halong Bay comes to mind. Magical Halong Bay was high on my list of places to visit when I visited Vietnam and it didn’t disappoint. One of the most magnificent sights in Vietnam, and possibly the world, UNESCO World Heritage site Halong Bay should absolutely be visited if you get the chance. When we visited it was overcast and grey, but the area was still stunning. However, I can easily imagine how amazing it would be on a clear day. Halong Bay – Place of legends Halong Bay is not only incredibly beautiful,…
Alhambra
The Alhambra is a palace, fortress and a feast of Moorish architecture. To squeeze some culture into your break on Spain’s coast get up to Granada where you will be rewarded with exotic and lavish gardens and an exquisitely decorated palace. One of Spain’s 42 UNESCO heritage sites, the Alhambra has a rich history of occupants including both Arabs and Christians (not together obviously). It consists of a palace with functional areas, living rooms and a harem, the main fortress and a residential area for subordinates. It was built perched on a hilltop and different parts seem scattered about and connected by courtyards. The history of the Alhambra The complex…
Magical Mont St Michel
There we were, driving through French villages, dodging sheep and baguette-wielding locals, when we emerged from one village and suddenly saw it, Mont St Michel. Few places match it for atmosphere. Surrounded by sea, this tiny community off the French shoreline has a very isolated feel, despite being only one kilometre offshore. The Stuff of Fairytales Mont St Michel looks what you would expect a young girl to draw if you asked for a fairytale castle straight. I’m not convinced Disney didn’t take inspiration from a quick visit actually. It stands proudly on a rocky outcrop in the middle of seemingly endless sandflats. These flats are in turn exposed and…
