Southeast Asia Archives - Uncharted Backpacker

A Journey into Bajau Laut, The Sea Gypsies of Borneo

August 8, 2018

Sabah, Malaysia, Borneo

Ever since I saw the BBC Human Planet documentary on the Bajau Laut I have been fascinated with these “people of the sea”. It is said that many of the Bajau can hold their breathe for upwards of five minutes, plunging into the depths with only a pair of wooden hand made goggles. Trying to find information on visiting the Bajau proved difficult but here I am speeding along in a small wooden boat, flying past remote islands and impossibly blue waters with my Bajau guide who I met only moments ago at the Semporna docks. Suddenly in the distance the rickety frames of wooden structures emerge like a mirage over the vast ocean horizon. Finally, I have made it to the home of the Bajau Laut! Read More

Traveling the Non-Touristy Side of Bali

June 6, 2018

Stephen Gollan

Adventure Travel, Asia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia

4 Comments

Bali, Indonesia

The tiny island of Bali hosts stunning lush tropical landscapes riddled with rice terraces and active volcanoes. It’s also home to an ancient Hindu culture that has left its mark here with intricate and ornate temples that reflect the islands intense beauty. Unfortunately for us travelers this is no secret and tourists have been flocking here for years. For the savvy traveler there is plenty of opportunity to find the parts unknown. After visiting Bali frequently for the past ten years I have developed a guide to help you find the authentic Bali you have been dreaming of. See why Bali is one of my favourite Islands! Read More

Gunung Bromo and Kawah Ijen Travel Guide – Java, Indonesia

July 21, 2017

Stephen Gollan

Adventure Travel, Asia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia

1 Comment

Gunung Bromo, Kawah Ijen, Java

In the far eastern regions of Java lie two extraordinary sites. The first is the massive volcano named Gunung Bromo. The second is the sulphuric crater lake of Ijen. These are two of the most impressive sites in Java, not to mention the whole of Indonesia. Sounds amazing, right? Well like most amazing places it comes with a catch. Bromo and Ijen and very remote places, making accessing here quite difficult and tedious. Transport from Yogyakarta can take up to twelve hours to Bromo and eight or nine from Bali to Ijen. The weather is also a major factor here, as clouds often cover up Bromo and heavy rains make Ijen hazardous. Apart from all these factors, witnessing sunrise at Bromo and the miners of Ijen will be an experience you are unlikely to ever forget.

The Baliem Valley, West Papua

November 18, 2016

Stephen Gollan

Adventure Travel, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Travel Blogging

14 Comments

Baliem Valley, West Papua

As the fog clears, steep, jungle-clad mountains loom in the distance. Clouds descend into the valley as they are pierced by the rising sun, painting a picture of solitude and serenity. Up until now, I had believed places of such remote and indescribable beauty only existed in fairy tales. As I crawl out from my smoky hut in the early hours of the morning, it takes an enormous effort to convince myself that this place is even real. This is the Baliem Valley in West Papua’s remote hidden interior, a place where true adventure can still be had. A place where travelers earn their stripes and become explorers; leaving all that they thought they knew behind them. Papua will change you; come prepared. Read More

The Slums of Jakarta – Indonesia

October 26, 2016

Stephen Gollan

Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Travel Blogging, Travel Journal, Uncategorized

4 Comments

Jakarta Indonesia

A family of five, surviving on a dollar a day, cram into a house no bigger than the average North American bathroom. Outside, a river of sewage and garbage flows. Behind the house, the railway bears deafening trains that shake the houses every hour as they rattle by. This is reality of the Jakarta slums, and here I am as a tourist. All the troubles I believe I have go right down the drain. And yet, despite living in such poverty, the people of the slum graciously invite me in to their homes, expecting nothing in return. Read More

River Skrang and the Batang Ai, Sarawak – Borneo

September 22, 2016

Stephen Gollan

Borneo, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Travel Journal

6 Comments

Sarawak Borneo

“It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.” There you go, I said it. I’ve always felt that it was just another cliché-stupid-feel-good-about-yourself saying, but this time, I perceived it with real meaning. As my boat cut further up the River Skrang, time came to a halt. The muddy waters, the ancient, massive jungle foliage hanging over the river, the sounds of birds and monkeys, my newfound Iban family singing and laughing behind me; I took it all in. This is what travelers spend all those long hours searching for, all that hard work, all that money spent, for this one, perfect moment. This is a journey I will never forget, one that will stay with me long after I have left this place.

Getting a Hand Tapped Dayak Tattoo in Borneo

August 12, 2016

Stephen Gollan

Adventure Travel, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Travel Journal

3 Comments

Sarawak Borneo, Malaysia

In an almost trance-like state, I lay on my back as the needle is pounded into my shoulder with a wooden stick. Traditional Sape music is playing in the background. Two tattoo-clad Iban, kneeling beside me, concentrate deeply as they slowly punch the ink into my skin. Then, out of the silence, Boy flamboyantly calls out “Maa Guii!” and we all break into laughter. Read More

Into Borneo’s Heart, Belaga to Kapit – Sarawak, Malaysia

August 6, 2016

Stephen Gollan

Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Travel Blogging, Travel Journal

9 Comments

Borneo, Sarawak Malaysia

Like images on an old film projector, the jungle slowly flickers by. When the hum of the boat’s engine slows, it’s noise is drowned out by the sounds of Borneo’s deep jungle. Traveling here is not easy, but the rewards of Borneo’s interior are great for those seeking something different, something more vibrant and beautiful. As the boat pushes further downriver, the jungle is occasionally broken by the odd Dayak longhouse settlement. This place is special, a travelers absolute fantasy. I am happy to be back, back in the heart of Borneo.

The Sultanate of Brunei – Borneo

August 1, 2016

Stephen Gollan

Brunei, Southeast Asia, Travel Blogging, Travel Journal

2 Comments

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

The Islamic Call to Prayer fills the air with its beautiful tones from the many surrounding mosques. Locals adorning brightly coloured Hijabs and purple long shirts walk from the malls to pray at the mosque. The stifling heat almost suffocates you with its soup like humidity.

This is Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei’s capital city. Everything from the golden domed mosques, the thick surroundings of uncharted jungle, the traditionally dressed locals, and poster plastered everywhere of the current sultan resonates of this empires past glory. Brunei is something different, an unfamiliar face you should get to know.

Sea Gypsies, Whale Sharks and Chocolate Hills – The Visayas, Philippines

June 29, 2016

Stephen Gollan

Philippines, Scuba Diving, Southeast Asia, Travel Journal, Uncategorized

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I lie awake in the middle of the night. The rain pounds hard against the plastic shutters. The wind roars outside at frightening speeds. The sound of roosters calling is chilling. They know that this is no normal storm. The Yolanda Typhoon continued throughout the night. Luckily, I was with my Canadian/Filipino friend, Grace, at her uncle’s house in Manila. We had no idea how much this Typhoon would affect our trip, not to mention Grace’s family, in the Visayas.

Category - Southeast Asia