Two months after my bicycle tour through Central Asia, I started travelling again. This time with my backpack instead of my bicycle, and this time together with Ilinca, who quit her job end of August to join me on a six month trip through Asia and Australia. It is for the first time that Ilinca and I travel for more than three weeks in a row, and I think it will be good for both of us to disconnect a bit from our life in Switzerland.
Planned destinations
One key to an adventurous trip is that we plan as little as possible in advance. Like this we will have lots of flexibility to adapt our travelling plans depending on our mood. So far, we only booked three flights and our accommodation in Kuala Lumpur for the first four nights, everything else is still open. Of course, we already have some ideas which places we would like to visit, so here is a list of our current favorite destinations:
Malaysia
In 2013, Ilinca and I have already been on Malaysia for four days as part of our trip to Singapore. In these days we visited the island of Langkawi, a beautiful tropical paradise located at the west cost of Malaysia. I was really fascinated by the nature there, so I always wanted to come back to Malaysia. Also, Kuala Lumpur was always on the list of cities I wanted to visit once in my lifetime.
Borneo
I have never been to Borneo before, but from what I have seen in documentaries on TV, this is the place to go to experience the full beauty of tropical rainforests and get an idea of how the indigenous peoples adapt to the environment in order to survive. Borneo is split between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. The largest part of the island belongs to Indonesia, but at the same time this is also the least developed part and probably the most difficult to travel. If we go to Borneo, we will most likely visit the Malaysian side and Brunei.
Bali
Having visited Bali already in 2014, we both knew that we will come back there one day, as we only stayed there for one week and we could not explore the full beauty of this island. Also, Bali is conveniently located between Borneo and Australia.
Australia
I always wanted to visit Australia. I always postponed it however because I thought I can also do that when I am sixty. Well, since we have enough time now, we most likely will spend several weeks there to explore this huge country.
New Zealand
At the latest after having seen The Lord of the Rings with its beautiful sceneries, I knew that I want to see New Zealand with my own eyes one day. Why not on this trip?
Thailand
I love Thai food, I have heard wonderful stories and seen beautiful images of this rather touristic country from friends, so I definitely want to visit this country on this trip.
Cambodia
I honestly don’t know much about Cambodia yet, except the famous Angkor Wat temple complex.
Laos
A country which I only know from friend’s recommendations.
Vietnam
Another country that I only know from friend’s recommendations.
Travel Style
Having traveled as a nomad on bicycle for three months, I know what it means to carry everything you need to survive always with you and to be responsible for any kind of transport. While this was very exciting for me, I think when travelling with Ilinca, a bit more comfort is appreciated. Instead of sleeping in a tent in the desert, we prefer staying at homestays, Airbnb, Couchsurfing, or sometimes also hotels if necessary and enjoy the local cuisine instead of cooking cup noodles in a storm along the road. Nevertheless, we will travel with our backpacks and are looking forward to staying at rather simple accommodations and to meeting local people.
