From Brunei, I hopped over to Manila, where a rainy arrival led to a brief but enjoyable exploration with a newfound Polish friend. Soon after, I journeyed to the remote island of Palau, where I was embraced by a warm Chinese couple at a cozy hostel. Despite a mishap with my drone, the dive trips revealed breathtaking underwater landscapes and pristine beaches. The camaraderie and stunning natural beauty of Palau left an indelible mark, making it one of the most remarkable and cherished destinations of my travels.

Links:

• Omar-‘Ali-Saifuddien-Mosque — A stunning mosque in Brunei with a golden dome, often mistaken for being made entirely of gold. It is one of the most impressive landmarks in the country.
• Royal Brunei Airlines — The national carrier of Brunei, offering flights to various destinations including Manila and other parts of Southeast Asia.
• Visit Palau — The official tourism website for Palau, providing information on attractions, activities, and travel tips for visitors.
• The tiny island with human-sized money — Information on the BBC about the unique stone currency of Yap, which is still used in traditional transactions and is an important part of the island's cultural heritage.
• Sam's Tours Palau — A diving center in Palau offering various dive trips and courses, known for its excellent service and beautiful dive sites.
• Brunei Tourism Official Site — Offers guided boat tours along the Brunei River, showcasing the local fauna, the king's palace, and water villages.
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Moving on to Chiang Mai, Thailand, I reunite with Karen, a friend met earlier in Cambodia, and we embark on various adventures, including visiting an elephant sanctuary and making onsen eggs in hot springs. The journey continues to Chiang Rai, with its winding roads and unique charm, before heading to Myanmar. In Myanmar, we delve into the rich cultural tapestry, visiting ancient pagodas in Bagan and experiencing local customs like chewing betel nut. Each destination offers a distinct flavor of Southeast Asia, creating a tapestry of vivid memories and immersive experiences.

Links:

• Luang Prabang Night Market — This market is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of street food, local crafts, and souvenirs.
• Kuang Si Waterfalls — These stunning waterfalls are a popular tourist attraction, featuring multiple levels of falls and natural swimming pools.
• Mount Phousi — A hill in the center of Luang Prabang offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape, dotted with Buddha statues.
• Rantong Elephant Sanctuary — A sanctuary focused on the well-being of elephants, offering visitors a chance to interact with the animals in a humane and ethical manner.
• Hot Springs in Chiang Mai — Parks with hot springs where visitors can cook onsen eggs, a unique and popular activity in the area.
• Pai, Thailand — A small town known for its relaxed atmosphere, natural beauty, and a winding road that is famous for its numerous curves.
• U Bein Bridge - Wikipedia — The oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world, located in Myanmar, offering scenic views and a glimpse into local life.
• Bagan — A historic city known for its thousands of pagodas and temples, offering breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset.
• La Terrazza Bagan — An Italian restaurant in Bagan known for its authentic cuisine and a welcome break from local food, offering dishes like pasta and wine.
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Next, I venture into Cambodia, landing in Siem Reap with the majestic Angkor Wat on my itinerary. After a serendipitous encounter with Fortunata via Couchsurfing, we meet a local taxi driver who takes us to an unexpected yet delightful restaurant experience. Despite initial skepticism, the evening turns out to be a culinary adventure, complete with impeccable service and unbelievably low prices. The following day, Angkor Wat's grandeur leaves me in awe, and a chance meeting with Hama, who would later invite me to Singapore, marks the beginning of a life-changing encounter.

Links:

• Common Room Project — The hostel we stayed at in HCMC.
• The Bugs Cafe — Blog post about the bug cafe in Siem Reap. (Nice weblog in general.)
• Pub Street, the Center of Siem Reap's Nightlife Scene — Officially titled “Street 8”, Pub Street is the center of action as the night falls in Siem Reap.
• Pronounce "A" in Vietnamese — A short YT video with an explanation.
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As the night unfolds, we join forces with Sebastian and Victor, fellow travelers, diving into Taiwan's lively night scene and later, its natural beauty. Together, we explore rain-soaked landscapes and hot springs hidden within lush forests, our days filled with unexpected adventures and culinary explorations, like the acclaimed Din Tai Fung. The warmth of newfound friendships and the thrill of rediscovery make every moment in Taiwan unforgettable, leaving us with vibrant memories and stories to cherish.

Links:

• Din Tai Fung — Renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain famous for its dumplings and noodles, recognized with a Michelin star, indicative of its high quality and culinary excellence.
• Taipei 101 — Iconic skyscraper in Taipei, known for its advanced engineering to withstand earthquakes. Once the tallest building in the world, it remains a major landmark.
• Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area — A picturesque lake in central Taiwan, popular for its scenic views and cultural significance, surrounded by mountainous terrain.
• Alishan National Scenic Area — A mountain resort and natural preserve known for its tea plantations and scenic railways, located in central Taiwan.
• Rainbow Village — A vibrant art project turned tourist attraction in Taichung, Taiwan, known for its brightly painted houses and streets.
• Hiking Elephant Mountain — A popular hiking spot in Taipei that offers panoramic views of the city skyline, including a clear view of Taipei 101.
• Hong Kong Tourism Board — Official tourism site providing comprehensive travel information about Hong Kong's attractions, including Victoria Harbour and Lantau Island.
• Lantau Island — The largest island in Hong Kong, known for the Tian Tan Buddha statue and its serene, natural environment.
• Victoria Peak — The highest point on Hong Kong Island, offering spectacular views of the city and its harbors.
• Ozone Bar — Promoted as one of the highest bars in the world, located on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong, providing luxurious nightlife experience with stunning views.
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Yekaterinburg, however, shifts the mood. The city greets us with a grey, almost color-drained ambiance that starkly contrasts the vibrancy of Kazan. This part of the journey feels like stepping into a different world, where the vividness of life seems muted. Despite this, our spirits remain high, fueled by interactions with locals and the novelty of standing at the border of two continents. The Transib itself gives us a mix of thoughtful and fun moments, like a bizarre yet memorable visit to a train restaurant that could be a scene from a film. Moving forward, all these bits and pieces from our journey weave into a collection of memories that really show off the varied landscapes and cultural richness of Russia.

Links:

• Trans-Siberian Railway Official Site — The official website for the Russian Railways, providing detailed information on the Trans-Siberian Railway, ticket booking, and route planning.
• Visit Kazan - Official Tourism Website — Official tourism portal for Kazan and the Republic of Tatarstan, featuring travel guides, accommodation options, and attractions such as the Kazan Kremlin and Kul Sharif Mosque.
• Kazan Kremlin — Official website for the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitor information, history, and architectural details of this historic fortress.
• Couchsurfing — A platform for travelers to find hosts offering a place to stay, fostering cultural exchange and friendships. It is often used for meeting locals and participating in group activities.
• Church on Blood in Honour of All Saints Resplendent in the Russian Land — Wikipedia site for the Church on Blood in Yekaterinburg, built on the site where the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II, and his family were executed.
• Europe-Asia Border Monument — Video of the Europe-Asia border monument near Yekaterinburg, a popular spot for tourists to stand with one foot in each continent.
• Lake Baikal Guide — Comprehensive guide to Lake Baikal, offering information on the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world, including activities, accommodations, and travel tips for Irkutsk.
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