web01.fireside.fm Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:41:03 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Sleepless in Singapore - Episodes Tagged with “Manila” https://www.sleepless.sg/tags/manila Sun, 07 Jul 2024 21:00:00 +0800 As night falls, join me on 'Sleepless in Singapore' for a laid-back journey through my daily life in Singapore and tales from travels around the world. Then, fall asleep to the soothing sounds of Goethe, Schiller, or Kant being read in a calming voice. en-us episodic Let my voice be your guide to a restful night. Julian Lindner As night falls, join me on 'Sleepless in Singapore' for a laid-back journey through my daily life in Singapore and tales from travels around the world. Then, fall asleep to the soothing sounds of Goethe, Schiller, or Kant being read in a calming voice. no Sleepless in Singapore, Relaxation Podcast, Sleep Aid, Tranquil Narration, Storytelling, Travel, Cultural Exploration, Food and Travel Podcast Julian Lindner julian@lindner.earth Episode 25: World Trip I (pt. 16) – Brunei, Palau & Yap https://www.sleepless.sg/25 c10f9127-7f37-4330-a701-20abb7303d66 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 21:00:00 +0800 Julian Lindner full Julian Lindner In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount a memorable trip to Brunei, exploring its unique culture, local markets, and the stunning Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, followed by adventures in Palau and Yap, highlighting incredible landscapes, diving experiences, and the fascinating local customs, and ending with a reading from Tom Sawyer. 47:56 no In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my whirlwind visit to Brunei, a spontaneous detour after returning from Bali and Timor-Leste. My stay at a hostel run by a former dentist named Bel set the stage for an immersive experience. Bel, a knowledgeable guide, took us on a boat tour down Brunei River, showcasing everything from the local fauna to the majestic Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque with its legendary golden rooftop. The adventure included a visit to a stilt village, a bustling wet market, and a memorable, budget-friendly haircut complete with an unexpected massage. 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. Sleepless in Singapore, Podcast, Brunei trip, Bali, Timor-Leste, Brunei River, Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque, Brunei wet market, Brunei customs, Manila, Palau, Palau diving, Palau drone, Palau beaches, Yap, Yap stone money, Yap village elder, Guam, Royal Brunei Air, Southeast Asia travel In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my whirlwind visit to Brunei, a spontaneous detour after returning from Bali and Timor-Leste. My stay at a hostel run by a former dentist named Bel set the stage for an immersive experience. Bel, a knowledgeable guide, took us on a boat tour down Brunei River, showcasing everything from the local fauna to the majestic Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque with its legendary golden rooftop. The adventure included a visit to a stilt village, a bustling wet market, and a memorable, budget-friendly haircut complete with an unexpected massage.

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.
  • COMMENTS
]]> In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my whirlwind visit to Brunei, a spontaneous detour after returning from Bali and Timor-Leste. My stay at a hostel run by a former dentist named Bel set the stage for an immersive experience. Bel, a knowledgeable guide, took us on a boat tour down Brunei River, showcasing everything from the local fauna to the majestic Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque with its legendary golden rooftop. The adventure included a visit to a stilt village, a bustling wet market, and a memorable, budget-friendly haircut complete with an unexpected massage.

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.
  • COMMENTS
]]> Episode 19: World Trip I (pt. 10) – Kuala Lumpur & Tioman https://www.sleepless.sg/19 133d35ed-cb92-4e5b-94a3-26e61a9f7b51 Sun, 26 May 2024 21:00:00 +0800 Julian Lindner full Julian Lindner In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my solo travels in Southeast Asia, starting with a challenging AirAsia flight from Manila to Kuala Lumpur, exploring the vibrant markets and trying durian for the first time, and ending with an adventurous trip to Tioman Island, where I discovered beautiful waterfalls and enjoyed some unforgettable moments with friends. 46:44 no In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my solo adventure to Kuala Lumpur after parting ways with Philipp. The journey begins with a hectic AirAsia flight from Manila, reminding me of the serene joys of train travel. Upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur, I reconnect with friends Misha and Verena, who I met on a train to Mongolia. We stay in a budget hostel, explore the vibrant Chow Kit wet market, and savor a memorable breakfast at The Red Bean Bag. The day unfolds with sightseeing, culminating in a daring taste test of the infamous durian fruit, which leaves us both intrigued and repelled. The narrative shifts to a lively night out, filled with billiards, beers, and spontaneous club-hopping, ending with an unexpected stay at a nearby hotel. The next day, I rest and then wander through Petaling Street Market and Jalan Alor, soaking in the local atmosphere. My journey continues with a bus ride to Mersing and a ferry to Tioman Island, where I reunite with Misha and Verena. Despite basic accommodations and scarce food supplies, we revel in the island’s natural beauty, highlighted by an exhilarating jungle hike to a secluded waterfall. The trip concludes with a thrilling scooter ride and a nerve-wracking dash to catch a flight to Penang, setting the stage for future adventures in Thailand. Julian, Sleepless in Singapore, Podcast, Southeast Asia travel, Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia flight, train travel, Germany to Berlin, KLCC, Chow Kit wet market, durian, Tioman Island, hiking in Tioman, Penang, backpacking in Thailand, pancake trail, KLIA2, Red Bean Bag, Petronas Towers, Pavilion shopping center In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my solo adventure to Kuala Lumpur after parting ways with Philipp. The journey begins with a hectic AirAsia flight from Manila, reminding me of the serene joys of train travel. Upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur, I reconnect with friends Misha and Verena, who I met on a train to Mongolia. We stay in a budget hostel, explore the vibrant Chow Kit wet market, and savor a memorable breakfast at The Red Bean Bag. The day unfolds with sightseeing, culminating in a daring taste test of the infamous durian fruit, which leaves us both intrigued and repelled.

The narrative shifts to a lively night out, filled with billiards, beers, and spontaneous club-hopping, ending with an unexpected stay at a nearby hotel. The next day, I rest and then wander through Petaling Street Market and Jalan Alor, soaking in the local atmosphere. My journey continues with a bus ride to Mersing and a ferry to Tioman Island, where I reunite with Misha and Verena. Despite basic accommodations and scarce food supplies, we revel in the island’s natural beauty, highlighted by an exhilarating jungle hike to a secluded waterfall. The trip concludes with a thrilling scooter ride and a nerve-wracking dash to catch a flight to Penang, setting the stage for future adventures in Thailand.

Links:

  • The Red Beanbag — Official website of The Red Beanbag, a popular breakfast and brunch café in Kuala Lumpur known for its crab cakes and eggs benedict.
  • Senai International Airport — An international airport in the town of Senai, Kulai District, Johor, Malaysia, serving Johor Bahru and the southernmost region of Peninsular Malaysia.
  • Cataferry — Cataferry offers comfortable and spacious catamaran ferry services to Tioman and Langkawi islands.
  • Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (klia2) — Comprehensive guide to KLIA2, the low-cost carrier terminal in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Chow Kit Wet Market — A guide to Chow Kit Market, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant and colorful wet markets, offering fresh produce, meat, and seafood.
  • KLCC — Official website for KLCC, featuring the iconic Petronas Towers, a convention center, a shopping mall, and a park.
  • Pavilion Kuala Lumpur — Website of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a premier shopping destination with a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
  • Din Tai Fung — Website of Din Tai Fung Malaysia, renowned for its Taiwanese cuisine, especially xiao long bao (soup dumplings).
  • Jalan Alor — Guide to Jalan Alor, a famous food street in Kuala Lumpur offering a wide variety of local Malaysian street food.
  • Tioman Island — Tourism website for Tioman Island, providing information on travel, accommodations, and activities on the island, including diving and hiking.
  • COMMENTS
]]> In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my solo adventure to Kuala Lumpur after parting ways with Philipp. The journey begins with a hectic AirAsia flight from Manila, reminding me of the serene joys of train travel. Upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur, I reconnect with friends Misha and Verena, who I met on a train to Mongolia. We stay in a budget hostel, explore the vibrant Chow Kit wet market, and savor a memorable breakfast at The Red Bean Bag. The day unfolds with sightseeing, culminating in a daring taste test of the infamous durian fruit, which leaves us both intrigued and repelled.

The narrative shifts to a lively night out, filled with billiards, beers, and spontaneous club-hopping, ending with an unexpected stay at a nearby hotel. The next day, I rest and then wander through Petaling Street Market and Jalan Alor, soaking in the local atmosphere. My journey continues with a bus ride to Mersing and a ferry to Tioman Island, where I reunite with Misha and Verena. Despite basic accommodations and scarce food supplies, we revel in the island’s natural beauty, highlighted by an exhilarating jungle hike to a secluded waterfall. The trip concludes with a thrilling scooter ride and a nerve-wracking dash to catch a flight to Penang, setting the stage for future adventures in Thailand.

Links:

  • The Red Beanbag — Official website of The Red Beanbag, a popular breakfast and brunch café in Kuala Lumpur known for its crab cakes and eggs benedict.
  • Senai International Airport — An international airport in the town of Senai, Kulai District, Johor, Malaysia, serving Johor Bahru and the southernmost region of Peninsular Malaysia.
  • Cataferry — Cataferry offers comfortable and spacious catamaran ferry services to Tioman and Langkawi islands.
  • Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (klia2) — Comprehensive guide to KLIA2, the low-cost carrier terminal in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Chow Kit Wet Market — A guide to Chow Kit Market, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant and colorful wet markets, offering fresh produce, meat, and seafood.
  • KLCC — Official website for KLCC, featuring the iconic Petronas Towers, a convention center, a shopping mall, and a park.
  • Pavilion Kuala Lumpur — Website of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a premier shopping destination with a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
  • Din Tai Fung — Website of Din Tai Fung Malaysia, renowned for its Taiwanese cuisine, especially xiao long bao (soup dumplings).
  • Jalan Alor — Guide to Jalan Alor, a famous food street in Kuala Lumpur offering a wide variety of local Malaysian street food.
  • Tioman Island — Tourism website for Tioman Island, providing information on travel, accommodations, and activities on the island, including diving and hiking.
  • COMMENTS
]]> Episode 18: World Trip I (pt. 9) – Philippines https://www.sleepless.sg/18 84369b4e-8c98-42fd-b1b7-8baa600999c8 Sun, 19 May 2024 21:00:00 +0800 Julian Lindner full Julian Lindner In this episode of 'Sleepless in Singapore,' I recount my solo adventure in the Philippines, from parting ways with Philip in Manila, navigating quirky Uber rides and surprising encounters in Makati, to exploring the remote beauty of El Nido, learning to ride a scooter, and reflecting on the bittersweet end of our world trip together. 46:00 no In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I find myself embarking on a new chapter of my journey, this time in the vibrant Philippines—alone for the first time in weeks after parting ways with Philipp. As I navigate the bustling streets of Manila and settle into the luxurious Shangri-La, the solitude feels strange yet liberating. The city's chaotic charm quickly becomes evident through a series of misunderstandings with an Uber driver and an unexpected encounter at the hotel, setting the tone for my solo adventure. As I adjust to being alone, my travels take me to the serene surroundings of El Nido. Opting for a secluded Airbnb in the jungle, I embrace the quiet, finding peace in the simplicity of my surroundings despite the initial boredom. Learning to ride a scooter becomes a thrilling necessity, opening up new vistas of lush landscapes and local life. Adventures to local waterfalls and beaches interspersed with moments of reflection and unexpected social interactions enrich my experience, marking a significant, introspective phase of my travels. Julian, Sleepless in Singapore, podcast, world trip, Philip, Bhutan, Philippines, Manila, El Nido, Shangri-La, Makati, travel, Uber, breakfast, Airbnb, scooter, waterfalls, tropical rain, tour, Helicopter Island, birthday In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I find myself embarking on a new chapter of my journey, this time in the vibrant Philippines—alone for the first time in weeks after parting ways with Philipp. As I navigate the bustling streets of Manila and settle into the luxurious Shangri-La, the solitude feels strange yet liberating. The city's chaotic charm quickly becomes evident through a series of misunderstandings with an Uber driver and an unexpected encounter at the hotel, setting the tone for my solo adventure.

As I adjust to being alone, my travels take me to the serene surroundings of El Nido. Opting for a secluded Airbnb in the jungle, I embrace the quiet, finding peace in the simplicity of my surroundings despite the initial boredom. Learning to ride a scooter becomes a thrilling necessity, opening up new vistas of lush landscapes and local life. Adventures to local waterfalls and beaches interspersed with moments of reflection and unexpected social interactions enrich my experience, marking a significant, introspective phase of my travels.

Links:

  • Makati Shangri-La, Manila — A luxury hotel located in the business district of Manila, offering upscale rooms and a variety of amenities including a renowned breakfast buffet.
  • El Nido Tourism — Official tourism site for El Nido, Palawan, providing information on activities, accommodations, and attractions in the area known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty.
  • El Nido Tours A, B, C — Information about boat tours and Helicopter Island, a popular destination for boat tours in El Nido known for its unique shape and pristine beaches.
  • Plaza de Roma — Historical plaza located in Intramuros, Manila, surrounded by significant landmarks and featuring a statue of King Carlos IV of Spain.
  • Balut — Information about Balut, a traditional Filipino street food that is a fertilized duck egg with a developing embryo inside, considered a delicacy.
  • Red Horse Beer — Information about Red Horse Beer, a popular strong beer in the Philippines known for its high alcohol content and distinct taste.
  • COMMENTS
]]> In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I find myself embarking on a new chapter of my journey, this time in the vibrant Philippines—alone for the first time in weeks after parting ways with Philipp. As I navigate the bustling streets of Manila and settle into the luxurious Shangri-La, the solitude feels strange yet liberating. The city's chaotic charm quickly becomes evident through a series of misunderstandings with an Uber driver and an unexpected encounter at the hotel, setting the tone for my solo adventure.

As I adjust to being alone, my travels take me to the serene surroundings of El Nido. Opting for a secluded Airbnb in the jungle, I embrace the quiet, finding peace in the simplicity of my surroundings despite the initial boredom. Learning to ride a scooter becomes a thrilling necessity, opening up new vistas of lush landscapes and local life. Adventures to local waterfalls and beaches interspersed with moments of reflection and unexpected social interactions enrich my experience, marking a significant, introspective phase of my travels.

Links:

  • Makati Shangri-La, Manila — A luxury hotel located in the business district of Manila, offering upscale rooms and a variety of amenities including a renowned breakfast buffet.
  • El Nido Tourism — Official tourism site for El Nido, Palawan, providing information on activities, accommodations, and attractions in the area known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty.
  • El Nido Tours A, B, C — Information about boat tours and Helicopter Island, a popular destination for boat tours in El Nido known for its unique shape and pristine beaches.
  • Plaza de Roma — Historical plaza located in Intramuros, Manila, surrounded by significant landmarks and featuring a statue of King Carlos IV of Spain.
  • Balut — Information about Balut, a traditional Filipino street food that is a fertilized duck egg with a developing embryo inside, considered a delicacy.
  • Red Horse Beer — Information about Red Horse Beer, a popular strong beer in the Philippines known for its high alcohol content and distinct taste.
  • COMMENTS
]]>