Independent & Budget Travel Blog
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The vegan and vegetarian food choices in Kota Kinabalu Malaysia, on the shores of Borneo, is incredibly diverse and you have a wide range of cuisines to choose from. The plant based cuisines this city has include Malay, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Italian, Mexican and Asian Fusion. Whether you’re craving laksa, nasi lemak, pizza, burgers, tacos, … Read more
Brunei, a small country on the island of Borneo, has some of the most stunning mosques in the world, each reflecting the country’s deep Islamic heritage and architectural grandeur. These masjids not only serve as places of worship but also as symbols of Brunei’s commitment to preserving its cultural and religious traditions, offering visitors a … Read more
Treating all beings with kindness and respect is one of the cornerstones of Islamic teachings. You can celebrate Eid Al Adha this year in ways that don’t involve animal sacrifice. Remember that the essence of Eid Al Adha is to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice and to promote compassion and empathy. Celebrating it in … Read more
Hanoi, Vietnam’s lively capital, is famous for its vibrant culture and iconic landmarks, yet it’s the hidden gems nestled in its narrow streets and alleys that capture the true spirit of this unique city. From interesting museums to the remnants of downed American planes, trains running through residential areas and historic neighbourhoods, Hanoi offers an … Read more
Trekking through the beautiful landscape of Sapa Vietnam without a guide is a liberating and rewarding adventure. Especially for budget travellers wanting to explore the lush terraced rice fields and rugged mountain trails independently. In November 2023, I did two solo treks in Sapa independently without a guide. The first was to Muong Hoa Valley. … Read more
Brunei is a small country nestled on the northern coast of the island of Borneo and offers unique experiences for travellers seeking off the beaten path adventures. It is an oil rich nation, governed by the Sultan of Brunei, a leader in one of the few remaining sultanate countries worldwide. As a predominantly Muslim country … Read more
Bac Ha is located in the Lào Cai Province of northern Vietnam, near the border with China. If you love going “off the beaten path”, this is the perfect place for you to visit for 3 days and 2 nights. Bac Ha is situated around 6 hours from Hanoi (check out the Hidden Gems in Hanoi) and … Read more
Located in the beautiful hills of northern Vietnam, Bac Ha Market stands as a vibrant tapestry of colours, cultures and traditions. This bustling market situated in the Lào Cai Province is only 6 hours from Hanoi and less than 3 hours from Sapa. It’s a great “off the beaten path” experience. Here is An Adventurous 3 … Read more
Finding vegan food in Sapa Vietnam is easier than you think with a diverse range of vegan and vegetarian friendly cafes and restaurants. Nestled in the stunning landscapes of northern Vietnam, six hours by bus from Hanoi and close to the Chinese border, Sapa not only captivates you with its unique scenery but also excites … Read more
Travelling from Sapa to Bac Ha in Northern Vietnam is actually an easy experience using two minibuses. The first bus is from Sapa to Lao Cai which takes 1 hour. The second bus is from Lao Cai to Bac Ha which takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. If you want to experience the famous Sunday … Read more