November 2013 – March 2014
Thailand – Cambodia – Bali – Sulawesi – Borneo
- November departure… we plan to chill in Chiang Mai for a month
- Then head for Angkor Wat for Christmas
- After that it’s back to Siboya for January
- Then Bali for 3 weeks before heading up to Bunaken Island (Off the north coast of Sulawesi) for some of the best snorkeling anywhere. (last here in 1996)
- Finally we went back to Kuching, Borneo for 10 days.
November 19, 2013
Back in Chiang Mai, Thailand
As you can see by the photo, we are ensconced back in The Kantary Hills Hotel for a month. It is such an indulgence and continues to be great value at CA$ 60/N (monthly rate) The amazing buffet breakfast is always difficult to navigate without over indulging. The very well appointed A/C gym and the pool are both still first class and the entire hotel is still spotless. Daily maid service and fabbo linens are sublime.
It’s already been a week, as the time just seems to evaporate. The main event to date was Loy Krathong on the 17th. The name could be translated “Floating Crown” or “Floating Decoration”, and comes from the tradition of making buoyant decorations which are then floated on a river. The candle venerates the Buddha with light, while the krathong’s floating symbolizes letting go of all one’s hatred, anger, and defilements. People sometime cut their fingernails or hair and placed the clippings on the krathong as a symbol of letting go of negative thoughts.
Byron picks us up in the Taxi McG… off to the Chiang Mai Art Museum..??
December 12, 2013
Mae Salong… mountain village, north of Chiang Mai
Mae Salong was settled by remnants of the former Nationalist (Kuomintang) Chinese Army 93rd Division who moved from Burma to Thai territory in 1961, after the Communist Party under Mao Zedong consolidated its hold on China. Originally a military base biding its time for an attack back, funding its arms purchases with opium production — notorious warlord Khun Sa lived a few kilometers away in Ban Hin Taek — in the 1970s the Thai government struck a deal with the renegades: the battle-hardened KMT would help them fight Thailand’s own Communist insurgents, and would be granted citizenship in exchange. As part of the integration process, opium production was successfully substituted with mountain produce like mushrooms and above all Oolong tea, which is now Mae Salong’s main product.
Some guidebooks wax lyrical about today’s Mae Salong as a miniature Yunnanese Shangri-la, but if you come with this image in mind you may be a little disappointed: at first glance, Mae Salong looks much like the little Thai town it is. However, the crisp climate, the lingering Chinese influence, delicious native Yunnanese dishes and small hotels and guest houses catering to visitors still make this a popular getaway, accessible even on a hurried day trip but worth stopping in overnight.
December 29, 2013
Back on Siboya
And now it’s Hammock Time on Siboya!!
It’s great to be back on Siboya. This year we are in Paul’s house. I calle Chung a month ago to arrange for hot water to be added to the shower. Yes I’m spoiled. Mr Ya (62yrs) is still doing the gardens and the local girls are growing up to be wonderful young ladies.
Mr Law came over with a bucket of squid and a grill. The rest was a feast.
Let’s take a day trip to the Tuesday morning market on the mainland at Laem Kruat.
Our departing meal, thanks to Keow and Chung… Sail fish curry, loofah veggy.
January 29, 2014
Haven’t been back to Bali for 7 years 🕉
Flew Krabi (KBV) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Bali (DPS) – Had to spend one night at a transit airport hotel in KL then on to Denpasar, Bali. Made (www.bagusholidaysbali.com) was waiting for us at Bali’s airport. Even at the late hour of 11pm it was a busy 2 hour drive up to Ubud. Wow big changes in Bali. Who knew there would be this much growth. Checked into Narasoma Homestay
First things first… a birthday indulgence, a Javanese Lulur Massage at Verona Spa. Who doesn’t want to have a luxurious indulgent 1-1/2 hour massage for US$12
Our final meal in Ubud was at Nomad’s. The tuna fillet was amazing.
February 20, 2014
Haven’t been to Bunaken for 16 years
✈️ Fly Bali to Makassar… one night at Hotel Pacific then on to Manado the next morning. The driver was waiting for us at the airport and whisked us away to the waiting boat to take us out to Bunaken Beach Resort. Manado is still a hole. Glad we chose the hold your hand transfer option.
Bunaken Beach Resort was a pleasant surprise. Last time we were here the accommodation choices were very simple. What we found was still simple, but clean and airy. It was still stinkin’ hot here 1.6 degrees north of the equator. AND the food… we were nervous about the food as the accommodation includes full board. No choices just sit down and see what arrives. Last time, the first day was wonderful… fresh fish and veg and rice. But we soon realized that that was what it would be for EVERY meal. Lucky for us, Bunaken Beach Resort’s kitchen never repeated a dish for the entire 7 nights we were there. Very good food!
The beauty of snorkelling here is that you just wade/swim about 100 meters right off the beach to the edge of the reef where it drops straigh down a kilometer. Yes we saw all of the fish pictured and millions of other reef fish.
After our 7 nights we headed back to Manado. Hopped on a Lion Air flight back to the amazingly friendly people in Makassar. Great seafood dinner and one night before heading to Kuala Lumpur and then Kuching.
March 1, 2014
Let’s take some time to chill in Kuching
