We didn’t really have a plan when we were traveling full time and we just decided on a whim where we would go. That meant we didn’t have a lot of expectations about places we ended up at, so we were mostly super pleasantly surprised with what we discovered when we arrived.
Here are the destinations that surprised us the most – in a a good way – in Asia.
Taipei in Taiwan
Taiwan wasn’t on my mind at all, but only a few weeks after we first left Australian our big trip in 2016 my eardrum burst, and as we were in the steamy Philippines, and I couldn’t get it wet for a month we moved on – to Taipei, Taiwan.
We had absolutely no idea what to expect and what we discovered were the most kind and caring people, beautiful temples and quirky religious statues and traditions, the incredible Taipei 101, stunning nature and the hot springs of Beitou. I was so in awe of the public toilets and baby feeding/changerooms I also wrote a blog about it!
We loved the food in Taiwan, and this is where Emmie tasted her first xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung! We spent almost a month here and we desperately need to return to explore more. Read about why your should visit Taiwan with kids here.
The nature in China, especially Yangshuo
Like most people I think we had very little idea about the beauty of China’s nature – the whole country is incredibly stunning wth crystal clear lakes and waterfalls, magical mountains and stunning landscapes and just so much beauty. We were just blown away by it and adored exploring the country over and over again. Yes there are definitely places with pollution where were you need to watch levels and wear masks, but outside of these areas China is just amazing.
Our favourites were the karst limestone mountains of Yangshuo, the lakes of Juizhaigou and the glass walkways, glass buildings and general amazingness of Zhangjaijie. There is also a Disneyland in Shanghai which is AMAZING. Add it to your trip if you can. These are our favourite places in China to visit with kids (or without!)
Everything about Myanmar
We were in Myanmar just before the pandemic, and how things have changed now – not only with Covid but with the coup and the military takeover. The Burmese people are so kind and humble and we made many friends there. It’s just so sad that as they had only just started becoming accustomed to freedom it was snatched away. Again I didn’t have any expectations for Myanmar but the big surprise was just how much it stole my heart and how amazingly beautiful the people were. Life is still very old-school and tough in Myanmar, and now it’s even tougher.
Here’s how you can learn more and help the Myanmar people.
We LOVED Yangon and its beautiful temples, riding around Bagan on a scooter and exploring Inle Lake.
Gunung Mulu National park, in Sarawak, Borneo
What a heaven this place was for us – and when I messed up our booking and cheap accommodation we were forced to stay at the Mulu Marriott Resort instead and omg, it was incredible. The Gunung Mulu National Park is ancient rainforest and jungle – UNESCO listed – plus incredible underground caves and rivers, sky-high limestone shards and the incredible evening bat exodus is just so overwhelmingly amazing and a memory that you will have forever and will look back on in awe! Read about our trip here.
I hope you can get there one day. We will be going back for sure.
Ishigaki, Japan
Before we explored Ishigaki and it’s neighbouring islands just south of Okinawa, I had no idea that Japan had white sand islands with the bluest water to rival the Maldives (although you need to beware of irukandji and sea snakes at certain times of the year). It’s an incredible island with so much to do and the most beautiful beaches.
And it has a Club Med Resort!
Siquijor in the Philippines
One of our favourite islands we can’t wait to get back to. Siqiujor has everything from waterfalls, to caves and underground rivers, beautiful beaches and marine sanctuaries PLUS it’s really not the busiest of the Philippines islands so you don’t feel too crowded (unless you get to the waterfalls in the middle of the day!). Read all about Siquijor here – you really should go – and our fave resort, Coco Grove. We also LOVE Cebu and can’t wait to get back.
BONUS SPOT – not Asia but…Cape Tribulation in Australia!
It’s wild and ancient and steamy and it just has the vibe! I really wasn’t expecting to fall for Cape Trip so hard, and to love everything single part of it from its boardwalks to hikes, waterholes and reef snorkelling. Cape Trip really has everything, it’s where the UNESCO listed Daintree Rainforest meets the UNESCO listed Great Barrier Reef and there is so much to do and see and especially – LEARN! I would go back here in a heartbeat and stay for ages – even with the crocodiles and that is saying something!
