 Donna and Neil - Donna and Neil | All Comments |
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| 15th October 2009 Kelly | - From: Sex noises, Snorkelling, Slapstick and Social Studies We had the same opinion on the Perhentians... we stayed on Besar, although, could say the exact same thing about the accommodations and the food...over priced and not very good. Luckily we did manage to meet a few nice people which definitely helped. As for the snorkeling (and diving in our case) we thought it was just ok... we saw some nice stuff, but think that the diving in Borneo is much better. I wonder why it's so hard to find a place with nice beaches AND great diving! |
| 13th October 2009 kelly | alternative to Sepilok - From: Any which way you (Sanda) kan Thanks for this post! We were in Boreo at the beginning of August as well, but didn't make it all the way to Sanadakan. I wanted to go to Sepilok, but my boyfriend isn't too fond of monkeys. Luckily however there is a smaller Orang-Utan Sanctuary, not far from Kota Kinabalu. Rasa Ria, works in conjunction with Sepilok, and functions the same way (2 feedings a day), but is a lot less busy. They limit it to 65 people per day. I was able to get quite close and some good shots. After reading this I feel a better about missing out on Sepilok. Anyway... just thought I would mention this here, for anyone considering heading to Sepilok... and let them know that there is an alternative, closer to KK. You can see my pics and read about Rasa Ria here if you're interested! http://www.haveinternetwilltravel.com/2009/08/15/rasa-ria-orang-utan-rehabilitation-center/ |
| 7th October 2009 Alyssa | on Perhentian kecil - From: Sex noises, Snorkelling, Slapstick and Social Studies Hey there, if you do go back there next time, do go to Bubu Island for stay. I assure you, its perfectly awesome accommodation! Also, go late September and then it will not be so crowded :D Avoid May cause I heard its like sexfest over in Perhentian Kecil. I just went to Perhentian last weekend, and absoutely loved it much there, like you said, the snorkelling's magnificient! [= Cheerios. |
| 25th September 2009 ellie | nice - From: In deepest Borneo...well not really, it's Kota Kinabalu! nice photos . the beaches out there are so much nicer than the ones here |
| 24th September 2009 Sophie and Dale | Hey! - From: Sex noises, Snorkelling, Slapstick and Social Studies Glad you kind of enjoyed the island! We did love it there but like you say it's completely overrun and by the wrong types of people. We did find the people over on Coral Bay a bit of a better 'breed' though when we went and thankfully got a detached bunglaow so none of the noises! It is hugely overpriced though.. we didn't have one beer or go on the internet whilst there (why we missed your email!) as we just refuse to pay those sorts of prices. Ok so our guess is that you are going back to Indonesia next....?????? |
| 17th September 2009 Ali | Many fair points ;) - From: Sex noises, Snorkelling, Slapstick and Social Studies a few undeserved... maybe this will clear a few of them :) - on P. Islands the season is only 6 months long, so a years income for a resort has to be made in that time, the monsoon is really heavy on the islands and most places have huge bills repairing the damage (competition is down due to one resort burning down last year). There is no mains electricity - all comes from generators - running them 24/7 isn't possible - they burn out - hence very few places have 24 hour power - the lack of sockets in the rooms / hot water / air-con - is to keep demand lower. ADSL is new to the island for 1 year only - so wifi is something new in most places - complimentary wifi would be awesome and it will come soon I'm sure. The exchange rate to Malaysia isn't good at the moment, most places have kept prices the same as last year. Can of beer 20rm!! - the going price is 9rm (still expensive! - Malaysia has a high tax on alcohol) - agree totally on the social studies! - I always get detached bungalows :) Ps. The monitor lizards do bite, have similar bacteria to Komodo Dragons in their saliva and break legs with those tails! ;) - very much enjoyed the blog with all that said - if you have a stop over in KL anytime get in touch :) |
| 17th September 2009 Andrea | - From: Sex noises, Snorkelling, Slapstick and Social Studies Its been 2 and a half years since we met in Lao...absolutely incredible you are still on holidays!!! Good on you guys, and loving the updates xoxox |
| 16th September 2009 Darren and Vicki | where else to go... - From: Sex noises, Snorkelling, Slapstick and Social Studies Hey Donna and Neil Great blog - v jealous of the beaches, am not sure how much I would like to see sea cucumbers, urchins, have fishy kisses and giant turtles between my legs (eh um!) however it's clearly an amazing sight and we really enjoy reading about it. As for where next - well we thought you may like to take a trip to Bangor! Take care and keep smiling, Love Vicki and Darren xxx |
| 6th September 2009 Irvin | Nice Trip - From: A little slice of history...for a change! hahaha... Nice Adventure .... |
| 20th August 2009 Sophie and Dale | Yey for the orange ones! - From: Any which way you (Sanda) kan Fab photos.. at least you got to see way more of them than we did in Sumatra although there were less people there then at your first feeding. We are having the same huge tourist numbers here in Indonesia.. time of year we guess so can't be helped but quite annoying all the same.. like my friend said 'whatever happened to Majorica and Ibiza for kids holidays'.. these days it's all Borneo & Sumatra! x |
| 18th August 2009 Sophie and Dale | Looks lovely - From: In deepest Borneo...well not really, it's Kota Kinabalu! Great blog as always. Funny what you said about people not saying hello.. we were just saying the same today after getting the usual ignorance from all the people we passed today.. not including the Indonesians of course who are only too happy to learn all about your life story! Oh and we just finished our Mcd's cones too.. best ice cream bargain out there! Have fun in the rest of Borneo.. how long are you there for? We're just planning our Borneo section now for October and are really looking forward to it so your advice helps as always. Take care both of you Sophie x |
| 18th August 2009 Donna and Neil | introverted...not sure?! - From: In deepest Borneo...well not really, it's Kota Kinabalu! Definitely try and rent a tent on the beach...we didn't ask how much it cost for the rental but the camping fee at the office was 5 ringgit per person and then a little bit extra if you want the use of a BBQ. As to the travellers being introverted, we really don't know whether that's the case! Yes, they did speak English (we heard them talking to each other in English!) we don't mind people not having a full conversation with us - we understand not everyone likes to do this but to ignore people when they said hello we think is just plain rude. Hopefully we will have better luck in the future! Someone has already put our wing-tip photo up on the forum post. It's actually one of the first times we attempted this, we've always forgotten to get the camera out of our bag...this time we made a special effort as we knew we would take off over those gorgeous islands! |
| 17th August 2009 Jules | Nice Trip but - From: General Luna is a little bit strange Nice blog guys, Mindanao is a good place to visit if you want to tread the path less travelled. But, much as I love seeing tourists visiting our country, It would be sad to hear another foreigner get abducted largely because they were too daring and some even refuse to have security provided them for free. In this regard, I wouldn't recommend that you guys go too far south of the island since there are still risks with regards to kidnappings and rebels as you're probably aware of .To give you an idea just get a map of Mindanao and make a horizontal line across its midpoint and that will be your demarcation point that I would strongly advise not to cross for reasons already mentioned. |
| 16th August 2009 anonymous | cool - From: In deepest Borneo...well not really, it's Kota Kinabalu! i'm planning on KK next Jan to climb the mountain and stuff - i'll try and rent a tent on the beach after reading this! interesting what you say about moody backpackers - do you think people are becoming more introverted when they travel? Did they speak english?! Your wing-tip photo has to go up on the fourm of wing-tip photos...! |
| 7th August 2009 mardie | oh...sorry,,, - From: Sabang - now the most tourist unfriendly place in the world that was not a very happy birthday for you donna.yeah,,,i admit people are getting worst everyday. |
| 7th August 2009 mardie | i enjoyed reading it! - From: General Luna is a little bit strange At the first glance on the second picture i knew it is in Philippines. That made me proud of myself that i'm really a Filipino. I enjoyed reading your trip in here. i know you had fun despite the situation and everything that has happened to the three of you. i'm from cebu to be specefic and good luck to your next trip. |
| 4th August 2009 anonymous | - From: General Luna is a little bit strange hi.fantastic blogs really enjoy your write ups.Looking to go travelling myself-how can you afford to still be travelling 3 years on ? cheers bob |
| 4th August 2009 Donna and Neil | Siargao in November - From: General Luna is a little bit strange Hi Marco...nice to hear from you. Siargao is a really, really quiet place with not a lot to do. If you don't surf (like us) then probably 4 days is more than enough time. In November the rains will be hitting Mindanao (best weather we have heard is May - October) and there will be waves on all the eastern side of the island, so no calm seas. It's very different to other beaches we have been to and enjoyed it because we had really good weather, in the rain we don't think it would be much fun as there is not a lot to do! |
| 4th August 2009 Kalimero | What a shame - From: Revisiting places is sometimes not such a good idea... Hello Neil and Donna, first off, my wife and I think that both of you are doing a lot of travelers a a great service with your blogs. My wife and I had been wanting to go to Palawan and Cebu for the longest time and I think that your experiences in these places has given as the answer to our question, which is, "why have we not gone there yet?" Well, I guess the unfortunate situations that you both have encountered is a message for us not to go. My wife and I are both Canadians, but I am actually from the Philippines and she is French-Canadian. I brought her to my mother land back in 1997 and we did experience that behind most smiles and friendly gestures came with a fee. It is such a shame as there are so many beautiful places there, that is beginning to get a lot of bad rap due to the growing greedy and opportunistic mentality. I am very active with conservation, with a special focus on marine environments and from my research, the Thresher sharks in Malapascua is almost going the way of the Do-do bird due to overfishing for fins and pharmaceutical and cosmetic use. it is a real shame. At anytime during your visit in the Philippines, did either of you ever felt really unsafe from locals, the health of the beaches or the sanitation practices of your accommodations? Well, good luck on the rest of your trips and we wish you both safety and profound discoveries. Paolo and Caroline |
| 3rd August 2009 Marco | The Philippines yet again? - From: General Luna is a little bit strange See that you guys made it back. Great blog. Would you guys recommend Siargao? We're planning to visit in November. |
| 13th June 2009 Liz | same with us - From: What is this strange country...reverse culture shock is really something! we just arrived in costa rica and are having the same sort of feelings. having to get used to all these modern conveniences and amenities. not sure if i like it... i miss the backpackers. |
| 11th June 2009 Reet | Love it! - From: What is this strange country...reverse culture shock is really something! Great reverse culture shock perspective!! If only I could be away from home that long.. very jealous! x |
| 8th June 2009 deleted_123508 | Not a Stalker, lol - From: Not long now!! Hi, I just subscribed to your blog today, but to ease Neils worries I'm not a stalker. I just thought your blog was pretty funny and it would be nice to get ideas on places to visit or not (as soon as I'm done with my schooling and get that internet job, of course. By the way I thought your list on the front page was hilarious. |
| 2nd June 2009 Steve Gavin | No place like home?!? - From: What is this strange country...reverse culture shock is really something! Hi, cool blog, very weird reading this entry and made us think about what it'll be like going home. We've been following your blog on and off, first saw it when we were looking at where to go on our trip...happy traveling. www.mytb.org/majasteve |
| 1st June 2009 Karen @ work :-( | Questions! - From: What is this strange country...reverse culture shock is really something! Hi, still following your fab blogs. What are you doing back in the UK and are you off travelling again? Finally, how do you do it?! I'd love to be travelling for soooo long! Keep up the good work. P.S. Hope you're enjoying the scorching weather in the UK..if you are both still here (1st June). K from Glasgow |
| 1st June 2009 Ali | Expats visiting home... - From: What is this strange country...reverse culture shock is really something! Ditto to many of your experiences! - I miss sausages. |
| 1st June 2009 Sophie and Dale | ha ha... good old Blighty! - From: What is this strange country...reverse culture shock is really something! Fab blog as always.. so nice to see snaps of 'home!' It's our 1 year anniversary of being away today can you believe it. We always think how strange it would be to go back now so we can't even imagine how it was for you two! Have a lovely time won't you.. hope the wedding goes well and that Donna got a nice outfit. Hope to see you guys at some point when you come back to your second home of SE Asia. xx |
| 29th March 2009 Donna and Neil | Still got the travelling bug - From: Sabang - now the most tourist unfriendly place in the world Unfortunately our negative slant comes from our recent trips being prety dire. We tell it how it is. We recently had a great experience in India and blogged a lot on it and loved it so much we will be back soon. The problem is in SE Asia at the moment there is the perception that people are travelling less when in this part of the world it isnt the situation on the ground (Philippines has more tourists than we have ever seen!), but some of the locals believe what they hear on the news that there are less tourists and it turns into a vicous circle of trying to milk the tourist. We have still got a positive attittude to travelling and are experiencing some really nice places at the moment and will blog on these. Watch out also for our upcoming blog of the UK (our first visit back home in 2 and a half years)! |
| 29th March 2009 two4deroad | - From: Sabang - now the most tourist unfriendly place in the world Hi Guys, we've been following your blogs with much interest because we have visited some of the same places. Recently, we noticed a change in your writing (a decidedly negative slant). We understand the ups and downs of travelling and so we have this quick question for you: Are you guys still enjoying being on the road?? Sometimes, like everything else, it's just gets too much and you need to take a break. Hope you reconnect with the joys of travelling and recognize that people are people everywhere in the world. |
| 27th March 2009 jeff | - From: A double-take for Hong Kong How strange, i flew from Macau once and took the ferry over from HK. I got escorted thru and into the airport coming upstairs from the ferry transfer and straight into the terminal. There was a security line there transfers but i was the only one in line. It was almost like i was a VIP haha |
| 27th March 2009 Ross | Oh Dear - From: Sabang - now the most tourist unfriendly place in the world Hello you two, Where do you stay when you are 'living' in the Phillipines? as the level of accomodation is fairly basic most places we've been so far...do you stay in Cebu? Shame abourt Sabang..we swerved it as didn't fancy the river much. Puerto is nice though, got a good room with all mod cons and food is quite good in the canteen in the mall, pork tocino is my favourite so far, stacey likes the vege pinet bek (or whatever its called) ...livin the dream. Did some awsome snorkelling in El Nido... take it easy, Ross and Stacey |
| 26th March 2009 Angel | Sorry about that - From: Sabang - now the most tourist unfriendly place in the world Hi, I am a Filipina but no longer living in the Philippines. I am sorry to hear about your experience, especially for the rudeness of the people. Filipinos are supposed to be hospitable but I guess you're right about the greed part (it is such a shame). I can only imagine how the world economy is affecting the Islands. I have never been to Palawan and always wanted to go there but I am hesitant too because I am already expecting something just like your experience. I will be visiting the Philippines in May... but I won't be going to Palawan. Hope the rest of the Philippines will treat you better. |
| 25th March 2009 Marc | I feel bad now.. - From: Sabang - now the most tourist unfriendly place in the world Greed is the culprit, I tell you!!! And to think you guys went back there. |
| 4th March 2009 travelbuffs | Good luck - From: Mamamammamamaalllapuram - it's a bit of a mouthful I am so glad that inspite of twitchy moments & experiences here & there, you seem to have a total positive & honest attitude towards India. I guess that should've come from being & seeing so many places. I bookmarked your blog & have been up-todate with most of the blogs. I envy people who can just leave their past behind & see oppurtunity anywhere. Obviously, i envy you. Keep traveling. Wonder where I will find you guys next:-) |
| 3rd March 2009 melloTravels | beautiful pictures - From: Tea, ‘taches' and the tomb-tastic Taj Mahal I've been following your blogs off and on for over a year now, and they are always entertaining. Glad to see you're having a great time in India... and these pictures of the Taj are amazing... The panorama is great as well... some of the views are unique, and ones that I've never seen before. Best wishes! |
| 27th February 2009 Tanya_0608 | Hi - From: Mamamammamamaalllapuram - it's a bit of a mouthful Seems like you'll choose to remember the nicer parts of the trip however being Indian, I do feel disappointed when I read that people were rude and arrogant. I know much cant be done about poor infrastructure and train delays but I'd expect people to be nice, warm and more friendly. Btw, nice blog - enjoyed reading about your journey here and hope the next time you'll are here, you'll have a great experience with people too! |
| 26th February 2009 Donna and Neil | re: Everyone loves a groin rub - From: A dry new year, in more ways than one! Well it's certainly a 'hands-on' approach to tourists! You know we had heard India was 'touchy-feely' we just never expected Neil to be the one being felt up! hahaha! |
| 26th February 2009 James Kim | Everyone loves a groin rub - From: A dry new year, in more ways than one! I love the comment about creepy man rubbing his creepy groin on Neil.....hahaha. Strange folks over there aren't there! Ha |
| 20th February 2009 Moses | Reminds me of home - From: Wash on 30 degrees and set to spin... The pictures remind me so much of the many different beaches in our great state of florida. It's like having miami, west palm, st.pete, and daytona beach all rolled into one. I don't if this part of India that was hit by the tsunami, but if it is it's made a major come back. |
| 19th February 2009 Laura | half agree - From: Phi Phi is paradise.............................................................................NOT! Having made 2 visits to Phi Phi I agree mostly. I went once in 2006 just one year after the Tsunami, so the island was still being cleared up. My bf at the time had been in the 90's & raved about it. We still enjoyed ourself & decide to treat ourselves as it was my birthday & stayed in quite a nice place in Ton Sai. We went again in 2007 & certainly changed our minds! We got stuck with accomodation as in was March, every where I rang was packed! So paid upfront in Phuket (idiots we were) for 4 nights, which end up being a very expensive hole! We found there were a lot of arrogant Swedish college folk, who all looked like clones & weren't very friendly at all. We experience attitude from tourists & the local Thais. So we spend most of our time on Long Beach still stunning & fairly clean. The best part was a sunset boat trip as opposed to the over crowded days trips. Fanstic evening seafood BBQ & there were only 2 boats when we got to Maya Bay-which have to say didn't see any rubbish. This boat trip was very memorable as my bf propsed to me just as the sun was setting on Maya Bay. The setting was just perfect. Another plus side was the lovely people on the boat trip, normal nice folk like us & nice Thai people running the trip. But I don't think I'll go back to Phi Phi- too expensive & almost ruined! The scenery is still stunning though. |
| 19th February 2009 LoneRunner | Massage ! - From: A trip to the seaside - avec le gay internet guy! Quite similar offer to me in Eggmore station but luckily my train to Kolkata was on time ... Nice report ! LR |
| 17th February 2009 snookyonline | Sorry your view has changed ..... - From: Thieving and scamming in Cambodia ... but in many ways I have to agree. I've lived here in town for over 12 months now and have been visiting Sihanoukville for over 2 years previous ..... it's changing. Theft, to some degree, you expect in any third world country, you just have to be 100% aware and try your best to prevent opportunities ...... however, the scamming (more often than not from Western run businesses) is getting worse and is definitely spoiling the town for many. |
| 8th February 2009 Donna and Neil | Re: Nuddie guy - From: Christmas with the cows and cougars hahahaha, we never saw him doing yoga on the beach...good job by the sounds of it - that loincloth wouldn't hide anything when doing yoga stretches! |
| 8th February 2009 Donna and Neil | Definite bonus! - From: A dry new year, in more ways than one! Yes, we agree Mel...sexism aside it was a bonus for Donna not to have to talk to creepy men but not so good for Neil as they turned all their 'attentions' to him instead and he got a bit fed up of having to talk to all these people! |
| 8th February 2009 Donna and Neil | Passing houseboats in the night indeed! - From: A dry new year, in more ways than one! Hi Bob and Vik, yes it seems we were passing houseboats in the night. We are sure we will bump into you somewhere along the way! The best way to confuse the touts and annoying people is to speak in your own made up language...so funny and great to see the look on people's faces when they can't make out what you are saying! Stay safe and happy travels x |
| 8th February 2009 Donna and Neil | Taxi drivers - From: Wobbling in Mumbai We have definitely developed an allergy to taxi drivers, they seem to be the same everywhere in Asia! We were shocked with how lax the security was all over India - apart from at the Taj Mahal strangely where the whole of the Indian army seemed to be! |
| 8th February 2009 Donna and Neil | Yay, friendly travellers! - From: Christmas with the cows and cougars Good to see there are friendly travellers out there. It just annoyed us so much we had to put it in the blog! We'll look forward to meeting up with you (Liz and Adrian and Sophie and Dale) if we can...hopefully we will be in the same place at the same time! Happy travels xx |
| 26th January 2009 Mell | - From: A dry new year, in more ways than one! ''Most of the time though Donna was ignored in these conversations as if she didn’t exist and Neil was expected to answer for both of us '' If I disregard the sexism aspect, I would call this a bonus for women travelling with men. ;) |
| 23rd January 2009 Occasionally Bob | White Lies - From: A dry new year, in more ways than one! The interrogation gets to me as well. I've reached the stage where I tell my interrogator that I'm from Congo and that Vik is one of my wives. This makes the dynamics of the conversation that follows much more interesting and gives you room to elaborate on your profession - for example monitoring the migratory habits of Gazelles. I don't even know if gazelles migrate (unlikely I suppose) but that's the beauty of travel - you can be who you want and the truth rarely matters. That's also why I've changed my name to Flex Banner. By the way - we must have been like passing houseboats in the night as we appear to have been in Alleppey at exactly the same time as you, Ross and Stacey. If we'd known we coud have gone for a lassi or something. Still, another country another time. Bob and Vik. |
| 23rd January 2009 liz | oh no another disappointment - From: A dry new year, in more ways than one! I loved Kochi but then again we didn't stay in town. We stayed on Vypeen Island which was a little piece of heaven, complete with delicious food and alcohol. I hope your time in Kerala got better. |
