You cannot come to this part of Indonesia and not go to see the famous Komodo Dragons. This is the only part of the world that they exist and so they are quite rare. The boat ride to the island of Rinca was two hours long. There were no seats in the boat just the floor or the edge of the boat to sit on, fortunately there were only four of us so we were able to spread out, lie down ect. The sea was as calm as a millpond luckily for us as this part of the world is known for it’s treacherous seas. Once again, just like when we were leaving Kapas a large pod of dolphins came to entertain us on our journey. When we arrived on the island we were met by ... read more

Moni is near the centre of Flores and we needed to get to Labuanbajo over 400 km on the west coast. The Island of Flores is one huge range of mountains and volcanoes with just one major road crossing the island which, in parts, is in a terrible condition as it constantly twists and turns up and down and around hairpin bends. The complete journey is estimated to take 19 hours if driven non-stop. We had planned to break it up over 2 or 3 days. For much of the time the road is lined with houses precariously built out on stilts over the slopes. There is virtually no flat land anywhere. As we drove along we got a complete insight into the way of life out here, women washing in the river (clothes and themselves), ... read more

It's three years ago since we were here for Sharon and Scott's wedding. We always promised ourselves we'd be back one day. Well 24 hours after leaving Puala Kapas (including an overnight stop in Kuala Lumpur) we finally made it back to Bali. We went straight to the hotel Lumbung Sari, in Legian where we'd stayed after the wedding. We'd remembered that it was nice there and was close to the airport and so convenient for arranging our forthcoming travel plans. After a week of island life it was a bit of a culture shock, mopeds and cars constantly tooting their horns all around you and the pestering of street traders saying, "come and look, very cheap prices for you" Our hotel, however, was set back from the main road and so blissfully peaceful. 3 days ... read more

Once again we have returned to Bangkok, it seems to be becoming the starting place for most of our adventures. This is now the 5th time we've been here and it is beginning to feel as familiar as home. We almost arrived a day late as when we got to the check in desk in Manchester we were asked if we would consider giving up our seats on the flight as it was overbooked. In return we would be put up in a 5 * hotel with evening meal and breakfast and then get the 10am flight next day, the sweetener was that we would each receive 475 pounds each. We instantly thought 'yes!' what were a few hours anyway when you're there for 6 weeks? Unfortunately as we hung around they then said there were ... read more

After experiencing the party island for 8 days it was time to experience the Robinson Crusoe Feelng. We boarded the 3 hour ferry Had Yao, from there we charted a longtail boat to Ko Kradan, this took almost an hour but fortunately the sea was flat so we arrived nice and dry. After a 5 minute trek along a dusty path we arrived at 'Paradise Lost' a collection of thatched huts set in a clearing in the jungle interior of the island. The owner, Wally, had about 8 dogs who formed a welcoming committee, well we had been warned by Sharon and Scott! There was only one hut left for 500 baht available so Stan and I agreed to take the luxury one at 1200 baht but only after knocking the price down to 1000 baht. ... read more