December 2025

Nong Khiaw is a tiny little town located about 3-4 hours north of Luang Prabang. Here is a beautiful place to go hiking and get away from the hustle of the main cities in Laos. If you love hiking and nature, I cannot recommend this place enough. It is a little outside the normal tourist route, but it is well worth visiting. 

I spent 3 nights here, which was plenty of time for me – However, if you want to complete multi day hikes, you will need longer. It was very nice to have a few days where I could connect with nature again. You can also get some beautiful and cheap accommodation along side the river here! It is a very basic town but it has the essentials, restaurants, groceries, bars and a few ATMs.

How to get there?

There is currently only one way to get to Nong Khiaw which is within the backpacker’s budget, and that is via shared minivan. You will have to start off or make your way to Luang Prabang Southern Bus terminal to start this trip. Here you will need to buy a minivan ticket to Nong Khiaw. You can also buy this ticket on 12go Asia.

Southern Bus Terminal

You will then need to buy a ticket back to Luang Prabang from your accommodation in Nong Khiaw or the bus terminal – these currently cannot be booked in advance. These tickets will cost you anywhere between 80,000-120,000 Kip.

WARNING

• The minivans to Nong Khiaw will be filled to the rim. Some mini vans hold 14 people but will have 18+ people on makeshift seats. I’d get down to the bus station early to secure a proper seat. 
• There is a common scam that runs with the mini vans from Nong Khiaw. You will most likely be taken to a bus station which is the old ‘Northern’ bus station in Luang Prabang. This is several kilometres outside Nong Khiaw. Your driver will either ask for 70 000 Kip each to take you to the southern terminal OR you will have to get a tuk-tuk for 50 000 Kip each. If you refuse as you are not taken to the right terminal, they will unload your baggage and give you no choice. 

A ‘seat’ in the mini van

Best time to Visit?

I visited Nong Khi in later November, and this seemed to be the perfect weather. It was warm and dry, but cool at night. Therefore, the best time to visit would be between October and early March, this is perfect for exploring and hiking.

Check before you go about the “smokey season”. Smokey season generally runs from March to April, where farmers burn their fields and the air is full of smoke. This goes for everywhere in Asia, as the smokey season does make a difference to your travels!

Things to do in Nong Khiaw

This is one of the most popular things to do in Nong Khiaw and can easily be booked at one of the tour companies on the main road. I went with Tiger Trail, as they are the founder of the 100 waterfalls hike and offer a great package. For $30 AUD it included a boat ride, hike, lunch and cave tour. 

On this hike you will hike up several waterfalls to a viewpoint where you will have lunch, before making your way back down. You will visit a few villages and a cave along the way too. This is a great day trip and I highly recommend if you want to do some day hiking while in Nong Khiaw. 

You will need some form of water shoe for this hike, Tiger Trails do have some which you can borrow. Or I recommend getting some trusty Tevas (the best travelling shoes ever).

Nong Khiaw has so many beautiful viewpoints to choose from, each ranging from hiking times between 30mins to 1.5 hours. This is the best way to get impressive views over the town and of the surrounding landscapes. Each viewpoint is quite steep and does require some form of fitness. I also wouldn’t recommend completing these after rainfall.

The most popular viewpoint is the ‘Nong Khiaw’ Viewpoint which can easily be searched on google maps, to find the starting point. This took me 30mins to get to the top, however it does take usually about 1 hour. This viewpoint is mainly done for sunrise or sunset, but I recommend doing it slightly after sunrise. I started the climb at about 7.30am which meant I had time to still get the blanket of clouds, but also saw the clearing to see the town below. 

Most of these viewpoints have a small fee to enter, Nong Khiaw viewpoint was 40,000 Kip. 

We visited Phi Kiang Cave as part of the 100 waterfalls hike, but you can easily visit it yourself. You can either follow the road outside town by foot (30-40min walk) or scooter (10 mins). You will need to buy tickets for this cave, which you can buy at the house directly opposite the cave. They will also give you a few head torches. Tickets cost 10,000 Kip each.

It’s a short, steep walk to reach the cave from the road, where you will enter through a massive opening. The cave is massive, but there is only a small area which is safe for people without caving experience or equipment. You can attempt to do this section by yourself, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Inside the cave are bullets and other pieces from the Vietnam war. The massive opening in the cave was also shot open by the Americans in the wall. This used to be a place that the Laos people would hide during the war.

There are some beautiful little villages you can visit around Nong Khiaw, where you can learn about the culture and history. The best way to visit these villages is to rent a bicycle and cycle at your own leisure! There are also a few boat trips that take you to and from these villages for a small price.

The roads are quite hilly and windy, so you will need some fitness to cycle to these villages. The most fun road and villages are the ones located at the banks of the Nam Ou in the direction of Muang Ngoi. 

One of the most popular things to do in Nong Khiaw, is go jungle trekking and stay at the local villages. For this activity you will need a few days to spare, as well as proper hiking equipment. You will need to complete these treks on a tour, which you can either book online in advance or once you arrive in Nong Khiaw.

There are plenty of treks from 2-5days, so it just depends on your physical level and how long you’d like to hike.

Another fun thing you can do is rent a Kayak and explore the Nam Ou River yourself! I saw a lot of people doing this for sunset, with a few bottles of beer and it looked like a fun activity! You can a paddle to the Pha Kuang Cave, or north upstream to the villages along the river side.

A Kayak will cost 60,000 Kip for 2 people with a 100,000 Kip deposit.  

Photo by Roland Chanson on Pexels.com

This is one of the places I really wanted to visit, but unfortunately could only visit on a tour and they didn’t have enough participants. Tad Mook waterfall is located in Sop Kong Village, about 15km from Nong Khiaw. It is a beautiful waterfall costs 10,000 Kip to enter and the fee goes back towards the village.

The best way to get to Tad Mook from Nong Khiaw is by taking a tour or renting a private boat. Alternatively, you can also ask the boat to Muang Ngoi to drop you off in Sop Kong for 30 000 kips and hike back to Nong Khiaw afterward. This hike will be long though, so keep that in mind. If you can rally a few friends together for a private boat, this would be your best option.  

This a traditional Lao experience that everyone should try at least once while in Laos. A herbal steam bath is the perfect way to relax after a few days of hiking or cycling. There is a little Traditional Lao Massage place that I can recommend called Tapom Lao massage & Herbal steam sauna, easily found on google maps. I am not sure about the other massage parlours in Nong Khiaw.

You can have a relaxing herbal steam bath every evening between 6 and 8 P.M for 20,000 Kip or a 1 hour Lao massage for 70,000 Kip.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

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Let me first start off by saying swimming with Whale Sharks, WOW, this is definitely one of my favourite activities I have done to date. The feeling of swimming so close to these giants, has literally left me speechless. Secondly, you need to do this if you are ever in Coral Bay. That’s it, blog post over.

Seriously though, this experience is something that needs to be on everyone’s bucket list and the Ningaloo reef is one of the best places to do it. I went with Coral Bay Eco Tours, and the whole day was incredible. From the knowledge of the divers and the care they have for each swimmer, to the wildlife you see and the memories you obtain. The whole entire tour was amazing, and something I will remember for the rest of my life.

Now let’s get into the details to help you plan your next Whale Shark swim.

• Did you know that Whale Sharks are the largest fish in the sea? The largest confirmed Whale shark was 18.8m, but most of the ones you will see off the coast of Coral Bay will range from 5.5-10m.  
• Whale sharks are filter feeders, which means they can neither bite nor chew. They process more than 6,000 litres of water and hour through their gills. Their mouth can stretch up to 4 feet wide, but they only have tiny teeth, meaning their diet mainly consist of small shrimp, fish and plankton.  
• They can be very old; some can live up to 150 years. 
• Most of the Whale Sharks spotted in Coral Bay are male!

Picture taken by @elle_gillett

Previously I mentioned that the Ningaloo Coast is one of the best places to swim with Whale Sharks, and you are probably wondering why. I’ve stated this because of two reasons. Firstly, if you visit at the correct season (stated below), you are almost 99.99% likely to see these giants on your swim. Whale Sharks come along the Ningaloo Coast to feed, and there are sightings every year. Another benefit of booking a tour along the Ningaloo Coast, is most tours offer a “no sighting” refund. Where if you don’t see any Whale Sharks, you can book another tour up to 3 years (depending on operator), completely free.

Secondly, these tours are extremely ethical. Unfortunately in some places around the world, Whale Shark swims are not done in the best interests of the animal. Take the Philippines for example, there are a few places which bring the Whale Sharks close into shore, and crowd them with tourists. This isn’t good for the animals stress levels or wellbeing. In Coral Bay the tours are organised so both the swimmers and the animal stay happy. You are not allowed to crowd the animal, swim around its face or too close to it. I think this is a great reason to book a tour at Coral Bay. After all these animal are endangered and we don’t want to do anything else to contribute to this factor.

Whale Shark swims operate from March to August every year. You are most likely to see them during the middle of the season. However, that being said I was on the first swim of the season and was able to see one. I think it purely depends on how early they come into feed each year.

To swim ethically with Whale Sharks in Coral Bay, you are looking at around $350-$400 AUD (per adult). This seems like alot, however with each tour you are getting more than just a Whale Shark swim. You usually get food, beverages, some snorkelling, all your gear and a Whale Shark swim included in the package.

There are two companies that operate out of Coral Bay, Coral Bay Eco Tours and Ningaloo Reef&Dive. Each tour is similar, so it’s recommended you do your research and find one that suits you. I can recommend Coral Bay Eco Tours, as this is the company I went with. I have used them before for my Manta Ray Tour, and know they have excellent service.

What an amazing experience! This tour has everything you want in a Whale Shark swim.

The Instructors

The instructors/divers are very knowledgeable, so you will learn something on your swim. Whether it’ll be about Whale Sharks or other marine life you will see on the day. They also care about every swimmer. Instructors will make sure your mask fits and that you are comfortable. If they see you with your head above water they will ask if you are okay, no hesitation. If your mask doesn’t fit, they will make sure you get one that does. It’s small things like that, which made me love this tour. They generally want everyone to have good time.

The group and Instructors.

The Snorkel

On the tour you get to experience two snorkel swims and your Whale Shark swim. The two snorkelling spots they take you to are incredible. You are guaranteed to see heaps of wildlife and coral. Wildlife I spotted includes reef sharks, stingrays, turtles and plenty of fish. Our group was also lucky enough to spot dolphins, Manta Rays, a hammerhead shark and tiger shark from the boat. All your snorkelling gear is included in the price.

Picture taken by @elle_gillett Picture taken by @elle_gillett Picture taken by @elle_gillett

The Whale Shark Swim

Prior to the Whale Shark Swim you are briefed on how to swim with them and split into two groups. Each group is about 10 swimmers, so you have heaps of space to marvel at these beauties. I was in group one so we were the first in the water. The onboard photographer jumps in first and keeps eyes on the Whale Shark. You are then given the all clear to jump in with your instructors, forming a line once in the water. From here you get your first sighting of the Whale Shark, and are allowed to swim with it. You must stay clear of the tail and the face, as well as a few metres from the shark at all times.

Once your groups time is up, and it’s time for the next group to jump in, you will huddle up and wait for the boat. The boat will pick you up, once given the all clear you will board the boat and repeat the process. On our tour we had about 4 different drops, which allowed plenty of time to get photos and to swim with the Whale Shark.

Picture taken by @elle_gillett

Lunch and everything after

After our swim we had lunch, which was rolls with different meat and salad choices. They also cater to dietary needs, brought me two gluten free options so big points there! It was also some of the best gluten free bread I’ve had.

At the end of the tour we were all given a glass of champagne to celebrate the amazing day we had just experienced.

A couple things that are worth mentioning. There is a onboard photographer to help capture your bucket list shots. It is an extra coast but is definitely worth it. If you have any fear of deep water swimming, don’t worry! I was a little worried, because I know what swims in the depths of the Ningaloo Coast. When you are actually in the water, you don’t even think about anything else but the Whale Shark. Also, the divers and spotters will look after you if they suspect you may be swimming with something else. You will always feel safe.

If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience, then you need to book this tour! It is something that will stay with you for the rest of your life, and create a beautiful memory. Best thing I have done and spent money on to date.

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Siargao is without a doubt one of my favourite islands in the Philippines! There is such a laid-back atmosphere to this island, it really is addictive. Siargao is a famous surfing location, but there is so much to do on the island, if you don’t surf you will still have plenty to see. 

I have visited here twice now, the first time in 2019 and second in 2024. I found my visit in 2024 to be slightly different to my first visit for a couple of reasons. Firstly, unfortunately a lot of the locations on this list have become massive tourist traps. Nature spots which have been filled with ‘tourist photographers’ and extra fees for ‘tourist activities’. Not necessarily a bad thing but does take away from the natural beauty – this wasn’t the case in 2019. I’ve also always been a bit funny about natural places being turned into commercial spaces.

Despite these changes, Siargao is still an island I would visit again and recommend people to visit. It is a beautiful island, with friendly locals, great food, and plenty to do. So, if you do want to visit, this post will contain everything you need to plan your holiday. 

This post contains affiliate links, I may receive a small compensation if you use them – don’t worry at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your ongoing support!

If you are travelling to Siargao, the most efficient way to get here is by flying. There is an airport, Sayak Airport, located about 40 minutes from General Luna (the main tourist area). You can get direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and Davao. I would use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. 

The other option, which is slightly cheaper but a longer journey – flight and ferry. You can catch a flight to Surigao City, then catch a ferry heading to Siargao. This ferry leaves at 4 times during the day, 6am, 10am, 10.30am and 3.30pm. The trip will take around 2 hours and you can book this on 12go Asia.

How to get around? 

There are three ways you can get around Siargao; scooter, tuk-tuk or tour. I would highly recommend renting a scooter, because it gives you the freedom to explore what you want, when you want. If you are new to scooter riding too, this is a great place to learn. The roads are brand new, and there aren’t too many curves. Most of the roads once you leave General Luna are empty as well. A scooter rental costs about $350 PHP for a day ($9.50 AUD).

If you aren’t comfortable riding a scooter you can rent a tuk-tuk for a day or book a land tour. These options are going to be more expensive than renting a scooter, but it is the best option if you are not a confident driver.

Best time to visit? 

The best time to visit Siargao depends on what you plan to do on your visit; surfing, island hopping, beaching, or lounging. If you plan on visiting Siargao for its amazing surfing spots, visit during July to November. These months will give you the best waves and the annual Siargao international surfing cup is also held every September. 

If you want to visit Siargao for any other reason, I would visit from March to September. These months have less rainfall and make it the optimal time for island and beach hopping. I visited in November and March and found March to be better for the activities I wanted to do. 

How many days to spend here? 

Siargao is one of those places a lot of backpacker’s plan on visiting for a couple days, and end up staying for months, even longer. It is one of the most laid-back islands in the Philippines, and has this addictive atmosphere, I think a lot of people fall in love with. I have been here twice and would happily go a third time. I can even see Siargao being a great place to work as a digital nomad. 

If you are coming to Siargao to surf or just relax, I would recommend a minimum of 4 days. You can easily get around the island within one day, but there is so much to see and do! A few of the activities on this list are full day trips as well, so you need to keep that in mind if you want to do a few or all of them. 

Best places to stay? 

There are many beautiful places to stay in Siargao, for backpackers, mid-range, or luxury travellers. I would recommend staying in General Luna, along the tourist road – as this is will give you access to all the best shops and restaurants. 

• Matam-is Café & Homestay
• Fat Lips Surf Lodge
• Suyog Life Siargao

• Latitude 10 Siargao
• Marahuyo Siargao
• Happiness Beach Resort
• Kermit Siargao

12 Things to do in Siargao!

If you are coming to Siargao, you must visit what is possibly its most famous landmark. Cloud 9 is a world-famous surfing spot, known for its thick, hollow tubes and barrelling right hand waves. I wouldn’t recommend surfing here unless you are experienced, as it has been described as a death ride. It can have waves from 5 to 6 foot high and hosts major surf competitions.

If surfing isn’t your thing, Cloud 9 is a great place to watch the sunset or sunrise. It also has some amazing rock pools and secret lagoons. The whole wooden viewing platform which leads out to the ocean, is also an impressive sight. 

Siargao has some fantastic surfing spots for both beginners and advanced surfers. The best spots to surf here are Cloud 9, Quicksliver, Daku Island, Pacifico Beach, Pilar and Tuason’s Point. I don’t know much about surfing, so depending on your level, you may have to do some research on which spot will be best for you. 

If you are new or want to learn how to surf, there are plenty of companies that offer surf lessons around Siargao. This will also most likely be an activity that your accommodation offers. If you are planning on taking lessons, I would just make sure that you book with a reputable school. I have heard some horror stories about beginners being taken to not so beginner spots, and people ending up with injuries. 

Photo by Sesinando on Pexels.com

3. Taktak Falls 

Taktak Falls is the only waterfall located on Siargao. To get here you will need to either drive or rent a tuk-tuk for the day, as it is about an hour or so drive from General Luna. The waterfall itself isn’t as impressive as waterfalls on island like Cebu, but it is still a lovely spot for a refreshing dip! The waterfall is about 15 metres high and there are picnic tables you can rent. 

It costs 70 PHP for entry and parking (roughly $2 AUD). This is a popular spot for locals and tourists, so I would arrive early to avoid any crowds and I wouldn’t visit on weekends. 

Alegria beach is about a 1.5-hour drive from General Luna, so again you will need your own transportation or to hire a tuk-tuk. This beach has white sand and crystal-clear water. There is a bit of reef here, but there are still small patches which are deep enough to swim. It is a beautiful beach to spend a few hours relaxing, and if you get hungry, there is a restaurant behind the beach huts. The beach was quite busy when I visited as it was Holy Week, but I can see it being quieter when it isn’t a public holiday. 

There is a small entrance fee of 10 PHP and a parking fee of 20 PHP. 

Pacifico Beach is about 1 hour drive from General Luna, located on the North-Eastern Coastline. Again, you will need to organise a tuk-tuk or rent a scooter to get here (are you seeing a common theme?). It’s another white sand beach, lined with palm trees – which is a great place for relaxing. You can also surf here if you’d like! 

I believe there is a small fee which must be paid upon entry to this beach – I didn’t end up visiting here because it was packed. I stopped along the road, about 10mins north of Pacifico beach and found mine own little slice of paradise. 

Magpupungko rock pools is one of the more popular tourist destinations on this list. You could easily spend a few hours to a day here. It’s about a 45-minute drive from General Luna and it is best visited during low tide. During low tide this magnificent rock pool forms, which you can swim and snorkel in. If you happen to get here during high tide, don’t worry. The beach is still a beautiful spot to relax, and there are some swimming spots. 

During low tide it is busy, so I would recommend coming during high tide and staying for low tide. During low tide the main rock pool is amazing, but make sure to check out the small ‘bath’ size ones closer to the beach. 

You will have to pay an entrance fee of 65 PHP per person and 20 PHP for parking. You can also rent kayaks or snorkelling gear on the beach. There are also restaurants and places to buy snacks. 

This was one of those spots which was a hidden gem when I visited in 2019 but has now become a bit of a tourist trap. You will find Tayangban Cave along the side of the road; it is turquoise pool with a small cave system. You can no longer pay the entrance fee and just swim in small cave. You must hire a guide as well, who will show you through the small cave system. This will cost around 200 PHP per person for this activity. 

Even though I didn’t stop here on my most recent trip, it was still beautiful when I first visited, and it is a popular spot. That’s why I have put it on this list, but just be warned, I don’t believe it will be the scheduled natural attraction it was when I first visited. There may be some lining up! 

There are three small islands located off the coast of mainland Siargao: Daku Island, Guyam Island and Naked Island. You can visit these three islands on a bout tour, which runs for about 8 hours. On this tour you will have the option to walk around the islands, have lunch, swim, and snorkel. 

Daku Island is the biggest island and usually the last stop on the tour (where you have lunch). It has some nice swimming and sunbaking spots. Guyam Island is the smaller island, which you can walk around in 5 minutes. This is usually the first stop and is a nice place to relax for an hour. The last island is Naked Island, which is a small island completely made of sand, there is nothing on this island (hence the name). 

I quite enjoyed this tour, and thought it was a nice day activity. If you are short on time though, I wouldn’t recommend this be your first choice. I would make sure you head to Sugba Lagoon, as that’s an activity you can’t miss!

This is a short activity that can be completed in 5-10 minutes. Coconut Palm Road is a lookout, which looks over hundreds, if not thousands of coconut trees. That’s all it is really! If you are driving to Magpupungko rock pools or Tayangban cave pools, you will pass by here.

I am not sure if there are any fees to take photos here, but I do know there are ‘tourist assistants’, which will offer to take photos for you. If you do choose the help of these locals, you will need to pay or tip them. I can guarantee you will get great photos from them though; they know what they are doing! 

If you are choosing to do any day trips with your time in Siargao, it must be Sugba Lagoon. I’ve done all three-day trips on this list, and this is still my favourite. The tours usually include Sugba Lagoon and 2 islands. You will need to get here by boat, but it is only a short 30–45-minute boat trip from the starting point. 

At Sugba Lagoon you can rent a kayak, go swimming, dive off the diving platform, swing off ropes and explore the lagoon. It is one of the best activities I have done in Siargao, and I highly recommend it! 

This was another hidden gem back in 2019, but again has been turned into a tourist trap. The Maasin river swing is a rope swing which is tired to a coconut tree, where you can swing on it into the river. It became popular a few years back from some incredible photos which appeared online. Due to its popularity, it has now got plenty of other activities to do at the sight – such as bamboo rafts or kayaking. 

The entrance fee is 20 PHP, if you want to use the swing that’s an extra 20 PHP, if you want photos that’s an extra fee as well. You can also take the bamboo raft or kayak up to a secret lagoon for 500 PHP. This spot does get extremely busy, so if you want it to yourself, I recommend arriving at 6-8am. 

Sohoton Cove National Park is a long day trip from General Luna. You will need to take a 30-minute tuk-tuk to Dapa, then a 2-hour boat ride to the starting point. The tour through the cove is quite short, but it is fun! You will complete 3 activities in this cove. Swimming with stingless jelly fish, swimming in a dark cave and a small rock climb/cliff jump. 

After this short tour, you arrive at a different cove for lunch and swimming. There are diving platforms, a slide and swing here to use. The whole day is long, but I did find it quite fun. The whole trip will take around 10-12 hours to complete. 

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South Australia is undoubtedly a beautiful and unique part of Australia. On my travellers I stumbled across some really unique places which I feel deserve to be mentioned on their own blog! These places are a bit off the beaten track and not on your typical South Australian itinerary. However, if you have a fair bit of time in South Australia, I highly recommend you add these to your itinerary!

Located in the centre of Mount Gambier lies on of the bluest lakes I have ever visited. Mount Gambier is the first major town you will visit if crossing the Victorian border to South Australia via Princes Highway. This town is known for its unique sinkholes and crater lakes. It’s a little out of the way if you are travelling from West Australia or the Northern Territory, but I think it is definitely worth the detour.

The Blue Lake is a large, monomictic, crater lake which is located in a dormant volcanic maar. Early each November, the lake turns a bright blue colour, almost mysteriously overnight. This colour remains until late February, where from late March it turns a sombre blue. There is a 3.6km walking trail which leads around the lake, as well as multiple viewpoints. If you are looking for a unique place to visit on your South Australian itinerary, be sure to add this one to the list!

Another magical volcanic sinkhole located near Mount Gambier. It is located in the Kanawinka volcanic area between Mount Gambier and Mount Schank, along Mount Salt Rd. If you didn’t know the crater was there, it’s really easy to miss! Even after I parked at the parking area, I nearly missed it and you could easily drive past it. It’s a 15 min drive out of Mount Gambier and worth a visit.

Little Blue Lake is a popular spot for diving and swimming! The lake has a diameter of 40 metres, with a maximum depth of about 47 metres. There are stairs and a floating pontoon, to improve safety and public access into the lake. Beware, the lake is freezing.

This place is out of the world! The landscape and rainbow mountains almost make you feel like you are walking on Mars. There are several viewpoints in the Kanku-Breakaways and permit will need to be purchased at the Visitor Centre prior to arrival. This conservation area forms part of the traditional country of the Antakirinja Matuntjara Yankunytjatjara people. It is 25 km north of Coober Pedy, with access via the Stuart Highway. The access road is a dirt road and a 4WD is recommended.

You have high viewpoints and low views points to explore. This is where you access the Moon Plains and Dog Fence. The roads conditions can change after heavy rains and the roads are subject to closure. Check the conditions with the Visitor Centre prior to visiting. Always stick to the paths when exploring the Kanku-Breakaways.

Coward Springs is located along the Oodnadatta Track in Outback South Australia. This was by far my most favourite campsite in the whole of South Australia. When I first arrived I found a little welcome reservation sign on my campsite, which was a very cute touch! The history of the land is very interesting to learn at the little museum located on the property. The hot shower, which you heat up with a fire, was very unique and I loved! The hosts are very kind and welcoming. Even though I was the only visitor, they opened up the coffee stand just for me, so I could get a nice cup of joe in the morning.

A special mention to the hot springs tub, which I won’t lie, was the main reason I travelled out to Coward Springs. It was well worth it. This ‘natural spa’ sits on the edge of the wetlands and is about 29 degrees C and high in mineral salts. I enjoyed that tub for about 30 mins and felt very refreshed afterwards. The tub is open 24 hrs, so you can try it under the stars or in the early morning mist. Another reason to visit Coward Springs? For the desert sunrise and sunsets. Trust me when I say there is nothing like the colour of a desert sky at dusk or dawn.

This is in my top 5 favourite beaches in South Australia. I mean…look at it? The unique cliffs that meet the turquoise waters, is something I have never seen on my travels. This is a great place if you are a photographer, you will great some great drone shots. You can drive onto the beach too, and it is dog friendly! This is a great place to spend the day and it’s only a short 1 hr drive from Adelaide. Make sure you explore the beach but also the paths that run onto top of the cliffs. Be careful when exploring above and dont go off the main paths, as the cliffs are unstable.

Want to know about more amazing places on the Fleurieu Peninsula? You can check out my guide here.

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Stealth camping is getting more and more popular in Australia, but there are some things you need to be aware of if you choose to do it.

I will start off by saying that I myself have never stealth camped. This is simply because I do not have the correct set up to even try and because I do not spend a lot of time camping in towns or cities. This blog has information which I have gathered from other travellers and through research.

Stealth camping is exactly what it sounds like. Camping in areas which aren’t designated camping spots, and trying to be as desecrate as possible. This might involve parking in a parking lot or on a quiet street.

If I’m being honest stealth camping in Australia is quite difficult, although not impossible. Another thing to note is stealth camping in Australia is actually illegal and you can cop a hefty fine if you are caught. This doesn’t mean people don’t do it and I am not suggesting or condoning that you try stealth camping yourself.

If you choose to stealth camp – that is completely your choice.

It’s important to note that stealth camping and free camping are two completely different things.

Free camping means you are setting up your campsite in a designated camping spot, which is free. This means you can fully set up camping without the worry of being fined or told to move. These campsites sometimes have bathrooms and BBQ’s or no amenities at all (make sure you clean up after yourself). You can find these campsites using apps such as WikiCamps or Campermate. Another thing to note is some states have more free camps then others.

You can read my guide to finding cheap campsites in Australia, here.

A lot of free camping spots might consist of rest stops, which can usually be found on the main roads website for each state, as well as the apps mentioned above.

In short, it is not realistic for every traveller to stealth camp. Especially because Australia has millions of international travellers a year. It is also illegal to help stop littering and protect the local communities.

If you get caught you will get asked to move on and issued a fine. Keep in mind these fines can be anywhere from $100 AUD to $10 000 AUD. This is if you get caught. You might get lucky and just get told to move on without a fine, but this will depend on who catches you.

It’s always best to check council and state laws before attempting to stealth camp.

If you are going to attempt or choose to stealth camp, I do have a few tips to help you.

First of all the vehicle you are using to travel around Australia with will greatly impact whether stealth camping is even an option for you. The only way to stealth camp in Australia is a van or car. This van or car has to be discrete. This mean no vans like juicy, apollo, britz etc, anything that has markings that tells is is a campervan and not a regular van.

If your van or car has a rooftop tent, I would not even bother trying to stealth camp. The only way you can get away with this type of vehicle is if you are sleeping in a driveway of a person’s house. As I have a rooftop tent, I have camped in driveways before and never had a problem. This is because the owner of the residence has given me permission, usually a friend or family member. From my knowledge the authorities cannot ask you to move on or fine you if you are actually parked on a residence or private property.

• Parking lots: Although parking at a shopping centre may seem like a good idea. These are usually empty after the shops close which means you are more likely to have your vehicle checked.
• Beach parking: Seems like the perfect spot to camp right? Wrong, these spots are checked often and it isn’t worth the risk. Unless it is in a very rural spot and not a national park.
• National parks: There are always rangers patrolling these areas, plus there is usually cheap camping anyways.
• Residential areas: I am not one for parking in front of someone house, I think it’s slightly disrespectful and will draw attention to yourself. If you are going to stealth camp in residential areas, I would choose either a area which has street parking and plenty of cars already on the street. Don’t park in a quiet back street or neighbourhood because you are very likely to bring attention to yourself.

• Clean up after yourself: Always take your rubbish with you no matter what. This doesn’t just apply for stealth camping this applies for any campsite.
• Arrive late and leave early: Don’t arrive at midnight, cause that’s obvious. Usually between 6-7pm is a good time and make sure you have left by 7am or earlier.
• Don’t stay for too long: I wouldn’t spend more than a day in one spot.
• Ask for permission: If you are parking in front of a business or residence, ask them if it’s okay if you park there for the night. This does not make it legal but it does limit the risk of you being caught.
• Look for signs: If you stumble across a parking lot which has a “no camping” or “no parking” sign – move on, don’t risk it.
• Be discrete: Don’t cook outside your vehicle or set up camp chairs, try not to leave your vehicle if possible. Simply try not to draw attention to yourself.

This is a yes and no answer. I don’t think you should if you have other options. However, if you can’t find a rest stop or campsite or are lost and need to park up for one night, sure.

In saying this, there are heaps of rest stops (free) just outside all of the major cities in Australia and if you plan on spending a few nights in a major cities, I’d just book a campsite.

• Although it is fairly safe to camp and travel in Australia, I would check the area you plan on staying in. Break ins do occur in major cities and rural towns around Australia. This will be terrifying if you are in the vehicle.
• It can be a very anxious experience. You might have an extremely restless sleep, because you will most likely be worried about being caught.
• You may get strangers looking into your car while you are in there. This includes shining lights or taking photos of your license plate. If you want to avoid them being able to look into your car, I’d get curtains or tinted windows.
• No everyone is going to polite. Do not be shocked if you get strangers yelling at you to move on. To be honest, I’ve had people get mad at me for sitting with my chairs out at a beach car park eating my dinner – when I wasn’t even staying there, just wanted dinner with a view!

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Malaysia is a beautiful country with plenty of things to see and do! There really is something for everyone here – city life, fine dining, hiking, islands, nature, culture, food and history. I spent 2 weeks in Malaysia as my 5th country on my World Tour, this itinerary follows the route I took with a few modifications! These modifications are what I would do differently if I were to visit again.

Is 2 weeks enough time to spend in Malaysia? If you plan on just seeing the highlights and don’t want to venture off the beaten path, then yes! This itinerary contains places such as Langkawi, Penang, Cameron Highlands, KL and much more.

This post contains affiliate links, I may receive a small compensation if you use them. Don’t worry at no extra cost to you! Thank-you for your ongoing support.

How to travel around Malaysia 

Malaysia has excellent transport services, and it is extremely easy to travel around the country. All the transport I took was clean, efficient, and relatively cheap. I mainly took buses from city to city, then public transport like trains or Grabs, while in the cities. 

If you are following this itinerary, you will need to book a flight from Langkawi to Penang, which I would use Skyscanner to find the cheapest deals!

You can book everything on 12go Asia.

Best time to use this Itinerary

The best time to use this itinerary is if you plan on visiting between November and April. This will give the best weather for majority of the destinations listed. I visited during February and has perfect weather every single day while I was here. If you are visiting at another time, look down the bottom for itinerary suggestions.

DAY 1-2: Langkawi 

This itinerary starts off in Langkawi, a beautiful island located right near the border of Thailand/Malaysia. This is the ultimate way to start this trip as you will be surrounded by beaches, palm trees and incredible nature. It’s a tropical paradise. There is quite a lot you can do here from:

• Visiting the Langkawi sky bridge and cable car 
• Waterfall hopping 
• Beach hopping 
• Night markets 
• Boat tours 
• Mangrove tours 
• Duty free shopping (on the whole island!) 

You will need to catch a flight into Langkawi if you are coming internationally. You can catch direct flights here, but most of the time you will need a layover in Kuala Lumpur. If you are following my 30-day Southern Thailand itinerary, you will arrive in Langkawi via the ferry from Koh Lipe.  

DAY 3 -4: Penang 

Penang is a Malaysian state located in the northwest. It is known for its rich heritage and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The streets are filled with vibrant street art, colonial buildings and it has a very diverse multicultural atmosphere. Unfortunately, I fell ill here on my most recent travels so didn’t get to explore the area. But I do have a list of things that I recommend you do/see! 

• Hawker markets 
• Walk the temple trail 
• Penang National Park
• Penang Masions 
• Spice markets 
• Floating Mosque 
• Penang Hill 

You can catch a ferry from Langkawi to the mainland and then a bus to Penang, but this is very much a hassle. I would recommend just booking a domestic flight from Langkawi to Penang airport. It’s a short flight 30–40-minute flight, which will cost around $50 AUD. 

DAY 5 -6: Cameron Highlands 

Cameron Highlands is a district in Pahang, which has large stretches of tea plantations and rolling hills. This is a great place to stop for a few days to get in touch with nature. I would only recommend spending 2 days here MAX as if you spend anymore, you will run out of things to do. 

I have written a blog which has 5 things I recommend you do while in Cameron highlands. Although there is plenty more to see and do with your time!  

Another easy travel day, this will take you roughly 5 hours by Express bus. There are multiple buses that leave from different stations in Penang, so make sure you do some research to find a bus station that is closest to your hotel/hostel. This bus trip will cost you around $10-15 AUD. 

DAY 7- 8: Taman Negara 

This is place I really wanted to go on my most recent travels to Malaysia, but due to a date mix up, I couldn’t go. Taman Negara is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, it is a true natural beauty. There are plenty of things to do here for nature lovers from, hiking, waterfalls, wildlife watching and cultural experiences. It is best to book a tour to visit Taman Negara as it will take the complications out of return travel to and from the national park. 

I did some extensive research and the company I was going to go with was this one. They offer multiple tours from 2-6 Days, as well as different types of tours. It is possible to do a day tour, but I would recommend spending at least two days to explore the area. 

Most of these tours have pick up from Kuala Lumpur or Jerantut. You may need to add an extra day to your itinerary if you wish to visit here and stay in Kuala Lumpur for the night. This will make tour pick up much easier and save a lot of travel time. 

If you want to make your own way to the national park, you can catch a bus from Cameron Highlands bus station (Tanah Rata, Pahang) to Jerantut Bus station. This bus will take roughly 4 hours and cost around $20 AUD. From Jerantut you will need to go to the pickup point for your tour. Keep in mind most tours start early morning, so another option is to leave in the afternoon on the 6^th day from Cameron Highlands and stay a night in Jerantut.

You can find bus schedules and bookings on 12go Asia. 

DAY 9 – 10: Melaka 

Melaka (Malacca) is a town full of history, culture, food and much more! Located a 2–3-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, it makes for a perfect stop on this Malaysia itinerary. This town is beautiful, and I am extremely happy I spent a few days exploring here! The town is quite small, so you won’t need long to explore everything. I was able to explore all the known landmarks and activities in one full day, by foot. You can catch grabs around the city too if you’d prefer not to walk. 

I have written a blog post which lists 8 wonderful things you can do in Melaka here.

If you have completed a tour to Taman Negara, you will most likely end up in Kuala Lumpur on the final night. Being in Kuala Lumpur on the 8^th night of this itinerary will make it easier to get to Melaka. This is a 2–3-hour bus from TBS Kuala Lumpur, which can be booked at the station or online. This bus will cost roughly $5 AUD. 

If you are traveling from Jerantut, you have a bit of a travel day ahead of you. First you will need to catch a bus from Jerantut bus station to TBS Kuala Lumpur. Then you will need to catch a separate bus from TBS Kuala Lumpur to Melaka Sentral. This whole travel day is going to take 5-6 hours. This still give you enough time to explore Melaka during the afternoon. The whole day of travel is only going to cost about $15 AUD. 

DAY 11 – 13: Kuala Lumpur 

Finishing off the last few days of the Malaysian itinerary with a stay in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. There are so many things to do in this beautiful city, but I highly recommend two things. Firstly, head to the top of the KL Tower and enjoy the views which stretch over the city to the mountains. Secondly, enjoy a half day trip to the Batu Caves, the most popular attraction in KL. 

There are so many activities to do here and plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping. The perfect place to end this trip .

To get to Kuala Lumpur you will need to catch a 2-3 hour bus back from Melaka Sentral. This bus will cost around $5 AUD and leaves at multiple times during the day. The buses stop at TBS Kuala Lumpur, from here you can catch a grab to your accommodation.

Day 14 – Onward travel 

Today you wake up in beautiful Kuala Lumpur, the best base for your onward travels! From here you can travel to anywhere around the world, as Kuala Lumpur has a large international airport. 

Other Itinerary Options 

• If you want to complete Cameron Highlands and Taman Negara in one go, you can book this 4D/3N package. It includes 2 nights in Taman Negara and 1 night in Cameron Highlands. This has pick up from Kuala Lumpur, so from Penang I would catch an express bus to Kuala Lumpur on the 5^th day of this itinerary. 
• If you are looking for a week itinerary – with more city and cultural experiences. I would visit Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Melaka. 
• If you have 1 week and want more nature – I would visit Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands and Kuala Lumpur. 
• If you want islands and beaches, I would head over to Malaysia’s east islands – Perhentian Island, Tioman Island and Redang Island. I would only visit these islands if you were coming during April to October. 
• You can also complete day tours to Cameron highlands, Taman Negara and Melaka if you are very short on time. 

Like this post? Pin it and share it with others!

Malaysia is a beautiful country with plenty of things to see and do! There really is something for everyone here – city life, fine dining, hiking, islands, nature, culture, food and history. I spent 2 weeks in Malaysia as my 5th country on my World Tour, this itinerary follows the route I took with a few modifications! These modifications are what I would do differently if I were to visit again.

Is 2 weeks enough time to spend in Malaysia? If you plan on just seeing the highlights and don’t want to venture off the beaten path, then yes! This itinerary contains places such as Langkawi, Penang, Cameron Highlands, KL and much more.

This post contains affiliate links, I may receive a small compensation if you use them. Don’t worry at no extra cost to you! Thank-you for your ongoing support.

How to travel around Malaysia 

Malaysia has excellent transport services, and it is extremely easy to travel around the country. All the transport I took was clean, efficient, and relatively cheap. I mainly took buses from city to city, then public transport like trains or Grabs, while in the cities. 

If you are following this itinerary, you will need to book a flight from Langkawi to Penang, which I would use Skyscanner to find the cheapest deals!

You can book everything on 12go Asia.

Best time to use this Itinerary

The best time to use this itinerary is if you plan on visiting between November and April. This will give the best weather for majority of the destinations listed. I visited during February and has perfect weather every single day while I was here. If you are visiting at another time, look down the bottom for itinerary suggestions.

DAY 1-2: Langkawi 

This itinerary starts off in Langkawi, a beautiful island located right near the border of Thailand/Malaysia. This is the ultimate way to start this trip as you will be surrounded by beaches, palm trees and incredible nature. It’s a tropical paradise. There is quite a lot you can do here from:

• Visiting the Langkawi sky bridge and cable car 
• Waterfall hopping 
• Beach hopping 
• Night markets 
• Boat tours 
• Mangrove tours 
• Duty free shopping (on the whole island!) 

You will need to catch a flight into Langkawi if you are coming internationally. You can catch direct flights here, but most of the time you will need a layover in Kuala Lumpur. If you are following my 30-day Southern Thailand itinerary, you will arrive in Langkawi via the ferry from Koh Lipe.  

DAY 3 -4: Penang 

Penang is a Malaysian state located in the northwest. It is known for its rich heritage and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The streets are filled with vibrant street art, colonial buildings and it has a very diverse multicultural atmosphere. Unfortunately, I fell ill here on my most recent travels so didn’t get to explore the area. But I do have a list of things that I recommend you do/see! 

• Hawker markets 
• Walk the temple trail 
• Penang National Park
• Penang Masions 
• Spice markets 
• Floating Mosque 
• Penang Hill 

You can catch a ferry from Langkawi to the mainland and then a bus to Penang, but this is very much a hassle. I would recommend just booking a domestic flight from Langkawi to Penang airport. It’s a short flight 30–40-minute flight, which will cost around $50 AUD. 

DAY 5 -6: Cameron Highlands 

Cameron Highlands is a district in Pahang, which has large stretches of tea plantations and rolling hills. This is a great place to stop for a few days to get in touch with nature. I would only recommend spending 2 days here MAX as if you spend anymore, you will run out of things to do. 

I have written a blog which has 5 things I recommend you do while in Cameron highlands. Although there is plenty more to see and do with your time!  

Another easy travel day, this will take you roughly 5 hours by Express bus. There are multiple buses that leave from different stations in Penang, so make sure you do some research to find a bus station that is closest to your hotel/hostel. This bus trip will cost you around $10-15 AUD. 

DAY 7- 8: Taman Negara 

This is place I really wanted to go on my most recent travels to Malaysia, but due to a date mix up, I couldn’t go. Taman Negara is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, it is a true natural beauty. There are plenty of things to do here for nature lovers from, hiking, waterfalls, wildlife watching and cultural experiences. It is best to book a tour to visit Taman Negara as it will take the complications out of return travel to and from the national park. 

I did some extensive research and the company I was going to go with was this one. They offer multiple tours from 2-6 Days, as well as different types of tours. It is possible to do a day tour, but I would recommend spending at least two days to explore the area. 

Most of these tours have pick up from Kuala Lumpur or Jerantut. You may need to add an extra day to your itinerary if you wish to visit here and stay in Kuala Lumpur for the night. This will make tour pick up much easier and save a lot of travel time. 

If you want to make your own way to the national park, you can catch a bus from Cameron Highlands bus station (Tanah Rata, Pahang) to Jerantut Bus station. This bus will take roughly 4 hours and cost around $20 AUD. From Jerantut you will need to go to the pickup point for your tour. Keep in mind most tours start early morning, so another option is to leave in the afternoon on the 6^th day from Cameron Highlands and stay a night in Jerantut.

You can find bus schedules and bookings on 12go Asia. 

DAY 9 – 10: Melaka 

Melaka (Malacca) is a town full of history, culture, food and much more! Located a 2–3-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, it makes for a perfect stop on this Malaysia itinerary. This town is beautiful, and I am extremely happy I spent a few days exploring here! The town is quite small, so you won’t need long to explore everything. I was able to explore all the known landmarks and activities in one full day, by foot. You can catch grabs around the city too if you’d prefer not to walk. 

I have written a blog post which lists 8 wonderful things you can do in Melaka here.

If you have completed a tour to Taman Negara, you will most likely end up in Kuala Lumpur on the final night. Being in Kuala Lumpur on the 8^th night of this itinerary will make it easier to get to Melaka. This is a 2–3-hour bus from TBS Kuala Lumpur, which can be booked at the station or online. This bus will cost roughly $5 AUD. 

If you are traveling from Jerantut, you have a bit of a travel day ahead of you. First you will need to catch a bus from Jerantut bus station to TBS Kuala Lumpur. Then you will need to catch a separate bus from TBS Kuala Lumpur to Melaka Sentral. This whole travel day is going to take 5-6 hours. This still give you enough time to explore Melaka during the afternoon. The whole day of travel is only going to cost about $15 AUD. 

DAY 11 – 13: Kuala Lumpur 

Finishing off the last few days of the Malaysian itinerary with a stay in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. There are so many things to do in this beautiful city, but I highly recommend two things. Firstly, head to the top of the KL Tower and enjoy the views which stretch over the city to the mountains. Secondly, enjoy a half day trip to the Batu Caves, the most popular attraction in KL. 

There are so many activities to do here and plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping. The perfect place to end this trip .

To get to Kuala Lumpur you will need to catch a 2-3 hour bus back from Melaka Sentral. This bus will cost around $5 AUD and leaves at multiple times during the day. The buses stop at TBS Kuala Lumpur, from here you can catch a grab to your accommodation.

Day 14 – Onward travel 

Today you wake up in beautiful Kuala Lumpur, the best base for your onward travels! From here you can travel to anywhere around the world, as Kuala Lumpur has a large international airport. 

Other Itinerary Options 

• If you want to complete Cameron Highlands and Taman Negara in one go, you can book this 4D/3N package. It includes 2 nights in Taman Negara and 1 night in Cameron Highlands. This has pick up from Kuala Lumpur, so from Penang I would catch an express bus to Kuala Lumpur on the 5^th day of this itinerary. 
• If you are looking for a week itinerary – with more city and cultural experiences. I would visit Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Melaka. 
• If you have 1 week and want more nature – I would visit Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands and Kuala Lumpur. 
• If you want islands and beaches, I would head over to Malaysia’s east islands – Perhentian Island, Tioman Island and Redang Island. I would only visit these islands if you were coming during April to October. 
• You can also complete day tours to Cameron highlands, Taman Negara and Melaka if you are very short on time. 

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