John Saboe's Far East Travels

 The Batu Caves are a series of limestone caves and cave temples located in Selangor, Malaysia. So easy to get to it even has it’s own train stop.I picked up the KTM Comuter train at KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur which can be reached via the Kelana Jaya line if you’re staying near KLCC.In less than 30 minutes the giant limestone outcrop was in view.Leaving the train station you are immediately surrounded by Hindu shrines and temples including this giant statue of Hanuman, the Monkey God.The Batu Caves gets it’s name from the Sangai Batu, the nearby Batu River, and it is also the tenth, Pattu in the Tamil language, limestone of Ampang Malaysia.The Batu Caves are one of the most popular Hindu Shrines outside of India. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, God of war. He is the son of the Hindu dieties Shiva and Parvati.The Murugan statue is the largest statue of a Hindu deity in Malaysia and the second tallest in the world coming second to the Kailashnath Mahadev Statue in Nepal.Write A Podcast Review:https://itunes.apple.co

Number 3, Wat Arun. Even though it’s name means temple of dawn this is a wonderful site best enjoyed at sunset. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, some consider it the most beautiful temple in Thailand. It’s prang or spire on the banks of the river is a world-class landmark. At the time of my visit, Wat Arun was undergoing major renovations as you can see by the scaffolding. Wat Arun held the great Emerald Buddha before it was transferred to Wat Phra Kaew at the Grand Palace. In fact the temple was part of the grounds of the royal palace where it was located before it was moved in 1785. Number 2, Wat Pho. Wat Pho, home of the reclining Buddha. This temple complex is perfect for just wandering as most people will show up, check out the 46 meter long Buddha and immediately leave. You’ll have lots of space to enjoy the atmosphere of a world-class heritage site and the largest collection of Buddha statues in Thailand.Wat Pho is within walking distance of the number one temple to visit in Bangkok,

For me Singapore and Malaysia were my first introduction to the amazing food experience of dining outdoors in Southeast Asia. Many years later the Jalan Alor food street of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is still one of my favorite places to dine. I've been lucky enough to have experienced the food and dining options of many cities and towns across Southeast Asia. Each one offers it's own unique food and charming experience whether it's sitting on tiny plastic chairs in the old quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam or enjoying the cheap vegetarian buffet in the night market of Luang Prabang, Laos while gazing at the Royal Palace's Temple at night. Jalan Alor is also one of the food centers I've visited the most having used KL as a gateway to Southeast Asia for several years. So I'm admittedly a little biased as well, but I've also never had a bad or even mediocre dining experience there.The restaurants have never let me down on Jalan Alor. The food is always consistently satisfying and being a seafood lover the options are almos

Hanoi is one of my favorite cities in Southeast Asia. It’s “old quarter” is packed with atmosphere from the colonial buildings to the back alleys filled with little shops and fruit vendors. From the break of dawn until 11pm when the police kick the motorbikes off the sidewalks and everywhere doors are closed for another day it remains one of the most energy packed places in Vietnam and Asia!I’m already craving another visit. Wandering the streets each filled with it’s speciality, toy street, lantern street and more! Grabbing a coffee with coconut milk from Cong Caphe and sitting on the sidewalk in a tiny chair watching the madness of motobikes dancing in and out of car, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. Having a meal of snails, noodles and whatever else looks good washed down with Hanoi beer or eating in of the many restaurants that specialize in the unique fish dish to Hanoi, Cha ca. In this episode, a previous live Periscope broadcast, I wandered around Dong Xuan Market on the northern edge of the old quarte

It’s been two years since the devastating earthquakes of Nepal brought huge loss to the country with over 9000 deaths, thousands more injured and many left homeless.  For awhile it  brought the tourism business to a standstill with many cancelling their trekking and travel plans. At the time international media reported that Nepal’s tourism industry was ruined and would take years to recover. I wanted to get my friend and one of my partners in explorehimalayan.com , our full service trekking and travel business in Nepal on the podcast for a current update on the state of the country and it’s tourism industry, as well as suggestions on treks, and tour ideas.  Shanker Bhatta has been active in the travel and trekking business for several years and is also the owner of the Hotel Pilgrims in Kathmandu. He joins me from Thamel in the country’s capital.If you want to find out more about trekking or travel in Nepal you can talk with any one of us at explorehimalayan.comSupport Far East Adventure Travel by becoming a

Fort Kochi or Cochin is an extrordinary place to visit in South India. Ruled by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and British and of coarse Rajahs it is a wonderful mix of architecture, history, and a harmony of local people and various cultures that is unique in India.As local resident experts have explained to me the most rewarding part of a visit to Fort Cochin is not necessarily the sights you’ll see. It’s more about the appreciation of the local culture and people and the relaxed feeling you will easily pick up on right away. It’s one of my favorite destinations in India.On my last visit I spent time broadcasting from a number of locations around the Fort Cochin area relaying my thoughts and impressions of the region and answering questions from viewers on Periscope about travel to Kerala and general travel related questions and subjects on Asia. One of the highlights of my stay in Cochin was enjoying the sunsets from the town’s nearby beaches.Help others discover Far East Adventure Travel in iTunes-Submit a re

That’s it for my series Earthquake Diaries from Nepal. If you want to find out more about the wonderful trekking and travel options in Nepal please visit our website explorehimalayan.com.  Writing a review in the iTunes Store helps others discover Far East Adventure Travel. Karileed of the USA recently wrote in, “John is the real deal. He’s a fabulous host and does an amazing job of sharing information on the places he travels to. You’ll feel like you’re right there with him. A must listen for anyone who loves travel!” Karileed, very kind words and much appreciated. I’m leaving  a link in the show notes of this episode. Simply follow the link, sign into your iTunes account, click Ratings and Reviews at the top of the podcast page, rate the podcast out of 5 starts then click write a review and submit your review and helps other around the world discover Far East Adventure Travel.: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-travel-far-east-inspired-by-rick-steves-lonely/id1079513943?mt=2For as little as $1/m

Thank you for joining me as Earthquake Diaries from Nepal continues with part 3. In this  journey through my days of visiting the many earthquake affected sites of Nepal  in May 2015 I saw places within the Kathmandu Valley that experienced minimal damage to towns like Sankhu village that almost completely collapsed as a result of the April 25th and May 12th earthquakes.In Sankhu village we walked through alleys and streets that were literally crumbling around us as residents were beginning the huge task of breaking down buildings, salvaging bricks and precious wooden window frames in order to rebuild their home in another location.  Others were returning to what remained of their homes to recover personal items. Far East Adventure Travel depends on listener and viewer support. Your donation of $5, $10, $20, or $30 dollars or more helps with production and travel costs. Follow the link to my paypal account in the show notes and make a donation now.  I will send a small souvenir from Taiwan for anyone who make

My Earthquake Diaries Nepal documentary series  continues with part 2 and a “cry for tourism”. This episode follows my first few days of walking through the streets and alleyways of Kathmandu, visiting many sites that had suffered damage, destruction and terrible loss. I met tour guides and taxi drivers that saw a future of little or no work. And one afternoon I came across a group in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square conducting a desperate rally for unity within the tourism industry. I also traveled around the Kathmandu Valley visiting some of the most popular landmarks and Unesco World Heritage sites including Boudhanath, the Tibetan Village, the great Pashupatinath  Hindu Temple complex, and the medieval village of Bhaktapur to see first-hand the damage to these sites that in the past have attracted travellers from around the world.  This podcast can’t happen without public support, help me continue to produce this series that I hope helps you either plan your next big adventure or allows you to imagine travelling

It’s been 2 years since the first of several earthquakes and tremors terrorized the Himalayan nation of Nepal. It was April 25th, 2015 at 11:56am local time when a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the country. It was followed by several hundred aftershocks and another 7.3 tremor on May 12 that in total killed nearly 9,000 people and injured over 22,000 leaving many homeless. To this day thousands are still not living in a permanent home.Having visited the country on several occasions over the years when I first heard the news of the devastation I thought I should plan a trip to see first-hand how severely damaged the country was and it’s tourism infrastructure. I knew that the media reports of a ruined tourism industry would have a huge impact on the nation and it’s people that desperately rely on tourists to earn a living. I also wanted to encourage other people to visit the country either through volunteering to help with the recovery or once the situation had stabilized, make their own travel plans to Nepal

Can Tho, like many cities in Vietnam and Southeast Asia has a few areas where you'll find activity at night-it usually revolves around eating. Near the waterfront and night market featured in this episode and around De Tham Street, nicknamed "food street" by locals where a series of restaurants serve everything from hot pot to seafood, and vegetarian. Your hotel can give you directions, just ask them where's food street? I stumbled onto Com Chay An Lac, a hole in the wall vegetarian restaurant that serves ultra fresh and cheap Vietnamese vegetarian food. Big bowls of noodles with imitation bbq pork,(bean curd), springs rolls and other tasty guilt free food for less than a buck. Join me in Can Tho as I explore and chat with some of the live viewers on varying topics from street food safety to trekking in Nepal and an impromptu interview with a friendly French tourist. Write A Review For The Podcast:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-travel-far-east-inspired-by-rick-steves-lonely/id1079513943?mt=2Sub

Upon arrival in Can Tho, approximately 3.5 hours by bus from Ho Chi Minh City, I decided to immediately head for riverside, naturally where most travellers gravitate and explore the streets, night market, temples, and shops in the area. I also wanted to investigate hiring a boat for a tour the next morning. Some of my best and fondest memories of traveling are seeing a place for the first time. It's always exciting getting familiar with unknown territory. Night markets, cafes, fruit stands and Ho Chi Minh statues are not much different from one end of the country to the other but the settings are as well as the people and local culture.Throughout Vietnam you will find a mostly friendly attitude towards foreigners, from outgoing to reserved but friendly. In Can Tho and I believe much of the Mekong River Delta region locals are very hospitable. I was setting up my camera crouched on the side of a street one afternoon when behind me a friendly older man had brought out a plastic chair for me to sit on. Vietnam h

Can Tho is the fourth largest city in Vietnam and the largest in the Mekong River Delta region. People that visit are here primarily for the boat cruises that take you to the world-famous floating markets. A confluence of boats that merge in various locations of the river for trade of mostly fresh fruit and produce. For this trip I hired a boat for about $14 dollars that will take me on an approximate 3.5 hour tour on the Hua River, a tributary of the Mekong where I’ll see a wholesale floating market in action and visit a rice paper making village. After 45 minutes of passing by colorful vessels and regular river activity, including tourist boats heading in the opposite direction on their way to other floating markets we arrived at the Cai Rang wholesale market. Cruising at a slower speed by boats almost spilling over with pineapples and other fresh fruit and produce. Local buyers arrive to purchase goods from the farmers that bring their fruit and produce to Cai Rang and take it to the cities to sell to shop

It was New Year's Day 2017, unusually warm at 26 celsius, making it perfectly pleasant to walk around interesting neighborhoods in Taipei, Taiwan including Dongmen and it's Yongkang Food Street. Anchoring this street that has been published in almost every travel and food magazine and guidebook, is the world-famous Din Tai Fung, purveyors of xiaolongbao, delicious soup dumplings. Crowds, as seen on this day, will line-up for over an hour in the midday just to get a table.Even though this restaurant is a big draw there are plenty of other restaurant in Dongmen serving the delicious specialities of Taiwan. The history of this neighborhood goes way back to the Japanese occupation when high government officials and the affluent started taking up residence here. Qingtian Street is a lovely place to stroll while enjoying a classic Taiwanese snack purchased from Yongkang Street like green onion pancake. There are still Japanese style homes left over from the time of occupation that have been converted to art galleri

I'm always asked when is the best time of year to visit Taiwan. Almost anytime of the year can be interesting but one of my favorite times to recommend is during the Chinese New Year,(Lunar New Year) festivities.The first day itself is always inspiring and full of good spirit as many Taiwanese visit temples to start the year off with prayers of good fortune, luck, and health.Then of course there are the many festivals that are centered around the New Year including the Beehive Fireworks Festival, if you're daring and looking for extreme adventure. See the podcast featured on this channel.For a more serene experience the Lantern Festivals of Taiwan are wonderfully beautiful and completely safe, but you will have to endure huge crowds. Most major cities on the island host a lantern festival.  As Kaohsiung is the largest port city of Taiwan there are many marine themes. Artistically I noticed there were many interesting variations of the rooster theme compared with the Taipei Lantern Festival and the Love River

 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is on the move! It's one of the fastest changing and growing cities of Southeast Asia with modern shopping complexes springing up everywhere, a skyline filled with construction cranes, and a joint venture between Japan and Vietnam to build the city's first subway/rapid transit system. It's great to see the people of Vietnam enjoying new amenities and infrastructure but people like me still want to see the old Saigon. Traditional culture, morning markets, non-touristy neighborhoods. The good news is there's still lots to see. Around Co Bac And Co Liang streets in District 1 they still have a traditional market and if you stay in one of the guesthouses in the neighborhood you'll feel very much like a local.The other area that's still ripe with traditional shopping and culture is Cholon or District 5 and Binh Tay Market, a wholesale market that bustles everyday of the week. Cholon is where the ethnic Chinese community is based. Some say it's the biggest Chinatown in the world.   Donate

The tomb of Tu Duc, approximately 5 kilometers outside of Hue, the former Imperial Capital, is one of the grandest of all with construction that took place over 3 years requiring 10,000 laborers. Tu Duc was the longest reigning Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, holding power for 36 years from 1848-83. His tomb served as palatial retreat for himself, his wives, concubines, and entourage after it's completion in 1867. The tomb complex is filled with buildings, temples, a lake, a tiny island where he could hunt small game, pavilions for relaxing and writing poetry and expansive grounds.Tu Duc's remains were never actually buried at the site of the tomb where he had spent so much time. Instead they were placed in a mysterious location somewhere around Hue. To ensure secrecy, the 200 workers that buried Tu Duc's remains were beheaded afterwards. To this day this site has still not been discovered. When I walked around the Tomb of Tu Duc while broadcasting live on Periscope it was truly hard not to appreciate it's bea

I spent several days on my last visit to Hue exploring all of the significant sites the city has to offer from the Citadel and Forbidden Purple City, where the Nguyen emperors lived and ruled, to boat cruises on the Perfume River, bicycle and motorbike rides to temples, Emperor tombs, and famous vegetarian restaurants.There are a few ways you can visit the tombs that were built for the Nguyen emperors, who ruled Vietnam from 1802-1945. One of the most romantic ways is to hire your own boat and cruise the Perfume River, stopping at each tomb-some require a motorbike ride from the river bank. You can also go on a tourist boat, which is more economical, but either way this form of transportation will take the longest. Hiring a car is the most convenient and will cost around $40USD. I wouldn’t recommend cycling as it would take all day just to possibly visit only one tomb but renting a motorbike, as long as you’re comfortable using one is fun and inexpensive. A motorbike in Hue costs around $5-$6USD a day plus fu

To appreciate Hue, the former Imperial capital of Vietnam, one needs time. Unlike other historic towns like, Hoi an or even larger cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, where many sites are within walking distance Hue’s important landmarks and buildings are spread out. It’s a large canvas with incredible beauty, tradition and culture.I spent several days on my last visit to Hue exploring all of the significant sites the city has to offer from the Citadel and Forbidden Purple City, where the Nguyen emperors lived and ruled, to boat cruises on the Perfume River, bicycle and motorbike rides to temples, Emperor tombs, and famous vegetarian restaurants.There are a few ways you can visit the tombs that were built for the Nguyen emperors, who ruled Vietnam from 1802-1945. One of the most romantic ways is to hire your own boat and cruise the Perfume River, stopping at each tomb-some require a motorbike ride from the river bank. You can also go on a tourist boat, which is more economical, but either way this form of

Taipei often gets quiet during the first days of the Lunar New Year's celebration, Taiwan's most important holiday.  Many who work in the capital  will leave for their hometown to visit with family during the holidays. Especially important is returning for the family reunion dinner which takes place on New Year's Eve. Train tickets get booked weeks in advance.There is one place you will find busy in Taipei leading up to The Lunar New Year and that's Dihua Street, home to the city's biggest New Year's market. For two weeks every year prior to the Lunar New Year, this street, which normally sells speciality foods, traditional Chinese medicine, tea, and other goods becomes a pedestrian only market loaded with sellers of tasty foods and snacks that are consumed in great quantities during the holidays. Join me as I walk through the market, saying hello to friendly sellers and sampling some of the delicious snacks and treats of Taiwan.Donate now and help support the Far East Adventure Travel Podcast. A gift of $5,