AT#947 - Travel to Brunei and Sabah on Borneo

Hear about travel to Beijing, China, and the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Gansu) as the Amateur Traveler discusses the first half of a recent press trip to China, sponsored by the Chinese Tourism Board. Seven days let you pair Beijing’s imperial centers and Great Wall with the yak‑grazed valleys, monasteries, and soaring limestone of Gannan—history and highlands in a single, unforgettable loop. Morning Land at PEK or PKX before noon. A pre‑booked car or the Airport Express gets you downtown in 45‑60 minutes. Stay inside the 2nd Ring Road to limit traffic headaches. Afternoon Forbidden City (Palace Museum) – Reserve tickets with your passport in advance; allow 3‑4 hrs to navigate the 960 × 750 m compound of 980 buildings. Travel China Guide Exit the North Gate and climb Jingshan Park for the classic rooftop panorama. Day 1 | Arrive Beijing ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-beijing-and-gannan/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Suriname as the Amateur Traveler talks to Mike Power from SmallOfTheRoad.blogspot.com about his recent trip to this South American country. Why should you go to Suriname? Mike says, "It's an undiscovered little gem. I'm just surprised it's not more popular. The number one draw there would be nature and ecotourism. There's a ton to see. As much as 95% of the country is covered in rainforest. And so ecotourism and the wildlife, especially a lot of birds, monkeys, etc. The second one would be diversity. So, it's actually a very diverse country. And in particular, I found the maroon communities that live inland fascinating. These are descendants of former escaped slaves. And then finally, I'd say Paramaribo, which is the main city in Suriname. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with these old buildings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries." Here’s the itinerary Mike recommends for Suriname: Get deep into the primary rainforest to experience wildlife and pure Amazonian jungle. Mike went to Nature Resort Kabalebo, which offered guided river trips, forest hikes, waterfalls, night walks, abundant birds, monkeys, poison dart frogs, and tapirs.   1. Interior Rainforest Lodge (3 nights). ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-suriname/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the island nation of Samoa as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about his recent trip biking around the country. Why should you go to Samoa? Jonty says, "Samoa is a small island in the Pacific. If you imagine a tropical Pacific paradise, then something like Samoa would probably spring to mind in terms of palm trees along a beautiful sandy beach with snorkeling opportunities and some diving opportunities. The Samoan culture is very interesting. It is very much the heart of Polynesia, and they've done a very good job at maintaining their culture. It's touristy enough that it's got the infrastructure that you need as a tourist to get around and do things. But it's not particularly touristy." Jonty recommends a one-week itinerary for Samoa that allows travelers to experience much of what the country has to offer, but he notes that a 10- to 14-day trip would be ideal to allow for rest, deeper exploration, and a more relaxed pace. Here's how he breaks it down: Begin your trip in Apia, the capital and only real city in Samoa. Jonty suggests spending at least a day, preferably two, exploring both the downtown and the surrounding hills. In central Apia, highlights include: Start with Apia (1–2 days) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-samoa/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the French Riviera as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel writer and children's book author Kimberley Lovato about this region where she has had a pied-à-terre for years. Why should you go to the French Riviera? Kimberley says, "Certainly for people who love great hotels and Michelin star food and gorgeous scenery, you know what's not to love? We have the Cannes Film Festival. But, if you love beaches, hiking, and museums, I hate the cliche 'there's something for everyone', but in this case, it is true. Beaches, food, hotels, small, quaint, charming, and picture-perfect villages. It's all really here, easy to get around." Arrival & Base Fly into Nice, the region’s main airport. Base yourself in Nice, Cannes, or Sainte-Maxime, depending on your interests—city, beach, or quieter village. Day 1–2: Nice and Surroundings Kimberley Lovato’s Recommended French Riviera Itinerary ... https://amateurtraveler.com/the-french-riviera/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Espírito Santo, Brazil, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Fuse from Fuse Travels about her family's homeland. Why should you travel to Espírito Santo? Fuse says, "It is way more affordable than Rio, just as pretty, as far as beaches. It is underrated. So you're not gonna go sightseeing and have a swarm of tourists. You really get a feel of local culture. There's some amazing cuisine. Espírito Santo is diverse geography." Fuse suggests a rich and varied itinerary for a visit to Espírito Santo, Brazil, highlighting cultural, culinary, and natural experiences across several distinct regions. Here's a summary of her top recommendations: Base yourself in Vila Velha for its better beaches, like Praia da Costa, and walkable access to restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife. Visit Convento da Penha, a 16th-century hilltop monastery with panoramic views of the coast. Tour the Garoto chocolate factory (reserve in advance). ... https://amateurtraveler.com/espirito-santo-brazil/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Brunei and Sabah on the island of Borneo as the Amateur Traveler talks to Max Walton about his recent trip to these contrasting locations. Why should you go to Brunei and Sabah? Max says, "It's one of the least visited regions in the area. I think in 2023, only 133,000 people visited. It's not many at all. This also offers a different side of Southeast Asia. I know a lot of people go to Vietnam, Thailand, even Bali, Indonesia, but Brunei is the only absolute monarchy in the region. It's also governed by Sharia law. Brunei is very wealthy. It's all because of its oil and gas." "I don't think you should be going to Brunei solely for the purpose of going to Brunei. It's perfect for a seven-day itinerary in Northern Borneo." Max recommends a 7-day itinerary for visiting Brunei and Sabah (northern Borneo), combining cultural experiences, nature, and adventure. Here's a summary of the recommended itinerary: Fly into Miri (cheaper than Brunei direct flights) Day 1 – Arrival in Miri (Malaysia) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-brunei-and-sabah/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to the region of Abitibi-Témiscamingue in Quebec as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jennifer Doré Dallas from Chasing Poutine about this out of the way road trip. Why should you go to Abitibi-Témiscamingue? Jennifer says, "Most people don't really know about it outside of Quebec. But in our province, it's really well known, especially for nature. It's a true paradise for nature lovers. It's also historical, bringing us back to log driving and fur trading times. I'll take you from gold mines to microbreweries to pristine lakes. Basically, you're off the beaten path, and what I love about this region is that everybody thinks it's remote, but it's so accessible and it's so easy to travel to." Jennifer recommends a one-week road trip itinerary to explore Abitibi-Témiscamingue, starting from Montreal and looping through five key regions (MRCs), each with its own blend of nature, history, Indigenous culture, and food. Here’s a breakdown of her recommended route: Day-by-Day Itinerary for Abitibi-Témiscamingue Road Trip Day 1 – Drive from Montreal to Val-d'Or (Gold Valley) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-abitibi-temiscamingue-in-quebec/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about travel to Victoria, British Columbia, as Chris Christensen from Amateur Traveler talks about his recent visit to the capital of British Columbia. Join Chris Christensen as he returns to one of the first cities he ever visited outside the U.S.—Victoria, British Columbia. In this solo episode, Chris recounts a week-long press trip to Vancouver Island's picturesque capital. From kayaking and whale watching to historic Chinatown, local farms, and world-renowned gardens, discover why Victoria is more than just a pretty harbor town. After arriving via Victoria International Airport, the trip kicks off with a walking tour of North America’s second-oldest Chinatown, led by Discover the Past. Chris explores the cultural legacy of Chinese-Canadians, visits the rare Tam Kung Temple, and strolls Fan Tan Alley, learning about the community’s resilience and spiritual heritage. ...  https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-auckland-new-zealand/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about New Zealand Great Walks as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from jontynz.com about these amazing multi-day treks in his home country. Picture snow-capped mountains, volcanic landscapes, brilliant blue alpine lakes, epic coastal scenery, unusual native birds, wilderness as far as the eye can see, golden sand beaches, historic sites, lush moss-filled bush, and huge waterfalls. New Zealand has ten Great Walks, 3-5 day hikes (or tramps in NZ) through some of the finest scenery in this beautiful country. The Great Walks are an accessible introduction to multi-day hikes. They have well-maintained tracks and cosy huts, providing a relatively safe experience.These aren't the luxury hikes available in Europe; you will generally carry almost everything you need, and won't have a shower for a few days, but they're incredibly rewarding experiences. Jonty gives an overview of each walk in alphabetical order, and finishes with general information and recommendations. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/new-zealand-great-walks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode of Amateur Traveler, I share the story of my recent walking trip through the Kunisaki Peninsula and Yufuin in Kyushu, Japan, with Walk Japan. This immersive journey took me past massive stone Buddhas, forest trails, rural villages, sacred shrines, and into steamy onsens — all while uncovering centuries of Japanese history and culture. Temples, Shrines, Onsens, and the Trails Between – Kunisaki & Yufuin Walk Tour style: Small group, guided, culturally immersive walking tour with Walk Japan Geology: The Volcanic Kunisaki Peninsula was formed by Mt. Futago; radial valleys and stable terrain Historical sites: Usa Jingu Shrine, Kumano Magaibutsu, Fuki-ji Temple, Choan-ji Daily hikes: 4–7 km per day through ridges, forests, rice terraces, and Buddhist cave carvings Community engagement: Visit to Walk Japan’s rural revitalization project and local mushroom farm ... https://amateurtraveler.com/exploring-the-kunisaki-peninsula-with-walk-japan/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices