Kagoshima, Sakurajima & a volcano day for a fraction of the cruise tour price. Kagoshima is one of those ports where the first thing you notice is the volcano. Sakurajima sits directly across the bay — huge, brooding, and almost too close for comfort. Cruise lines know this sells well, which is why volcano excursions…
Sailing around Japan and East Asia is one of the most fascinating cruise experiences you can book — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. People often board with a head full of Caribbean or Mediterranean expectations, only to discover that Asia cruises have their own rhythm, their own quirks, and their own wonderfully…
If you’ve never cruised Japan before, there’s one moment that catches most people completely off guard — and it arrived for us the morning we sailed back into Sasebo on MSC Bellissima. We’d left Tokyo full of excitement, enjoyed two calm (ish – it was November) sea days, wandered around Busan, and assumed the next…
If you’ve ever wondered what a 1980s German cruise ship, a freshly polished casino, and a vending machine selling paracetamol, instant noodles, and condoms all have in common — you’ll find the answer floating off the coast of Penang. The Berlin Oceanis is Penang’s latest cruise-to-nowhere experience — a refurbished, retro cruise ship reborn as…
During a recent road trip from the Cameron Highlands to Penang, we made a stop at TUI BLUE The Haven Resort in Ipoh for a night of relaxation. After staying at the Smokehouse Hotel and visiting Hobbitoon and the Mossy Forest, we were looking forward to a peaceful break, and The Haven didn’t disappoint. Known…
Tasik Cermin, or Mirror Lake, is a lesser-known spot in Ipoh that offers visitors a peaceful and secluded setting surrounded by limestone cliffs. The calm waters of the lake create a mirror-like reflection, giving it its name and making it a popular place for photography and a quiet break in nature. During our visit, we…
The Smokehouse Hotel in the Cameron Highlands is one of the region’s most iconic accommodations, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience a slice of English heritage amidst Malaysia’s cool highlands. Built in 1937, this historic hotel has maintained its colonial charm over the decades, with its Tudor-style architecture, ivy-covered walls, and perfectly manicured gardens….
The Mossy Forest, located high in the Cameron Highlands, is one of Malaysia’s most unique natural attractions. Known for its dense, moss-covered trees and mist-shrouded paths, this otherworldly forest looks like it’s been pulled straight out of The Lord of the Rings. The combination of the cool, moist climate and the rich biodiversity makes it…
Tucked away in the cool, scenic Cameron Highlands, Hobbitoon offers a unique experience for visitors looking to step into a setting inspired by Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Featuring cosy, round-door cottages, earthy architecture, and beautifully landscaped gardens, this attraction brings a touch of fantasy to Malaysia’s highlands. Hobbitoon is ideal for families, couples,…
