Tuesday January 24, 2012
Photo by Greg Rodgers
Exactly where is Borneo?
I was asked that question repeatedly after visiting there in 2010 and sharing amazing photos of wildlife and outdoor adventures with friends.
Borneo is actually the third-largest island in the world, situated in the center of Southeast Asia just east of Singapore and southwest of the Philippines.
Technically known as Kalimantan, Indonesia owns a lion's share of Borneo. The northern edge, which is also the most visited and developed, is owned by Malaysia. Made up of two states, Sarawak and Sabah, Malaysian Borneo is an outdoor lover's dream.
Tiny Brunei -- an oil-rich, independent country -- separates Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. With a population of just over 400,000, Brunei is famous for being the most Islamic country in Southeast Asia, as well as for the fact that citizens do not pay taxes there. The government is funded by oil and natural gas, which makes up for 90% of the GDP.
Arguably one of the wildest places on Earth, Borneo is unfortunately also one of the most rapidly deforested places on the planet as well. Logging has dwindled down once-pristine rainforests to make way for sprawling palm oil plantations. Palm oil turns up in a wide range of products from chocolate to cosmetics.
Borneo is also one of two places on the planet where endangered orangutans can still be found -- Sumatra in Indonesia is the other -- however, they are also being threatened by habitat loss due to palm oil plantations.
With unbeatable natural attractions, friendly people, and great food, Borneo is a favorite for nearly all who visit. You can score cheap flights to either the capital Kota Kinabalu in Sabah or Kuching in Sarawak from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
So while others are still asking, "where is Borneo?" get yourself to this green paradise before it's too late!
Friday January 20, 2012
Photo by Greg Rodgers
The Year of the Dragon begins on January 23rd, and with Chinese New Year celebrations kicking off around the world this weekend, why not learn how to say "happy new year" in Chinese?
The simplest of ways to show your well wishes for a prosperous new year is to say "gong xi fa cai" -- which means loosely "congratulations and prosperity."
Chinese New Year is one of the largest holidays in the world. Running for 15 days, welcoming the new year is less about resolutions and more about drawing good luck and prosperity. A long list of Chinese New Year traditions have been observed for centuries.
Another easy way to say happy new year in Chinese is with "xin nian kuai le" which is simply "happy or joyous new year." Unsurprisingly, there are many ways to wish others well during the holiday, why not surprise a Chinese friend in the days to come?
- Impress your cohorts, make new friends, or simply expand your cultural inclinations by learning the right way to say happy new year in Chinese before the Year of the Dragon begins next Tuesday!
Sunday January 15, 2012
Photo by Greg Rodgers
For a new traveler putting together their first trip to Asia, the long laundry list of to-dos can be daunting.
Navigate the web of bureaucracy to get a passport and apply for travel visas, schedule vaccinations, choose travel insurance, book a flight...the list tends to grow rather than shrink as your departure date approaches.
No need to stress! Preparing for a trip to Asia should not require flirting with a nervous breakdown. This step-by-step Asia travel guide will hold your hand throughout the process. You'll find official links, resources, advice, and information for making informed decisions so that your travel funds are spent on the trip rather than just trip preparation!
Tuesday January 10, 2012
Mckaysavage / Creative Commons
With 1.3 billion people living downstream, climate change in Nepal is visibly effecting glaciers that feed the rivers that so many folks depend on.
Less glaciers = less fresh water = big problem for a large portion of the world's population.
Tiny Nepal, sandwiched directly between the world's two busiest countries, plays a big role in a lot of daily lives; a concern whether or not you ever make it to see Everest or to enjoy the impressive Annapurna circuit.
To raise awareness, Apa Sherpa -- a 52-year-old guide who has climbed Everest a record 21 times -- will begin an epic walk along with Dawa Steven Sherpa -- also a two-time Everest veteran -- through some of the most challenging terrain in the world.
The duo's adventure will carry them 1,062 miles (approximately 1,700 kilometers) for 120 days through the Himalayas. The two are hoping that celebrities and world leaders -- including Al Gore and England's Prince Harry -- will at least join them at certain points along the trail, bringing Nepal's problem more into the world spotlight.
So far, no world leaders have confirmed any rendezvous, however, the two will press on regardless; a noble feat considering that Nepal itself is one of the lowest per-capita producers of greenhouse gas emissions in the world.
Apa Sherpa has been climbing Everest since 1990; if anyone can attest to visible changes in rock and ice, he can. Also known as "Super Sherpa," Apa has warned that climbing Everest is growing increasingly difficult because of changes in the ice.
Here's wishing best of luck to the two adventurers!
