Sleepless in Singapore Julian Lindner

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my journey from Tioman Island to Georgetown, Penang, and further to Bangkok. Georgetown's colonial charm captivates me, with its vibrant street food and stunning murals. A scooter tour reveals Penang's natural beauty, and an adventurous ferry ride leads me to Thailand, where I navigate border crossings and local trains.


Reaching Koh Tao, I relish the island's serene beaches and laid-back vibe, despite a rustic overnight boat journey. Bangkok greets me with the chaos of Khao San Road, a lost phone, and a strange encounter with a woman selling a house in Sweden. Yet, the city redeems itself with picturesque views from a skyscraper and a memorable seafood feast with an old friend.
Links:
myPenang — Official tourism website for Penang, Malaysia, offering information on attractions, activities, and accommodations in Georgetown and beyond.Palm Mansion Boutique Suites, George Town — Listing for Palm Mansions, a charming colonial-style BnB in Georgetown, Penang.@themugshotcafe — Popular café in Georgetown, Penang, known for its coffee and pastries.@hippoburgerkohtao — Restaurant in Koh Tao known for its burgers and casual dining atmosphere.Chatuchak Market — Official website for Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, one of the largest weekend markets in the world, offering a variety of goods and food.ICONSIAM — A luxury shopping mall in Bangkok, known for its high-end stores, dining options, and river views.The Grand Palace — Official website for The Grand Palace in Bangkok, a major historical and cultural site.Ratchada Train Night Market — Information on the Train Night Market Ratchada, a popular night market in Bangkok known for its food, shopping, and vibrant atmosphere.COMMENTS

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount my solo adventure to Kuala Lumpur after parting ways with Philipp. The journey begins with a hectic AirAsia flight from Manila, reminding me of the serene joys of train travel. Upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur, I reconnect with friends Misha and Verena, who I met on a train to Mongolia. We stay in a budget hostel, explore the vibrant Chow Kit wet market, and savor a memorable breakfast at The Red Bean Bag. The day unfolds with sightseeing, culminating in a daring taste test of the infamous durian fruit, which leaves us both intrigued and repelled.


The narrative shifts to a lively night out, filled with billiards, beers, and spontaneous club-hopping, ending with an unexpected stay at a nearby hotel. The next day, I rest and then wander through Petaling Street Market and Jalan Alor, soaking in the local atmosphere. My journey continues with a bus ride to Mersing and a ferry to Tioman Island, where I reunite with Misha and Verena. Despite basic accommodations and scarce food supplies, we revel in the island’s natural beauty, highlighted by an exhilarating jungle hike to a secluded waterfall. The trip concludes with a thrilling scooter ride and a nerve-wracking dash to catch a flight to Penang, setting the stage for future adventures in Thailand.
Links:
The Red Beanbag — Official website of The Red Beanbag, a popular breakfast and brunch café in Kuala Lumpur known for its crab cakes and eggs benedict.Senai International Airport — An international airport in the town of Senai, Kulai District, Johor, Malaysia, serving Johor Bahru and the southernmost region of Peninsular Malaysia.Cataferry — Cataferry offers comfortable and spacious catamaran ferry services to Tioman and Langkawi islands.Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (klia2) — Comprehensive guide to KLIA2, the low-cost carrier terminal in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Chow Kit Wet Market — A guide to Chow Kit Market, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant and colorful wet markets, offering fresh produce, meat, and seafood.KLCC — Official website for KLCC, featuring the iconic Petronas Towers, a convention center, a shopping mall, and a park.Pavilion Kuala Lumpur — Website of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a premier shopping destination with a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.Din Tai Fung — Website of Din Tai Fung Malaysia, renowned for its Taiwanese cuisine, especially xiao long bao (soup dumplings).Jalan Alor — Guide to Jalan Alor, a famous food street in Kuala Lumpur offering a wide variety of local Malaysian street food.Tioman Island — Tourism website for Tioman Island, providing information on travel, accommodations, and activities on the island, including diving and hiking.COMMENTS

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I find myself embarking on a new chapter of my journey, this time in the vibrant Philippines—alone for the first time in weeks after parting ways with Philipp. As I navigate the bustling streets of Manila and settle into the luxurious Shangri-La, the solitude feels strange yet liberating. The city's chaotic charm quickly becomes evident through a series of misunderstandings with an Uber driver and an unexpected encounter at the hotel, setting the tone for my solo adventure.


As I adjust to being alone, my travels take me to the serene surroundings of El Nido. Opting for a secluded Airbnb in the jungle, I embrace the quiet, finding peace in the simplicity of my surroundings despite the initial boredom. Learning to ride a scooter becomes a thrilling necessity, opening up new vistas of lush landscapes and local life. Adventures to local waterfalls and beaches interspersed with moments of reflection and unexpected social interactions enrich my experience, marking a significant, introspective phase of my travels.
Links:
Makati Shangri-La, Manila — A luxury hotel located in the business district of Manila, offering upscale rooms and a variety of amenities including a renowned breakfast buffet.El Nido Tourism — Official tourism site for El Nido, Palawan, providing information on activities, accommodations, and attractions in the area known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty.El Nido Tours A, B, C — Information about boat tours and Helicopter Island, a popular destination for boat tours in El Nido known for its unique shape and pristine beaches.Plaza de Roma — Historical plaza located in Intramuros, Manila, surrounded by significant landmarks and featuring a statue of King Carlos IV of Spain.Balut — Information about Balut, a traditional Filipino street food that is a fertilized duck egg with a developing embryo inside, considered a delicacy.Red Horse Beer — Information about Red Horse Beer, a popular strong beer in the Philippines known for its high alcohol content and distinct taste.COMMENTS

Landing in Bhutan was like entering a new world, nestled between towering mountains at Paro Airport, where the intricate architecture hinted at the cultural richness waiting to be discovered. Our arrival was marked by traditional white scarves and local rice wine, setting a welcoming tone for our adventure. As we journeyed through the lush landscapes to Thimphu, each sight—from the serene local temples to the vibrant markets—offered a deeper understanding of this quiet yet profoundly spiritual country.


Exploring further, we encountered the unique traditions and daily life of Bhutan. Hiking through the Himalayas was challenging but rewarding, revealing breathtaking monasteries perched in the mountains, each adorned with colorful wall paintings and golden Buddhas. The tranquility of these sacred spaces, combined with the natural beauty of the trails and the genuine hospitality of the Bhutanese people, left us with a profound sense of peace and a deep respect for this secluded kingdom.
Links:
Locolust — A weblog about the joys of travelling. By yours truly.Druk Air Official Website — The national airline of Bhutan, known for operating in challenging conditions and offering routes to and from Bhutan, including business class services on modified planes for landing in mountainous Paro.Welcome to Bhutan — The official tourism portal of Bhutan providing information on travel, accommodations, and local customs such as the use of traditional welcome scarves.Betel Nut — An article discussing the impact of betel nut chewing, including cultural significance and health implications.Zombala2 Restaurant — A popular restaurant in Thimphu, Bhutan, noted for its delicious momos and unique chili fries.108 — The meaning of the number 108 in Buddhism – and elsewhere.Six Senses Bhutan — A luxury hotel known for its exquisite service and dining options, including local and international cuisine.The Tiger’s Nest — One of Bhutan’s most revered and iconic landmarks, perched on the cliffs above the Paro Valley.Kira (Bhutan) - Wikipedia — Provides information on the traditional national dress for Bhutanese men and women, including the significance and occasions for wearing the dress.COMMENTS

In tonight's episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I take you on a journey back to Taiwan, a place I last visited as a child. Landing in Taipei, the capital's vibrant energy is instantly noticeable, especially the sheer number of scooters buzzing through its streets. Philipp and I, newcomers to the city's dynamic pace, find ourselves among neon-lit churches and bustling food markets, where local dishes challenge our culinary courage.


As the night unfolds, we join forces with Sebastian and Victor, fellow travelers, diving into Taiwan's lively night scene and later, its natural beauty. Together, we explore rain-soaked landscapes and hot springs hidden within lush forests, our days filled with unexpected adventures and culinary explorations, like the acclaimed Din Tai Fung. The warmth of newfound friendships and the thrill of rediscovery make every moment in Taiwan unforgettable, leaving us with vibrant memories and stories to cherish.
Links:
Din Tai Fung — Renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain famous for its dumplings and noodles, recognized with a Michelin star, indicative of its high quality and culinary excellence.Taipei 101 — Iconic skyscraper in Taipei, known for its advanced engineering to withstand earthquakes. Once the tallest building in the world, it remains a major landmark.Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area — A picturesque lake in central Taiwan, popular for its scenic views and cultural significance, surrounded by mountainous terrain.Alishan National Scenic Area — A mountain resort and natural preserve known for its tea plantations and scenic railways, located in central Taiwan.Rainbow Village — A vibrant art project turned tourist attraction in Taichung, Taiwan, known for its brightly painted houses and streets.Hiking Elephant Mountain — A popular hiking spot in Taipei that offers panoramic views of the city skyline, including a clear view of Taipei 101.Hong Kong Tourism Board — Official tourism site providing comprehensive travel information about Hong Kong's attractions, including Victoria Harbour and Lantau Island.Lantau Island — The largest island in Hong Kong, known for the Tian Tan Buddha statue and its serene, natural environment.Victoria Peak — The highest point on Hong Kong Island, offering spectacular views of the city and its harbors.Ozone Bar — Promoted as one of the highest bars in the world, located on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong, providing luxurious nightlife experience with stunning views.COMMENTS

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount the transition from Korea to Japan, starting with a curious encounter with a kimchi pastry in Busan. This prelude to our travels led us to a ferry ride to Fukuoka, where Japan presented itself not with the anticipated high-tech spectacle but with serene, orderly streets and an unexpectedly quiet ambiance.


Settling into our modest accommodations, we dove into the local cuisine with a bowl of hearty ramen and marveled at the advanced features of Japanese toilets. The culinary journey peaked with our first taste of Kobe beef, an experience marked by its subtle, buttery texture and rich flavors, highlighting the unique culinary heritage of Japan and setting the tone for a trip filled with surprising discoveries and quiet reflections.
Links:
Beetle Ferry Service — Official site for the Beetle ferry that operates between Busan, South Korea and Fukuoka, Japan, providing schedules, ticket information, and booking options.Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum — Official website for the museum in Hiroshima dedicated to documenting the atomic bomb's impact on the city and promoting peace and nuclear disarmament.Koyasan Shukubo Association — Provides comprehensive travel information about Koyasan, Japan, focusing on its spiritual significance, accommodations in monasteries, and cultural experiences.Japan Rail Pass — Official site to purchase the Japan Rail Pass for tourists, which offers unlimited travel on Japan Rail national trains for a fixed period.Asahi Breweries — Explore the range of beers offered by Asahi, one of Japan's leading beer brands mentioned for pairing with meals in the podcast.Tsukiji Outer Market — Information site for the famous market in Tokyo, which although changed from its original form, still offers a variety of fresh seafood and produce.Akihabara Maid Cafes Guide — Portal to maid cafes in Akihabara, Tokyo, where staff dressed in maid costumes serve guests in a unique, themed environment.COMMENTS