While the most popular islands like the Perhentians or Tioman are on the otherwise very conservative and religious east coast, Pangkor is in the west, three hours from Kuala Lumpur, and even less from Ipoh.
Secluded Coral Beach.
So hop on the ferry in Lumut and half an hour later, you’ll find yourself in a tropical paradise.
Pulau Perhentian – where a tropical paradise awaits divers and snorkelers alike with islands in two sizes.
My corner of the Perhentian Islands.
Perhentian in Malay means stopping point. It is pronounced perhentee-yan and refers to the once thinly populated islands having been a waypoint for traders between Bangkok and Malaysia.
Borkum – all the way in the West of East Frisia – is the last stop of my tour of German islands. I’ve taken you with me from the former easternmost isle in the Baltic across the North Sea to the Dutch border. Here we’ll spend a couple of carefree summer days on the unique island of Borkum.
Doesn’t this beach with colorful chairs and cabanas just look like the perfect summer destination?!
The island of Borkum is one of the seven East Frisian Islands off the coast of Eastern Friesland. It is not only the largest, but also the westernmost one. Therefore, it’s geographically actually closer to the Netherlands than to the German mainland.
The island is located between the Westerems Strait and the Osterems Strait, respectively between the North Sea and the Wadden Sea to the south. This grants some distinctive and fascinating features.
A trip to the island of Heligoland is always a good idea. On just one square kilometer, it unites soft sand dunes and rough cliffs. It adds tax-free shopping to natural wonders like frolicking seals and jumping guillemots.
Gray Seal on the island of Helgoland in Germany
Heligoland is a tiny archipelago that long ago used to be Danish and British. But, actually, it is as German as can be since the poet Von Fallersleben wrote the National Anthem during his stay on the island in 1841.
However, visiting Heligoland today, either on a day trip or for a longer stay, it is almost impossible to imagine that at the end of WWII, Germany’s supposedly only deepsea island was completely bombed out. For then long years, it was even uninhabitable.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, today, Heligoland is one of Germany’s most popular island when it comes to a couple of relaxing days in a secluded spot.
In this guide, I’m introducing you to the amazing island of Foehr, which floats in the North Sea off the coast of Germany. Wide sandy beaches, picturesque Frisian villages, an eventful history, endless bike paths, and fresh North Sea air: you’re sure to find your very own favorite spot here. So, you’re ready to escape everyday life? Then follow me on a little trip to Foehr!
Idyllic country life bathed by the North Sea.
In Foehr, every village is a home. Come again: every village a home – what’s that all about?
Well, on one of Germany’s most popular holiday islands, almost every one of the 16 villages’ names ends with the suffix –um. This is the Frisian and Lower German version of heim, which translates to home. Hence, you can imagine how cozy and homey this North Frisian island is to its….homies.
Spending a weekend trip or a vacation on the island of Fehmarn in a camper van gives you a totally different perspective of the island’s cool activities and beautiful sceneries.
While the strong wind is the cyclist’s enemy, it’s definitely the surfer’s and kiter’s best friend. One of the hotspots is at Fehmarn’s southern strait next to the legendary Fehmarnsundbrücke, the Fehmarnsoundbridge
There’s no question about it: Venice is absolutely magical. Strolling between the canals and over countless bridges. Losing yourself between majestic palazzi and gazing dreamily after the gondolas. However, despite its ancient charm, Venice keeps you on your toes, and a visit can also get quite stressful. The masses of tourists, the queues, the pushing and the shoving at the jetties. In the summer there is also the heat. Therefore, if you have the chance, it’s definitely worth adding one or two days extra to spend on one of the beaches off the Veneto shores. Let me assure you: Pampering yourself with a day full of dolce far niente, hence, sweet idleness, will recharge your batteries and get you fit so that you can joyfully plunge back into the hustle and bustle of Venice. Don’t know where to spread out your beach towel? No problem: In this post, I’ll introduce you to the three best beaches that you can reach quickly and easily by public bus or the iconic water bus Vaporetto from Venice.
Cape Verde – a group of amazing islands scattered in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa.
Fishermen pulling boat ashore in Tarrafal.
I get asked quite often which was my best trip and which has been my favorite country so far. How can I possibly answer such a question? How can I compare let’s say Italy to Vietnam? Well, the pizza is tastier and the language is prettier in Italy. Then again, the Buddhist temples are bigger, and the variety at farmers’ markets is more abundant in Vietnam. Got the point? How could I ever compare? Fortunately, I don’t have to.
But if someone pointed a gun to my head and made me choose, I would say Cape Verde. Cape Verde, with its beauty, charm, and incredible variety, is the secret star on my personal globe.
They say that Brava is the most beautiful of the Cape Verde islands. And indeed, it is a cute, small jewel in the middle of the ocean encircled by tiny islets. You can hike around the island in just a couple of hours. There are colorfully painted buildings, surrounded by pretty flowers, and, most importantly, pure serenity.
View of the ocean from the island of Brava, Cape Verde.
Cape Verde is often described as Africa light – and its main island Santiago, which I’m introducing in this comprehensive guide, is culturally closest to the African continent.
Overlooking the Praia Negra in Cape Verde’s capital Praia.
Nevertheless, many places on the archipelago of Cape Verde will rather remind you of the Canary Islands than of an African country. Hence, although Cape Verde’s capital Praia is the most African city of them all, it has a familiar feel to it – with a dash of Caribbean vibes.
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