the most instagrammable spots in Kuala Lumpur: 7 photo spots in KL

I found Kuala Lumpur full of hidden treasures, easy to navigate, and oozing with art. Instagram, Culture Trip, Pinterest, and stumbling onto the right streets lead me to amazing photo opportunities. Now, I’m here to pass on my favourite places for pictures in Malaysia’s capital city. To keep things fun, I thought I’d include some of the outtake photos from my most recent stay in Kuala Lumpur, including a picture with my eyes closed in Perdana Gardens and a picture with me and everyone else in front of the Petronas Towers.

Asia, Malaysia, Instagram guide, travelWhere Tara WentOctober 14, 2018'gram guide, asia, southeast asia, kuala lumpur, malaysia, instagram, 2018, city guide, travelComment

hotel highlight: the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton on Penang Island, Malaysia

Arriving at the DoubleTree Resort in Penang after a 4 AM wake up in Kuala Lumpur for a 5 AM flight, I was more than a little ready to devour pancakes and down copious amounts of coffee. I walked through the stunning front lobby where I was given a warm welcome cookie by the smiling staff. The concierge grabbed my carry-on to escort it to my room and kindly pointed me in the direction of caffeine and carbs. Here’s the skinny on my stay!

a day of rice farming in Laos on Living Land Farm

Have you ever wondered where your food comes from? Maybe you make the effort to buy organic fruits and pesticide-free vegetables? But what about your rice? Do you know where it comes from? I didn’t. More than that, I didn’t know how much work it was to grow it, harvest it, and get it on my plate.

what to know about Mandalao's ethical elephant encounter in Laos

I pull another leech off my leg as Lan, my guide, sprays it with a lemongrass and water mixture he carried in a fanny pack. “You just donated blood to nature,” he says, laughing. I’m unbothered by the little leech. I’m walking in the jungle of Laos on a day when the heat isn’t insufferable…next to elephants. And all thanks to the conservation efforts of Mandalao.

Asia, eco travel, ethical travel, Lao PDR, travelWhere Tara WentSeptember 28, 2018asia, southeast asia, Laos, laos, ethical travel, eco travel, eco brands, travelComment

10 free things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos

People come to Southeast Asia for a variety of reasons: the gorgeous natural landscapes, the exotic food, the unique cultures, and, it goes without saying, the low cost. Months in certain destinations can cost you as much as days or weeks other places, especially if you’re a tight budget traveler. Despite the already low cost of Laos, I’m always looking for the best deals and free attractions, events, and general goings-on happening in the city.

Asia, budget travel, Lao PDR, travelWhere Tara WentSeptember 26, 2018asia, southeast asia, Lao PDR, budget travel, travel, luang prabangComment

Bao'en Temple in Nanjing, China: what you need to know before you visit

Bao’en Temple was by far my favourite temple I visited while living in mainland China. And, by all accounts, it was the most unusual. I arrived on a breezy spring day and while there were two school tour groups visiting at the same time, the place felt nearly empty; a rarity in China. The entrance fee wasn’t outrageous and the history mixed with strange statue homages to Hans Christian Andersen made Bao’en as odd as it did beautiful to me.

Asia, China, travelWhere Tara WentSeptember 24, 2018temples, urban china, nihao from nanjing, nanjing, China, travel Comments

what to do in Nanjing, China: the 10 best things to see + do in China’s Southern capital

If you look close, you will stumble upon jewels hidden among the grimy skyscrapers and black pavement of Nanjing. History, modern art, and beautiful vantage points are around every corner if you're willing to take the time to look.

Asia, China, travelWhere Tara WentSeptember 22, 2018asia, east asia, China, nanjing, urban china, travel Comments

the most beautiful temples in Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand offers a lot of Western comforts, famous Thai hospitality and food, and glorious, glorious temples. Today, I’m sharing my favourite temples in Bangkok and everything you need to know about them before visiting!

Asia, Thailand, travelWhere Tara WentSeptember 13, 2018Thailand, bangkok, asia, southeast asia, temple etiquette, temples, buddhism Comments

hotel highlight: My Dream Boutique Resort in Luang Prabang, Laos

I was surprised for my birthday with my inaugural night back in Laos spent at My Dream Boutique Resort. The little jungle getaway lies away from the tourist side of town and right on the river, making it feel like a hidden oasis. The driver that picked us up from the airport asked if it was our first time in Luang Prabang and we both kind of laughed to one another. No, it definitely was not. Upon learning that Luke formerly worked at the free Children's hospital and that it was my birthday, the man insisted that our accommodation be upgraded. And that's what lead to me having a Mowgli-style birthday.

the pros + cons of living in Nanjing, China

If you’re contemplating a move to China {more specifically, Nanjing}, this one’s for you! I’ve put together a list of pros and cons {as balanced as I could honestly make it} for those looking to shake things up and venture to the mainland.

Asia, China, travelWhere Tara WentAugust 30, 2018asia, east asia, China, nanjing, expat life, travel Comments

what to know about Yuejiang Temple

I headed to Yuejiang Temple, a USD$1.75 cab ride from my flat. Sitting high on the top of a hill, I braved the many sets of stone stairs in the middle of a 38C day to see what Yuejiang had to offer. I was impressed. Here’s what you should know before you visit!

Asia, China, travelWhere Tara WentJuly 10, 2018asia, east asia, nihao from nanjing, nan, China, temple etiquette, things to do, travelComment

what to expect at the Confucian Temple in Nanjing, China

Temple experiences in China have been the complete opposite to temple experiences in Laos and quite different from those I've visited in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Now a veteran of Chinese temple visits, I've compiled this guide so that your expectations can be set appropriately for the Confucian Temple in Nanjing.

cafés to try in Nanjing, China

Cafes often provide unique places to grab delicious food in a space I feel happy to curl up in. I have mentioned that, while not nearly as wonderful or as easy to find as the coffee culture that exists in Australia or New Zealand, there are cafes worth visiting in Nanjing.

50 facts about life in China for those who dare to make the move

There is so much I've learned in my first 90 days in mainland China. Here are 50 facts about life here as observed by me and my foreign friends.

Asia, China, travelWhere Tara WentJanuary 30, 20182018, China, asia, east asia, travel Comments