I have been exploring South-East Asia for over twenty years and have visited some of the best destinations in the region. Through my blog, I want to share some interesting travel tips, my experience of driving across Asian destinations and some of the best places to explore in this region. I have undertaken hundreds of road trips, across Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia. Most of the information in this blog comes through my own road trips and adventures in the exotic locations I have visited.
I have, in the past followed in Anthony Bourdain's footsteps and visited most of the restaurants his team explored in their shows. Join in on my adventures and follow my trails on Instagram & Facebook Page.
Looking for an affordable but quality hotel in the middle of Bukit Bintang? Centrally located in Kuala Lumpur's vibrant Golden Triangle, Furama Hotel Bukit Bintang is within close proximity of Jalan Alor, Jalan Ramlee, Berjaya Times Square, and Chinatown. Featuring 433 guestrooms, guests can enjoy the spectacular views of the city.
One of the most popular coastal regions of NSW, Jervis Bay is located 200 km south of Sydney. A 3-hour drive along the Princes Highway takes you through the beautiful rolling landscapes of the Illawarra and Shoalhaven Regions
Driving from Sydney to Jervis Bay NSW
For early morning starters from Sydney, a detour through the Royal National Park along Helensburgh, Stanwell Park and Thirroul is a great way to enjoy the amazing coastal towns with great beaches. The shortest route to Jervis is to follow Princess Motorway from south of Sydney near Sutherland. This route bypasses The Royal National Park and you can save over one hour of drive time.
The driving distance between Sydney to Jervis Bay is 200 km and takes over 3 hours of drive time. The best time of the year to visit the Jervis Bay Area is between November and April (summer season). The Winter season is also a great time to explore the region as you can find plenty of cheap accommodation and most locations are not packed with tourists.
Enjoy Coastal Views and Lookouts at Wollongong on the Drive from Sydney to Jervis Bay
Old Princess Highway meanders through the beautiful and isolated Royal National Park and connects Sydney with Wollongong—the coastal towns of Stanwell Park, Coal Cliff and Austinmeer. Stop by the local cafes to enjoy a cup of coffee or light snacks. The Sea Cliff Bridge is a new addition to the area offering breathtaking views of the blue ocean with a backdrop of cliffs at Bulli Pass.
Views from Bald Hill Lookout
Stanwell Park & Austinmer beaches are packed with people on a hot sunny day. These small coastal towns are popular with surfers and artists who enjoy the seclusion from the hustle and bustle of Sydney City. Stanwell tops can be accessed from the Royal National Park or Helensburgh exit from the Princess Highway. The former is the shorter and quicker way to reach Stanwell Tops.
Bald Hill Lookout commands amazing views of the coastline and is a popular sport with hang-gliders and paragliders. A Hindu temple is also an interesting place to visit in Helensburgh.
The Stanwell Tops lookout is a great stop for Instagram photos. The lookout commands amazing views of coastal towns along the Old Princes Highway. You can view the chimneys of Port Kembla in the Wollongong area.
Another interesting place is the Red Cedar Flats picnic area located near the Stanwell Tops. You can enjoy kayaking in the calm waters of Hacking River that run along the picnic area. This picnic area is located very close to Bald Hill Lookout.
Exploring the Beautiful city of Wollongong- 80 km from Sydney
Wollongong is a major city 80 km South of Sydney. Wollongong is accessible in a couple of different ways. You can either drive down Princess Highway 1 to the South Coast or take Old Princess Highway past Sutherland.
Old Princess Highway Passes through the National Forest merging with New Princess Highway near Thirroul (Bulli Pass). The Old Princess Highway is a country road that passes through historic towns and lazy laid-back beaches.
An alternative way from Western Sydney passes through Penrith, Campbelltown and turns south past Appin. From the Liverpool region, Heathcote Road is the best way to join Princess Highway near Bulli Pass.
Wollongong beaches and lighthouses attract large crowds over the weekends in summer. This area offers plenty of open spaces for picnics, cafes, restaurants, rock pools and clean beaches. Mount Kiera Lookout offers amazing views of the Shoalhaven region and Wollongong City.
Driving from Wollongong to Kiama Blowhole - 120 km from Sydney
Kiama blowhole is a natural wave-formed phenomenon that makes Kiama a popular attraction while driving along the South Coast. The blowhole is formed by waves crashing against the granite rocks. This blowhole gradually builds up with waves and throws out a large amount of water and foam in the air.
Kiama Blowhole is a popular landmark on South Coast NSW
There is plenty of open picnic space in the waterfront area and is quite popular with weekend crowds.
Kiama Lighthouse near Kiama Blowhole
Stopping at the Historical Town of Berry NSW on the drive from Sydney to Jervis Bay
Drive further south from Kiama and take you to the historic town of Berry. Berry is a nice historic town and has a very lively ambience. You can enjoy local horse cart rides and other farming attractions in the town. The architecture of the buildings in the city is quite old and captures the state and lifestyle of early settlers in this region.
Interesting architecture of Berry NSW
Note: With recent road re-development the Princes Motorway bypasses the city of Berry. An exit from the freeway, however, connects you to the town of Berry which makes it an ideal stop for early morning brekkie or enjoying doughnuts and pies at the cafes in Berry. Berry retain its old-time charm with well maintained historical buildings including Berry Hotel which is the local watering hole.
Main Street of Berry NSW
There are many nice cafes and restaurants along Princess Highway. The next stop on the way is Ulladulla which is quite popular for fishing.
Accommodation can be hard to find at Jervis Bay as the spot is quite busy during summer. If you are planning to look for accommodation online better option is to find affordable accommodations in Ulladulla or Nowra. Some accommodation is available in the Huskisson area in Jervis Bay. Vicentia is the largest residential suburb in Jervis with several holiday homes along the waterfront.
Beautiful Murray Beach in Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay Area - 200 km from Sydney
Quick Facts about Jervis Bay
Distance from Sydney: 200 km
Total Covered Area: 100 sq. km
Popular Locations in Jervis Bay:Huskisson Beach, Vicentia, Hymns Beach Murray Beach, Callala Bay Area, Sanctuary Point, Corramy State Recreational Area
Popular Activities:Walking Tracks in National Park, Water sports, Whale Watching Tours, Dolphin Watching Tours, Custom Sailing Tours
Popular For: Whitest sand in the world and Blue waters, Whale Watching & Dolphin Watching Tours
National Parks:Booderee National Park - NSW Jervis Bay National Park
Jervis Bay area is quite stretched out and overs approximately 100 square km. In order to get to the beach location in Jervis, you will need to follow the Greenwell Point that starts near the southern end of Nowra NSW. There is a $10 entry fee for entry to the beaches. Camping grounds are available in the area.
The sand on some of the beaches is the whitest sand in the world. The area past Shoalhaven Heads is full of coastal water inlets and lakes. This area is ideal for watersports and fishing. Several fishing tournaments are held annually at a number of location that attracts fishing enthusiast from around the world.
The most popular beaches in Jervis are Murray Beach and Hyams Beach which are easily accessible by car. The Hyams beach area has some residential population along the beach area offering summer holiday homes. Murray beach has a big car park. You will need to walk for 5 minutes to reach the beach area.
Cave Beach is one of the popular beaches in the Jervis Area. The Cave beach is quite a climb and anon a nice sunny day you might be lucky to see the migrating whales along the coastline.
Cave beach is located at a distance of 20-minute driving from Hymns Beach. If you are planning to camp it is suggested booking a campground at Green Patch Campsite in Booderee National Park.
Camping in Jervis Bay NSW
Jervis Bay is very popular with campers as there are several managed campsites. Private campgrounds are located in several private holiday parks including Durras Lake North Holiday Park & Big 4 South Durras Holiday Park.
As of late March, Booderee National Park is open for booking. The campsite fee is added to the park booking fee. You are required to keep the ticket on the dashboard if the vehicle is parked inside the park.
While staying at the Booderee National Park keep in mind the following things:
No power supply is available at the Park
Make sure to book the park based on the size of your camping tents
Make sure to add the vehicle number to the pass you book online
Make sure your digital pass is available on your device if checked by the Park Ranger
Make sure you book your Dolphin or Whale Watching tours online before arriving at Jervis Bay. The first tours leave around 10 am and the second tour leaves around 2 pm. Most tours are already booked on arrival. Therefore, book online in advance to get the best possible rates. Tours are 2+ hours long.
Huskisson is the most popular town for water sports and tours in the Jervis Bay Area. Many tour operators including Jervis Watch Cruises have their booking offices on the main street of Huskisson. You can book various tours including:
Dolphin Watching Tours
Whale Watching Tours
Hidden Secrets ( secret hidden coves and beaches)
Seals and Sea-cliffs
Sailing Charters
The tours start at 10 am and take you around various locations in Jervis to see the resident whales and dolphins in the Jervis Bay Area. The operators provide you with interesting information about flora and fauna and sea life in the Jervis Bay region. Light refreshments and a bar is available on most of the cruises.
Dolphin Tours are popular in Huskisson
Join 10am tour or 2pm tour at Huskisson. The tour takes around 1 hour and cost $28. Jervis Bay is home to resident Dolphins.
Charter cruise in Jervis for Fishing
Cruise tours are popular in Jervis Bay.
Huskisson Beach, Vicentia Beach in Jervis Bay
Splash area near Huskisson
Vicentia Beach is popular with families
Enjoy wind surfing, snorkelling, kayaking and swimming
Boat Tours in Jervis Bay on a clear day.
A clear day for boating in the Jervis Bay
Book your tours at Huskisson for Jervis Bay
Whale watching and Dolphin Watching tours operate round the year in Jervis Bay
Local tours operators in Jervis
Local tours can be booked online or arrive before 10 am as slots are limited.
Dolphin watch are popular tours in the area
The dolphin one hour tour costs around $28. The resident dolphins in Jervis Bay can be spotted throughout the year
Cruise Chater & Tour Bookings at Huskisson
It is recommended to book your tour before arrival.
Souvenir Store in Huskisson Jervis Bay
There are a number of souvenir stores and shopping outlets on the main street in Huskisson.
A bar on the cruise serves light refreshment and snacks
Jervis Are is quite spread out and you can find quality accommodation and a large number of holiday homes, hotels and caravan parks along many beaches including Callala Beach & Huskisson Beach. Several three to four-star caravan parks are popular with people travelling with families.
Callala Beach has several accommodation options including:
This location gets very busy over the school holiday and summer period. Booking your accommodation before arriving is highly recommended.
What are some of the most popular activities at Jervis Bay?
Looking for the most popular activities in the Jervis Bay area? Being a coastal region surrounded by national parks, the Jervis Bay area is a great location for a number of outdoor activities including:
Camping at one of many beautiful campgrounds including Bristol Point Camping Ground and Green Patch Camping Ground
Bushwalking and Hiking at White Sands Beach and Murramong Aboriginal Walking track (2.2 km), Telegraph Creek Nature Trail & Mount Bushwalker Trail in Morton National Park
Hire a boat at Sussex Inlet ( no licence required), fishing rods, a bike or a kayak
Try to stand-up paddle (SUP) in the calm waters of Swan Lake
Enjoy great food including local oysters at Culburra and Pumbulla
Enjoy local produce at local markets and unique dining experiences at the wineries in the hinterland area and Kangaroo Valley
Book a Dolphin or Whale Watching Tours with one of the local operators Huskisson Beach
Fishing Charters at Jervis Bay
Fishing is one of the most popular activities in the region as the ocean and waterways offer great fishing opportunities with a large variety of local fish.
Some companies offer game fishing, bottom-bashing fishing, deep-dropping fishing and drone fishing along the coastline of Jervis, Ulladulla and Bateman's Bay.
Unique dining and Camping experience at Jervis Bay NSW
Reserve a table at Gunyah at Paperbark to enjoy a unique dining experience in the village of Wollamia near Huskisson Beach. This amazing restaurant offers a unique dining experience for lunch or romantic dinner with 3-course meal offers.
The restaurant sources local produce to reflect the rich cultural mix of the region. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy the Australian contemporary dining experience.
If you are planning to travel with your pets, most beaches are Jervis at pet-friendly.
Interesting Walks in the Jervis Bay Area
For nature lovers, Jervis offers plenty of walking tracks of varying lengths and difficulty levels. The White Sands Walk begins at Vicentina Saily Club and ends at Hyams Beach. This 10-km long easy walk takes you through unique coastal landscapes.
For more adventurous, a 20-km circuit through Booderee National Park is recommended. Follow the signs from Steamers Beach Car Park to explore some secluded beaches.
Tip: Make sure to follow the instructions for safety as shark sightings are occasionally reported at Steamers Beach. Kittys Beach and Whiting Beach are much safer options for a swim.
You need to have your own transport to explore these beaches as they are quite far apart from each other. There are a couple of nice spots such as Murray Beach and Hyams Beach.
Tip: Make sure you are well equipped with your supplies for the Beach as under the sun it gets sweltering hot, and you will need to set up your beach canopies.
Note: Always carry adequate water and food on the walks and follow the marked tracks.
Here are some popular walks in the Jervis Bay Area :
Steamers Beach to Brooks Lookout Walk: The total distance is 1.5 km, easy walk
Brooks Lookout to St Georges Head Walk: 4.9 km, 2.5 hours
Blacks Waterhole to Steamers Beach car park Walk:3 km, 1.5 hours
St Georges Head to Blacks Waterhole Walk: 4.1 km, 2 hours
CITIES OF ULLADULLA AND MOLLYMOOK IN NSW
Ulladulla is a major town in NSW offering quality accommodation and basic services. If you prefer to stay in more lively surroundings, Ulladulla is probably the best sport close to Jervis Bay where decent accommodation is available.
Besides Ulladulla has several quality restaurants, cafes, gaming arcades and shopping malls. An information centre located on the Princess Highway is a great place to obtain useful information about the region and other places to explore on the south coast.
The information centres can provide you with guide maps and brochures with very handy information to make your trip more enjoyable.
Where to Park in the Jervis Bay area when visiting the beaches?
There are secure parking lots available near the beaches and you have to take walking tracks to get to Murray Beach. Hyams Beach is very close to residential streets and easily accessible from the streets.
At Murray Beach, the water flows in ripples, and as you step into the water the sand is white water is clear and refreshing. You can sit in your beach floats and enjoy and nice cool beer while drifting over the water. You will spot occasional fishing boats and tour boats passing by you.
Another 200 km from Jervis takes you across beautiful Morton National Park. The drive is uphill and you can see beautiful mountain ranges stretching westward. The region is very scarcely populated and you come across lazy towns with buildings dating back to the 1880s.
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Silom has been very popular destination in the past because of Patpong. This neighbourhood is known for its bars and clubs. Silom have some of the finest hotels restaurants.
Sathorn stretches from Lumpini Park. Ideal for family living as there is plenty of upmarket serviced apartments with restaurants serving a wide range of international cuisine. This area is growing rapidly and becoming very popular with expats.
Shoppers Mekkah, Siam Square is a couple of blocks of world-class shopping centres accessible by public transport from all parts of the city. If your sole purpose of coming to Bangkok is shopping make sure you find a hotel in this neighbourhood. The roads converge to this central business district making it the most densely populated neighbourhood. Effective train network encircling these surroundings give a sense of convergence by linking all the shopping malls to BTS and accompanying walk-ways making it easy for shoppers to navigate from one shopping mall to another.
Exploring this area on foot amidst hordes of shoppers, traffic, street stalls and traffic on the road makes it a marathon to hope across to all malls in a day. Give yourself a few days if you are wan to explore this area fully and enjoy the richness of shopping and exploring fine restaurants and cafes etc.
The Ratchaprarop & Th Phetchaburi is a nucleus of outdoor dining.
Must-do Activities in Golden Triangle Kuala Lumpur
IL Lido Rooftop Bar
This is an award-winning fine-dining bar located on top of the Jalan Mayang office Building. You will find the prices quite reasonable as compared to other similar venues in the city. You can capture a great view of the KL skyline and Petronas tower.
Skybar on Traders Hotel by Shangrila
Skybar is a popular bar and cafe located on the top of the Shangrila Hotel by Shangrila. Enjoy live music by the poolside rooftop bar overlooking KLCC Park and Petronas Tower. The atmosphere is very lively and you can spend a memorable night at this amazing location.
Visit Harrods Cafe in KLCC Suria Shopping Mall
Arrived in KL in 2009 and represents a class in style and luxury. The store has a similar interior as off branch in London. You will find rows of cakes, a terracotta facade and dark green awnings.
The Malaysian population is an interesting mix of various religions. Travelling across the country you will come across beautiful architecture in temples & mosques. During my various visit to Malaysian cities, I have explored a number of beautiful mosques. Here are some of my favourite locations I visited during my trips.
Exploring South Coast including Ulladulla, Mollymook and Jervis Bay
Lake Burrill is approximately 300km south of Sydney. August is a great time of the year to explore southern highlands as the weather is quite cold at night and days are warm and sunny at this time of the year. The roads are not very crowded and it is quite easy to find accommodation along the coast. Lake Burrill and surrounding regions are popular for fishing all year round.
The Snowy Mountains Region is home to premier skiing resorts in NSW, Australia. Easily accessible from Canberra (1.5-hour drive) and Sydney (4.5-hour drive), the region attracts large crowds from around the country. The ski season begins around mid-June and lasts till mid-September. Early snow is sure to bring hordes of skiers and tours to this region and accommodation at Thredbo and Persihers is quickly taken up.
Kuala Lumpur is a thriving metropolis offering lots of activities to the single traveller for family travel. This is a very popular destination for couples going for honeymoon. With a beautiful mix of people of various ethnic and religious background, one can immediately see diversity in cultural lifestyles and beautiful blend of traditional and modern. Malaysia has a rich cultural heritage and for a more keen traveller can explore areas like Penang and Malacca.
If you do not like using public transport you can rent a mid-size to economy car for around 50RM per day from KL airport. Make sure you are fully insured when you rent a vehicle. The road conditions are pretty good. However, for newcomer driving without GPS is a practical nightmare. Rent GPS for extra 10RM and you are ready to rock. Some of the hotels in the city do not have parking, therefore, you might have to park in the metered parking outside. Watch out for the timing and always carry change. I stayed at Hotel Sempurana at Bukit Bintang. It was newly opened in 2008. Rooms were rather small but the service was very good and staff very friendly. Around the corner, you can find some other hotels around 80RM.
You will be surprised by the nightlife of the KL city. Most street side restaurants open around 6 pm and stay open till 4 am in the morning. People socialize, chat, watch soccer matches while sipping tea Tarek and enjoying their meals. For a western, this might appear as a shocking experience where shopping centres close around 5 and nothing much happening during the weekdays.
Here is a typical itinerary if your plan to explore KL in three days
Day 1
Stay at Bukit Bintang, visit Shopping centres in the neighbourhood. In the evening visit the bars in KLCC and visit Petronas tower. Later drive back to Bukit Bintang and find a nice restaurant for dinner while enjoying the crowds of fellow travellers in restaurants and bars.
Pavilion Shopping Center in Bukit Bintang
Day 2
Drive down to Putra Jaya and explore the beautiful city, building and take a cruise in the river. Drive back to the city by mid-day and visit Masjid India. Get off at Masjid Jamek Station and walk down to Pasar Seni Station. You can enjoy local food for around 6MG (1.5$). From there you can walk down to Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Merdeka Square, National History Museum.
Kuala Lumpur KTM headquarters
Day 3
Drive up to Batu Caves. Spend an hour and then get on the freeway to Genting Highlands. There is too much to do for a day.
