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Hello, I’m Marbree, one of Fleewinter’s Asia specialists with a hidden love of the Cayman Islands.

Originally from the US, I currently call South Africa home. While I love my adopted country and the wilds of Africa, I’m happiest in Asia.

Drinking coconuts, feasting my eyes on tropical landscapes, trekking through jungles, soaking up cultures different to my own, diving healthy coral reefs, eating dinner on a plastic stool, and sweating it out as I walk through the sweltering humidity. Bring on the tropics!

Any excuse to visit the Philippines

At times, I travel to dive which led me to the Philippines where I now find any excuse to visit.

Not only is the diving some of my favourite (Apo Island between Dumaguete and Siquijor is a must), the people are friendly, fun-loving, and multi-lingual so it’s easy to slip into holiday mode and go along for the ride.

No matter how many times I go, there’s always more to explore and fall in love with.

My favourite island?

If I must choose (and I’d rather not), I’ll pick Siquijor. With a history of healing magic, a calm energy sits gently in the air. The beaches are glorious while the inland is easy to explore and filled with waterfalls.

Bonus points to the island for the delightful Coco Grove. Being sandwiched between Bohol and Negros, also contenders for my favourite, makes it even better as you have to visit at least one to get to Siquijor!

The flavours of Singapore and Malaysia

It’s tough to spend time in Asia and not fall in love with the food. For me, it’s the flavours of Singapore and Malaysia that make my mouth water.

Spicy, sour, sweet, and rich with umami, the fusion of cultures found in these countries is nothing short of delicious.

My favourite place to eat in Singapore

Old Airport Road Hawker Centre is completely off the beaten track yet easily reached by public transit.

Not only are you spoiled for choice (even if you’re vegetarian), you’re surrounded by locals so you really get to see how Singaporeans live and eat.

With prices even more affordable than hawker centres in the heart of town, it’s on my must-eat list every time I visit.

My favourite meal to eat in Malaysia

Breakfast!

Fresh roti canai with a side of dhal, bread toasted over glowing coals and spread thick with kaya, nasi lemak with its local variations, a steaming bowl of laksa, mee goreng mamak, the list of options goes on.

Washing it down with a strong yet sweet teh tarik, preferably “pulled” just before it’s served, means the day always begins deliciously.

Mt Kinabalu in Borneo is magical…

While most people think of Borneo for its wildlife, it first made my bucket list for Mt Kinabalu.

The highest mountain in Southeast Asia, I’d been itching to hike it from the first time I read about it. While not the hardest of overnight hikes, it remains one of the most rewarding treks I’ve done.

Sitting above the clouds as the sun rises is nothing short of magical.

…but Kuching is where I always want to go!

This easily explored multicultural city on a river makes a perfect base for sampling everything Borneo offers.

Using Kuching as a base means you have easy access to wildlife and jungle walks at Bako, Semenggoh, and Santubong, longhouses and tribes that embrace their heritage and welcome visitors, fantastic food, a stellar new museum for a rainy afternoon, contemporary kampongs where hosts welcome you in for a cookery class, caves, gardens, and so much more. It’s also home to Borneo’s only boutique hotels!

Laos brings peace to my soul

Have you ever closed your eyes and thought of a place where time runs gently on its own schedule, where lush green landscapes surround you, where you can walk or bicycle or kayak at your own pace, and where you know that even if you don’t speak the same language, you’ll be met with a smile?

This is Laos.

A place that brings peace to my soul and a twinkle to my eye. It’s where I am as this newsletter goes out, wondering why it’s taken me so many years to return.

My favourite boutique hotel in Laos

Tucked away in a quiet part of Luang Prabang, Satri House is a timeless favourite.

Once the home of a prince, it’s inviting and elegant, magnificent and comfortable, historic and modern, all at the same time. With two swimming pools, lush gardens, and countless places to relax, it’s easy to slip into the tranquility of Laos. The local owners take pride in their heritage and you’ll find Indochinese art and antiques along with Laotian textiles and design. Bringing together friendly service and the contrasts of the country that meld so beautifully together, it’s an ideal place to start or end a holiday in Laos.

Cheeky caveat: if you ask me to pick my favourite next week, I might have a different answer as there are so many gorgeous boutique hotels in Laos, it’s a nearly impossible task!

Kissing stingrays in the Caymans

As you may have gathered by now, I’m a fairly active person and I like to experience as much as I can. Sometimes that means swinging in a hammock and staring out to sea, and sometimes it means getting up close and personal with a stingray.

When I want a beach holiday, I want more than soft sand and clear ocean. I want a place to explore, good food, and to know that when I look back, I’ll remember the beach as only one part of the trip.

The Cayman Islands tick all those boxes. Kissing a stingray, riding a horse into the sea, walking through caves, gardens, along a bluff, diving some of the healthiest reef in the Caribbean, dining at one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the region, watching the sunset from a sailboat, cocktail in hand, dropping down in a submarine, and countless hours on the sand…

These are only a few of my treasured Cayman Islands memories.

FEELING A BIT OF WANDERLUST…?

There is so much of the world to explore so if any of these places calls out to you, I’d love to help you fall as deeply in love with it as I have.

If more than one place appeals (and why wouldn’t it?) and time is tight, combine them. Singapore pairs well with the Philippines, Malaysia and Borneo are a perfect match, and if you ask me, Laos warrants at least three weeks on its own but if you must, combine it with Cambodia, Thailand, or Vietnam.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dreaming of a return trip to explore more of these Southeast Asian gems.

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