Stef Studley

Stef Studley

Asia Product & Iceland Travel Specialist

Having worked in travel for over 20 years I’ve been lucky enough to visit all the continents except Antarctica (which is definitely on the list!) but there is something that keeps drawing me back to Asia - ever since first stepping off the ‘plane in Bangkok as a recently graduated student back in the 1990s.   It’s hard to know what exactly it is, the mouth-watering food available both on the streets and in the restaurants or the miles of stunning coastline across the region, the orangutans hanging out in Borneo or the awe-inspiring temples rising out of the jungles in Angkor Wat and the temple-studded plains of Burma, but they all play a part in drawing me back. All that without even mentioning the warm-hearted and sincere welcome you receive from the locals.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed sampling the many and varied dishes on offer in Indochina and have marvelled at the green splendour of the tiny island gem that is Taiwan. I’ve hiked the national parks of Jordan and explored fascinating Petra and ridden a recalcitrant camel over the sandy landscape of the Wadi Rum desert. More recently I have discovered the peaceful majesty and mountainous beauty of Bhutan and delved into the unique cultures of Papua New Guinea where the mudmen and Baining fire dance performances really do have to be seen to be believed. And I cannot forget my exploration of the Indonesian island of Java where I marvelled at the sheer scale of the Borobudur temples and the colourful spectacle of sunrise over Mt Bromo.

Closer to home it feels like I’ve come late to the Iceland party (especially at Regent). I have visited Iceland a few times over the years but last December I enjoyed a weekend with my colleagues in Reykjavik, filled with fun and laughter. We took a dip not only in the Blue Lagoon but also enjoyed ocean vistas at the Sky Lagoon. Thanks to our incredible Superjeep partners.

It’s hard to pick a favourite place but Danum Valley in the Sabah region of Malaysian Borneo really is special.  As the only area of virgin rainforest in the region it feels like you’re staying in the Lost World. After spending the day trekking through the forest with the peerless local guides on the look-out for the Old Man of Borneo swinging through the trees or any number of hornbills taking flight, to return to the Lodge and sit back and await the chorus of 6 O’clock cicadas, monkey-chatter and birdsong is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  

My most recent trip was to Taiwan renowned for its delectable street food, vibrant night markets, and friendly locals!

Read more about my travel experiences in the blog

 

 

 

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