Hidden Gem Explore

21/04/2025

Weekend getaway in Mongolia.

We explored turtle rock and aryapala meditation Centre in Terelj National Park. We also stopped by the world's largest equestrian statue of Genghis Khan and visited the eagle festive of the Kazakh ethnic minority. We then drove to Aglag Monastery situated in a beautiful natural setting to do a cultural hike.

This was my first self drive road trip in Mongolia.

18/04/2025

Welcome to the Blue Pearl Ice Festival 2025.

We drove on Mongolia's biggest lake, only possible this time of the year when it is frozen. I had my first authentic ice skating experience, I enjoyed a horse sled, rode a double hu**ed camel, tried local traditional fish dumplings and enjoyed many of the cultural experiences of this amazing festival.

Winter in Mongolia can be brutal with temperatures dropping below -50 degrees , but with that comes many winter adventures.

13/04/2025

How we managed to explore the world’s most expensive region on a shoestring budget?

Rent in Hong Kong is even more expensive than New York, a one-bedroom apartment here can set you back R70 000 a month however I did not pay a cent for an entire week!How so? This is because we embarked on the Lantau trail where there are beautiful designated campsites along the 70-kilometre multiday hike and yes, we did it with our baby who loved every moment of being in the great outdoors. There was no entrance fee so I saved a lot on accommodation thanks to backpacking with my tent. Lunch wasn’t an issue since it was Ramadan however I carried most of my food supplies with me from Mongolia. Water is expensive but I treated water from the streams by boiling it with my camping stove. Transport is efficient and affordable in Hong Kong but even saved on that since we were hiking for seven days. We were lucky to be gifted free tickets for Ocean Park which is a theme park apparently better than the Disney land in Hong Kong.

The Lantau trail is a circular loop with 3500 metre elevation gain. This remote Island is peaceful and quite in comparison to mainland Hong Kong. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated regions in the word with 6600 people per a square kilometre whereas I am currently living as an expat in the worlds least densely populated country in the world with only two people per a square kilometre.

Yes, cost of living is high but so are people’s salaries. Teachers here can earn up to R240 000 a month! Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, "Hidden Gem Explore" for more details on this adventure.

20/01/2025

My first time skiing and definitely wouldn't be my last.

This is possibly the world's cheapest ski resort. I paid less than R250 ($13) with the essential gear. Meanwhile in the USA this can set you back upto R5600 ($300)

The ski resort in Ulaanbaataar, Mongolia is only 15km away from CBD making it the perfect escape from the pollution for adventure lovers.

11/12/2024

Quick 30-minute getaway to escape the city pollution to restore your lungs to default factory settings. You can take bus X1 to get here. Ideal for hiking, canoeing, sledding or just to breathe some fresh air.

Welcome to the source of the Selbe river. Recently a lake was built here, in Summer you can canoe and in Winter you can go sledging down the slopes.This plac...

09/12/2024

Last weekend I embarked on my first high altitude expedition in Mongolia near the border of Russia.

There are three major high altitude mountain ranges in Mongolia: Altai Bogd, Khentii and Khangai with the highest at 4374 metres above sea level

We successfully summited the highest peak of Khentii mountain range in extreme temperatures below minus 20 degrees. This hike is best done in Winter because you’ll have to drive across a frozen river. There are trips heading here almost every weekend until the end of February but I recommend going ASAP while the weather is still bearable.

I embarked on my first high altitude expedition in Mongolia near the border of Russia.There are three major high altitude mountain ranges in Mongolia: Altai ...

05/12/2024

Did you know the Gobi desert is larger than Spain, Thailand and the UK combined.

04/12/2024

I made this vlog from my recent backpacking trip to South Korea

Welcome to my five day, four night itinerary of Busan.I flew in from Jeju Island.On day one , I explored Nampo, had sashimi for the first time and wondered t...

03/12/2024

https://youtube.com/shorts/amHiJecpV00

02/12/2024

My backpacking series of South Korea presents

Welcome to my five day adventure in Jeju Island.Day 1 : Flew in at 7pm from Seoul, stayed in Jeju city, visited the Dongmun night market for street food and ...