Biography
Jacqui first visited Southeast Asia on a family holiday to Thailand and she was immediately captivated by the people, food and of course beaches.
A round the world trip before university saw her return to the region, gaining a scuba diving qualification in Thailand, as well as visiting Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. This well and truly cemented her love for Southeast Asia.
Between studying English literature at Cardiff University, Jacqui returned to the region each summer. Highlights included the temples of Angkor, Kawah Ijen in eastern Java, the Komodo Islands and a 500km motorbike trip around central Laos. Jacqui's most recent trip to Southeast Asia was with Audley, where she returned to Indonesia, and also got to explore the many jungle trails of Borneo.
In her free time, Jacqui enjoys writing for her travel blog, photography and painting. A keen sportswoman, Jacqui is a qualified gymnastics and trampoline coach, as well as enjoying netball, yoga and dance.
My Most Memorable Experience
My most memorable travel experience to date has been spending the night in an Iban longhouse on the Lemanak River.
The forty minute upriver journey to reach the longhouse was in a traditional wooden longtail boat, and we passed many Iban people fishing in the late afternoon. After a few welcome glasses of rice wine, I settled down to an absolute feast with the tribe.
My guide turned out to be a very talented cook, in particular dishing up his mother's bamboo chicken recipe. After dinner the tribe performed a welcome dance, of which I was coerced into joining!
My Favourite Destination
The primary rainforest of the Danum Valley Conservation Area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and avid jungle trekkers.
With numerous trails to explore, there are plenty of opportunities to spot some of Borneo's famous wildlife, including macaques, red leaf monkeys, rhinocerous hornbills and possibly even wild orangutan or Bornean pygmy elephants.
Both the canopy walkway and the observation platform by coffin cliff provide sweeping views across the rainforest canopy, and there is even the option to go tubing on the Danum River.
Night safaris in the Danum Valley are an absolute must.
My Favourite Accommodation
Located on the sweeping white sand beach of Sire in northwest Lombok, Tugu Lombok is a hideaway full of Indonesian charm.
From the original antique furnishings to the open air temple spa, Tugu Lombok has something a little different to offer.
The open air restaurant Bale Kokok Plekok cuts an impressive silhouette against the green fields and traditional thatched village huts which surround the hotel.
Neighbouring fishing villages can be visited by foot or bicycle, and the Gilli Islands are only 20 minutes away by Tugu's private boat.
