Biography
Sarah started her travels in Europe which culminated with her settling in Greece for over two years where she became immersed in the culture and learnt to speak the language. Eventually she returned to the UK but maintained her passion for travel and in 2003 embarked on what was to be two and a half years of intensive travelling and working throughout Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. It was discovering the delights of other countries and their unique cultures that convinced Sarah to pursue a career in travel upon her return and use her knowledge and enthusiasm to inspire others. Since joining Audley Travel, Sarah has been lucky enough to visit Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia and has returned several times over the last few years. One of her most memorable experiences was sharing a rain shelter with an orang-utan in Kalimantan! Sarah is also a keen landscape and travel photographer. Her first book was published in September 2009.
My Most Memorable Experience
"Taman Negara National Park is Peninsula Malaysia's greatest. It is vast, covering 4343 sp mtrs and sprawling across three states. This is a magnificent wilderness area but often wrongly billed as a wildlife park. Although a haven for many endanged species, numbers are low and sightings rare.
There is prolific bird life here, however the greatest reward, in my opinion in Taman Negara is simply the chance to get into one of the most pristine primary rainforests still standing. This jungle is claimed to be the oldest in the world, having existed largely as it is for the past 130 million years.
The entry into Taman Negara itself is something of a experience, the trip by boat from Kuala Tembling to the park headquarters at Kuala Tahan takes 2-3 hours and along the way you'll see local people fishing, as well as monkeys, hornbills and kingsishers. Its a beautiful journey.
Once at the park, take time to explore the magnificent jungle, there are a wide variety of walking and treking opportunities here. Whatever you do, don't miss the canopy walkway. Suspended 25m above the forest floor between massive trees it allows a birds eye view of the higher reaches of the forest. Consider an overnight trek, a longboat trip up one of the rivers or a trip to a Orang Asli settlement.
The more you put into Taman Negara, the more you'll get out and its well worth making the effort."
My Favourite Destination
"For me one of the highlights of Peninsula Malaysia has to be Penang. It just has so much to offer. Georgetown not only has impressive colonial architecture, temples and museums, it is also home to a lively Chinese and Indian culture, some great shopping and lively night markets.
It's easy to while away a few hours exploring the little back streets and following the heritage trails. Chinatown in particular is a delight to wander around, with beautiful Chinese shop houses, temples, antique shops and markets to explore."
My Favourite Accommodation
"This grand property was only relatively recently renovated to a splendid colonial-style hotel. With welcoming fireplaces in the reading room and the Highlands Bar, home-baked scones served with Cameron strawberries in the afternoon and classic four-poster beds and rattan sofas in the 56 guest rooms, the hotel embodies the charm and gentility of the colonial lifestyle.
Part of the chain of properties throughout Malaysia managed by YTL, the service is top notch and the atmosphere is fantastic. A stay here must be complemented with a traditional Malay treatment in their spa village, which is one of the best in Asia."
