The northeast corner of Cambodia is home to dense jungle, shady forests and ethnic villages, so the region is slowly developing into an interesting trekking destination. Though the area is home to some serious wildlife, like leopards and tigers, you have to be more than lucky to come across any of them. Monkeys, birds and insects (in all sizes) are probably what you will run into. For a serious jungle trip, venture into Virachay National Park where the chances are higher to see something exotic. You can even trek back in time and follow parts of the old Ho Chi Minh trail from the Vietnam War, that went through area.

As always, the best way to explore is with your own set of wheels and Lombok is no exception. Rent a scooter in Sengigi and take off on the Lombok Loop, that circle the majestic volcano cone of Gunung Rinjani (3726m). Stop at deserted beached, hidden waterfalls, small villagers and ancient tombs, while driving through an ever changing landscape that passes rice paddy fields, palm groves, jungle and even an mountain pass. You can cut across the island and only do the northern half, or continue south to include the whole of Lombok. The full circuit can be rushed in four days, but deserves more, and can be done like this: Sengigi – Senaru – Pusuk pass (1600m) – Sapit – Labuhan Haji – Kuta Lombok – Sengigi.

The huge gorge of Wadi Mujib ends at the Dead Sea. This lower bit is a part of a nature reserve where different guided treks and canyoning is possible into the narrow and beautiful gorge. A trip where a guide isn't necessary is the 2km long Siq trip. Depending on the water level you walk, swim and pull yourself upstream, climb boulders and smaller waterfalls before you reach a big dramatic waterfall plunging from the higher canyon. Here you turn around and go the same way back. It's a surprisingly wild trip where everything gets wet and you might earn some bruises (bring only camera if in dry bag).

The best way to explore the beautiful countryside of southern Laos is with your own set of wheels. Rent a scooter in Pakse and take a road trip around and through the cool and coffee growing heaven of the Bolaven plateau and see some of the best waterfalls in the country. There are so many waterfalls along with small villages that you will have to pick out the best ones and give the rest a miss. The saved energy can then be used for waving at all the kids along the way. The round trip can even be extended with a return trip to the trader town of Attapeu and even further east passing Pa-am village, heading into the jungle for a crazy attempt to reach the mythical crater lake of Nong Fa (as of 2010 we couldn't find any road all the way to Nong Pa, but it is possible).

One thing that makes Mt. Kinabalu stand out from other mountains is the fact that it is possible to take in its full scale. On a clear day you can splash around in the South Chinese Sea along Borneo's shore and see Mt. Kinabalu's grey dome rises dramatically above the green and lush jungle less than 50 km inland. Today no skills are required to trek it and the tracks are well marked. It can be done in a very long day, but two days are strongly recommended. This way you can get some rest in one of the huts below the bald granite, before heading for Low's peak, which is the highest point, in total darkness to watch the sunrise light up Borneo.

Maybe you are familiar with Ha Long bay and its limestone islands that rise dramatically from the jade green sea. Most visitors only experience this from the deck of a boat, but the true magic begins when you explore these islands with a kayak. Some of islands are hollow and have secret lagoons inside that are only accessible from narrow tunnels and caves that are filled water at high tide. Through the entrance tunnel the lagoons will open up with jungle vegetation clinging to the steep walls and a silence hard to imagine (especially in Vietnam). With a good guide and a tide table it's possible to explore this hidden side of Ha Long bay, which is even more magnificent from the inside.

The highest mountain in Indochina (Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam) might seem as a easy trekking peak due to the not so impressive height of only 3143m, but don't be fooled. The are several routes to the top, but every track is difficult and involves a overnight stay unless you do commando raid (record is around 10 hours up and down from Heavens Gate at 1949m). A lot of scrambling on slippery rocks and zigzagging through dense bamboo forest is the norm, and expect bitterly cold and wet nights. To get the full experience, it's highly recommended to descend on the southeast side into the Sapa valley over multiples days. Coming down from the top covered in dense forest and trekking into the farmed valley with rice terraces and villages is a rewarding finish.