INDONESIA, MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE - TRAVEL GUIDES

"The whole idea of Bali is a matrix, a massive and invisible grid of spirits, guides, paths, and customs.  Every Balinese knows exactly where he or she belongs, oriented within this great, intangible map.."
- Andrew X. Pham, author of Catfish and Mandala

TRAVELING TO INDONESIA, MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE

Most travelers recognize Bali as an idyllic travel destination, but the rest of Indonesia and nearby Malaysia also have a lot to offer.  Lonely Planet calls Indonesia a “a land of so many cultures, peoples, animals, customs, plants, sights, artworks and foods that it's like 100 countries melded into one.”  And, Singapore is becoming more and more of a place to be visited, redefining what it means to be a modern city.  Here are our recommendations on the best travel books for visitors to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

A5 RECOMMENDATIONS

Lonely Planet: Bali & Lombok

Our recommendation on the best travel guide for Indonesia is Lonely Planet.  They are one of the world’s best publisher of travel books, known for the depth of their coverage, the strength of their local knowledge, and their strength in Asia.   Indonesia provides a rich cultural experience with amazing art, beaches, festivals, water sports, dance, painting, and more, so a guidebook can be very helpful.  There is a specific guide for those just going to Bali.  

Indonesia Etc., by Elizabeth Pisani

One of the best books on the diverse culture and history of Indonesia, one of the most populated countries in the world, is Indonesia, Etc., written by Elizabeth Pisani.  The author decided to spend a year exploring this huge country, particularly focusing on the lesser known regions outside of Java, in what became a 26,000 mile trip.  Her anecdotes and observations provide an insightful and realistic view into an awakening and interesting region.

DK Eyewitness Guides: Malaysia & Singapore

Our recommendation on the best travel guide for a trip to Singapore is the DK Eyewitness Travel series.  Their books always have trustworthy, detailed information on what to see and do, but what sets DK apart is the quality of their custom maps.  This series is known for its beautiful color photography, and for the editorial focus on art, architecture and culture.  Those traveling more broadly across Malaysia are probably better off with Lonely Planet, but this is a great book for Singapore.

Into the Heart of Borneo, by Redmond O'Hanlon

One of our top recommendations in travel writing is a humorous travelogue by the incomparable Redmond O’Hanlon.  Into the Heart of Borneo tells the story of his 1983 journey to the remote center of Borneo with a traveling companion, poet James Fenton.  They face a truly complicated and dangerous journey with little serious planning, a self-effacing style, and admirably with an authentic interest in the flora and fauna they are there to observe.  Click here for our review on Into the Heart of Borneo.

Eat Pray Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert

Eat Pray Love tells the story of 34 year old Elizabeth Gilbert’s attempt to recover from a painful divorce in a one year trip around the world.  She chose Rome as her starting point, in a quest to experience happiness through great food, then traveled to India in search of enlightenment, ending in Bali where she sought balance.  This is a very popular book, and while sometimes a little too predictable, a very endearing memoir.  Click here for our review of Eat Pray Love.