Cabin Bag Castaways | travel blog

Cabin Bag Castaways

Exploring our world, one island at a time!

Welcome!

We are Rachel and Danny, the Cabin Bag Castaways. If you're a midlife traveller who prefers authenticity over instagram, culture over party scenes, and local life over created experiences - you've landed in the right destination.

We cut our teeth as Bali tourists, like a lot of Aussies do. After visiting Nepal in 2020 though, we started to look for more in our travel. At the moment, we're captivated by the beauty of wider Indonesia. We've evolved from tourists into travellers and these days, we seek out places that few tourists choose to go.

Take a look around, explore the destinations we've visited through our eyes. We only ever give honest feedback on our experiences - no perfect highlight reel reviews here unless we really mean it. We aim to provide valuable content that inspires and assists fellow travel enthusiasts.

Feel free to reach out to us at cabinbagcastaways@gmail.com for any inquiries, feedback or collaborations, or join us on our socials to stay connected!

Two people, a man and a woman, smiling outdoors with sunglasses on, both wearing grey shirts covered in Holi powder in shades of pink, blue and yellow. The sky is clear with some string lights visible in the background.

Join us as we share our travel experiences and recommendations.

Discover hidden gems and popular attractions.

Whether it's planning your trip, where to stay, or what to do, we've got you covered.

Click on the links below to find out more about our experences!

GUIDES & ITINERARIES

Our comprehensive travel guides provide everything you need to know to make your next adventure amazing. Each one is written based on our own, personal experiences and we tell you honestly - what's worth it, what to watch out for, and any mistakes we made along the way so you don't have to. We pour hours of time into getting these just right, so fellow travellers have the tools they need for a successful journey. Click the images below to be taken to the download area for each guide.

AUTHENTIC BALI:

The Anti-Tourist Guide

NORTH SULAWESI

Ultimate Travel Guide

THE SANGIHE ARCHIPELAGO

Independent Travel Guide

CHECK OUT OUR LATEST BLOG POSTS

Tangkoko National Park: North Sulawesi’s Wild Side

Much of North Sulawesi feels truly untamed, but the one place you can feel completely immmersed in it is Tangkoko National Park. Just a couple of hours from Manado city, this dense pocket of jungle is where big-eyed primates crash through the trees, black sand beaches meet thick rainforest, and bucket-list wildlife encounters are guaranteed. It’s raw, a little unpredictable, and easily one of the most memorable experiences you can have in this part of Indonesia. Planning a No

Tomohon, North Sulawesi — Volcanoes, Flower Fields & Flavours You’ll Never Forget

If Bunaken is North Sulawesi’s glittering underwater jewel, then Tomohon is its fiery highland heart. Just 45 minutes from the bustle of Manado, this cool-climate mountain town sits in the lush Minahasa Highlands, framed by volcanoes and stitched together with flower farms, crater lakes and villages where tradition still shapes daily life. It’s dramatic, fascinating, occasionally confronting — and absolutely worth carving time for. Here’s everything you need to know to plan y

Discovering Bunaken - So much more than just diving!

When we told friends we were heading to Bunaken Island in North Sulawesi, reactions were a mix of "Sorry, where?" and "Oh wow, the diving!" They weren’t wrong - while it took a bit of travel to get there, the diving and snorkelling was INCREDIBLE. Believe it or not though, the under water world was not quite the real highlight of Bunaken Island. What surprised us - two midlife travellers who appreciate a good night’s sleep almost as much as a good reef - was how much we fel

Manado City - North Sulawesi's Beating heart

We arrived in Manado city on December 29th, and we could feel the excitement buzzing in the air as people filled the streets preparing for the upcoming celebrations of New Years Eve. Blue Micros (local buses) zoomed around the city, ferrying locals about while blasting bright, upbeat Manado tunes through their huge speakers. "Manado music" is an interesting mix that can be super catchy or super annoying - depending on your mood at the time, but it's everywhere here. Being a l

Amazing Attractions & Excellent Experiences for Your Next Bali Holiday

If you're like us, you might get a bit stir crazy sitting in the busiest tourist area of Bali for your entire trip. While Kuta has plenty...

Makassar City and Beautiful South Sulawesi

Sections Welcome Getting to Makassar Getting around Makassar and Sulawesi Things to see and do in the City Day Trips From Makassar Welcome to Makassar City, the lively capital of South Sulawesi, where a rich cultural heritage and history blends with stunning natural beauty. I have to say, this city was not what we expected. The best way I can describe it is if you got Denpasar and Perth and mushed them together - it's rich, it's poor, it's traditional and modern all at the sa

Kalimantan

We are working hard to bring you this blog post soon!

Maratua Island

The ultimate guide to visiting Maratua Island, Indonesia - a snorkeling and diving paradise.

Unforgettable Bali Adventures: Amed's Bali Dream House, Turtles, and Sunsets!

Discover the warm hospitality, stunning scenery and amazing marine life that Amed has to offer.

Uncovering the Best Cooking Class and Accommodation in Bali's Tegallalang: A Unique Culinary Travel Experience

Are you a food enthusiast looking to elevate your culinary skills while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Bali? Look no...

Top Tips for Preventing and Treating Bali Belly While Travelling

Travelling to Bali is a dream come true for many adventure-seekers and culture enthusiasts. However, amidst the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of this Indonesian paradise, lurks a common ailment that can put a damper on your vacation - the dreaded Bali Belly . Let's delve into what Bali Belly is, its symptoms, ways to avoid it, treatment options, and when it's crucial to seek medical attention. What is Bali Belly? Bali Belly , also known as travellers' diarrhoea

Scenic Sidemen: A Rural Bali Escape

Sidemen, located in the east of Bali, is a tranquil haven where time seems to slow down. It's a destination where rice terraces stretch across rural valleys, and traditional Balinese life thrives in its purest form. The sound of insects in the evening is a soothing backtrack to relax to and if you're lucky you may even spot a firefly or two. If you're seeking a laid back, relaxing retreat, Sidemen offers a peaceful escape with a blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty,

Exploring Candidasa: A Hidden Gem in Bali

Situated on Bali's tranquil eastern coast, Candidasa offers a perfect blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and serene ambiance,...

Wonders of West Bali National Park: Exploring Menjangan Island and Gawana Bay

Nestled in the northwestern tip of Bali, the West Bali National Park is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and tranquil beaches. This pristine area, covering over 190 square kilometers, is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience a different side of Bali away from the crowded tourist spots. Among the highlights of this national park are Menjangan Island and Gawana Bay—each offering uniq

Lovina and Bali's North Coast

If you're thinking of exploring the north coast of Bali, Lovina makes a fabulous base. Roughly an hour and a half's drive to the west and you will find yourself in the West Bali National Park - with stunning scenery and the amazing waters around Menjangan Island to explore. Heading south, you'll find the lush green slopes of Munduk and the twin lakes area which offer culinary delights, cultural must-do's, waterfalls galore and adventure if that's your thing. Just East of Lovi