Join me on a journey of discovery with VAYA, a place where travel is about connection, curiosity, and slowing down.
Through stories from hidden villages and lively cities, I share the beauty of cultures, people, and nature around the world.

Let VAYA guide you through unforgettable experiences, from quiet mornings in the mountains to vibrant markets full of life.
Travel with me, feel inspired, and find meaning in every step you take.

While exploring these beautiful places, I realized that travel isn’t just about ticking boxes.
It’s about meeting people, embracing silence, and listening to the stories that shape a place.

That’s how VAYA began, a space for slow, soulful travel and genuine human encounters.

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The Essence of Slow Travel

Slow travel is all about taking your time and soaking in each experience while immersing yourself in local culture. It means stepping away from crowded tourist spots and seeking out authentic moments that truly resonate.

For example, in Borneo, we stayed with a local family in a small homestay. Their hospitality was heartwarming. We shared meals, learned about their traditions, and listened to their stories. One Sunday, they invited us to join them at church, not a quiet or formal service, but one filled with live music, laughter, and joyful singing. The children had their own “Sunday school” and were rewarded with sweet treats after.

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Finding Silence in Nature

During my travels, I discovered the incredible importance of silence. In a world that often feels overwhelmingly loud, moments of stillness can be grounding and restorative.

In the Philippines, we stumbled upon a tiny island where the only sounds were calm waves and rustling palm leaves. We spent days swimming among coral and colorful fish, far away from crowds. In just four days, we felt our stress dissolve. These quiet moments allowed us to reconnect, with nature, with each other, and with ourselves. 

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The Stories We Collect

Every journey holds stories waiting to be found.
In Lombok, we visited a weaving village where women skillfully crafted beautiful textiles. Speaking with them, we learned how this art has been passed down through generations, not just as a craft, but as a form of identity and spiritual expression. Their fabrics are woven with meaning, connecting families, traditions, and time itself.

These encounters remind us that behind every destination lies a living culture, a heartbeat, and a story worth listening to.

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The Beauty of Rice Fields

We found ourselves surrounded by endless green terraces, shimmering under the sun. In those rice fields, we met farmers who welcomed us into their rhythm of life.
We learned that rice cultivation in Lombok sustains nearly 90% of local families, a reminder that simplicity and sustainability are deeply intertwined.

Walking those narrow paths between paddies, we understood that beauty often hides in the everyday, in the patience of planting, the laughter of workers, and the shared meal at the end of the day.

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A New Beginning: VAYA

Reflecting on these journeys fills me with gratitude and excitement to share them through VAYA,  a space for slow, soulful travel stories and meaningful encounters.

Traveling slowly deepens our appreciation of the world. It invites us to connect, to listen, to observe, to engage, and to find joy in the smallest details.

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A Journey Worth Taking

In our fast-paced world, slow travel offers a new perspective. It reminds us to pause, breathe, and truly be where we are.

As I continue my journey through Asia and beyond, I hope to inspire others to embrace this way of traveling, with curiosity, respect, and heart.

Welcome to VAYA, where we’ll explore the world’s beauty together.
Let’s wander with purpose, and let every step tell a story. 

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Click here for all stories and here for  Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia