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A visit to this Bugis fishing village of around 1,100 people, reached by a 30-minute boat ride from the pier in Komodo National Park, gives an interesting perspective into the realities of life in a very remote corner of the world. The residents are used to seeing tourists, but you may not be used to seeing the basic way of life that unfolds in this village, which existed long before the park was established. Stroll past stilt houses, and learn about the school and the village way of life during tours, which are part of a community effort to support the local people.

Kompong Phluk is a floating village located in the middle of Cambodia‘s largest lake, Tonle Sap. The term “floating” is a bit misleading: the houses are actually built on very tall stilts around 8 meters high. During the rainy season, the lake rises and covers the stilts, giving the illusion that the homes are floating in the water. We learned that these types of villages are built in the middle of the lake to make it easier for fishermen and rice farmers to gather during harvest season.

On Carey Island, 40 minutes by car from Port Kelang, this traditional village provides an introduction to the culture of the Mah Meri, an ethnic group native to western Malaysia. The museum here has displays of art pieces and excellent explanations of the local legends that inspired them. The Mah Meri are best known for their intricate woodwork—some of which can be purchased here—and the oversize wooden masks worn in their dances.

There may not be an assembly line at My French Factory, but there are griddles that turn out delectable crepes. Helmed by two Parisian chefs, this café in Pantai Cenang offers a number of sweet combinations, including homemade salted caramel and almonds, raspberries and white chocolate, and fresh lemon juice and sugar. You can also savor a galette, a buckwheat crepe that can be stuffed with such fillings as mushrooms and tomato sauce or ham, egg, and cheese. Whether it’s a crepe or something else, just don’t leave My French Factory without trying a dessert. Other worthy candidates include Nutella milkshakes, tiramisu, and ice cream-topped waffles.