For all the excitement that can be found in glittering capitals and architecture-rich cities, there is a subtler charm to be discovered in places where time lingers a little longer and life’s pulse feels a little more grounded.

When I first wrote about 4 Uncommon Countries that I’d Been To and detailed my experiences in Nepal, Rwanda, Iceland, and Bhutan, I never expected to find myself discovering how profoundly these off-the-beaten-path destinations had shaped not just my travels, but my own person. More unexpectedly, I never anticipated encountering such a deep and meaningful response from readers who share a similar appreciation for off-grid travel—readers who, like me, seek solace in the quieter corners of the world, far removed from the well-worn paths and predictable itineraries.

Your thoughtful feedback, your shared stories of hidden gems and unplanned moments of wonder, made me realize just how universal this kind of exploration can be, how it resonates on a deeper level with those who long for experiences shaped more by connection and introspection than by crowds and checklist tourism.

As such, this second installment is both a continuation and a deepening of that journey. Like the four before, these are destinations that will likely spend their entire lives sitting outside the margins of common itineraries- and yet they remain, to me, some of the richest experiences I have ever known.

Here are 4 more uncommon countries that I have been privileged to explore—where I went, what I saw, and the pieces of myself I left behind- and I hope that, like me, they will too make you feel grounded, alive, and, in some strange way, home.

UGANDA

Uganda is not the kind of place that calls to you loudly. It doesn’t boast the flashy renown of its East African neighbors nor find itself splashed across itineraries built for bucket lists. Instead, it waits—quiet, steadfast, and wholly unbothered by the absence of fanfare.

But for those who wander off the beaten path and into its embrace, Uganda offers a kind of wonder that feels almost private, as though the land itself is sharing secrets only with you.

To visit Uganda is to discover a place that does not demand to be seen but rewards you for noticing. Here, emerald hills roll endlessly into misty horizons, the air thick with the sounds of life—birdsong, distant laughter, the rustle of leaves stirred by unseen movement. The iconic wildlife is there, of course—gorillas nestled deep in Bwindi’s forests, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth—but so, too, are the moments unmarked by guidebooks: the warmth of a stranger who welcomes you like an old friend, the quiet exchange of wisdom over simple meals, the quiet hum of daily life unfolding at its own pace… …

To journey into Uganda is to journey into a quieter kind of beauty, one shaped not by crowds or spectacle, but by moments that linger long after you’ve left. For me, it was something less complicated and yet more personally profound: I wanted to exist at both sides of the Equator at the same time.

Uganda is one of only thirteen countries in the world where the Equator line runs through, carving a symbolic divide that separates Earth into two hemispheres. To stand on this line is to be a living paradox of ‘being in two places at once‘, and it was a rare geographical novelty that I was more than happy to indulge.

And so for a fleeting moment in the history of time, I found myself physically present, in both hemispiheres at once.

I Visited In: 2015

Destinations Included: Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, Mbale

Recommended for Solo Travel? Not exactly the most straightforward choice for solo travel, though I wouldn’t particularly classify it as completely undoable. While popular tourist areas like national parks and cities like Kampala or Entebbe are generally safe, challenges such as unreliable transportation, limited connectivity in rural areas, and necessary health precautions can make the experience a little less seamless than we might like, especially when we are travelling solo.

What’s the Transport Scene Like? Matatus (taxis and minibuses) dominate public transport in the more urban areas, but you can consider boda-bodas too. They’re essentially motorcycle taxies, and extremely nifty especially when navigating traffic in congested areas or going off into less urban areas. Where possible, book them via ride-hailing apps; the biggest providers in the country are SafeBoda and, of course, Uber.

Surprisingly Good Food Finds:
☆ Not to be confused with the luxury watch, Rolex is a popular street food here that really packs a punch. It’s a delicious combination of chapati (Indian flatbread) and eggs, often mixed with vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and cabbage, and then rolled up like a wrap. It is quick, and it is comforting, and it truly captures the essence of Ugandan street food culture in the best ways.
☆ Another must-try market street food is the Kabalagala, a deep-fried cake made from mashed plantains & flour and then seasoned with spices. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and often served with a side of tea or stew.
☆ If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, keep your eyes peeled for Nsenene. Fried grasshoppers are a serious local delicacy here; I didn’t (and would probably never) try it, but they’re so ubiquitous at markets and street food stalls you can’t help but surmise that they must be quite the quintessential experience when one is in Uganda.

MAURITIUS

Mauritius is often filed away in the imagination as a honeymoon cliché—white sands, blue waters, and days spent under lazy skies. But beyond the brochure-perfect beaches lies an island stitched together by stories far older and far richer than the images most carry.

To wander Mauritius is to peel back the glossy veneer and find a place of contrasts, where beauty isn’t staged but found in the simplicity of everyday life. The island pulses with a rhythm that is distinctly its own—woven from its complex history of colonisation, migration, and cultural fusion; and as much as it is about the beaches, it is also about its humble markets of Port Louis, where the scent of freshly ground spices fills the air; and the early mornings at Triolet, where locals gather to share breakfast over casual conversation, their voices blending with the hum of the morning, unaffected by the rush of tourism.

For me, Mauritius was more than just a far-flung beach paradise, but an island with a heartbeat—steady, humble, and waiting to be heard. The friendly locals are full of stories even if you didn’t ask for one, and everyone is quick to invite you to their homes for a meal and a cup of tea – a proposition that often came across at once frightening and thrilling to an introverted wanderer like myself.

I can’t deny it, there is almost a seductive timelessness about the place, and while practically anyone would expect its picture-perfect beaches to be the backdrop behind this evocative, slow-lived feel, it is actually its people that deserve full credit for the sentiment.

I Visited In: 2016

Destinations Included: This is a considerably small island so it’s not difficult to tick of all the main towns and cities. Don’t forget to keep some nearby islands on your list too; pretty much all are worth visiting.

Recommended for Solo Travel? Absolutely Yes! Mauritius is extremely solo-friendly and generally very safe – the only contention you might have is that it can be a little expensive to bear all activity, accommodation, and transportation costs on your own… but other than that, I’d say go for it. There’s probably no other place you’d enjoy solo travelling better.

What’s the Transport Scene Like? Although a light rail system (Metro Express) was introduced in the country in 2019 to primarily connect a few key areas on the island, it is still limited in terms of its coverage for now. For that reason, the backbone of Mauritius’ public transport system remains its extensive bus network, which offers comprehensive coverage with easy connection between all major towns, cities, and even rural areas. Yugo is the country’s Uber; although, I would be remiss not to mention that cab rides are a painfully pricey activity in this corner of the world.

Surprisingly Good Food Finds:
☆ One can argue that Boulettes (dumplings) can be found anywhere, so when in Mauritius, make sure you try Boulette Chou, which is filled with- amongst other things- a cabbage that is native to Mauritius island.
☆ Indian influence is heavy in Mauritius cuisine, making Mauritian Briyani a must. There is a difference of course; expect a touch of Creolean herbs and spices that really give it a distinctive twist from the same-old-same-old.
☆ Gâteau De Patates Douces is highly recommended for anyone with a sweet tooth. At first glance, it looks deceptively like an Asian curry puff; but it is actually deep-fried sweet potato dough encasing a filling blend of coconut, cardamom, and sugar.

BRUNEI

I Visited In: 2013

Destinations Included: Bandar Seri Begawan

Recommended for Solo Travel? Brunei can be a surprisingly rewarding destination for solo travelers, with safety as one of its standout features. It’s extremely easy to navigate as a destination, the surroundings do not constantly demand your attention and wariness; and I highly recommend it especially if you’re seeking a peaceful and reflective experience away from the usual tourist crowds.

That said, keep in mind that when it comes to Brunei, there is one thing more integral than the solo-or-not-solo question; and that is what you are going there for. If you’re drawn to a slow-paced, thoughtful adventure, Brunei offers a perfect escape; but if you need the usual hustle and bustle of standard packaged tourism, then Brunei might not be the right fit for you, solo or otherwise.

What’s the Transport Scene Like? Brunei’s public transport system is probably best described as still in its transitional phase. In a nutshell, there is no nationwide transport network that links up the entire country. Buses are useful, but you would probably wish for their schedules and routes to be more frequent and better integrated; there is presently no train infrastructure in the country.

For an easier time commuting, try ride-hailing via DART. It’s actually pretty affordable all things considered, and they can take you pretty much almost anywhere – unless, of course, you’re going way off the grid.

Surprisingly Good Food Finds:
☆ Soto Brunei is the country’s own take on original Indonenian Mee Soto. Everyone has their own spot for the best one in the country; but Soto Hj Tuah, Soto Pabo, and Soto Rosmini are some of the top local favourites.
☆ They call Nasi Katok Brunei’s fast food, but I think it’s more than that: It’s Brunei’s fast and comfort food. It’s a simple combination of white rice, fried chicken, sambal – and the complexities lie not in the dish itself, but in the way that it is prepared.
☆ Brunei’s Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) is like nowhere else’s, mostly because they use local wild herbs and spices that aren’t as commonly found anywhere else. It is usually also done less oily than its Southeast Asian counterparts, a key that allows its herbaceous flavours to really shine through.

MYANMAR

Myanmar is a land suspended between past and present. Since the military ousting of its elected government more than three years ago, the country’s tourism landscape is now all but wiped out, returning it to a state of uncertainty and isolation that was the people’s reality for decades before 2012.

Yet, even amidst the turmoil, there is something about Myanmar that remains unshakable: the warmth of its people, the timelessness of its landscapes, and the quiet resilience that runs through its veins. Even as its complexities lay evident in every corner, the everyday flow of life continues to a rhythm that refuses to be silenced. It is a country where serenity and discord coexist, each story layered over the other, as the land itself holds its breath for normalcy to return once more.

Once an unspoken gem in Southeast Asia, Myanmar now finds itself, once again, caught between the deep scars of its reality. For all the obvious reasons, I do not recommend it as a destination now- although, if and when the time comes for the country to open up again, we must return—not just as tourists, but as partners in rebuilding, supporting the people who have so much to offer and so much to reclaim. It will be our shared responsibility as global neighbours then, to do whatever we can to help it rise once more.

I Visited In: 2017

Destinations Included: Mandalay, Bagan, Yangon

Recommended for Solo Travel? For all intended reasons, unfortunately, I currently do not recommend any form of travel to Myanmar at all.

What’s the Transport Scene Like? As with all things in Myanmar, the state of its transportation landscape is highly dependent on its political stability (or lack thereof). Following the 2021 military coup, many urban infrastructure and development projects have been suspended, including those in major cities like Yangon. Aside, just within the last 4 years, the number of vehicles in Myanmar has also doubled, with road travel in its capital becoming two to three times slower.

I’m probably not the best person to speak to this, but it does feel like for as long as the regime continues, the stagnation will continue to – not just hinder the modernisation of it transport system, but deteriorate its present conditions.

Surprisingly Good Food Finds:
☆ Mohinga has to be first on anyone’s list. This comforting fish soup has hints of lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and turmeric; and is a legitimate national dish.
☆ Burmese Curry deserves its own stage because it is significantly different from what you’d expect when you hear the word, curry. Here, Curry is less fiery and more aromatic; plus it is generally lighter and milder, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, balanced seasoning, and subtle spices.
☆ Laphet Thoke (or Tea Leaf Salad) is a major guilty pleasure. It’s snack-appetiser type of dish thrown together with the likes of tomatoes, peanuts, sesame seeds, and a whole bunch of other crunchy stuff; topped with a lime/fish-sauce-based tangy dressing for that extra oomph. Once you pop, you literally cannot stop.