About Ramble Travelers
Meet the Ramble Travelers – the true spirit of adventurous exploration.
For those who love to wander freely and Travel fearlessly, this is your calling.
Join us, the Ramble Travelers, and let’s celebrate the thrill of exploration,
where every trip is a captivating tale and every destination is the start of a new, fearless adventure.
Welcome to Ramble Travelers!
My name is John Koh and I am the founder of this site. I am a retired professional turned traveler. I have always had a passion for exploring new places and different cultures, trying new foods and experiencing the world in all its glory.
After years of working in the corporate world and as an expat in different countries, I decided to pursue my dream of traveling full-time and sharing my experiences with others.
Why You Should Follow My Adventures
I’ve been all over the map for years, from bustling cities to quiet little towns. It’s not just about checking places off a list for me; it’s about diving into what makes each place special – the food, the folks, the sights, and everything in between.
I’ve got loads of stories and handy tips up my sleeve, all tried and tested on the ground. Whether it’s uncovering a cozy street food spot in Penang, finding your way through the lively streets of Bangkok, or navigating the streets of Puerto Rico I’m here to help. And if you ever want to chat about your next trip, I’m all ears. Join me, and let’s turn those travel dreams into reality. It’s going to be an amazing ride!
Even though this is a new blog, I will be sharing all of my past travel experiences as well as updates on current trips. I want to provide a diverse range of content, so you can expect to read about culture, history, food, local tips and recommendations, budget travel advice, and more.
I will be focusing more on Singapore for a start, rolling in the regional cities, with occasional blogs on other places/cities.
About Me
Born and bred in Singapore, I’m as Singaporean as it gets – the real deal. After wrapping up my secondary schooling in the Lion City, I was selected for this 3.5-year training gig in West Germany. At just 18, I waved goodbye to Singapore and spent the next 4 years in Deutschland.
While hitting the books, I was also hitting the road – traveling all over Europe in a VW Van, and sometimes, hitchhiking to save a few bucks. No fear, just pure adventure!
Post Germany, I zipped back to Singapore and dived into an Engineering career, which eventually saw me climbing up to a Management role. My job took me around the globe – living the expat life in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, and having short stints in the USA, Japan, and Europe. The latest feather in my cap? Being the CEO of a manufacturing and distribution company in Indonesia.
All these years, whether for work or play, I’ve been trotting the globe. Each trip, be it back to familiar haunts or new territories, was a chance to learn something new. I’ve become quite the ninja in sniffing out hidden local spots and soaking in the essence of each place.
Alongside, I kept beefing up my skills – bagged diplomas in Marketing, Finance, and Industrial Management, not to forget a Master’s Diploma in Engineering, a degree in Business Administration, and an MBA. I was a paper chaser freak back then!
It’s been one heck of a ride – rewarding, fulfilling, and a whole lot of fun. Now, I’m flipping to the next chapter: full-time traveler. Exciting, isn’t it? Come on, join me – let’s hit the road and see what adventures await!
My Story
At 18, I kicked off my first big adventure, heading to West Germany for a nearly 4-year engineering training stint. Most of my days were all about skilling up and prepping for the professional world. But weekends? Ah, that was my time to explore. I was based in Rottweil, Baden-Württemberg’s oldest town, and let me tell you, it was a gem. I love the annual Fasnet carnival with all its medieval appeals.
I and my friends of 10 would spend our summer vacays hitting the road in Europe, all crammed in a VW Van, yes! That buggy van. We zipped through city after city, soaking up every bit of that whirlwind adventure. And, oh boy, juggling different currencies was a laugh and a half! Imagine us, a bunch of clueless travelers, handing over a wad of cash to hot dog vendors and just hoping they’d pick the right amount. Chaos, but the fun kind.
This photo isn’t the exact one from those days, but it’s the same model as our trusty white van. That van was a real trooper, you know. Back when the autobahn had no speed limits, we were there, pushing our van at a whopping 100 kph – and that was tops, no matter how hard we stomped on the accelerator.
All the other cars? They just zoomed past us, some clocking 160 kph or more. We sometimes gave them a wave as they whizzed by. But hey, we were in our happy bubble, just enjoying the ride and making the most of every moment.
The craziest bit? Hitchhiking with a friend from Germany to London, right through France and over the English Channel. Dressed like penniless backpackers – which wasn’t far from the truth – we were often mistaken for it. But you know what? Some kind souls didn’t just give us a lift; they handed us food or a few bucks. Those moments? They kept my faith in humanity as solid as rock.
Back in Singapore, I was deep into my engineering work, but inside, I was really kiasu, itching to work abroad and travel. When the chance came, I grabbed it without thinking twice! (Note: Kiasu is a Singaporean slang for “Afraid to lose”).
Jumping into expat life, I landed in dream spots like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. It was all new – adapting to different cultures, meeting all sorts of people, and even learning bits of Thai and Indonesian and becoming good at it! Each place was like a new chapter in my adventure book.
My passport? It’s seen more stamps than a busy post office! I’ve been traveling like it’s my full-time gig – spent a solid 20 years in Indonesia, 5 years in Thailand, 4 years in West Germany and 3 years in Vietnam.
There were many other cities that I have stayed and worked in for shorter stays, such as in the good ol’ USA for 5 months, and a couple of months each in Korea, Belgium and Japan.
And it wasn’t just about the work, you know. Living in these countries, I got to travel around, exploring hidden gems, and tasting local delicacies that you won’t find in any tourist guide.
Living in these different countries, whether it was for a few months or several years, has been like going through an exciting travel diary – every new place has been a fresh, engaging chapter in my life.
With all my adventures and expat life, I’ve collected more than just souvenirs. I’ve packed a whole suitcase of knowledge, understanding, and a real appreciation for the different kinds of lives out there.
All these experiences have shaped me into who I am today – someone who loves exploring, can fit in just about anywhere, and is always curious to learn more about this world.
Now, as I jump into the next chapter of my life, I’m not just packing memories, but a whole legacy of experiences that keep me going. To you reading this, I say: Don’t just sit there – go out, see the world, try something new. Embrace the adventure, lah!
And hey, thanks a million for swinging by Ramble Travelers and hearing my story – really appreciate it!
Hey there! If you’ve got an exciting travel story to share or a helpful tip that our readers would love, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m really looking forward to hearing from you!
My email is johnkoh@rambletravelers.com