Young Pioneer Tours
Blog
Welcome to the Young Pioneer Tours Blog, the place where we we keep you informed about everything YPT, from current tours, to future tours and a whole lot of eclectic stuff in between.
YPT first started blogging in 2008 and are considered the best North Korean Travel blog that there is.
But, as Young Pioneer Tours have expanded our locations, so have we expanded our blog. Now we have one of the best travel blogs in the world!
And while most of our content is about the numerous destinations we go, including travel guides and what to pack, we also delve into more serious subjects such as the safety of certain destinations, as well as how LGTBQ+ friendly the places we visit are.
While the vast majority of our content is produced in-house, we are always on the look-out for guest bloggers and writers. Want to write for us? Then simply get in touch.
You can also check out our sister publication YPT Life.
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What Is The West Papua Conflict?
23 May 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
While few people know about the West Papua conflict, it is actually one of the longest-running and most controversial insurgencies in the world. Who does it involve, what are they fighting for, and why do so few people know anything about it? Well lock …
Why is No One Visiting Timor-Leste?
23 May 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
You do not need a degree in geography to realise Timor-Leste is surrounded by ocean. It has beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and a tropical climate. It is located in Southeast Asia, just north of Australia and right next to Indonesia. On paper, it shoul …
North Korea’s Destroyer Launch Accident 2025: What Went Wrong?
22 May 2025 / by Steven Zhang
On May 22nd 2025, news of North Korea’s destroyer launch accident spread widely. One day before, on 21 May 2025, North Korea held a launching ceremony for a newly built 5,000-tonne-class destroyer at the Chongjin Shipyard. Coming less than a month afte …
The Baucau Guide
22 May 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Known as the second biggest city in Timor-Leste and just two hours from the capital of Dili, Baucau makes a fabulous overnight trip from the capital city. Therefore YPT usually include it on our East Timor Tours. How though do you get there and is it w …
The Secret of Table Tapping: A Unique Chinese Gesture of Gratitude
21 May 2025 / by Steven Zhang
When you arrive in China and take part in social gatherings – especially during meals or while drinking – you might notice locals lightly tapping the table with their fingers. This seemingly simple act carries deep cultural meaning and serves as a uniq …
How to Celebrate Timor-Leste National Day
20 May 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Every year, YPT arrange a tour to coincide with Timor-Leste National Day, not just the biggest event on the country’s calendar, but also one of the more genuinely enjoyable national holidays in the region. In 2025, Timor-Leste celebrates its 23rd birth …
Travel Advisory: Developing Situation in Wamena, Papua
20 May 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
A recent security incident in Wamena, located in the highlands of Indonesian Papua, has prompted closer monitoring by Young Pioneer Tours. While reports indicate a clash between Indonesian military forces and local rebel groups, the situation remains c …
How To Do Timor Overland
20 May 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Doing Timor overland sounds simple on paper until you actually try it. Two countries sharing one island, a confusing exclave, and some of the most unpredictable border crossings in Southeast Asia. If you like flags, frontiers, or adding a bit of weirdn …
What’s the Difference Between West Timor and East Timor?
19 May 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
East Germany and West Germany, Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland, North Korea and South Korea, and then you’ve got West Timor and East Timor. It does not quite roll off the tongue in the same way, but here we are. The island of Timor is another pla …
