On a bus in Sarawak, Travelling Frogs overheard a conversation. A young German couple, recently arrived from Thailand, were chatting with an American couple who were on their way there and who were eager for recommendations.

The Germans told the following tale, of visiting a beach that was highly praised in their guide book.  Yes, they said, it was very beautiful, palm-fringed, sable-sanded, wonderful views over the azure sea. Worth going there? Yes, definitely. It was stunning. It was also very busy*.  Anyway, they staked their claim to a pretty spot and settled down to enjoy the day. As they relaxed with their books and their sunscreen. a local gentleman came over to them. After exchanging greetings, where everyone came from, etc, the German couple said how much they loved the country and how special this place was. The Thai gentleman seemed pleased with the compliments, and pointed to the far end of the beach. ‘Over there’, he said ‘see, there’s a little gap in the trees. Go over there, through the gap, five minutes walk, you’ll come to another beach. Beautiful like this, no people. Quiet, tranquil. Go there, you’ll like it’.

At this point, relating the story to their new friends on the bus, our young German couple admitted they were nervous, not sure what to do. They didn’t know this person. He seemed very charming and very friendly. He obviously knew the area. It was so kind of him to suggest this hidden treasure. But…doubts set in. Was there a beach? If so what was it like? Was it really deserted? They didn’t know this person, who was he? How could they judge his intentions? Was there some ulterior motive? Was he trying to con them, sell them something, worse? Would they be safe? They decided to stay where they were. The American couple nodded. ‘Very wise’, they said. ‘Good decision. You never know’, they said.

The story didn’t quite finish there, though. The Germans’ hours on the beach were delightful, if not quite idyllic. At the end of the day, they gathered their belongings, and thought ‘what if?’ And, on impulse, walked to the end of the beach, through the gap in the trees, followed the narrow, rather overgrown path for five minutes, and stepped out – onto a beautiful, deserted, beach.

Ahhh. Travellers’ dilemmas, indeed.

*That’s a bit of a problem with guide books, in my experience.  Other people read them too…