Knapsack Books

Age isn’t just a number. My backpack seems to get heavier as the years go by. This is an honest book about how I manage aging and enjoy an active lifestyle climbing volcanoes in Indonesia and trekking in the snowy Himalayas after 50 – all accomplished without any miracle supplements or insane diets. In this book, I will share with you the science and debunk the myths. I praise the heroes and mock the fake gurus. Enjoy the read.

Available on Google Books

It may not be very impressive in terms of altitude, but Gunung Merbabu 3142m is a favourite among trekkers in Central Java due to the complexity of its landscape and the sheer beauty of the views from the top. In this photo-rich book, veteran Singaporean adventurer Chan Joon Yee describes how he prepared for and negotiated with locals to guide him on a comfortable climb of this beautiful mountain.

The author believes that this feat can be achieved by any 50-year-old who has the fitness and determination. Read this book to be informed and inspired.

Available on Google Play

Sichuan Province in China is an enigmatic place with contrasting landscapes and colourful minority ethnic groups. From the fertile, luxuriant lowlands in east to the arid, frigid Tibetan plateau in the west, Sichuan is indeed Tianfu (heavenly home) regardless of which way you look at it and which part of Sichuan you find yourself.

In this rather unique travelogue, Singaporean adventurer Chan Joon Yee brings his 11-year-old son on the little one’s most challenging trip yet – from arduous, day-long bus journeys over 5000m passes to an earthquake in the love song city of Kangding. Read about some of the author’s tips, his insights, his breathless and poetic moments. Be inspired to try the same yourself – with a kid in tow.

Available on Google Play

Tucked in the northwestern corner of Thailand, bordering the Shan state of Myanmar, is the mountainous, beautiful and once inaccessible frontier province of Mae Hong Son. The sole purpose for establishing Mae Hong Son was to herd and train wild elephants to supply to Chiangmai. An ancient trade route cut through the mountainous interior of Mae Hong Son. In 2003, Singaporean writer and adventurer Chan Joon Yee embarked on a solo expedition to explore this ancient trade route stopping over at villages where the elephant caravans once did.

Available on Kindle:

Australia & Asia Pacific Region

United States

Situated in the State of Sabah in East Malaysia, the summit of Mt Kinabalu is the highest point on the island of Borneo. Standing at 4095m, this enormous granite massif is Malaysia’s only alpine peak and sees hundreds of climbers every day. Even a disastrous earthquake in 2015 did not deter the crowds.

Online information tells us that Kinabalu is an “easy” climb requiring no technical climbing skills. While the part about the standard tourist trail being non-technical is quite true, many who have approached the mountain without adequate preparations found out the hard way that the climb is far from easy for the inexperienced and ill-prepared. While most people will still be successful in climbing the mountain because of the amenities that have vastly improved over the years, not that many people know how to prepare for a comfortable and enjoyable climb.

Written by Singaporean adventurer Chan Joon Yee (blogging at knapsacktreks.com) who has climbed this mountain several times over the last 20 years, including a post-earthquake climb in 2016, this book offers advice on how to mitigate some of the discomforts while climbing this very popular peak.

Sure, you may still make it to the top in your swimming trunks or wrapped up like an Eskimo; Climbing Kinabalu Comfortably shares some valuable tips with sheltered newbies on what to bring and how to prepare for maximum comfort and enjoyment on this entry-level high adventure.

Climbing Kinabalu Comfortably is only available on Google Play

From the land of shopping malls and more shopping malls, Singaporean adventurer Chan Joon Yee compiles a collection of travel essays and travelogues distilled over the last 20 years. Adopting an attitude that is so atypical of Singaporeans, the author injects romance and humour into his pieces, drawing lessons that educated Singaporeans can learn from less developed countries. In this book, you’ll find:

* What to expect on your first Himalayan trek

* Tips on what to wear and bring on adventure trips

* Clever ways to overcome altitude sickness

* Border crossings between China and Vietnam

* A search for the real Shangrila

* Tips on managing some minor ailments on an adventure trip

* Border towns in Thailand

* Indonesian antiquities

* The author’s 20-year-old, previously unpublished travelogues

Not every traveller/adventurer is a writer. Chan Joon Yee is one those who can pen his thoughts and feelings about the places he has been to. Buy this book and immerse yourself in these exotic destinations seen through the eyes of the author.
Available on Kindle:

United States

Australia & Asia Pacific Region