Marco Ferrarese

Marco Ferrarese is an author, travel writer, and blogger with deep expertise in South and Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Borneo. Based in Penang since 2009, he has reported from over seventy countries. His reporting emphasizes off-the-beaten-path destinations, local culture, and the extreme music scenes across Asia. His writing often uncovers unexpected stories, exploring layers beneath mainstream travel trends. He has authored books and chapters for publishers such as Rough Guides and Fodor's, with coverage spanning Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, India, and China. His byline frequently appears in international publications including Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Lonely Planet, BBC Travel, The Guardian, CNN Travel, and Nikkei Asia, where he serves as a long-term correspondent. Beyond travel guides, he is the author of the novel "Nazi Goreng" and "Banana Punk Rawk Trails," which explores Malaysian and Indonesian metal punk subcultures. With a Ph.D. in Anthropology specializing in subcultural performance, Ferrarese brings a unique academic and personal perspective to his writing, drawing on his past as a touring punk rock musician. He also maintains the blogs Penang Insider and Monkey Rock World, sharing his extensive knowledge of the region.