Where the Strange Trails Go Down Sulu, Borneo, Celebes, Bali, Java, Sumatra, Straits Settlements, Malay States, Siam, Cambodia, Annam, Cochin-China

"Where the Strange Trails Go Down" by E. Alexander Powell is a travel book where the author journeys to Malaysia, exploring places like Borneo and Java, aiming to vividly portray these regions' culture, landscapes, and challenges and also introduce the various characters that inhabit these exotic locales, from planters and explorers to native tribes. The story begins with the author's childhood fascination with faraway adventures, sparked by stories from a retired sea captain. Years later, Powell embarks on his own quest to capture the sights and sounds of Malaysian life for those stuck in more ordinary circumstances. Aided by important contacts, his expedition promises an exciting look at the unique aspects of the region, blending adventure with insights into colonialism and the lives of both the colonizers and the native people they meet.