Standing on the 8th terrace of Borobudur Temple in Java, Indonesia.
5 Myths About Traveling in Southeast Asia
Before traveling to another country or part of the globe, we already have preconceived notions about what it’s roughly going to be like. Whether it’s through films, travel articles, photographs, or even word of mouth, most people will think a place is a certain way before they even step foot there. But it’s not until you finally get there that many of your concerns will be squashed, or that it just might not be all it’s been made out to be. Southeast Asia was definitely one of those places that I’d heard so much about, and naturally thought would turn out to be a particular way. But after spending 5 months backpacking through the region, I’m about to go all Mythbusters on many of the popular thoughts about Southeast Asia, well, at least what I had thought before setting foot there. Here are our 5 myths about traveling in Southeast Asia. Read more
Photo of the Week: Volcano-side Dwelling
A small house sits in the middle of a cabbage field on the outskirts of Mt Bromo in Java.
Categories: Indonesia, Photo of the Week
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5 Tips for Shopping in Ubud, Bali
A quiet moment on Jalan Raya Ubud before the tour buses arrive.
Many years ago, Ubud was a laid back place where travelers spent weeks on end, soaking up the beauty of Balinese culture and finding inspiration in the lush and tranquil rice-terraced countryside. And it still is! But… along came a book called “Eat Pray Love” which put Ubud on the beaten path and reduced the town’s once authentic down to earth nature and vibe. Nowadays, shop keepers on Jalan Hanoman, Monkey Forest Road and Jalan Raya Ubud are inundated with the buying power of day trip bus tours and women of a certain age trying to imitate a feeling they once read in an Oprah’s book club offering. While there are still “deals” to be found on many of Ubud’s quality and culturally significant souvenirs and keepsakes, it takes a keen and shrewd shopper to realize what is a good price and what is a good price in Bali. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of tips to give you an edge when shopping in Ubud. Read more
Categories: Indonesia, Tips
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Hmm…How About That?! Roo Kill
Traveling to Australia gives a person the very special opportunity of seeing Kangaroos in their natural habitat; splattered all over the shoulder of the A1 highway. While the sight of many a poor roo marred in the tar may be the exact opposite of what a traveler was hoping to see, it isn’t necessarily that shocking, or indeed worthy of pity according to most Aussies. Fact is, the kangaroo population has skyrocketed across Australia to the point of the bounding marsupials being viewed as nothing more than a backyard pest. Read more
Categories: How About That?!
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Learning to Surf in Bali
Stacked and ready to hit the waves at Kuta Beach, Bali.
I’m lying on the red padded surfboard, waves crashing down around me when I hear my instructor ask if I’m ready. Through my water soaked face I spit out a “yes” and take a quick peak back at the wave rushing towards me. My heart quickens with excitement as I’m told to start paddling. Right, left, right, left. I paddle hard to keep up the momentum. My instructor then yells “up!” I arch my back, push up my body, slide my feet forward, and plant them on the board. I teeter a bit but find my balance as the wave propels me closer to shore. But just as quick as I managed to stand up, I feel the board shifting in the opposite direction my body wants to go and I’m back where I began, spitting out salt water. Not exactly a stellar beginning, but not so bad for my first attempt, if I may say so. Read more
Categories: Indonesia
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Scuba Diving in Bali: The Liberty Wreck
Diving the Liberty Wreck off the coast of Bali. Photo Credit: cheapcharlieshotels.com
In 1942, the United States Army transport ship “Liberty” was hit by Japanese torpedoes as it sat off the coast of Tulamben, Bali. Damaged beyond repair, the ship was beached and abandoned. 21 years later, a volcanic eruption moved the Liberty further from the beach and brought it to rest angled on a sand slope under 9 to 30 meters of water. Over time, the wreck slowly developed into an artificial reef, becoming home to thousands of underwater species, and making it a perfect site for scuba exploration. Coinciding with the development of the artificial reef, the small town of Tulamben has developed into a hotspot for dive companies offering guided dives of the wreck, as well as other dive points like Coral Garden (dar’ be sharks hyar!), a site specializing in macro organisms, and a few others. Read more
Categories: Indonesia
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Photo of the Week: The Cliffs of Uluwatu
The Uluwatu Temple is located on the cliffs of southern Bali, and provide some breathtaking scenery.
Categories: Photo of the Week
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5 Ways to Save Money While Traveling in Singapore
On the Southeast Asian backpacking trail, Singapore stands out as the grand dame of them all. With a multicultural population, modern architecture, and a state-of-the-art public transportation system, it’s easy to navigate and immerse yourself in the country. With a highly developed economy, relying heavily on foreign relations, Singapore is a thriving world business centre. Singapore is the 4th leading finance centre in the world, made apparent by the 7,000 multinational corporations from the U.S, Japan, and Europe operating in the country. And they can also boast about having the highest percentage of millionaire households, with over 15% of all households in the country owning at least 1 million USD.
It shouldn’t be a surprise then that things cost more in Singapore but, believe it or not, traveling through the country can still be done on a budget. Below are 5 ways to save money while traveling in Singapore. Read more
Categories: Singapore, Tips
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Photo Essay: Singapore
The boat shaped Marina Bay Sands Resort in Singapore
Singapore is one of those places that seems to be everything crammed into one; distinct neighbourhoods, a stunning harbourfront, delicious food, large malls, crowded markets, a diverse history, upscale hotels and restaurants, and hawker centres for the budget conscious. There’s something for everyone in this pristine country, including captivating imagery for photography buffs everywhere. Read more
Categories: Photos, Singapore
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