If you ever watched the television show M.A.S.H, you will remember that Seoul, Korea was a popular weekend getaway spot for the doctors and nurses in the popular anti-war diatribe. If you take the show too seriously, you might think that Seoul is simply full of gentlemen cheating soldiers out of their money and young ladies earning their living the old fashion way. There are actually many things for tourists to do in Seoul nowadays, and it is one of the safer places a person can go on vacation.
Seoul is very technologically advanced, and its streets are well patrolled by police. It is the third-largest economy in Asia and the largest city in the country. As pretty and well cared for as the country of Korea is, there are some things of which you should be aware when you visit.
South Korea is known for having a high rate of natural disasters. They have earthquakes often, but most of them are not very dangerous. You may want to avoid visiting the country during the month of August and September as it is tsunami and typhoon season in Southeast Asia.
Although the roads were once considered quite dangerous in South Korea, things have gotten better in recent years. It is still considered a rather dangerous place to drive. It is probably best to take taxis or Ubers when you visit. Seoul is known for having very fast drivers. Although the speed limits are similar to those in America, many drivers have a disregard for the law, and traffic can get awfully fast.
It is natural for an American who goes abroad to worry about such crimes as kidnapping and terrorism. South Korea is an ally of the United States, and the risk of either one of these things happening is very low. However, you will want to stay away from the North and South Korean border when you visit the country. There have been many deaths and disappearances in this area.
The city of Seoul sees quite a few tourists every year, and hence, it can draw a lot of pickpockets. It is a good idea not to carry too much cash and to keep important things like credit cards and any identification that you have in a money belt that you wear underneath your clothing. The risk of being mugged is actually very low in South Korea.
There are also a lot of scams in Seoul. You may be invited to a tea house to help a Korean girl learn English, only to find that the tea house has exorbitant prices. Some restaurants have separate menus for tourists.
You must be fully vaccinated from Covid in order to travel abroad. As any Business travel professional will tell you, you should see social distance when you are thereby staying at least six feet away from other travelers, and you must regularly wash your hands.
South Korea is a beautiful country with many diverse things to see. The town of Seoul is filled with opulent palaces alongside modern-day buildings and nightclubs. Visiting the Land of the Morning Calm is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking the right precautions will ensure that you have a truly fabulous experience when you are there.
Asia is a vast continent with 48 countries and a population of 4.56 billion people, the most populous on the planet. Its varied destinations range from the deserts of Saudi Arabia to the futuristic cities of Korea and Japan, to emerging economic giants India and China. You could spend a lifetime visiting and getting to know this extraordinary part of the globe!
Of course, though, ahead of visiting Asia’s top attractions, sampling its weirdest foods, and becoming familiar with its diverse cultures, you need to organize the practical aspects of your journey. This includes your transport, accommodation, and, in many cases, your travel visa. With this in mind, find below 10 top tips to acquire your entry pass to the different countries of Asia. These will make crossing the border on your trip much easier.
The first step regarding your travel visa is to check whether you need one! Depending on your nationality, you’ll be eligible to enter more or fewer countries in Asia without a travel pass.
For example, according to the latest global passport rankings, citizens of the UK can enter 131 countries worldwide visa-free, Australians 128 countries, Canadians 109 countries, Americans 105 countries, while Indian citizens can visit 54 countries without a travel pass.
Notably, even if you’re visa-exempt for the country you’re visiting, there will still be conditions to keep in mind. Among other things, these could include how long you’ll be eligible to visit, whether you can extend your stay, and how long your passport must be valid.
These terms differ across Asia. For example, the Philippines allows citizens of 157 countries to enter visa-free, in most cases for 30 days. Yet citizens of Brazil and Israel can enter for 59 days, while nationals of Hong Kong and Macau can only remain for 14 days. So this is worth confirming before you go!
Once you’ve confirmed whether you need a visa, if you do, the next step is to see what sorts your destination country offers. Generally, there are three main kinds in Asia these days, namely the eVisa, VoA, and traditional embassy visa. Here’s a brief guide to each type:
Generally speaking, if you can acquire an eVisa, it’s a quicker and easier option than the other two, for example with a website like Byevisa.com.
When you’ve confirmed that you’re eligible for a visa and what sort there is, the next step is to check that you fulfill its application requirements. Here’s a list of the most common things you’ll be asked for when applying for a visa:
Usually, your destination country’s embassy or website will tell you roughly how long it will take for your visa application to be processed. The timeframe can vary from virtually instantaneous to several weeks, depending on where in Asia you’re going. As such, check up on the estimated visa processing times well in advance to ensure your travel dates coincide.
Each Asian country’s travel visa offers different visit conditions. For instance, you may be permitted to enter the country once and stay for up to 30 days. On the other hand, you could be allowed to enter and exit your destination country as often as you like during your visa’s validity timeframe and stay for up to three months or more.
What’s more, some countries even offer a variety of visit visas to match different travelers’ preferences. India, for example, offers three travel permits online: (1) a 30-day Double Entry visa, (2) a 1-year Multiple Entry visa, and (3) a 5-year Multiple Entry visa, in which case you could thoroughly explore this vast South Asian country!
It’s important to note that a visa’s total validity period and how long you can stay in your destination country can often differ. For example, Turkey’s eVisa is valid for 180 days from the date of issue, yet it allows you to visit for either 30 or 60 days depending on the one you choose. So, why is there this distinction? Well, it’s to give you time to enter the country, then stay for the fullest period available.
If you’ve obtained an e-Visa, you’ll typically receive a confirmation email once your application has been approved. From there, though, whether you need to print the travel pass to take with you on your trip differs between destinations. Some countries link your visa approval to your passport electronically, while other countries still want you to show a paper copy.
Depending on your destination, you could be required to keep your visa, or a copy, with you while you’re out and about. This is in case you’re asked to show your travel permit by the authorities. If you are, then it’s worth photocopying your travel document and storing at least one copy in your accommodation as a backup, and to have with you for your return journey home.
It’s worth finding out if you can extend your visa when you get to your destination. You may want to do this if, once you’re there, you’re having such a great time that you decide to stay longer! Fortunately, depending on what country you’re visiting, this could be possible. For example, Oman’s 30-day visit visa can be extended by another 30 days.
To conclude, you now have a clear overview of how to apply for your travel visa for your trip to Asia, as well as the factors to have front of mind. Whether you’re backpacking in Vietnam, road-tripping across India, or exploring China’s many palaces and museums, this guidance will stand you in good stead to make obtaining your travel documents as simple as possible.
A holiday in Queanbeyan is all about relaxation. That’s why tourists come to this little NSW town – to get a respite from their quick-paced big city life and get a breath of fresh air in a small city where there’s no need to rush and the locals always have the time to stop for a little chat and give visitors some pointers as to what they should go and see.
Here are a few examples of fabulous little places in and around Queanbeyan.
If you want to hear a few stories about the city of Queanbeyan, drop by the Queanbeyan Museum, right in the city center. Hear the tale of Timothy Beard, the city’s founder, who was an ex-convict turned inn-keeper. At the museum, you’ll find an impressive collection of artifacts from the past two centuries. You’ll see what houses used to look like, everyday objects, and even an iron lung, the grandfather of modern ventilators.
If you’re looking for a thrill and a bit of local history, book a Moonlight Mystery Tour. We won’t spoil it for you, just know you’ll get to see some scary things, but no, there won’t be any ghosts. The best part is that such a tour always ends with a fabulous dinner at one of the best restaurants in Queanbeyan. These tours always take place after sunset for a memorable experience and since there’s going to be dinner afterward, you’ll be up until midnight. At that hour, you won’t be able to catch a bus back to your hotel, so your best option is to order a Queanbeyan cabs taxi to get back.
If you want to spend a pleasant day out in the open, visit Queen Elizabeth Park, where you can walk along the riverbank, ride your bike, or stop and have something to eat. The park is filled with centennial trees and legend has it that the willows on the riverbank started from cuttings taken from Napoleon’s graveside. The little ones will have a blast exploring the park’s playgrounds.
Who says you cannot find cultural events in a small town? When you arrive in Queanbeyan, make sure to check out the schedule of the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre. Throughout the year, the center offers musicals, theatre performances, or dance shows.
This is one of the most important tourist attractions in the area. It’s not far from Queanbeyan and you can follow the 6.5 km walking trail. Just be warned that the trail might not be suitable for small children as some drops are pretty steep. However, it is well worth the effort as you’ll be amazed by the scenic view of the gorge. If you want, you can bring some food with you and have a picnic by the waterfall, and a quick rest to give you enough energy for the hike back to town.
Puerto Rico is best known for the colonial charm of Old San Juan and the stunning beaches and coral reefs that surround the island. But Puerto Rico also boasts a rich, verdant interior with some quite exceptional trails that make it an excellent destination for a hiking vacation as well.
Puerto Rico is a remarkably diverse ecosystem that offers an extraordinary variety of hikes, trails, and treks. From the only tropical rainforest in the US to the stunning coastal paths, the national forests and state parks of the US protectorate make it a wonderful choice for hikers.
Best of all, Puerto Rico is incredibly convenient. Short-haul flights from the mainland US are cheap and quick, and you can take a cruise to Puerto Rico from several ports in Florida and along the East Coast. So if you are considering a hiking vacation in Puerto Rico, here are some of the best trails to try.
Packed with wildlife, beautiful plant species, and stunning birds, the El Yunque Rainforest is a fairly spectacular sight. There are a number of trails to suit every level of hiker here, with the El Yunque Trail being one of the most popular. A relatively short two-and-a-half-mile walk, the 1,500 meters of ascent means it is nevertheless a decent undertaking. Jaw-droppingly beautiful views of Culebra and Vieques greet anyone who makes it to the top.
Hugging the coast around the gorgeous Guanica State Forest, the Vereda Meseta Trail offers a combo of beautiful sea views and shaded forest trails. It is also a little further away from the more popular areas of the island, so there’s a touch of the wild about this adventure. Best of all, the trail winds its way around Playa Tamarindo, the region’s best beach, which makes the perfect spot to cool off and relax after a tough hike.
Hit hard by Hurricane Maria, the Charco Azul Trail deep in the Carite State Forest is back up and running. Highlights along this excellent route include a 15-meter deep swimming hole and the Cerro la Santa, the highest peak in Carite.
Guajataca Forest boasts over 27 miles of trails, including the renowned Interpretive Trail. There is also a trail that leads to the Cueva del Viento (Cave of the Wind) which is a fascinating underground world to explore and adds an extra touch of intrigue to a day’s hiking!
The pandemic is hopefully on its last legs and people are looking forward to a return to their normal lives, especially young people. In Western countries, many people in their 20s or 30s take a sabbatical year to explore the world and find their goals in life. When it comes to exploring, Australia is high on everybody’s list as it’s a magnificent continent, full of natural wonders and mystery. If you’re dreaming of the day when you’ll be free to travel to Australia, here’s all you need to know if you’re planning to also earn a living while you explore the country.
Young foreigners wishing to visit Australia and work their way around the country must apply for a Working Holiday Visa. There are two types – 462 and 417. The first type, Visa 462, allows you to stay and work in Australia for up to one year. The 417 Visa also grants a stay of one year, but you can also apply to renew it for another year. If you’re certain you won’t be staying for more than a year, apply for the former, but keep in mind you might fall in love with this country, in which case it’s safe to have a 417 Visa which can be extended.
Under Australian law, foreign citizens aged 18 – 30 are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa. For French, Canadian, and Irish citizens the upper age limit is 35.
If you are specifically looking for a comprehensive migrating from USA to Australia guide, be sure to explore additional resources to aid your transition.
Keep in mind that getting your visa might take a few months, so apply for one well in advance of your planned departure. Besides a passport, you must be prepared to submit a background check and it better be a clean one.
Australian authorities take this issue seriously and you will be asked to present a background check from your country of origin to prove you won’t be a danger to the local population in any way. If you’ve lived in another country for a period longer than 12 months, you will also be required to present your criminal record from that country. It might be that you’ve lived in Australia when you were younger, in which case you’ll have to get another police check.
As far as Australia is concerned, you can get a national police certificate online using a character check agency like the Australian National Character Check.
Even if you’re planning to work while you travel, you cannot enter Australia totally broke, as you won’t be able to find a job as soon as you land. According to the law, you need to prove to immigration authorities that you have access to a minimum of $5,000 AUD (between $3,000 and $4,000). As proof, you can present a bank statement or a card credit with a limit of more than $5,000 AUD.
When coming to Australia, many immigrants find jobs that are easy to get into and bring in funds quickly. An example can be driving a taxi in Queanbeyan, driving for Uber, or working as a delivery driver.
Also, you should have a booked flight for your return journey.
You should use the first few days on Australian soil to find a place to say and start behaving like a native. That means opening a bank account (most useful when you’re going to get paid for your work) and getting a local phone card. Then you can start browsing online employment offers for backpackers like you.
Let the Australian dream begin!
Being home to nearly 7000 islands, the Philippines is certainly one of those underrated destinations of Southeast Asia as opposed to the other ones. However, if you’re a first-timer to this beautiful place, you’re sure to be rewarded with views of endless stretches of white sandy beaches, emerald-colored volcanoes, crystal clear waters and impressive and mighty mountains.
The Philippines is a rather easy travel destination as per Southeast Asian standards. The country has a ‘don’t-worry-be-happy’ vibe about itself and this is extremely endearing to the first-time visitors. Before booking a trip, it is necessary to verify the Philippines visa conditions that you need to enter the place. So, if you’re ready with your visa, here are a few bloopers to avoid ensuring a smooth and happy trip.
Did someone tell you back at home that you’ll be robbed and kidnapped if you dared to visit the Philippines alone? You got scared and you booked yourself a luxurious resort but didn’t dare to venture out for the entire trip! Or even worse, you didn’t go on the trip at all! This is a big blunder! The Philippines is infamous for being a dangerous place but it is actually as safe a place as any other Southeast Asian destination. Once you reach there, you’ll be glad that you didn’t buy into your fear and worries.
Can you imagine what would happen if you showed up and then spent the next 10 days battling storms and rains? The vacation which you thought would be a memorable one will turn out to be a nightmare! A misconception among the tourists is that the Philippines is a country that shares the same weather. However, it is not simple as that! The Philippines has 4 different climate zones. So, you should research the regional forecasts before choosing your destination.
What is the first rule to follow while traveling to the Philippines? You have to assume that things will go astray. The schedules of buses and boats are extremely unreliable and may change at any moment without any prior notice. Bad weather can spoil even the best-laid plans! So, you need to remain as flexible as possible so that you may immediately go somewhere else when your trip doesn’t go the way you wanted. Bus and boat tickets are almost readily available.
When you’re visiting the Philippines for the first time, you should know that karaoke is a national pastime in the Philippines. You too may find yourself singing one fine day and you shouldn’t worry if you sound like a chicken! People in the Philippines are never judgmental as long as singing is concerned and they’ll respect your effort. Similarly, seasoned karaoke professionals shouldn’t dismiss the skills of the novices.
Just as in the majority of the Asian countries, talking loudly and showing frustration causes ‘face loss’ among both parties and this can be taken wrongly. The Philippines is one of the cheapest destinations in the world as opposed to the US and Europe. Thinking too much about whether you’ve paid a few pesos more or less is not worth it. So, when a taxi driver asks for an extra $1-$2, instead of raising your voice and protesting, keep your cool, and pay up.
So, the Philippines is a country that has it all, from pristine coral reefs to volcanoes to underground rivers, lush green jungles, mammoth caves, and some of the most mesmerizing waterfalls in the world. You can easily snorkel around the WWII wrecks, walk deep within the limestone caves, or camp in the jungle. Just make sure you don’t commit the above-listed blunders and spoil your trip!
We are probably all dreaming of a holiday in the sun right now while we’re stuck at home in quarantine. Who wouldn’t want a break from it all on the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Here are some of the best ways to stay fit and experience all the best parts of Hawaii.
There is no better way to connect with the spirit of Hawaii and the ocean than riding a wave off of the shore of Kona. According to learntosurfkona.com, surfing is an art form that has been passed through generations of Hawaiians who have developed a unique bond with the ocean. Learning how to surf also requires you to face some fears and have a lot of courage, so it’s a thrilling activity for adventure seekers and anyone who loves an adrenaline rush. There is no way to explain in words the feeling of riding a wave; you have to actually experience it for yourself. So go out there and give it a try!
Surfing is a lot of fun but in order to learn you need to work with a teaching professional. As you plan your trip, be sure to schedule your lesson well in advance so you get the date and time that you will be on the island.
Another option for people who love the water is to go snorkeling. Unlike scuba diving, which requires certification, snorkeling is on the surface of the water. You can still get a glimpse of the world underwater without needing an air tank or extra gear.
Hiking, sauntering, walking… Whatever you choose to call it, there are many state and national parks in Hawaii that have rare views. Hawaii boasts of many incredible National Parks that have sights unseen anywhere else in the world including Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
It’s a rare opportunity to see the ocean from above the ocean itself. But every now and then it’s good to take time off of land to explore from above the water. Paddleboarding is different from surfing and kayaking, even though all of them are watersports. Like surfing, you use a board but in a completely different way, without your hands and by standing on it. It’s very likely that you will fall in your first time, but that’s part of the fun! Powering yourself with a paddle, it’s not only great exercise but lots of fun for individuals and groups.
Some of the best outdoor adventures start by gently stepping onto a kayak and rowing out. Kayaking is a lot more stable than paddleboarding and great for either a solo adventure or in a double with someone else, The chances of falling over are a lot less, so it’s a more dry activity, but remember that anytime you’re on the water there is a chance you will get wet. Like paddleboarding, many kayak rental shops offer tours with a guide, so you can call ahead to schedule a kayak session.
Always check the website or call ahead of any business you want to visit during your stay to ensure that you get a reservation. Surf shops and outdoor recreation companies can be busy, and if you don’t reserve a spot then you might find yourself missing out on a guided tour or session with an instructor. You can also save time by filling out waivers and paying before you arrive so you can get outside faster!
There’s no way around it – Indonesia is just a stunning place. If you’re considering a vacation once things loosen up in the world, it should absolutely be on your list of places to visit. And it doesn’t matter if you’re going to cruise Indonesia, or you’ll just land in Bali and take it slowly, but there are a few places you absolutely must go to.
And we’re not saying you should limit yourself to these places only – Indonesia has over 17,000 islands, and you couldn’t possibly see everything there is to see in one visit. But you can certainly consider these places as one of the must-visit spots in Indonesia, recommended by almost any traveler who has visited the Indonesian archipelago.
You probably saw this coming, but a visit to Indonesia without heading to Bali just doesn’t work. It’s not only the place to go to in Indonesia, but it’s also one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Of course, this means that most of the year, it’s absolutely crowded in terms of tourists, but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
The best thing about Bali is the variety of things you can see and experience. Yes, you’ll get to see those sandy beaches that are surrounded by palm trees everywhere you look, but that’s far from everything. You’ll also get to visit volcanoes and massive terraces of green rice. And don’t get us started on the culture – Balinese Hinduism is an experience in and of itself. And you can find it all around you.
For travelers who want a more upscale vacation, Exotic Voyages highlights some of the luxurious resorts you can find in Bali.
Oh, and here’s a friendly tip – if you’re visiting Bali, the best way to go around the island is on two wheels, so you should consider renting a scooter.
Known by many as the turtle capital of the world, the Gili Islands are another one of those places in Indonesia where you just have a massive variety of things to do. There are three islands in total, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, and each of them is different from the others and has something specific to offer.
To begin with, Gili Trawangan is probably the best developed out of the three. You can find a mix of parties that go on day and night, and laid-back beaches where you can relax and sip a cocktail. There is certainly something for everyone. Gili Meno is the exact opposite. It’s the least developed of the three islands, which means you don’t get nearly as many tourists, making it perfect if you appreciate a bit of privacy. Honeymoons, anyone? And of course, you have Gili Air, which is somewhere in the middle between the two. It’s the island you want to go to if you’re a fan of more engaging activities like kitesurfing or SUP yoga, and it also has a variety of authentic villages you can visit.
Yes, Indonesia is best known for islands, but it’s not all just islands. Mount Bromo is a volcano that’s usually surrounded by smoke and will get you one of the most colorful skies you can enjoy. This is why watching the sunrise from Java Island is one of the most popular things you can do in Indonesia, and it’s certainly an unforgettable experience you should try. To add to this, it’s not just the volcano you can visit – there’s a vast desert, as well as surrounding hills and mountains, flower fields and waterfall, and most of it can be explored in not more than a day or two.
It’s Indonesia’s largest island, and Sumatra is a true paradise for adventurers, or just about anyone who’s interested in rainforests and endangered species. It’s also one of the two places in the world where you can see wild orangutans, too.
Now, most of the tourism in Sumatra is actually centered around the largest volcanic lake in the world, Lake Toba. You can swim in the lake, you can lounge around it, and you can also enjoy the island of Pulau Samosir, which is now home to indigenous tribes with their own authentic culture.
Last but not least, the island of Sulawesi comes with a unique twisted shape, making it quite different from anything else you might see. And yes, getting there might be a bit difficult, but you’ll be rewarded with authentic culture and the pleasure of one of the world’s most beautiful islands. You can dive at the Togean Islands, and the water visibility is just phenomenal. Make sure you’re careful with the sharks and saltwater crocodiles, though.
If you want to stay off the mainstream track and avoid what everyone else is doing, Sulawesi is just perfect. And yes, the troubles of getting there are well worth it.
When visiting England and the UK in general, there is so much to experience. There is a whole lot going on in England despite it being a small place. This is an advantage in many ways as it means visitors can enjoy their short break in the UK without much travel time.
Whether you decide to come to England from overseas or plan a UK staycation; there will be somewhere that ticks all the boxes when visiting. With unrivaled countryside, great nightlife, award-winning restaurants, and city escapes; England is the place to enjoy a staycation or a longer vacation. No matter the type of break or vacation you’re looking for, England has it in abundance. Whether that’s a last-minute hotel deal in the Lake District, a city escape in London, or a spa weekend in Bath. Short breaks in the UK don’t need to cost the world either.
There are plenty of ways to experience the best last-minute UK staycation without breaking the bank. You can get various hotel deals in the UK from an OTA (online travel agent). They usually get offers from hotels during the quieter months but guests can also get bargains during the busier periods. Moreover, hotel deals can cover dinner and breakfast as well as possible freebies such as prosecco on arrival. Even spa discounts and free upgrades.
With that covered let’s find out the places to visit in England for a last-minute break:
Bristol might not be the first destination you think of for a late UK break. It is an underestimated place to visit. It’s a unique city and offers visitors a lot. When looking for late hotel deals guests cannot go wrong with Bristol. From the second you visit here you will feel the warmth and welcoming vibe of the locals. Experiencing attractions here is a must-do activity. With the historic SS Great Britain, the stand-out aquarium and the famous street art dotted around; from Banksy as well.
Bristol is a foodie’s paradise too. Grab a late lunch tapas at the Olive Shed overlooking the gorgeous harbor. Experience the real Bristol with the street food on offer at St Nick’s marketplace. Bristol is also a place to come enjoy festival after festival with the likes of Harbour Fest and the ever-popular Balloon Fiesta. Visiting Bristol could be part of a wider South Coast England staycation.
When experiencing the south of England, you can’t beat visiting Bath. It’s one of the most picturesque destinations in the region. Many come here for one reason; the Roman Baths. The Roman Baths enable visitors to learn about the history of the city. Another experience for people on a last-minute staycation is the Thermae Bath Spa. Thermae offers a real mix of traditional spa and modern spa facilities. It’s the only spa to use natural thermal spring water. The architecture of Bath is really astounding. At every turn, you will see the Georgian buildings neatly next to each other. A must-visit is to the amazing Royal Crescent where this building style is on display. We recommend staying at the outstanding Royal Crescent Hotel that’s situated here for the ultimate last-minute hotel break. Walking around Bath is just a joy in itself. You can even come here for the day as part of your wider UK hotel break.
Become a culture vulture while in Bath. It has so many great museums and galleries to wander around and get lost in. Some are free so for those travelers on a budget, this could be your gig. Suggestions include the Fashion Museum and the Victoria Art Museum. The Jane Austen Centre is a must-visit for bookworms and those interested in one of the UK’s biggest authors. The center brings to life the story of Jane’s life in Bath in the early 1800s through exhibits and real-life costumed characters. Short breaks in Bath should be considered this year.
Weekends in Brighton are popular for many. Brighton has a romance about it. Whether you come here for a weekend with your partner, a few days away with the family or looking to find yourself with friends; this city has it. Brighton hotels offer something for every visitor. Lavish 5-star accommodations to more cost-effective residences. Brighton gives off the vibe of spontaneous adventure at every turn. It’s one of those places where visitors can have loose plans on what to do. The markets, graffiti art and street entertainers can keep you busy for hours on end.
Brighton is full of adventure. Around every corner. There are so many great places to eat here. Explore The Lanes (the famous cobbled streets in Brighton) and you’ll find countless family-run places to dine the day and night away. English’s of Brighton is the city’s oldest restaurant and it has the best fish and chips. Food For Friends is another favorite, probably the best vegetarian place in Brighton. There are other amazing vegan restaurants such as Terre a Terre and 64 Degrees is the one for the fine dining experience. The Lanes are a great place to absorb the culture of the city and what it stands for.
Venture further to the Brighton Pier where you would expect is an assortment of rides, arcades and ice cream parlors. It keeps its history without it being tacky.
These are just some of the amazing places to experience when visiting the South of England. Of course, there is London, Kent and a few others we didn’t mention but Brighton, Bath and Bristol have a certain mysticism and draw to them. Lots of history, culture and everything else you could want when looking for a weekend in the UK. So before jetting off abroad think about exploring this part of beautiful England and make memories that last.
Malaysia is the crown jewel of Southeast Asia, a tropical paradise that houses some of the most stunning landscapes, which you must add to your bucket list. From natural bathtubs to treetop houses, there is so much more to discover about this magical country. If traveling is something you enjoy, here are the picks for the 5 most exotic places for your next getaway in Malaysia.
Pinnacles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a formation of 45 meters high limestone spires located in the Mulu National Park (Sarawak). Considered one of the toughest hikes in Malaysia, the trail is about 2.4 km in length but rises steeply at 1200 meters in altitude.
It is not for the faint-hearted, especially if you fear heights. This trail involves rock climbing over razor-sharp rocks, walking on treacherous bridges, and hauling yourself over twisted tree roots. To reach there and back, you need to go through an extreme 3-day-2-night trek.
Day 1, starts with a one-hour boat ride along Melinau River to Kuala Litut jetty. Then you will trek for 9 km to Camp 5, which is the Mulu base camp.
On Day 2, the first part of the hike will be to the mini pinnacles, which is the first checkpoint. The target is to reach it within an hour, otherwise, the guide will ask you to return, to proceed to the next checkpoint. In the second part of the adventure, expect to climb on all fours on vertically 45-degree angle rock surfaces, using ropes and precariously perched ladders. This journey takes approximately 3 hours to reach the destination. Apparently, only 30% of hikers make it to this point, as the majority usually turn around and give up. Once you reach the peak, just enjoy the breathtaking beauty that mother nature has to offer. Hiking down is more difficult as your legs start to turn jelly, taking another 4 hours to reach back to base camp before dark.
On Day 3, you can enjoy a cold refreshing dip at the crystal clear Melinau River at Camp 5 before returning back using the same route as Day 1.
Fancy living in a treetop house in the middle of the jungle? Terra Tree House is located 4km away from the crowds in Cameron Highlands. These treetop huts are constructed by the aborigines (also known as “Orang Asli”) with their own hands. It is designed with aboriginal architecture using bamboo, rattan, and palm leaves (for roofs).
These individual treehouses are perched on stilts, overlooking luscious green forests, allowing you to breathe in the view at its best. Getting there requires you to get on a 4 wheel drive off-road journey across narrow and bumpy roads, passing through farmlands. Upon reaching the entrance, there will be a 400-meter hike (with your luggage) through log piled trails, which may take about 20 minutes uphill to the treehouse. As it is located deep into the mountains, there is simply no access to cellphone networks.
There is limited electricity, as electricity is sourced from the generator, which turns on from 7 pm to 10 pm. It is simply a natural haven, with absolute quiet and peace for a restful mind. You will enjoy a good night’s sleep as the beds are made of 100% organic cotton quilts, including the bed sheets and quilt cover. Water supply is directly channeled from a clean mountain stream. As it is not easy to get outside food, meals are all vegetarian and prepared by the owner using biodynamic or organic ingredients sourced from the owner’s farm.
Activities can be arranged to visit the water source via a hike through the forest. You can also hike to a nearby waterfall to soak in the cold fresh mountain water! It is simply the perfect place for a break away from the outside world.
Gua Tempurung (“Gua” also known in English as Cave) is the oldest limestone cave in Peninsular Malaysia, attracting serious caving enthusiasts from around the world. It is one of the largest caves in peninsular Malaysia, featuring spectacular stalagmites and stalactites, huge domes, and amazing rock formations.
Made largely out of 5 domes, it resembles coconut shells (“Tempurung” also known in English as coconut shells). Hence the name, Gua Tempurung. On the darker side of the story, it used to shelter communist guerrillas as a hideout during the Malayan Emergency (1948 to 1960) and some of their graffiti is still visible on the walls.
You have the option to visit the Show Cave, admiring the cave from afar. Or you can get yourself an adventure with the ranger-guided tour. These tours will take you through pitch dark narrow passages, squeezing through holes and sliding over 5 to 9 meters large slippery rocks.
It is recommended to get rubber shoes from local stores (for around $1.50 US dollars) as they have good traction. You will reach an underground river, where you will expect to be submerged in cold water to waist level with the current flowing. At certain parts of the passages become narrower, chances are, you may need to army crawl through it. You will eventually get wet up to your neck.
After 2 hours of adventure, you will be led to the eastern side of the cave, where there is an opening in the middle of a lush, green forest. Rest for a quick bite and your return journey will take you back entirely through the underground river. For the young at heart, this experience is worth the perseverance and thrill!
Endau Rompin National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. For nature lovers who want to disconnect from the outside world, the remoteness of this place is simply urging you to experience nature in its most pristine state. It is recommended to get a tour guide to facilitate the activities that you will be doing. Local guides can specially arrange visits with “Orang Jakun”, an indigenous group. You get to learn about their local cultures, how they make animal traps, and try out blowpipe shooting. Try their authentic delicacies prepared by the natives, sourced from local ingredients.
A highlight for thrill-seekers is water tubing along the Endau River. You get to navigate the waters on a rubber tube while trying to dodge river boulders with a paddle in hand. There are 3 majestic spots that you must not miss, Upeh Guling Waterfalls (a natural bathtub with a hole within a solid rock), Buaya Sangkut Waterfall (which has a shape of a crocodile in the rock formation), Tasik Air Biru (also known as the blue lagoon). You will need hours of trekking through the jungle to swim in these waters.
For trekking, it is recommended that you buy leech socks (from the village shop) as you will find hundreds of leeches on the forest floor! These leech socks, sprayed with DEET (insect repellent) are pretty effective as they seal off at the knee and physically prevent leeches from getting to you.
Photography hobbyists will find Endau Rompin forests a haven for macro photography. The forest is flourishing with flora and fauna, and stunning natural wonders waiting to be captured by your camera. Endau Rompin is home to some of Malaysia’s most endangered animals, such as the Malayan Tiger and Sumatran Rhinoceros. If you are lucky, you even can spot fresh track signs of elephants, and you might just be able to find them by following their tracks.
Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Malaysia’s highest mountain with a height of 4.095 km. To climb Mount Kinabalu, it is compulsory for you to get a permit, insurance, a guide, and accommodation booked (on the night of your climb) near the summit. Only a certain number of persons can be allowed on the mountain at any one time due to safety reasons.
As it is a sacred mountain, you will be briefed on the rules prior to your hike. There should be no shouting, screaming, or cursing at the top of the mountain. The locals believe in respecting the mountain spirits that lie within Mount Kinabalu.
The climb starts at Timpohon and you will begin your ascent to Laban Rata. This 6-hour journey involves huge steps and occasional flat patches while passing through mossy forests. As you climb, you will be amazed to see porters, carrying an average of 40kg of luggage, food, drinks, and even a gas tank. There are rest stops to rest along the way, as the degree of incline increases as you approach the top. You will arrive at a little guest house nestled in the Laban Rata, where you will spend the night, have your dinner while watching the sunset.
Bring altitude tablets with you, as some hikers experience altitude sickness due to thinner air at this point. At 2 am the next morning, dress up in warm clothes as it will be freezing cold. With your headlights on, you will continue your climb to the peak in the dark for another 2.7km. There are ropes tethered to the rock for you to pull yourself up. If you are early enough, you will be able to catch the sunrise at Low’s Peak, overlooking the cotton clouds below you.
The view when descending down is also quite impressive, despite facing punishing countless steps going down. Conquering Mount Kinabalu is certainly an adventure not to be missed, as it will be one of the best experiences of your life.
