Asia

Singapore Vacation Of Your Dreams – Singapore is a land of extravagance and beautiful culture.

It is the perfect place to experience everything in one trip.

We sat down and thought hard about exactly how we would spend our time in Singapore if time and money were unlimited.

Before you buy your plane ticket, read on for some ideas to add to your adventure.

Singapore Vacation Of Your Dreams

Immerse In Singapore Culture With Your Accommodations

You can find a number of hostels, hotels, and rental properties available for travelers.

To really get the most out of Singapore, we suggest reserving an AirBnB.

With an unlimited budget, one might assume we would pick a five-star hotel that has all the amenities you can imagine.

Really, the trip is meant to enjoy what Singapore has to offer and we would rather spend a lot of our time exploring it rather than being swayed by on-site spas, pools, golf courses, and restaurants.

An AirBnB means you get to meet someone local and find out about great places to go that maybe a concierge won’t tell you about.

Worried about a language barrier?

Don’t worry, most people in Singapore speak English! 

Enjoy The View From A Singapore Golf Course

Speaking of golf courses, we definitely recommend golfing to those who love to take the casual strolls between holes.

golfscape Singapore golf courses are well known and cater to the area well.

This is one sport you can work into your budget very easily and that will give you a break from the usual hustle and bustle.

You won’t even have to go far since many of the courses are just a block or so away from the downtown area, saving you some time getting there.

For a stress-free round, we suggest Sebawang Golf Course.

Situated in Mindai, the course was designed in 1968 by the Royal Marines, New Zealand Armed Forces, and the Singapore Armed Forces to help soldiers, and civilians, to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

If you prefer to be closer to a thriving and bustling city, then we highly recommend checking out the Serapong Course on the Southern Island.

This newer, and very challenging, course features a par of 72 and is one of the top five championship courses in all of Asia.

The reviews of this course indicate that the greens are fantastic to play and that you should be prepared for the challenge.

Explore And Enjoy Singapore

One thing about Singapore is that you can find some truly unique and fun things to do.

One of the spots that intrigue us most is the Haw Par Villa.

This is a theme park that shares the Buddhist version of Hell.

Just saying that sentence out loud sounds thrilling!

If you enjoy wildlife, we do suggest you check out the Wildlife Reserves Night Safari.

This is a zoo to witness nocturnal animals and nighttime habits of other animals.

You will see Asian elephants and various forms of large cats.

What is really exciting is observing the civets, pangolins, and giant flying squirrels.

Those squirrels can glide the length of five football fields! Just like any zoo, they also have shows to educate and entertain.

Shows change often but we have to admit that the fire-twirling and creature of the night shows are pretty tempting.

Aside from Buddhist theme parks and nighttime zoos, there is so much to do in Singapore.

You can spend an entire day shopping at couture boutiques, local shops, and hang out at the mall.

Museums are everywhere and are great opportunities to learn more about the culture and religions of the land.

Eating Is A Must

All travelers should be ready for the adventure that is eating the local fare.

Singapore, and other Asian cities, often have a hodgepodge of foods but you can certainly find some local dishes.

A few items we recommend checking out are:

Bak Kut Teh – meat bone tea/pork ribs soup

Wanton Mee – wanton noodle dish with pork. You can also find the spicy version that has chili mixed with the noodles

Fried Carrot Cake – definitely not what you think! Radish flour cake, radishes, and eggs make up this amazing dish

Dim Sum – you just haven’t had it as good as they make it in Singapore!

Laksa – a noodle and fish dish with curry

Curry Fish Head – exactly as it sounds and it is quite delicious

Many restaurants and food stalls offer these traditional dishes and so much more.

If you need a break from the local fare, do stop at the local McDonald’s.

Their menu features most of the American items with a few additions.

One thing that is significantly different is the caloric intake.

When we looked at their menu, entire meals only went as high as 500 calories.

Travel in Singapore Like A Local

It may be tempting to rent a car for your stay but we recommend using the transportation systems to be close to other travelers and the locals.

Trishaws, the traditional three-wheeled bike and carriage ride, is a fantastic way to get around.

There are trishaw systems that you can use, much like a bus system, or you can opt for a freelance driver who will be happy to take you around (and may give you local tips on sights and adventures).

There is also a subway system, Mass Rapid Transit, that is reputable for it’s reliable and fast service.

We suggest getting passes so that you can save on the fare during your stay.

You can also hire a car or find a rental to travel on your own time.

These are often more costly options but they are great if you plan on going very long distances from your accommodations.

If you do have a budget for your trip, do the research and look for ways to save money.

Groupon, travel miles, and AAA can offer ways to lower your expenses.

If you can’t do all that you want on your trip, try not to stress about it. It will give you a good reason to go back!

It is a new year which means new travel goals. When you are deciding where in the world to visit, it’s fun to learn about new places in the process. No matter your travel goals, it’s worth considering a trip to visit Tibet.

As the highest region anywhere in the world, Tibet lives up to its nickname as the “roof of the world.”

Being the average elevation is 4,900 meters (16,000 feet) it’s important to know the best month to visit Tibet.

When to visit Tibet

Every country and every place has a certain best time to go — a time when everything is ideal and optimal.

You may think July is the best time to visit, given it’s the warmest month on Mt Everest.

However, considering all factors, including temperature, attractions entry, travel cost, and weather, April is one of the best months to visit Tibet.

While Tibet is a region where each season and every type of weather highlights a different face and beauty of the region, April is the best month to go.

In addition, there are additional reasons why April is the best month to travel to Tibet and the Lhasa Buddhist Temples.

Since it’s getting a bit warmer, the tourism season is just starting in the late March.

Typically, there are  discounts. During this time — from February to April — there is no entrance ticket policy.

The tour and package promotions are in full swing during these months.

As Tibet is an expensive place for travel, it is best to make use of discounts during the month of April.

Hotels often give discounts for early bookings during the month of April.

You need to be wary of very inexpensive-sounding packages and tours.

Some are decent so it’s important to do your homework and research when you are looking for the cheapest Tibet tour.

Weather for Everest Tour from Lhasa

The weather during April suited for a variety of activities.

April and March are months very well-suited for climbing Mount Everest and for hiking to or exploring Everest Base Camp.

A one week trip from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp — which includes visiting attractions in Lhasa and Shigatse — is one of the most popular trips during April.

Many Mt Everest climbing packages are available in the month of April.

The skies are clear and so the views are also clearer. You can hike freely in your own pace in the month of April.

With proper prior training and exercises for climbing the Everest, the experience is favorable, pleasant, and hassle-free if you climb the Everest in April.

You will need the appropriate gear and clothing as the weather will be cold given the elevation.

There is also a package that includes EBC and Lake Namtso along with Lhasa.

Depending on what you want to see and do, there are many different itineraries to suit your needs.

Sample itinerary for 8- day Everest Base Camp trip during April:

Day 1: Lhasa
Day 2: Lhasa Tour- Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Day 3: Lhasa Tour- Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery
Day 4- Lhasa to Gyanste to Shigatse
Day 5: Shigatse to Everest Base Camp
Day 6: Everest Base Camp to Shigatse
Day 7: Shigatse to Lhasa
Day 8: Departure from Lhasa

Many package options can be customized to your needs.

For sure, discuss it with your tour operators to know more details to find out what makes the most sense logistically.

Perfect Time for Tibet Trekking like Mt. Kailash Kora

April is a good month for trekking in Tibet.

Mt Kailash Kora

One of the most popular trekking destinations that tourists and pilgrims do is the Mt. Kailash Kora.

Mt. Kailash is considered as a holy mountain by people of Buddhist, Bon, Jain, and Hindu faiths.

Kora is act of circumambulation around a holy place.

Thousands of pilgrims travel to Tibet to perform Kora around Mt. Kailash.

Lake Mansarover 

Trekking around Mt. Kailash and visiting the nearby, holy Lake Mansarover are some of the most popular activities.

It is said that taking a dip in Lake Mansarover absolves a person of their sins from previous and current life.

April and May are the best months to do this as summer showers start in June.

Saga Dawa Festival

Another reason to visit Mt. Kailash during April is the Saga Dawa Festival.

This festival falls in the middle of April and thousands of locals flock to Mt. Kailash to celebrate this.

They erect a huge pole with a lot of prayer flags tied to it.

Tourists can also trek around Mt. Kailash for adventure and for a religious experience.

There are also five monasteries surrounding the mountain which give a great insight into religion and culture.

More than a challenging and adventurous experience, trekking around Mt. Kailash will be an authentic experience that shows you the religious side of Tibet.

Here is a popular Kailash Mansarover itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Lhasa
Day 2: Exploring Lhasa- Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Day 3: Exploring Lhasa- Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery
Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse
Day 5: Shigatse- Tashilunpo- Saga
Day 6: Saga- Lake Mansarover
Day 7: Mansarover- Zanda Valley (Guge Kingdom)
Day 8: Guge- Tsabrang
Day 9: Transfer to Darchen
Day 10: Kora first day (4,920m)
Day 11: Kora second day (5,600m- 4,800m)
Day 12: Kora third day (4,500m) (rest in Paryang)
Day 13: Paryang- Tingri
Day 14: Tingri- Everest Base Camp and Rongbuk Monastery
Day 15: Rongbuk- Shigatse
Day 16: Shigatse- Lhasa

Early April for Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival

Peach blossoms bloom all around Tibet from mid- March to mid- April.

Since 2002, local Tibetans and tourists have celebrated this beauty of nature to acknowledge the stunning views and promote local region and culture.

The flowering phases slightly change depending upon the different region it grows in.

While travelling in Nyingchi, you will see peach blossom festival celebrated in following regions:

• Bome County
• Zayu County
• Bayi District
• Mainling County
• Nang County
• Gongbo’gyamda County

In some regions, they bloom until the end of April and in some region only until mid-April.

Activities at the peach festival

Some of the popular activities during the festival are:

• Photography contests
• Exploring ancient Tibetan villages
• Seeing roads lined up with pastel beauties in bloom
• Enjoying the hot springs
• Enjoying the competitions, including archery, horse racing
• Cruising the Niyang River
• Sampling the delicious local foods

One of the more important Tibet traveling hacks to note is that Tibet is not open to international tourists during the month of March, so travelling to Tibet during early April is the best time to catch the Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival.

From its vantage point, the best month to visit Tibet is April.

It’s the month when the weather starts getting warm, the sun starts staying out a little longer, and leaves turn into a new color.

The cold weather and snow starts wearing off in the lower regions of the valley and wind is dry.

April is the month that is perfect for doing pretty much everything, be it trekking, hiking, cycling, or over-landing.

Visit Tibet during April to experience the best of everything.

Lhasa Buddhist Temples are a must see in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. Lhasa has many names — Roof of the World, City of Sunshine, and Land of Gods to name a few.

It is called ‘Roof of the World’ as it is one of the highest, habitable cities in the world.

It is called the ‘City of Sunshine’ as it receives a lot of sunshine compared to other places in Tibet.

Also, it is known as the ‘Land of Gods’ as Lhasa is the spiritual center of Tibet.

Lhasa has some of the most important palaces and monasteries within Tibet.

These palaces and monasteries are of cultural and religious significance.

For hundreds of years, people have protected, maintained, and rebuilt them.

Here are some of the top Buddhist attractions you must visit in Lhasa to start your Tibet tour.

It is necessary to know more about their religion, culture, and way of life.

Lhasa Buddhist Temples and Attractions

Jokhang Temple

Jokhang is one of the important Buddhist temples in Tibet.

Many consider it to be the spiritual centre of Lhasa.

Jokhang Temple is more than 1,000 years old and is located in the centre of the city.

You can see many roads and paths diverging from the temple.

Since its conception, restorers have renovated the temple a number of times to preserve and safeguard it against the modern development.

What to see at Jokhang Temple

The temple is also famous for its architecture which is said to be influenced by Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan style.

Jokhang Temple is the best place to get a peek into the religious lives of Buddhists.

One of the things that make this temple an important spiritual centre is the life-size image of 12-year-old Jowa Sakyamuni.

It is about 1.5m high. It is a revered treasure of the temple.

Inside the temple you can many paintings depicting the ancient times in Tibet.

From the golden roof of the temple you can see the full view of the beautiful Potala Palace.

You will further see prayer halls and chapels throughout the temple.

Local pilgrims visit this temple every day.

Surrounding the temple is the Barkhor Street which has many old shops lined up.

It also serves as a kora path for the pilgrims; it takes about 30 minutes to circumambulate the temple in Barkhor Street.

Potala Palace

This UNESCO World Heritage site is the star attraction of Lhasa.

Potala Palace looms over Lhasa so graciously and magnanimously.

This palace was constructed by 5^th Dalai Lama in the year 1645.

Sitting at an altitude of 3,700m on top of the Marpo Hill, this palace symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism.

Potala Palace is one of the highest ancient palaces in the world.

This palace is 13 stories high with more than a 1,000 rooms and spans over an area of 13 hectares.

Potala Palace is famed for its architecture, artworks, murals and ancient religious treasures.

This was once the winter palace of Dalai Lama.

Today it is a religious place, tourist attraction, and a museum.

The palace is built in woods and natural stones like granite.

The fortress-like walls surrounding the palace will leave you with a lasting impression.

There are beautiful carvings and paintings that tell us about the glorious days of Tibet.

Main parts of the Potala Palace

There are two main parts in the palace: the Red Palace and the White Palace.

The Red Palace is in the centre and consists of Buddhist halls, libraries, prayer halls, golden stupas, and chapels.

It houses ornate golden chortens of previous Dalai Lamas.

The White Palace was where Dalai Lama used to stay while visiting.

It was the office for handling political and religious matters.

There are statues of many important people who contributed to Buddhism.

They only allow a limited number of people inside the palace every day.

Therefore, it is important for you to book the tickets in advance to witness the inside of this beauty.

To get a full picture of the palace, go to:

• Chakpori Hill
• Zongjiao Lukang Park
• Potala Palace Square

During the nights, the palace looks lit up with all the lights lining every edge and corner of the palace.

Great three Gelugpa Monasteries

Gelugpa is a sect that follows the latest school of thought in Tibetan Buddhism.

Also, known as the Yellow Hats Sect, it was founded by Tsongkhapa in 15^th century.

Around 17^th century, this school of thought spread widely and many practice it today.

People built many monasteries following Gelugpa school of thought all around Tibet.

In Lhasa, the three most important Gelugpa monasteries are a popular attraction for those who want to know more about the religion and culture of people who follow Buddhism.

The three monasteries are:

• Ganden Monastery
• Sera Monastery
• Drepung Monastery

The devoted followers and students of Tsongkhapa built these monasteries.

Ganden Monastery

Standing at an elevation of 3,800m on the side of Wangbur Mountain, Ganden Monastery was built in 15^th century.

It is a large monastery with more than 50 buildings inside it.

The main attraction is the Tsochin Hall with 100 massive pillars.

The monastery has pagodas, chambers, prayer halls, shrines, and assembly halls.

With beautiful scenery surrounding the monastery, you can hike around with the pilgrims performing Kora.

You can also trek from Ganden Monastery to Samya Monastery where you be hiking across small valleys, temples, lakes, and ancient villages.

Sera Monastery

Built in the year 1419, Sera Monastery is located in an area where wild roses bloom every year.

This monastery houses three colleges of which Sera Je College is the most popular.

Visitors can tour this college and see the many spectacular Buddha statues and stupas.

The main attraction of this monastery is the debating sessions that happen at 3:00 pm.

Except Sundays, monks gather in the courtyard at 3:00 pm to debate.

Visitors can witness the debate but cannot take pictures of them.

You will see junior and senior monks clapping loudly and debating vigorously to make their point.

Drepung Monastery

Located at the foothills of Gambo Utse Mountain, this monastery looks like a white heap of rice.

It is respected as the Mother Monastery of Dalai Lamas’ owing to the fact that many Dalai Lamas have studied here.

At one point of history, Drepung Monastery was the largest monastery in Tibet and housed as many as 10,000 monks in the monastery.

Today there are only around 700 monks.

There are four academies in the monastery.

In the forests surrounding the monastery, there are many courtyards.

One of the main highlights in the monastery is the 15m high Maitreya Buddha statue.

Visiting Lhasa Buddhist temples and monasteries

Remember, Tibet is a place where people’s way of life and religion are closely intertwined.

The holy sites of Tibet carry history and stories of the past which the devout locals still preserve.

Visiting the Buddhist attractions (Tibet in April) will be an enriching experience.

Traveling to Tibet is on many travelers’ bucket lists.

Over the years, Tibet has become popular not only for its spiritual tourism but also for adventurous and offbeat tourism it offers.

Tibet’s secluded locality, high altitude (popularly called as the ‘Roof of the World’), warm hosts, and old world charm make Tibet a must visit.

You’ll enjoy serene spiritual vibes, religious monasteries and sacred relics, majestic mountains, breathtaking views and pristine lakes.

And Tibet’s challenging roads for driving and cycling are something to experience.

Traveling to Tibet Hacks – How To Prepare For Tibet

Here are some awesome hacks and tips to help you prepare for first time trip to Tibet.

Use a Tibetan Travel Agency (MUST HAVE)

Find a reliable and responsible local Tibet travel agency

Tourists cannot travel solo in Tibet.

Their government does not allow doing so for safety reasons.

Whether you are travelling alone or in a group, you have to go through a certified Tibetan travel agency.

Tibet tours are expensive, and there are agencies that offer cheap packages.

Don’t book through agencies just because it is cheap; they compromise on safety and comfortable travelling.

Book with a reliable agency like Tibet Vista.

Tibet Vista has been arranging tours in Tibet for more than three decades and is one of the largest travel agencies in China.

Tibet Vista thrives to provide travelers with a safe, enjoyable, and thoughtful experience.

With a promise of arranging tours with no hassles, decades of experience, and a hard working team, it’s easily the best agency to book your trip with.

Tibet Vista not only provides standard package tours, you can also customize your trip with them.

The staff and guides are well versed in English which makes communication easier.

Customize Your Tibet Trip

Work with your travel consultant to customize your Tibet tour, keeping in mind Tibet has so many things to offer.

You can go on any type of trip:

• Fully adventurous trip filled with mountain climbing and overlanding
• Full-scale cycling trip
• Fully spiritual tour which involves exploring many monasteries and old Tibet
• Trip that provides you a bit of both — adventure and spirituality

There are so many attractions in Tibet, do a quick research of what Tibet has to offer before booking a tour.

Decide also if you want to arrive to Tibet by flight or train.

Consider if you want to do an overland or cycling trip or will you travel by car.

Once you decide what kind of trip you are looking for, you can choose any existing packages or customize your itinerary.

You can customize your own itinerary depending on budget, time available, attractions you want to visit, and the month you are traveling to Tibet.

You can plan your ideal trip, the way you want, with help of travel consultants in the travel agency.

Tibet Travel Permit Hack

What do you need to travel to Tibet?

E-mail your travel documents to apply for Tibet permit to China.

You need certain documents to enter Tibet.

Along with your Chinese visa, you need a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) to enter Tibet.

You can obtain your Tibet Travel Permit through your travel agency.

You will have to email them copies of your passport and Chinese visa to the agency at least 20 days before your date of travel.

The permit can be obtained within 5-7 working days.

This permit is checked and asked for in airports, hotels, and at the entry of some attractions.

It is important to have them with you at all times.

If you want to travel out of Lhasa and other remote areas you have to obtain Aliens Travel Permit and Military Area Entry Permit.

These two permits can be obtained after entering Tibet, but you need TTP to enter Tibet.

Book your Tibetan flight, train tickets, and hotel accommodations ahead

It is important and advisable to book travel tickets and accommodation in advance.

Especially during peak tourism season, the flights, trains, and rooms get booked fast. Sometimes even the hostels get fully booked.

The Tibet tourism season is in peak from May to October…we like Tibet in April

The later you book, the more expensive gets the cost of stay and travel.

Train tickets have to be booked at least 4-5 weeks in advance as hundreds of people travel to Tibet by train, including the locals.

In case of hotel accommodations, if you want to stay comfortably in 3-star and budget hotels, you need to book at least a month in advance.

Sometimes even the youth hostels and home stays get fully booked by climbers or backpackers.

When you look for accommodation in the last minute, you might not get the room you want and might end up paying a lot for a room with very basic facilities.

Also, plane tickets are cheaper when you book at least a month in advance.

The travel and accommodation costs reduce by half during winter and off-season months, as the inflow of tourists are very low during those times.

Traveling to Tibet Packing Hacks

Double check your packing list before travelling

Tibet, the roof of the world, is located at an average elevation of 4,000 m.

You’ll experience even higher altitude in some places as you traverse mountains and various Tibetan attractions.

It is important to bring appropriate clothing and other necessary items.

Must Haves For Traveling to Tibet

Your Tibetan packing list should have the following items:

• Travel permits, passport, other travel documents
• Cotton t-shirts, thermal wear, down jacket, waterproof jacket, woolen gloves, socks, warm pants, sweaters, UV protected sun shades, hat
• Sunscreen, lip balms, hand sanitizer
• Emergency aid kit
• Energy bars, dry fruits, energy drinks, water bottle with filter or LifeStraw
• Small bag to carry your essentials
• Comfortable walking shoes; appropriate shoes for hiking if appropriate
• Hiking poles and sleeping bags if you are trekking
• Small waist pouch to carry money and permits
• Extra batteries, portable chargers for phones and laptops

The most important thing of all is the medication.

Most of the travellers irrespective of age, gender, and health condition, experience symptoms of altitude sickness like mild headaches and loss of appetite.

This is normal and the tourists are advised to visit their physician before the trip.

Get medicines for altitude sickness before the trip.

You can easily find small oxygen tanks to buy in Tibet in case of shortness of breath due to less oxygen in the air.

In case you forget to bring anything, you can find most easily in Lhasa.

Visiting Tibet

When traveling to Tibet you’ll discover for yourself what a wonderful place it is to visit.

There’s some beautiful views, Lhasa Buddhist Attractions and unwinding experiences in store for you.

Prepare yourself by researching in advance so you will have an easy time traveling in Tibet.

This is our first time traveling off season in South East Asia – we discussed many the many pros and cons before finally deciding to go.

One of the cons involved was the weather – what would Indochina tours be like during the off season? 

Last time we traveled to a hot country during the off season was to Vanuatu, and while the country was amazing.

The weather was unbearable and we had to leave 2 weeks early.

So, would it be the same in South East Asia? 

Well, now we’ve been here for nearly 2 months, and for all of you who wonder what the off season is like.

Here is a sum up from our experiences…

Off Season In South East Asia What Was Correct

Southeast Asia It’s Hot & Humid

The off season can get scorching hot, but while 33-36 degrees does sound pretty hot, it’s not the temperatures that breaks you – it’s the humidity – the more humid it is, the hotter it feels.

33 degrees in 80% humidity feels more like 40.

Walk outside for 15 minutes after 10am and you’ll be sweating like crazy and begging to go home again.

This makes you actually appreciate and welcome the rain, since whenever it rains, it cools everything down, and afterwards it’s actually really pleasant to be outside.

Some Months Are Hotter Than Others

We were told to avoid Thailand during May, as that is the hottest month of the year

In Malaysia, March and April are the hottest months, while May is an ideal time for many parts of the country.

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Off-Season In South East Asia What Was Wrong – It Rains All Day

Looking at the weather forecast on my iPhone, the weather looks seriously depressing: thunderstorms and rain every day.

The truth? 

I can almost count the number of days it has rained during the last month in Malaysia on ONE hand.

Now I’m talking about days, not nights – we were expecting to experience lots and lots of rain, only to find that it almost only rained during the night.

This has been absolutely perfect – as the rain cools down the city, making it perfect to explore.

Waking up when the next morning with the streets still wet from the rain the night before has been ideal.

Don’t be put off by the weather forecast – it really isn’t always what it seems.

Rainy Season Is A Bad Time To Be In South East Asia

I was told that the off-season is a bad time to be anywhere in SEA, but this is simply not true.

In fact, some parts of the area is actually ideal at this time of the year, only it takes more planning.

Sometimes parts of the same country often have an off and high season at the same time.

In Sri Lanka, the western part of the island experience their off season, while the eastern part of the island has the best weather of the year right now.

Malaysia is even more obvious, right now is the best time to visit Borneo and the eastern side of the Peninsular, while the western side has its off season at the moment.

Bali and Singapore are the same pretty much all year round, and are good places to go at any time of the year.

I will say though that some places in SEA are much more uncertain than other.

Going on holidays to Vietnam should perhaps wait until after August, as parts of the country can be both very busy with kids going on school holidays, and get lots of rain.

The Good Thing About Off Season in South East Asia

The dusty brown countryside becomes lush and green during the off season.

It’s a great time to go for a Cambodia holiday if you’re interested in seeing the best of Angkor Wat.

It usually rains in the afternoon and at night, so it’s easy to plan around the weather.

Angkor Wat will be more beautiful than ever, with lush jungles, green moss and lichen on the ruins, and the pools are full of water creating beautiful reflections of the temples.

We still have some time left, and we haven’t yet been to Thailand, so we’ll see if our thoughts about it change – but so far, I doubt it.

What I Will And Won’t Miss From South East Asia

Spending 4 months in South East Asia was perfect.

We had planned to visit Philippines, Borneo and Vietnam, but when The Europe Train Challenge became a reality, we had to postpone those plans for another time and focus on the challenge ahead of us.

Leaving South East Asia, there are some things that I know I’ll really miss:

The Cheap Living

Not even the cheapest soup kitchen in Europe can compare with the 1 dollar meals and 20 cent drinks you find in South East Asia.

Luxury suites and resorts for the same price as a 10 bed dorm in Europe just doesn’t make any sense.

I know that I will question leaving a continent where we lived on a combined budget on 25 dollars a day, to a continent where 20 dollars will barely get you food for the day.

The Food

I didn’t realize how much I would miss the food until I arrived back in Europe.

Already the next day I longed for Asian food, spices and variety.

Plus, in South East Asia we never cooked our own food – what a luxurious life!

The Never Ending Surprises

A day in South East Asia will never let you down on surprises. Quirky details are part of the every day life for a traveler here.

Funny interactions, signs, things that happen – you’re always surprised.

The Religion and Strong Beliefs

The culture and traditions here really blow life into the world.

While I’m not religious, I truly appreciate the dedication they have in South East Asia and their strong bond with their traditions, implementing it in every part of their daily lives.

I will really miss this colorful way of life, with prayers and traditional clothing.

The Misunderstandings and Culture Shocks

Misunderstandings and culture shocks are things that I both hate and love at the same time.

Travel would be more boring without them, and you get some funny memories afterwards.

I learned how to love it and appreciate it, because it taught me something about myself as well as others.

And – What I Won’t Miss

The Traffic

Pollution so thick you could almost touch it, the never ending beeping horns in Kuala Lumpur and the ignorance for pedestrians are some things I really won’t miss.

Knowing that you’re putting yourself in danger every time you buy a bus ticket in Laos just isn’t very comforting.

The Customer Service

Some people really get it, and those who do make it an incredible experience.

But then there are those who really don’t get it, who are afraid of confrontations, and instead of fixing it and apologizing, they pretend it never existed.

After a while you get used to not getting a straight answer if your cockroach infested room is cleaned and OK, but I would be happier if they could sometimes swallow pride and deal with it.

Perhaps they handle embarrassing mistakes differently from us, or just don’t see the problem.

The Rain

The last week we were there it rained more than it had in decades. You couldn’t even go outside – so what’s the point then? :p

I’m happy to be in Europe for the dryer summer months, and will let Asia dry up before I consider returning.

What are some things you loved and/or hated about Asia?

(photo credit: magical-world – ubo_pakes)

Despite being such a small island, Bali is packed with so many beautiful areas and awesome experiences. It’s one of my favorite places to visit in the world.

What I love the most about Bali is how much cultural heritage they have, their colorful traditions and celebrations that seem to happen pretty much every day. Almost every day we learned there was a religious celebration going on in some part of the island that we should go and see.

If you haven’t visit Indonesia yet, get a plane ticket and book a hotel. Enjoy all this amazing destination offers.

Best Places to Visit in Bali Indonesia

Ubud

After the movie ”Eat Pray Love” it’s probably quite busy in this little town in the middle of the island, but even before that movie, Ubud was popular for a very good reason: it’s the artistic hub of Bali. 

Surrounded by rice paddies (which for the record you have to see – they’re beautiful!), this town was originally important as a source of medicinal herbs and plants, which is perhaps the reason why there are so many detox- and spa centers there.

If you have a few days to spare I’d really recommend trying a detox program, it totally goes with the spirit and vibe of Bali, and it’s so much cheaper than in the West.

In fact it might be cheaper even when including the cost of cheap flights to Bali, than a detox would at home.

Today Ubud is also known for the abundance of art and crafts sold there, and it’s a great place to base yourself when doing day trips to the nearby villages.

Amed

Amed is perhaps one of the trickiest places in Bali to reach.

This can also be seen as a good thing, as there are pretty much NO tourists there, yet it’s the perfect place to go snorkeling or diving, find empty beaches and, for those who want to feel like they’re in the middle of nowhere – Amed is prefect.

Tenganan Village

A short moped ride away from Candidasa, you’ll find Tenganan Village, one of the ancient villages where the native Balinese people live.

Here houses and customs are the same as they always have been.

Apart from showing a few tourists around the village, inside their homes, and sharing their rare craft and art – things go on as normal.

Tanah Lot

There are way too many temples in Bali to count, but if you can only visit one temple, make sure it’s Tanah Lot.

This temple is unique because it’s located in such a beautiful location.

It’s a temple on a rock, surrounded by water and when the tide is high it’s actually inaccessible, even by boat because of the rocks.

The best time to visit is when there is an event or celebration going on.

It is definitely a highlight to check out the Balinese celebrations, where the locals dress up in beautiful traditional costumes, sing, dance, and carry large plates of food on their heads to sacrifice to the gods.

A good time to visit is May, as there are no school holidays in Australia, it’s not a high season for tourists and we’ve found some really cheap international flights to Bali around that time.

Things To Do In Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a small but compact island in Indonesia – with so much to see and do there, and such a strong local culture, it almost seems like a country in itself.

To see and do everything you need at least one month, but today we’ll show you some highlights for a short trip to Bali.

The Artist Villages, Ubud

Ubud is known as the artist center, it’s the hub where people from nearby villages come to sell their art.

Many of the local artists live in the outskirts of Ubud, and every village has their special art specialty.

Painters live in one village, wooden craft people in another, and jewelry makers in a third etc.

Visiting these places one by one is a great experience, as you get to meet the whole family of artists (the art form is normally inherited from father to son) and see them work.

Also make sure you check out the nearby monkey forest!

Visit Tenganan

Tenganan is an ancient village in the middle of nowhere, 5 km off the road from Candidasa. It’s the oldest village in Bali, where the people have also kept their old pre-Hindu customs. 

This village is a Bali Aga village (from the people who were there before the Hindu Javanese came to Bali). It’s a really charming place to visit for a day. 

You can walk around the village, visit a local’s home, let them weave you something using their traditional technique, or paint you something (like a traditional Aga story).

They normally just ask you for a small donation on entry – which goes toward keeping the village running.

Close to Tenganan, you can find a little village called Jasri where you can have a true local experience with the villagers and have an amazing rice field walk in Bali.

Relax in Amed

This is a place MOST people don’t even know about – we didn’t meet a single tourist while there for 7 days.

It’s easy to understand why celebrities choose this place as a drug-rehab location for a few months – no one will be able to find you! 

If you want to relax in a place in the middle of nowhere, snorkel and enjoy some solitude, then Amed is the place to go.

There is not much to do here, but just relaxing and enjoying the green nature and good swimming. 

WARNING: there are no shops, ATM machines or anything there, so make sure you bring enough cash before you leave Kuta – we made this mistake! :p

Shop and Surf in Kuta

If you’re into surfing and shopping – then you’ll love Kuta. The shopping here is cheap, and all the main surf brands have set up huge stores full of surf clothes-  plus the beach is nice and the surfing can be awesome!

You can easily hire a surfboard on the beach and go play in the water – Kuta is also the center for partying in Bali.

Rice Fields

Bali is the greenest place I’ve ever seen. Nowhere else have I seen so many different shades of green, in such a beautiful scenery. 

The best way to enjoy the nature is to visit a rice field and walk through the middle of this green heaven. 

There are some beautiful photo moments to get there. 

Bali Rice Fields

When I think about Bali, the first thing which comes to mind is GREEN – everything there is such an incredible shade of green.

To really experience this green-ness, make sure you head out to the Bali rice fields.

A Balinese Dance Show

A show full of colors, amazing dresses, dances and humor – the story is the same but they always change their approach depending on the audience.

If you for example watch when the audience is full of teenage school classes, they will put in more childish humor and sex jokes, while for an older audience they stress other things.

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple is a temple built on a rock by the sea, in the most beautiful setting. Coming here during a celebration or ceremony is a great experience.

When we went there – there was a huge party where locals had traveled from long distances (many of them had walked the whole way), bringing food and other sacrifices, dressed in their special outfits.

Balinese music was playing, they were singing and there was golden decorations and dragons everywhere.

The Top 5 Attractions In Bali Indonesia

From spectacular beaches to majestic temples and unique cultural displays, Top 5 Attractions In Bali Indonesia is a favored destination for travelers in search of something exotic.

This Indonesian province encompasses the isle of Bali as well as a few neighbouring islands, and is home to most of the country’s Hindu minority.

Bali is treasured for its rich culture, with music and arts that date back several centuries.

Whether you’re staying at a hotel or renting one of the many available villas in Bali, make sure you plan to visit some of these memorable Top 5 Attractions In Bali Indonesia attractions.

Besakih Temple Bali Indonesia

Perched 1,000 meters up on Mount Agung, Besakih is known as Bali’s “Mother Temple”. It is the largest and holiest temple on the island, with a breathtaking view of rice paddies and nearby hills and streams.

It is said that the first revelation from Balinese Hindu God Hyang Rsi Markendya was received here. The main structure consists of three temples, dedicated to the Hindu trinity.

Also, Besakih is the only temple open to devotees from any caste group.

Mount Batur Bali Indonesia

Also known as Kintamani, this active volcano is renowned for majestic views of its surrounding valley.

The beautiful Lake Batur fills a large part of its caldera, and down below are three ancient villages set amongst hot springs and fertile lava fields.

With its mineral-rich soil, this area is a noted producer of high quality fruits and vegetables.

Hiking up Mount Batur usually takes at least three hours, and official guides are recommended.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces/Ubud

Ubud is famed for beautiful rice paddies that employ subak, a traditional cooperative irrigation system originally brought by a revered holy man from India in the 8th century.

Tegallalang is a perfect spot from which to view this dramatic scenery. Its high roadside location is a favorite among painters and photographers, as it looks down across a green terraced valley of rice paddies.

The nearby village of Pakudui is full of woodworking artisans, making it an ideal place to shop for authentic Balinese sculpture and other wooden crafts.

Tanah Lot Temple

Along with Besakih, this is one of Bali’s most important temples. It sits on an offshore rock, which has been shaped by years of ocean tides.

Tanah Lot is revered for a mystic beauty that includes gorgeous sunset backdrops.

According to legend, a high priest from East Java traveled here in the 15th century to spread Hinduism and established the site to honor the sea god Baruna.

Bali Indonesia Safari And Marine Park

Covering 40 hectares in the Gianyar regency, this park is home to over 60 species of animals that roam free in large enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats.

There are animals from Indonesia, India and Africa, including sharks, baboons, Himalayan bears, and the famous Indian white tiger.

Camel and elephant rides are available, and there are fascinating exhibits such as a replica of the ancient Indian fort where white tigers roam free.

There’s also a guided safari tour that offers the chance to see and photograph exotic wildlife in the open range.

Balinese Day Of Silence (The Bali New Year)

Last year we had the fortune – or misfortune – to celebrate the Balinese New Year.

In the western world you open the new year by painfully trying to figure out what the hell happened the night before.

In Bali you open the new year very different- by softly reflecting on your life.

The Balinese New Year is a day of 100% silence – and by the time we had woken up it was already silent, deafeningly silent.

The only thing making any noise were the ocean waves.

Even the birds kept quiet! Sounds like a dream, right?

It was HELL!

Sunset In Bali On The Day Of Silence

You know that pleasant soothing sound of waves breaking by the shore?

It’s nice as a background sound, but being the only thing making a noise was slowly driving me crazy – I felt like I couldn’t even hear my own thoughts!

On the Day of Silence everything is closed – even the AIRPORT in Bali is closed down for 24 hours.

Nobody is allowed to go outside their houses, and you’re not allowed to play music or watch movies.

We stayed in a pretty little hotel right by the sea with an amazing view over the water and beach (see the picture above) – but we weren’t allowed to go swimming in the ocean – so it was over 30 degrees and this hotel had no pool, no TV, and no internet.

They had hung up big heavy curtains on the hotel to shut off the street, which was empty.

And as if that wasn’t enough, for some reason I still can’t understand, Nathan convinced me to do a food fast for the whole day.

Fast! No food?!

And I agreed?!

When there is nothing to do, you EAT!

You really make some strange decisions in strange situations…

Bali Bombing Memorial

This was such a sad event, and it was really moving to be walking through the middle of Kuta and see this memorial.

So many young people lost their lives there, and it really makes you appreciate the moments we have in this life.

I had a funny feeling that fate had something to do with it all, and I was certain of it when I soon realized that the only book I had to read in my room was called.

‘The Science of Self- Realization’

I felt as if Life was laughing at me playing its little tricks.

But it’s well thought through, this day of silence – it really does the job, and serves its purpose.

Because when there is  nothing to do and it’s completely quiet, there is nothing to distract me, stimulate me and blind me from my ego and my thoughts.

So I found myself for the first time in a long while, sitting silent and alone in my room, hearing my thoughts – and for once, actually listening to them.

Transformation takes place, leaving you feeling so peaceful and happy!

Well these are some of the best things to do next time you are in Bali – also a great way to see many of these in 1 day is to hire a taxi and tour guide for the day (it’s really cheap!) – we got one guy and he took us for an 8 hr tour around Bali, which turned into 14 hrs for the same price – amazing and really great to have a local tell you about everything.

We all heard stories of what Thailand used to be like 20 years ago, before it was spoiled by the hordes of drunk tourists flocking its islands. Just 3 hours flight away, there is still a place who maintains that exotic, virgin charm – the Philippines. To add to that, the beaches and scenery are even more beautiful, and everything is cheaper.

The fact most potential tourists tend to overlook the Philippines while planning their tropical getaway does come with a price though. The country isn’t a tourist mecca like Thailand is, so getting around and finding out what to do can be a bit of a hassle. There is a lot of confusion and bad information found online. That is why we decided to try and make sense of it for you, and present the best places to visit in the Philippines. We are sure it will convince you to make the Philippines your next travel destination!

Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

Palawan Philippines

Considered one of the best islands in the world, Palawan is the number one place to visit in the Philippines. Palawan offers a great mix of popular, crowded beaches and private island resorts such as Pamalican and Minoloc. The island is one of the best value for money destinations in the world since even the high end resorts are still relatively cheap.

Those who wish to venture off the beaten track should head out to Coron. This less developed area hosts some of the best beaches in the Philippines, and is considered a world class diving site.

Accommodation is more basic, but in exchange you get to enjoy the feeling of being on a truly exotic island. In any case, make sure you spend at least one night in the Provincial capital Puerto Princesa, so you could visit the famous underground river national park.

Boracay

Boracay, and especially the white beach area, is the most popular tourist spot in the country. Boracay is a very small island, so it can easily get crowded there especially in the high season. The island is the Filipino version of Thailand’s wild party islands such as Samui and Phangan. The 4km long beach area is packed with bars, nightclubs and restaurants so you can always find something to do.

During the day, the best thing to do is just lay back and relax at one of Boracay’s stunning beaches. White beach has been voted best beach in the world for a reason – the azure water and white sandy beach are simply breathtaking. For that reason, the island is also a great place for swimming and snorkeling.

Bohol

If Boracay is paradise for singles and party lovers, then Bohol is the best place for couples and families with small children. It doesn’t mean there is no nightlife there – Panglao’s Alona beach is actually considered one of the best party spots in the Philippines, second only to Boracay. Bohol, however, offers much more than just parties to its visitors. Dozens of secluded beaches and islands are scattered everywhere and the amount of attractions is just endless.

No description of Bohol could be complete without mentioning the famous Chocolate hills, a truly one of a kind geological formation. The hills are by far the most popular attraction in Bohol, but by no means the only one. Diving with dolphins and taking a cruise down the tropical Loboc river are also highly recommended. The island is really one of the best places to experience the country’s diverse wildlife and nature.

The greatest thing about Bohol is how close it is to so many other beautiful destinations, including Boracay. It will be really easy for you to include in your travel plan, and it’s definitely worth it spend a few days there and see everything the place has to offer. A mix of beautiful relaxing beaches with exciting adventure is the essence of a vacation in the Philippines, and Bohol catches that essence perfectly.

Sagada rice terraces

Sagada is a great alternative to the more traditional island destinations mentioned above. Don’t expect luxury resorts or exciting nightlife, because Sagada is mostly about tradition and nature. The Cordillera mountain province is home to Igorot tribe, the native people of the Philippines who keep the old traditions alive. Combine that with the scenic mountain view, and you’ll understand why Sagada is a great place to visit.

One of these traditions, dating back over 2000 years, is the use of the man made rice terraces of Banaue. Banaue is just a short ride from Sagada, and we recommend staying at Sagada because it is much more tourist friendly and welcoming, and closer to many other local attractions. The Cordillera rice terraces are many, but the most beautiful ones are located near the village of Batad. The Batad rice terraces have been declared an UNESCO world heritage site, so definitely a place you can’t afford to visit.

Getting to Sagada or Banaue can be a bit tricky, since there are no commercial flights available. The only possible way to get there is to take a bus from Manila, or hire a private van. It is really better to consult with a local travel agency while planning a trip to Sagada, because it will help you save a lot of precious time and avoid making any mistakes.

Manila

Many tourists overlook this amazing city and just pass through it on their way to the islands. Don’t be one of those, and make sure you enjoy everything Manila has to offer. What makes Manila a great place is the truly special mixture of cultures and the stark contrast between old and new. With anything from old forts and churches to some of the world’s largest and busiest shopping malls, it really has something to offer everyone.

Especially recommended is the old city Intramuros. The area was originally a fort founded by the Spaniards upon their arrival, and now serves as the old city and is full of stunning buildings and interesting museums. Nearby, north of the Pasig river, lies the world’s oldest Chinatown. Named Binondo, this Chinatown is especially fascinating because of the unique blend between Filipino-Hispanic culture and the Chinese one. This mixture is best witnessed by visiting the district’s remarkable pagoda bell tower.

Manila is also surrounded by many magnificent locations, some of which are among the country’s most beautiful. A mere few hours by bus you can find anything your heart desires – beautiful secluded beaches or tropical volcanoes perfect for hiking or camping outdoors. Puerto Galera is the obvious choice for a beach getaway near Manila, but if you are looking to get away from the tourists you should consider the Batangas beaches instead. Laiya beach is especially recommended.

6 Cities You Have to Visit This Year

You finally landed that awesome teaching job in China and you’re already packing your bags? That’s terrific news, but you shouldn’t rush the departure. There are some things you need to do before teaching in China.

Before venturing into a foreign country, presumably on the other half on the planet, you need to ask yourself: “What is the single most important factor of working abroad?” The answer? Adaptability!

Recent studies show that foreign workers who feel at home right upon arrival perform up to 60% higher. Most of these newcomers either have a friend or a relative to guide them, but you don’t need that. Why feel like a stranger when there’s a myriad of welcoming software at your fingertips, regardless of where you set foot?

6 Must Have Apps before Teaching in China

Here are the most helpful Android & iOS attaches in the Chinese republic. My Best Free iPad and iPhone travel apps

Pleco, Every Teacher’s Best Friend

Since communication is your greatest prerequisite in this line of work, a viable dictionary is a must. Pleco is not just a collection of peculiar characters, it is an unbelievable tool designed specifically for conversational Chinese.

You are bound to be surrounded by unknown symbols throughout your stay. Conveniently, this app translates any Chinese text in front of your camera and even tells you how to pronounce it.

Although the app isn’t free, dishing out a few bucks to get your hands on something as useful as Pleco is worth it.

WeChat, The Official Chinese Messenger

Sometimes, even teachers need to do their homework. If you’ve done yours, it’s imminent that you’ve heard of China’s harsh internet restrictions.

WeChat is the only chat application that China hasn’t blocked for its internet users. Everyone in China uses it, but you can also connect with everyone back in your hometown if they install it.

One of the most astonishing features of WeChat is the ability to connect it to your credit card and use it for shopping. Simply scan the QR code, and you will get charged automatically on your way out.

Another intriguing function of the app is its scanner. It shows the profiles and distance of the nearby users. This commodity enables you to possibly even check on any late students.

Metroman, The Faithful Underground Companion

Without a doubt, the fastest way of commuting throughout China’s gigantic hubs is by using the subway. Getting to a lecture punctually has never been easier than boarding a bullet train.

The Metroman app offers you a real-time map of the current trains, as well as the most optimal route suggestion based on your location and destination. The handy app also works in offline mode and calculates your fares.

It covers 24 of China’s biggest cities, allowing you the smoothest transportation experience. You will want to check out this app before teaching in China. As a complete stranger, you will be able to find your way around like the locals.

Waygo, The Ultimate Translator

Have you ever seen one of those futuristic films where automatic translations are instantaneous and flawless? That future is now, thanks to Waygo.

Remember those odd-looking ‘hieroglyphs’ you’re used to seeing in eastern movies or Chinatown? Now you can read all of them in English without a need to stop and scan.

Waygo is adamant on making you feel like Chinese is your native language (at least when reading it), and it delivers no less than that!

Youku, The Mobile Hollywood

Where will you watch your favorite shows or watch some quality documentaries when China has banned both YouTube and Netflix? Well Youku of course, for it is a fusion of the two.

This is one of the most prominent Chinese apps that even foreigners are anxious to start using, although it’s restricted to the Chinese territory. It offers an extravagant viewing experience for both locals and visitors alike.

Alipay, Your Eastern Wallet

Meet the Chinese version of PayPal, as useful and secure as you can imagine. When you receive your funds from teaching, you will be able to instantly access them on Alipay.  

Your mobile phone is the only shopping necessity in almost every store across China since Alipay is the nationwide most popular payment method.

Home is Wherever Your Apps Are

By putting to use all of these versatile applications before teaching in China, you will eliminate any feeling of alienation. It’s stressful enough to travel. To understand the language will assist any visitor who’s teaching English overseas.

When it comes to getting paid through modern means, it is perhaps even easier in another country than your own. To top it off, the irreplaceable homey piece of mind can now follow you everywhere by the internet. It’s safe to claim that you can live with the same comfort you’re accustomed to, even in a country as reserved as China.

Music Festivals of Bangalore – If you are a sucker for travel and music, just like me, then India won’t disappoint you.

Amidst the two extremes of chaos and languidness, lies a constantly reverberating music scene.

Music in India is an orchestra of different genres, beats, and tunes.

During my tour, I found musical groups from all genres. India came across as a remarkable country for a music aficionado like me who travels to find a rhythm is every corner.

Music speaks a common language, and it touches us in ways which are hard to comprehend.

Amongst several cities, the place that offered me the highest musical ecstasy was Bangalore.

Often termed as the Silicon Valley of India, the place surprisingly brims with music lovers.

Bangalore, recently christened as Bengaluru, has a rich history of music and is a hub for hosting international and national music festivals for more than a decade.

From traditional Hindustani Folk to Rock, from Carnatic to Jazz, many musical schools find their homes in the city.

If your love for music and traveling overlaps like me, then Bangalore is the place to be.

During my visit, I wanted to find accommodation at a well-connected place like Indiranagar.

So, I checked into one of the OYO hotels in Indiranagar Bangalore and I wasn’t disappointed.

OYO Rooms is India’s largest branded network of hotels offering budget friendly accommodation throughout the country.

Though a bit hesitant at first, I must admit, I wasn’t let down.

The hotel provided all the necessities within my means.

Music Festivals of Bangalore

Anyway, moving on, I figured out a list of must-attend music festivals for travelers around the globe.

I recommend you visit these to embark on a musical journey in the city.

Storm Festival

Storm Festival is the most authentic camp-out music festival in India.

A one of a kind music festival, Storm Festivals hosts artists from a plethora of genres.

Set out amidst the lush green foliage in the outskirts of Bangalore, the festival is an overjoy for people looking to experience the serenity of nature and the fusion of sounds.

One can camp the whole night overlooking the stars, and there are also numerous side activities to do.

From Indie to Folk and from camp-jams to bonfires, this is a must visit music festival in you are in Bangalore.

Block your calendar: For three nights, around January

Music Ahoy! – Live sets of EDM, Ambiance, Collaborations and the feeling of cohesion

Bangalore Open Air

If metal runs in your blood, then Bangalore Open Air is a treat for all the headbangers.

India’s only dedicated heavy metal open air music festival, BOA has hosted some legendary metal bands in the country.

Kreator, Iced Earth, Animals as Leaders and Destruction are some of the bands who have been featured in the festival.

One can also witness up-and-coming metal bands from India who compete for a spot to play at the historical Wacken Open Air.

Block your calendar: For three days, around June/July

Music Ahoy! – Legendary Metal Bands, Mosh-pits, Soundstage

Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival

One of the oldest music festivals in the country, Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival has a history of being hosted in 55 cities around the globe.

Established in 1992, this music festival has seen some of the greatest artists like Bismillah Khan, Al Jarreau, Jean-Luc Ponty and MS Subbulakshmi performing on the stage.

A festival that has displayed talent from different genres like Indian Classical, Orchestral, Jazz, Rock and folk styles makes this festival a must attend for all music fanatics.

This festival has hosted audiences of up to 200,000 at a single festival.

Block your calendar: Around the month of January

Music Ahoy! – Authentic Indian Classical and Fusion of different genres, brilliant Jazz line-up

Ruhaniyat Music Festival

Ruhaniyat brings out Sufi Saints and Mystics from around the world in a one of a kind celebration of music, peace, and harmony.

It was established in 2001 and has since drawn loyal audiences every year.

It is known to host unpopular artists and actual practitioners of mystic traditions.

From folk singers to Wakaris and Qawwals, artists participating in Ruhaniyat aim to deliver a message of global brotherhood.

A chance to witness the finest talents coming from across a spectrum of different cultural backgrounds.

Block your calendar: Around the month of December/January

Music Ahoy! – Actual Practitioners of ancient philosophies; Fakirs, Shabad Singers, Monks

Echoes of Earth Music Festival

India’s first ecologically crafted music festival, this is a one of a kind dose of music.

Focusing on sustainable living, this festival aims to promote goodwill through various workshops on wellness and green lifestyle.

With over 40 artists performing last year, Echoes of Earth is a must attend music festival for all nature dwellers who find tranquility in music.

Spanning across various genres, the line-up has seen popular international artists like Youngr, Jordon Rakei, and Alo Wala.

Block your calendar: Around the month of November

Music Ahoy! – Workshops on green living, display of artworks created by principles of recycling

Bangalore showcases a blend of various activities and is a must visit place for anyone visiting India.

During my tour of India last year, I encountered innumerable things to experience.

I am a music fanatic, and I thoroughly enjoyed going to various festivals across India.

The live music scene in India has been sprouting, and since then I have added a lot of artists to my favorite lists.

Indian Festivals You Don’t Want To Miss! – Holi

I LOVE traditional Indian Festivals – they are some of the best and most fun ways to experience a new country and get an insight into its culture and traditions.

In India, countless festivals are held throughout the year, and during these events the country becomes even brighter and more vibrant than ever.

Although not traditionally known as a party hotspot, India has a proud tradition of offering tourists and locals alike a calendar full of festivals to appeal to every age group.

Here are the ones you should check out.

Here are some odd, beautiful and funny Indian Festivals to check out next time you visit India …How to Travel Green through India

Of all festivals around the world, the one I long to experience the most is Holi.

The most colorful festival on the planet. The festival is held for 2 days in March every year.

Unlike the Songkran festival in Thailand where everyone throws water on each other, you throw colored powder (and colored water) on each other instead!

The photos from this festival are just gorgeous, so colorful – it really is a photographer’s dream!

If you’ve ever seen footage on television of Indians painted in vibrant colours, running around under water sprinklers, you’ve probably seen Holi.

Holi is the Festival of Colour celebrating the beginning of Spring and commemorating a good harvest from the fertile land.

The Holi bonfire, called Holika, is lit at the major crossroads of cities and used to burn the Effigy of Holika, a wooden depiction of a demon.

Join in the festivities and witness the joy of the Indian people at this vibrant event.

The date of Holi also changes every year but is usually held around February/March.

Diwali

The only reason I experienced the Diwali festival when I was in India was because the taxi driver told us to change our plans and go to a nearby town instead to celebrate “Diwali”.

We had never heard of it before and had no idea what we were expecting, but it sounded like a fun idea – and today I’m so glad we went.

Diwali is actually one of India’s most popular festivals, celebrated all across the country between mid-October and mid-November.

This man barely had any time to stack the flowers on the thread because so many people came by to buy from him.

Then again it was Diwali, one of the biggest celebrations of the year, and the Marigold flower is an important detail to the festival.

The 5 day long festival is celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil, and is also known as the festival of light, bringing attention to our “inner light”.

While I was in a small town, one of the best places to experience it is in Bangalore.

The festival is even wilder and bigger in Bangalore, so next time I have the opportunity to see it again that’s definitely where I will go.

Many others are probably thinking the same thing though, so hotels in Bangalore can book up quickly.

It’s better to book in advance so you can be sure you get some place to stay.

Diwali is the most famous festival in India and rightly so:

It is the most important event of the year.

Known as the Festival of Light, Diwali (also known as Dipawali) is a celebration of both the harvest and the first day of the financial year.

Locals place clay lamps known as deepa outside their homes as protection from dark spirits and celebrate the festival by spending time with family and worshipping Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Diwali goes for five days so make sure you get to see as least some of it on your travels.

The date of Diwali changes every year but is usually held in October/November.

Krishna Janmashtami Indian Festivals

Krishna Janmashtami is a festival in celebration of the Krishna god, it’s full of events and performances; children dress up as Lord Krishna, and people perform dances depicting the different events in Krishna’s life.

The highlight of the festival however, is Dahi Handi, a competition which involves young men forming a human pyramid and climbing on top of each other to reach a pot of curd.

The pyramids can be as tall as 40 feet, with as many as eight layers – and yes, many competitors often get injured.

The festival runs for two days in August or September every year.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Celebrating the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the Ganesh Chaturthi.

Also known as the Great Ganesha Festival, is celebrated by Hindus around the world.

The best place to celebrate this festival is in the state of Maharashtra.

Where the festivities last for 10 days between August and September.

Prior to the festival, skilled artisans prepare clay models of Lord Ganesh.

Houses are cleaned as devotees prepare to bring the Lord Ganesh into their homes and install the deity.

Throughout the festival, special prayers, devotional chanting and singing are performed – along with delicious sweets (apparently Ganesh liked them!).

On the 11th day, the Ganesh statue is taken through the streets in a procession accompanied with dancing, singing and fanfare to be immersed in a river or the sea.

Karni Mata Festival

Not the biggest festival in India, but surely one of the oddest.

The Karni Mata Festival is held twice a year (March-April and September-October) to worship Goddess Durga.

The place to be during this festival is at the Karni Mata temple, a 600 year old temple which is home to thousands of rats.

The rats are believed to be sacred as the soul of Karni Mata is said to reside in the rats.

At 4am the doors to the temple open for worship and blessings, and food is offered to the god. Eating what the sacred rats have salivated over is considered to bring good fortune, and the same goes for letting them scurry over your feet..!

If none of those are options you’re up for, then look out for a white rat, because seeing this rarity is also supposed to bring good luck.

Elephant And Mahout, India: 

Elephant together with its Mahout – trainer. Elephants are very loyal to their mahouts and they are often associated with supernatural powers because they control such a big animal. 

Ideally, this relationship will not end until either the elephant is sold or the mahout dies. 

Many mahouts will spend up to 26 days out of the month with their elephant and the remainder with his family.

Pushkar Camel Fair

Ever wanted to see 50,000 camels in one place?

If so, head to the Pushkar Camel Fair where camels and their owners arrive at Pushkar in November to trade, parade and race their camels.

The event is a traditional style Indian festival that is mainly a carnival, although pilgrims also come to bathe in the lake to be absolved of their sins.

Watch performances from magicians, acrobats and snake charmers or go on one of the many rides available while you wait for the camel beauty contest to start.

Onam

Celebrated in Kerala, the Onam festival lasts for ten days during August and September.

The festival kicks off with elephant processions and the laying of the Pookalam, the floral carpet, in front of every house.

New layers are added each day to the carpet and there are different events and rituals for every day of Onam, ranging from spring-cleaning to the giving of gifts.

The final day has the most events, including ox racing, food eating competitions and feasts.

With spiritualism being such an important part of Indian culture, attending the myriad of festivals throughout the year is a great way to get to know the country and its people.

India tours such as those offered by My Adventure Store often place you near or in these festival areas so it’s worth checking them out while you’re in town.

You’ll be painting yourself with vibrant colours and voting for the prettiest camel in the pageant in no time.

Bangalore – The Garden City of India

Bangalore is a beautiful city alternatively referred to as “The Garden City of India” .

The city will surprise its visitors with the greenery, well maintained gardens and parks with a huge variety of trees and flowering plants.

Bangalore Garden City of India

Bangalore is a major attraction for music lovers who have an interest in authentic Indian Classical Music.

Other features of the city include its swanky restaurants, clubs, cinemas, pubs, shopping malls, carnivals and exhibitions.

While business travelers are lured to the city very often due to its status of being an IT hub of India.

Bangalore is the fastest emerging Cosmopolitan City of Asia, and the temperature remains moderate throughout the year, with beautiful ancient temples that display rich architecture are an amazing sight that makes it one of the most sought out destinations in the country.

Despite the advancement of technology and it acquiring the name of “Silicon City of India” it has managed to retain the traditional way of life and is a visual treat during festive seasons.

Here are some of the best attractions in Bangalore:

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

The garden was built by its famous ruler Hyder Ali as his private garden in 1760, and spreads over 40 acres of land with rare species of plants and trees.

The Glass House, a replica of Crystal Palace of London, is the highlight of the park.

With over 1000 species of flora and fauna, pools and flower beds, it is a great place to relax.

The Summer Palace

Built in 1791 by then Ruler Tipu Sultan the palace remained his home till his death in 1799.

The palace is mainly built using Teakwood and is adorned with beautifully decorated pillars and balconies.

The ground floor serves as a museum showcasing artifacts and achievements made by Tipu Sultan.

Also known as Tashk-e-Jannat, which means envy of heaven, this palace will take you down the memory lane with its royal ambiance.

Cubbon Park

With an impressive array of fauna and flora, the Park is a landmark spread over 300 acres of land.

The landscape is designed in grand style with rocks, tress, bamboo groves, lush green grass and colorful flower beds.

Vishveshwaraya Museum

This is actually more of a Science Center than a museum. Each floor has a chosen discipline with a different theme.

The Engine Hall features machinery, engines and automobiles, whereas the Electro Technic Gallery has exhibitions on electronics and communication equipment.

Be prepared to spend more than three hours in the museum to cover the huge collections, such as the Space Gallery or the Gallery of Science for Children.

This boy was playing his flute with an undying passion, and, of course, trying to get some extra cash on the side…

Vidhan Soudh

Constructed in a Neo-Dravidian Style this is considered to be one of India’s most glorious buildings.

It houses the Government’s Legislative Assembly and offers a mesmerizing view to its visitors when lit at night during holidays.

5 New Delhi Parks and Gardens

India’s capital city, New Delhi, contains a number of gardens and green spaces.

When you begin to feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of this metropolis, retire to one of these five lovely gardens for some fresh air and outdoor fun.

Titillate your senses, relax with a quiet stroll or enjoy some of the attractions found in these five New Delhi parks and gardens.

Garden of Five Senses

Located on more than eight hectares in Saidul Ajaib village, the Garden of Five Senses was inaugurated in February 2003.

This garden, which was designed to incorporate features that stimulate all five of the senses, is home to several unique attractions.

 

Here, you can enjoy 200 different species of plants, including many fragrant, colourful flowers meant to excite both the eyes and the nose.

Other special features of the Garden of Five senses include its many art sculptures, its food and shopping court, its waterfalls and wind chimes, and its solar energy park.

Children can ride in solar-powered miniature cars. You can also rent solar-powered bicycles.

Deer Park

As its name suggests, Deer Park is home to numerous deer.

This park in South Delhi is a popular spot for jogging, walking and picnicking.

The park’s deer, which include the native spotted deer or chital, live in a special enclosure where visitors can observe them.

 

Other animals living in the park include rabbits, guinea pigs, peacocks and other native birds, most of which congregate around the park’s pond.

Visitors to Deer Park can also see historical tombs dating back to the Mughal Era.

The majority of the park is well-manicured, with plenty of shade trees, picnic areas, and a play area for the little ones.

Lodi Gardens

The 36.4-hectare Lodi Gardens in New Delhi are among India’s most historically valued; the gardens are under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India because they contain a number of ancient tombs and structures dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

The oldest tomb in the Lodi Gardens, the tomb of Sayyid dynasty ruler Mohammed Shah, was built in 1444.

Other important structures in the gardens include the tomb of Sikander Lodi, built in 1517, the Bara Gumbad and its attached three-domed mosque, the Sheesh Gumbad and the Athpula Bridge.

Few structures from this period of Indian history remain standing today, making the Lodi Gardens one of the nation’s most valuable heritage centres.

See this website to get great deals on New Delhi hotels convenient to the Lodi Gardens.

Mughal Gardens

The Mughal Gardens can be found to the rear of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the home of the president of India.

They’re open to the public during February only, but make a popular destination for outings during this time.

The Mughal Gardens feature both British and Mughal landscaping styles, and are home to an impressive number of flower species.

Four channels – two flowing north to south and two flowing east to west.

Divide the garden into a grid. Six fountains in the shape of lotus flowers mark the intersections of these channels, and trays of bird seed are placed on special wooden platforms to feed the gardens’ avian visitors.

On the west side of the central gardens, visitors will find the Purdha Garden consisting mostly of roses, but also other fragrant flowers like jasmine.

At either end of the main garden, terrace gardens grow on a slightly elevated level; each terrace garden has a sentry post and a gazebo.

The Mughal Gardens are also home to an extensive bonsai collection.

Nehru Park

Named for India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, this park occupies more than 32 hectares of land near the centre of New Delhi.

Concerts are held here every Sunday morning, as is the city’s yearly Bhakti Festival.

Nehru Park is home to a swimming pool, a snack bar, and a life-sized statue of Vladimir Lenin, installed in November 1987.

Members of the Communist Party of India gather here each year to celebrate Lenin’s birthday.

The best time to visit Nehru Park is in the spring, when its many beautiful flowers are blooming.

Look out for the small rocks inscribed with quotes from Nehru himself.

Take advantage of the free morning yoga classes offered here.

If you’re planning a holiday to New Delhi, you must consider visiting some of the city’s beautiful and historic parks and gardens.

Go for a stroll, enjoy a yoga class and take in some of India’s historical architecture in one of New Delhi’s many green spaces.

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The largest continent in the world boasts of limitless number of wonderful travel destinations.

It is almost impossible for a single individual to sample all the amazing travel experiences that the continent of Asia has in store.

So, you have to make choices and try the most popular ones first.

If you are interested to explore Asia, try the following top 6 Asian escapes to sample.

Asian Escapes to Sample

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a destination with balmy rainforests, colorful reefs, palm-fringed beaches, local legends, religious relics, ancient ruins, flavorful food, famous tea, fun trains, rolling surf, oodles of elephants and welcoming people.

To ensure you don’t miss out on anything that this country has to offer, you should book with a Sri Lanka holiday specialist.

You can expect to have plenty of unique experiences in this island country in the Indian Ocean.

China

China is a different world within the world.

The Chinese cuisine, its unique culture and wonderful attractions like the Great Wall, the Forbidden Kingdom and Terracotta Army make it one of the must visit travel destinations in Asia.

There is also that travel bucket list of traveling to Tibet (Tibet in April) to see the Buddhist temples in Lhasa

The modern cities of Beijing and Shanghai are no less wonderful and developed than the most popular and most developed cities in the world.

There are some great apps which will help you navigate and to communicate while you are visiting China.

Japan

In many ways, Japan is the same as China as a travel destination.

Like China, its foods, wonderful culture and unique structure of its buildings are the main attractions to visit.

The Mount Fuji of Japan is surely one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. S

o, its food, outdoor and wonderful culture will make sure you have some of the most exciting experiences of your life in this Asian country.

Thailand

Thailand is a destination with so many exotic natural landscapes, endless number of sacred temples, wonderful culture, and delectable foods.

In the streets of Bangkok, you can expect to find some of the most delicious yet very cheap foods in the world.

With a great tourism infrastructure, Thailand is always ready to welcome its visitors and offer them some exciting experiences of lifetime.

India

India is arguably the richest and most diverse travel destination in Asia.

It is so big that you should take at least a month to sample only its top attractions and experiences.

The Taj Mahal of Agra alone is an enough reason to visit this wonderful country in Asia.

India boasts of wonderful natural landscapes, a unique culture, timeless ruins, historic attractions, delectable foods, great hospitality and cheapest prices.

There are also a number of luxury hotels in India that can make your stay complete.

If you are yet to visit this wonderful country, make it your next travel destination.

Nepal

Nepal has recently been hit by earthquake and many of its most prominent temples got destroyed.

Still, this small Asian country boasts of some wonderful attractions and natural wonders.

Include Nepal in your tour of Asia.

At least to see the highest mountain in the world, you should keep Nepal in your list.

Trekking in Nepal is an awesome once-in-a-lifetime experience!

You will enjoy planning a trip to experience any of these countries.