Travel Tales from Asia

Years ago, I went on a Cambodian beach vacation. You don’t often hear about the beaches of Cambodia- usually Thailand’s beautiful beaches crowd them out of the news. However, they deserve just as much if not more of the attention. While throngs of tourist visit Thai islands, Cambodia’s beaches lay empty. They are truly an undiscovered paradise. Travelers are always looking for the next big thing and I’m amazed they have yet to discover this area, not that I am complaining. I wouldn’t want this area to be like Ko Phi Phi or Phuket.

But back to when I was in Cambodia…..

Heading down south from the capital, I went to Sihanoukville. Back in the days of the Vietnam war and in the early 90s, this was a seedy place. A place where people went to find sun, beer, and prostitutes. While some of that is there, much of that has gone away to make room for the next big backpacker destination. Now the beaches are lined with bars and cheap accommodation catering to the thousands of backpackers who move through the country each day.

One thing that amazed me about the area though was despite its beauty, few people still went there. Most travelers simply stop in Angkor Wat and Phenom Phen. Though the destination is getting bigger, the beaches down in Sihanoukville are still fairly empty. You can lay in the sun all day without touts coming up to you or worrying about getting your stuff stolen. And if the few people actually there in Sihanoukville bother you, simply head down a bit further down the coast to Kep for great seafood and emptier beaches.

For a good guide to the beaches of Asia, check out “the best beaches in Asia” website. It has a good collection of off the beaten path places if you don’t feel like fighting for beach space in Thailand.

Malaysia has many different types of cities but we are going to check out one in particular Kuala Lumpur. In the next few paragraphs we are going to see what you can do in this particular city as it has so much to offer and it has many tourist attractions.

Petronas Twin Towers – This is the main attraction to go and visit as it has made its name for itself as Sean Connery and Katherine Zeta-Jones made part of their film here which was called “Entrapment.” The company that runs this building produces 1,000 free tickets per day but it is only on a first come first basis. You can get tours that will allow you to go to the 41st and 42nd floor but these are only with a tour guide, however it will be defiantly worth it with a tour guide as you will know so much more information about the history behind it.

Pavilion Mall – As Malaysia is known for its cheap products it may be worth getting an extra suit case as Pavilion Mall is supposed to be the next main attraction. It has many shops within the mall that you will not to stop yourself shopping. If you are looking for something to eat then there is a food court which has many different varieties of foods that you can choose from.

Merdeka Square – If you are looking to see some historical facts about Kuala Lumpur then Merdeka Square if defiantly the place to visit. Back in 1957 the union jack was lowered in the square which made independence for Malaysia. You will also able to see the flag pole which has the Malaysian national flag on it and it is the largest one in the world.

Bird Park - Are you a big bird fan or looking to take a rest from the city, then you will be most attracted to come and visit this bird sanctuary. You will able to some amazing pictures which you will not forget. You will probably only need to spend half the day there but you will be glad that you have visited this wonderful Bird park. If you want your Bird Park extra special then you can pay an extra 2RM so that you can feed the lorikeets. If you are looking to do this it will be worth it as it will put a smile on your face.

As the title says, if you are looking forward to explore each and every destination of Asia at cheap price, then you are at the right place. We have here designed some of the basic tips which you must follow in order to get your self a good bargain. Most of the Asian countries are quite cheap due to their low economy but still these tips will be helpful for you in the long run. So pay a close attention to it. it will not take more than 5 minutes of yours.

➢ While traveling across in Asia try to use as much public vehicle as possible. Since they are cheap and quite efficient, you will enjoy the journey on it and that too at a cheap rate.
➢ When shopping for souvenirs like handicrafts and clothing stay out of tourist shops in airports and shopping centers. Try local markets and small shops where there will likely be the same souvenirs (or better) at far lower prices.
➢ In most of the Asian countries, bargaining is quite a usual trend, so don’t ever hesitate while bargaining with them. Don’t worry about communication gap or any other thing, just be polite and place your offer. I am sure that you will get some good results to see.
➢ Make friends with locals. Free meals, rides and a place to stay are benefits that can save you a lot of money and not to mention give you a more memorable travel experience.
➢ In various Asian countries, there are various special offers stick to them, so you must try to explore as much as possible. Either search it on the net or gain information from the people out there, but be alert and you will get on the right track for sure.
➢ Plan your day and how you’re going to get where you’re going. Unnecessary transportation costs because of poor planning and indecision can really add up, so plan a logical route for your day and how you’re going to get from place to place.

These are the efficient and easy tips which you must follow while you are on a trip to Asia, I am sure that it will not only keep your trip under your budget but you will also have a great fun out there.

Asia has always been one of the best travel destinations for the people all over the world. If you are also among them, then I will not be surprised. Asia is not only the biggest continent in the world, but it is also immensely filled with lots of different countries having their own distinct culture and traditions. Now only this but inexpensive accommodation, food and local transport make this region one of the world’s most popular backpacker and cheap travel destinations. So if you have decided to visit this place physically then you must go forward.

India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, China and many others all offer you some thing or the other to have fun with. You will never bore in this pleasant continent. I assure you of that. Some of the most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand’s beach resorts, are naturally more expensive than less-travelled areas in Laos, Cambodia or Myanmar, but most Southeast Asian countries offer something for all travel budgets from rock-bottom cheap to five-star luxury.

There you will never face any problem with the accommodation facilities or food facilities. Yes, food is another amazing standard which you can explore out there. There are so many tastes to be explored that you might take a whole long year to have them. Most of the people just don’t feel like moving away from this special continent. It is evenly filled with natural landscape, vaulting mountains and with splashing rivers. These all special features make them for you lots of opportunities to be explored out there.

Now if we talk about the traveling medium out there, then also there is hardly any problem which you will face out there. Several low-cost airlines operate on the Indian subcontinent, and budget airlines connect most of Southeast Asia’s big cities. But the cheapest (and a more environmentally friendly) way to travel in Asia is by public transport. Local trains and buses in most Asian countries are very affordable. So what are you waiting for?

Just check out the Asia and then you will have a feel of that you have explored any travel destination. Enjoy it in style.

When ever we talk about some of the fine places in South East Asia, then one name which immediately strike to our mind is of Cambodia. Cambodia has every thing in it which a traveler desire for. This is the main reason why it is emerging as one of the best travel destination for the people all over the world. So, if you are also planning for a travel trip along with your friends or family, then do consider Cambodia as a potential option for you. Why you must do so? We will disclose here.

First of all the traveling means to Cambodia are in good numbers and you can stick with either of them. Most often people from foreign countries prefer to visit this beautiful place by the air route. You can very easily get the tickets booked for your self and then enjoy. Secondly, being a famous travel destination there are lots of fine and awesome option for the accommodation process. All the hotels are luxurious and you can explore almost all the features in it. They will provide you a feeling of being at home and you will just not wish like leaving that place.

Cambodia is filled with several tourist attraction and other attractive places. In this context, the best place to pay a visit to is “Siem Reap”. You will get a chance to see there famous Angkor Wat temple out there. This temple has its own historical and architectural importance, because of which it is famous through out the world. Hence you just can’t afford to leave this place. It is just a four hour drive from the Phnom Penh.

Another good and attractive place on your trip can be the “Royal Palace”. This is also quite an old monument and has some historical importance attached to it. You can easily get all the details about it from the net.

You will also get a chance to see out there the National Museum which houses Angkorian artifacts. The Museum was opened in 1920, and displays over 5,000 objects ranging from Angkor-era statuary to post-Angkor Buddha figures. Outside the Museum, a large selection of art galleries can be found on Street 178.

There are still more places to be explored. So just stick to it and enjoy.

Imagine a dream in which you’re drifting serenely along Shanghai’s Grand Canal before stepping into an exquisite city garden. Then you find yourself in Tokyo, wandering onwards until you’re amidst the fabulous temples, courtyards and pavilions of Beijing’s stunning Forbidden City. A little later, you find yourself looking up at a soaring vista of sky lanterns ascending into the night sky of Taipei, Taiwan. If you think that sequences like this can only happen while youíre asleep, think again. This is a fairly typical itinerary for Far East cruises: it’s a dream that cruise holidays can make true and itís available for anyone who wants to see this fantastic part of the world for themselves..

The choice of cruises available today is dizzying. As well favorites like Mediterranean cruises and Caribbean cruises, there are Red Sea cruises, Baltic cruises, and even cruises to the Antarctic! Cruise operators like P&O Cruises, Thomson Cruises, Princess Cruises and Costa Cruises run fleets of ships, offering a choice between smaller, more intimate vessels and lavish floating castles! This range, in addition to the excellent cruise deals available continually, ensure that whatever your budget, a cruise experience can be yours. If you’re relatively young and active, or if you’ve got young kids to keep occupied, opting for the larger vessels may be well worth the extra cost. You’ll find anything from onboard water parks, water skiing, ice skating, and rock wall climbing, to numerous pools suitable for all ages. And the price includes not just your en suite cabin, but gourmet food and evening entertainment, too.

Combine a resort holiday with a cruise in one of the many cruise and stay holidays available. Whatever you choose, you’ll never forget your cruise and will always have some fantastic memories of the places you may only get to visit once in your lifetime..

Regardless of which time of year you book cheap flights to Edinburgh, there is always something going on in the city. Once you arrive, one of the best choices for the budget conscious traveller or individual looking to see all the major sites is the Edinburgh Pass. It offers a maximum of £155 worth of entry to 27 of the main attractions in the city, as well as a 90-page guidebook and various discounts from retailers and restaurants. Not to mention free access to public transport around the city and transfers to the airport if, for example you need to take flights to London or flights from Edinburgh to Brussels. In addition, the international airport services countries around the world, so you can easily find flights to most major cities.

In addition, if you find yourself spending a significant amount of time in Scotland, it might also be worth purchasing a Historic Scotland Membership. The pass lasts for a year, costs roughly £40 and provides unlimited access to around 70 historical sites throughout the country, including Edinburgh Castle and Craigmillar Castle. It is a great way to save money above and beyond whatever cheap flights you found and it also provides you with additional discounts to various shops and merchants, a quarterly magazine and 50% off of admission to any English, Welsh or Manx historical site. All in all, these are two of the best tips for touring around Scotland once you have booked your cheap flights to Edinburgh.

It is easy to be overcharged for a flight these days. In order to get the cheapest flights, you are going to need to do some homework and a bit of digging. There are definitely some great deals out there; it’s just a matter of knowing where to look.

Once you find a price for a ticket, it is good to find comparisons. And, once you are confronted with a good deal, don’t be afraid to move on it. A good idea is to purchase a fully-refundable ticket that is a good value, early and then continue to look for a better deal.

Many times you can find some of the best deals by dealing directly with the airlines. If you sign-up with them, they can notify you by email if great last-minute deals pop-up. Also make sure to check fare-comparison sites. These are really handy as they do all the work for you. Sites like Kayak and SideStep are some of the best of these.

Once you have your ticket, it is also a good idea to keep an eye on the fare to see if it drops. Many airlines have a “best fare” guarantee, so if the fare drops on the same day you purchase, you can get refunded the difference.

The more flexible you are about when and where you fly, the more apt you will be to get a cheap flight. Broaden your search to other airports in your area. Don’t forget to pull the trigger when you do find a great deal. Great deals won’t last forever; if you hesitate, chances are it won’t be there when you finally decide to purchase. Packages which also include your accommodations can save you a lot of money on both. They are worth looking into, if you are going to one place.

While traveling in Indonesia, I had the great fortune of spending a week on the island of Bali. If you have never been, you should definitely add it to your list of places you have to see. Bali is incredibly beautiful and full of lovely, nice people. When you’re in Bali, you must be sure to travel all around the island to see all that it has to offer.

My days in Bali consisted mostly of lazily laying on Kuta beach. It is the main touristy beach in Bali which is full of all the tacky touristy things you’d expect, including Starbucks. I did try my hand at surfing a couple times, though, but couldn’t stand up for any great length of time. If you do attempt some surfing lessons, beware. It is incredibly addicting. The water in Bali is to die for, so even if you don’t try surfing, it is great for a swim.

You can stay in some pretty neat hotels in Bali that are made-up in the traditional Hindu flare. The hotel where I stayed was decorated like a palace. There is a lot of Hindu decor all over the island as Hindu is the main religion.

During my week stay I also managed to take a day trip into Ubud, Bali’s cultural center. Ubud is a must-see if you are in Bali and you can get some really cool art there. We went north of Ubud, to Taro to take an elephant ride. We had already ridden an elephant in India, but this was neat as well. You get to feed it and give it a bath after your ride.

You cannot be bored in Bali as there are always things to see and discover. And as is the case with many South-East Asian hot spots, the night life is fabulous. I met some great fellow travelers at the local pub near where I was staying. We even traveled to Malaysia together afterwards.

While in Malaysia I had the great opportunity to trek through the Borneo jungle. Sabah offers a wide range of sightseeing activities in its pristine jungle. We opted for a day trek into the Kinabatangan Wetland. It is a great place to spot some exotic monkeys which we did. The wetland is just a couple hours southeast of modern Sandakan, which is not far from the Sepilok Orang-utan centre.

The wetland cover 25000 Hectares of land and it is rated as having the highest concentration of primates in all of Borneo. We took a river ride with a guide to sight the strange looking Proboscis monkey which is only found in Borneo. Besides all the monkeys we saw, we also saw some pretty cool birds.

After the Kinabatangan Wetland, we went to the Sepilok Orang-utan centre because I’m obsessed. The centre is a great place to see these fascinating primates in their natural habitats. We got to see them during an afternoon feeding which let us spot them at very close range. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I would recommend it to anyone going to Borneo.

Our largest excursion was our trip into the Tambunan. It offers visitors a chance to see the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia. It is definitely something to see. It is massive and very strange looking. While in Tambunan you can also picnic by waterfalls, hike through the rainforest, and climb Mt. Trusmadi.

We had the opportunity to climb Mt. Trusmadi, which is the second highest peak in Sabah. It is worth all the work of climbing it when you reach the top and get to look out over the beautiful landscape. You can see the islands and the rice fields and, when we were atop it, everything appears engulfing in a beautiful mist. It is definitely picturesque so don’t forget your camera.