Category: Travel & Leisure

  • Recommended Places to Visit When Travelling in Seminyak Bali

    Bali has unlimited places of interests you can visit during your vacation. Thus, choosing Bali as your next travel destination will be a good choice since there are many things you can do to have fun in the Island of Gods. For recommendation, Seminyak is great for your stay in Bali. There are various accommodation to help you stay comfortable during your holiday in Bali. Seminyak also grants you great access to various places of interest including Ngurah Rai international airport, beaches, restaurant, cafes, spas, and many more.

    Where to go when venturing in Seminyak Bali

    Choosing in Seminyak means you can leisurely walk around to several places especially for tourists. It is inevitable to get out of your room and star venturing around Seminyak to discover interesting places. Here are some recommended places of interests you can visit during your holiday in Seminyak Bali:

    • Ku De Ta – This place has no extraordinary thing to boast around. However, this is like a must to go place when you are in Seminyak. It is essential to visit this restaurant at least once when you are in Seminyak. This beachfront restaurant offer you the best foods made from fresh local ingredients. This is not only a simple restaurant because it has bar and beach lounge to help you loosen up.
    • Bali Gift Spa – Holiday in Bali is not complete if you don’t pay a visit to one of its spas. Bali Gift Spa is located in Seminyak offering Balinese traditional massage technique fused with Western methods. There are various menu you can choose such as facials, pedicure, manicures, or relaxing massage.
    • Nyaman Gallery – For art lovers, visiting this gallery while in Seminyak is a must. This is where you can find contemporary art of local and international talents displayed. The collections include glassworks, clothes, jewelry, photographs, sculptures, and paintings. It is highly possible for you to lose track of time while indulging your artistic soul.
    • Pura Petitenget – Seminyak is not only about high end bars or luxury villas. You can also trace ancient Balinese culture through Pura Petitenget. This is a beautiful sea temple built in highly artistic architecture. There are things you can enjoy while visiting this temple such as dragon-shaped staircase, large courtyard, fabric adorned shrines, and pavilions. This ancient sea temple was founded in the sixteenth century.
    • Seminyak Night Market – If you think darkness can stop Bali from being attractive place to venture then it is wrong. At night you can visit this market and indulge your appetite with the finest culinary creations. Satay, nasi goreng, mie goreng, and other authentic Indonesian dishes can be found here.
    • Potato Head – This is a perfect place to chill and hang out with your friends. Tropical atmosphere, delicious foods, and best views are what you can enjoy when you stop by this place. This place consists of three on-site restaurant, three bars, and infinity pool. All are overlooking the ocean, giving you the best taste of the finest of Bali.
  • Tips for family trip to Bali

    Bali is not only for those who are looking for romantic getaway or adventure seeker. It is only a paradise for family who want to enjoy spending time together without so much hassle. There are many destinations that are also kid-friendly so that all member of your family can make the most of family trip. It is kind of boring to have a simple road trip for family bonding. Having a short break by visiting Bali with family is good idea to release all stress due to works or school tasks. Planning family trip should be done in advance to avoid more stress and hassle. Without preparation, family trip will only lead to severe headache and your kids throwing tantrums.

    How to make of the most family trip in Bali

    Family trip should be planned ahead because it involves people from different ages. Thus, you need to find travel destinations which can provide fun for all members of your family. However, Bali has many kids-friendly destinations to visit and there are many kid-friendly activities as well to enjoy. Thus, you don’t have to worry too much. Here are things to pay attention to when you have family trip in Bali:

    • First, you must think of the right hotel to accommodate all your family. Instead of gambling, you can play safe by choosing Hard Rock Hotel Bali. This is kid-friendly hotel providing everything you and your family need for delightful experience during your stay in Bali. There are indoor and outdoor playing areas for your kids. As for adults, there is spa to help you relax all the knot of your muscle. Both interior and exterior of this hotel are well-designed which is far from boring. However, you can also choose hotel based on your main destination to make everything easier.
    • Next thing to consider is the transport. There are many attractions to visit so it is recommended to rent a family car with private driver. It is safer and you won’t get so much hassle. There are many reliable car rental to help you and your family move from one place to another easily. Taking public transportation will be less practical especially when you come with big family. If you have difficulty finding reliable car rental, just ask hotel staff for recommendation.
    • During your travelling in Bali, it is highly advised to avoid drinking from tap water because it is not safe to drink. It is more recommended to buy bottled mineral water. Or, it is better to bring your own bottle so you can refill from hotel before exploring various places in Bali.
    • About the places to go, there are many options you can choose. If you are looking for more laidback seaside with less crowd, Sanur is the best option. There are kite-flying festivals to indulge your kids. If you are looking for a place to do watersports, Nusa Dua is perfect destination. The water are shallow and safe for kids. There are many activities to do here to for family bonding.
  • Best Mountains to Visit for Your Next Travel Plan

    There are many places you can go to when it comes to travelling. There are no limits whatsoever. For those who like adventure and getting their adrenaline pumped up, mountains are great destinations to visit. Well, travelling is not always about spending your time in foreign countries in leisure pace. It can be adventure full of thrill. There are many mountains in the world which are intimidating, challenging and inviting. However, you shouldn’t have to travel to the highest mountains to get the thrill. There are also famous mountains in the world where almost anyone can summit.

    Recommended mountains to explore

    There are many fun activities you can do while travelling to the best mountains in the world. It is not always about challenge and exhaustion from climbing and hiking. Climbing up mountains, you can get closer to the nature. It is a great way to relax your body and mind. Getting closer to the nature will also help you to regain more energy. If you are interested to explore mountains for your next travel plan, find out these most recommended mountains in the world to summit!

    • Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular mountains in the world, especially in Africa. It is indeed Africa’s highest mountain after all. It is challenging but still affordable to try to. The high altitude is challenging enough. The hike is also not that easy to conquer. However, it is not impossible mountain to challenge. It can be accessed even by unprofessional hikers. This is one of the most accessible mountains in Africa that thousands of people attempt summit every year.
    • Mount Fuji, Japan may have been so familiar. It is iconic mountain in Japan where almost everyone can summit. The vision of this mountain is beautifully perfect. One of the most attractions is the snow-capped standalone peak. People attempt to summit during peak season in July to September. It is the most ideal climbing season since it lacks of snow at that time.
    • Mount Kosciuszko is one of the most famous mountains in Australia, recommended for almost everyone to summit. This mountain has no extreme high of peak but it is indeed the highest mountain in Australia, considering it is a continent more known for its desert. Therefore, it is accessible for nearly anyone. It stands 7.310 feet and often used as ski slope during winter. Thus, you can choose short route where you can ride the chairlift or take longer route which takes about 7 hours.
    • Cerro Cirripo is the highest mountain in Costa Rica. Climbing this mountain will give you priceless rewards such as the front seats of the Pacific, the Atlantic, and Panama views. Aside from the best views you get after tiring hikes, you will also be rewarded throughout your journey with distinct ecological zones. The hike can take a day to finish if you fit for that. However, you can also take your time and spend the night at one of the climber’s huts.
  • Scuba Diving For Beginners To Learn And Have fun In Beneath The Sea

    When you hear the word diving, what do you think? Swim in the depths to see amazing scenery? Afraid to meet sharks? Is diving safe? Many people think about scuba diving. Not a few people are interested in trying to dive. Dive for something easy to do. A lot must be prepared before deciding to explore diving. Scuba diving for beginners must be taken to get a certificate. Without a scuba diving certificate, it is not possible to enjoy the amazing underwater scenery.

    scuba diving for beginners

     Diving For Beginners Guides

    Scuba diving for beginners allows you to become an unforgettable experience for you. This also becomes the beginning of someone to decide to become a master. Then where can you get an unforgettable experience of scuba diving for beginners?

    Many sources of inspiration for learning scuba diving for beginners, ranging from magazines to television shows. This allows one to have a stronger desire to learn scuba diving. he main thing to do is find an instructor and find the right course.

    Scuba diving for beginners are provided by many dive operators in various dive destinations. They help you learn diving skills and get a certificate. To complete scuba diving for beginners you need 4-5 days. Usually dive operators have designed a schedule during training. Can the training schedule be adjusted to our empty time? Dive operators offer scuba diving schedules for beginners who are flexible and adapted to potential divers.

    In general, diving must begin with understanding the basics and slowly study diving until it is declared pass and deserve a diving certificate. Do beginner divers need to buy diving equipment? Since scuba diving for beginners is the first step as a diver, it’s a good idea to use equipment from a dive operator. Dive operators offer scuba diving packages for beginners including diving equipment inside.

    In fact, dive operators not only offer training packages for scuba diving for beginners. For this reason, diving training depends on your needs and abilities. Do you want to be a professional diver or just to be an amateur diver. One of the requirements for scuba diving for beginners is the minimum age of 12 years to 70 years. It’s never too late to learn diving. Before deciding to do scuba diving for beginners, what is important and you must understand is having responsibility.

    The fact is you will mingle with many people, sooner or later. Complying with training rules is a responsibility. Maintaining each other when diving is very important. Sometimes water can become irregular and endanger you. Being responsible for what you have to learn from the dive instructor is the main thing. A sense of responsibility for your beliefs in diving is important, to make you more professional in diving skills.

  • Tips to Blend in with the Locals Effortlessly when Travelling

    Travelling is not all about visiting various tourist attraction or local foods. There are more interesting to do while travelling and one of them is to blend in with the locals. You need to know that the locals can be just as interested in visitors as visitors are in the locals. Thus, the ideal of blending in with them is great. It will give you many benefits such as making new friends, understanding more about the culture, opening your mind about new things. And giving you more intimate look of how the locals live. Besides, it may also keep you safe during your stay because when you blend in then the risk of being a target of crimes will be lessen.

    Tips to Blend in with the Locals Effortlessly when Travelling

    How to perfectly blend in with the locals

    No matter where you go, you have chance and ability to fit in. Blending in with the locals will earn you many benefits you may not realize you need them. As mentioned earlier, the benefits include comfort, safety and more life lessons to earn. Here are some tips you can try to blend in with the locals during your travel. You might as well try them for your next travel plan:

    • Wear simple clothes with muted colors will help you blending in perfectly. You can simple wear your plain T-shirt and a cap. However, you may also feel uncomfortable to wear trashy clothes. Therefore, you can do a little research about how the locals dress. It can be searched online so it won’t take long time. Thus, you can pack clothes which are quite similar vibe with the way the locals dress.
    • It is recommended to tone down your habit of capturing every single thing you see when travelling. Taking photos are of course necessary when travelling but if you want to blend in then you need to at least tone it down a bit. Keep yourself low profile and appreciate more your surrounding in slow pace.
    • It is safer to bring adequate amount of money. For example, you only bring money you need for a day. When you keep fumbling with money when making transaction, it will not only make you strongly look as a tourist but it higher the risk of being target for thieves.
    • Go to local store when you need to buy stuffs. You will learn many things when visiting local store. you can also buy food from a food cart. It is a good way to start interacting with the locals. You can start with the seller.
    • Don’t be afraid to encounter with the locals. It is even better when you can something in their language even for saying a simple hello. You can pay attention on how they act or dress then you can follow suit. Be confident and considerate at the same time when interacting with the locals to get to know more about their cultures. If there is local event, you can check it out and learn more about them in fun way.

     

  • Going on Komodo Liveaboard Budget? Prepare These First!

    So, you have been  charmed with the beauty of Komodo National Park, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and the treasured UNESCO World Heritage. And there’s no way you can enjoy everything Komodo has to offer—both in land and under the water—without hopping on one of those Komodo liveaboard trip. A wooden phinisi boat which takes every travelers exploring the national park around. These boats come in wide range of types and budget, too, with Komodo liveaboard budget becoming the most popular among travelers.  Budget liveaboard boats often offered an open-trip, where you only pay for your cabin and share the boat with dozen other people.

    An open trip with budget liveaboard in Komodo can be an eye-opening experience. Many people see it as a chance to connect with new like-minded people and seek new knowledge. Before you board, here are few tips to make your Komodo sailing trip feel even more fun.

    Going on Komodo Liveaboard Budget? Prepare These First!

    Bring Your Own Towel

    There will always be this little debate on a liveaboard trip: should you burden yourself by bringing a towel?

    Some people advice that towels should not be included in your backpack. Well, that advice would be reasonable if you are sailing in a luxurious liveaboard whose hospitality service is in par with at least three-starred hotel. Low-cost liveaboard, on the other hand, while they might provide some towels, the cleanliness might not be as what you expected. So in our suggestion, better bring your own towel and keep it to yourself. After all, you gonna need it frequently after each dive in Komodo’s many dive sites.

    Got Any Special Request? Talk It Early

    Are you allergic to specific food? Cannot eat anything but plant-based meal? Do you prefer a smaller tank to dive due certain condition? Go tell the liveaboard crews if you have a special request, especially when it concern foods. Komodo liveaboard budget usually serve their meals in buffet style, where the crew will cook big chunks of foods and everyone will take their own portion. Give the crew enough time to prepare your special request. 

    Dive Without Expectation

    It goes beyond saying that Komodo’s water is home to many rare, exotic marine creatures. Pigmy sea horses, dugongs, manta rays, and dolphins are among the rare sight. Sea apples, rhinopias, sharks, and turtle are quite common, though the sighting cannot be guaranteed. If you have high expectations to see certain creature just because a diver told it over the internet, it’s best to leave it at the shore. Keep in mind that these awesome creatures are wild animals, and they will behave so.

    Prepare Some Ice Breakers

    On board Komodo liveaboard budget, you gotta meet a handful of divers and travelers from all over the world. And it’s not just for a few hours meeting—you are going to live with them for several days ahead. In times like this, prepare some short stories about your experience, anecdotes, and few non-creepy jokes for breaking the ice. 

    Prepare Some Tip for Komodo Liveaboard Crews

    Be a respectable guests and appreciate the crews that’s been working their fingers to the bone to make sure you get a safe and memorable trip to last a lifetime. It’s safe to say that liveaboard industry don’t have the best pay rate, so a few dollar of tips will mean a lot for the crews. Set aside some cash in an envelope and give it directly to the crews—credit cards is not working so well there.

  • Most Recommended Places to Visit for Slow Travelling

    It is true that the essence of slow travel doesn’t rely fully on the travel destination. It is more likely to be about the mindset and how you do it. Slow travel means you enjoy travelling in slower pace without frantic movement. It also means you open up your eyes and mind to see more about new things, be it new cultures, attractions, people, and many other things. However, there is nothing wrong if you choose the destination for slow travel specifically. You may prefer a place where there is less frantic pace or crowd. You may also prefer a place offering raw and beauty. After all, travel is about personal preference.

    Recommended places for slow travelling

    It is highly recommended to research travel destination beforehand. Thus, you will know what to expect when you arrive. It also applies for when you are going to have slow travel. It is more recommended to look for the best destination so you won’t regret visiting the place. If you haven’t figured out the best destination for slow travelling then you might as well consider these recommended places to visit:

    • La Gomera and El Hierro, Canary Islands are recommended places for slow travel. You may have heard alot about Canary Island and it is indeed one of the most visited toruist attractions. However, La Gomera is perfect place to visit for your slow travel because it hasless tourists. it offers peaceful and serene vibe. Another interesting thing about El Hierro is that there is hydroelectric plant. It is the first island in the world using renewable energy self-sufficiently. The natural landscape in the islands is uniquely beautiful. There are sharp mountains, pine forest as well as marine life you can explore.
    • Alpujarra, Spain is also highly recommended for your next slow travel destination. The rhythm of Alpujjaran Village is incredibly captivating. In this place, you will learn how to cook with produce from the owner’s organic estate (finca in Spanish). You will also be able to visit silk-weavers as well as wine makers. In the evening, you can just stroll along Moorish water channels.
    • Italy is also recommended destination for slow travel. It can’t be denied that Europe has many places which are perfect for slow travel. Italy is one of them and in fact this is where Slow Food Movement was born. Thus, this is a great place for you to experience the magic of slow travel. You can try private cookery class, spa, truffle hunting, as well as chocolate and wine pairing.
    • Morocco has been famous for its nomad lifestyle. This is perfect for you to slow travelling. You will experience how to live like nomad in Morocco. You can book nomad tour program and join one of the families for seasonal migration through interesting routes. You will learn more about the cultures while having fun with the nomads. You will also have a chance to milking goats, baking bread, and setting a camp. This will give you once in a life time experience.
  • The Hip Youth’s Capital: What to do in Shibuya

    I’ll never tire to say that simply being in Shibuya is an experience in itself. There is no a shortage of things that you can do in this Tokyo ward that is dubbed as the youth’s capital. Shibuya also houses the Takeshita street, famous for the youth fashion that encapsulate a broad range of sub-culture and styles. It’s famous as a symbol of the Japanese fashion. While shopping for unique clothes and fashion items is an obvious thing to do in Shibuya, there are actually numerous things you can do in this Tokyo’s highly fashionable district.

    The Hip Youth’s Capital: What to do in Shibuya

    Vlog, take pictures, simply bask in the atmosphere

    Being in such a large ever-crowded space can feel overwhelming. But during your travels, it can be such a novel experience. The crowd in Shibuya has always been a favorite of many photographers. A point of interest would be the Shibuya crossing. You’ve probably seen millions of pictures of that crossing alone. Taken in all of the seasons, at any time of the day. Blogging and taking pictures in Shibuya would definitely get you some Instagram-worthy shots.

     

    Enjoy Strolling in Yoyogi Park

    Take a break from the liveliness of the ever-buzzing crowd in Shibuya by strolling around in its park. Yoyogi park is fortunately free of entrance fee. You can enjoy the park the whole day and it’s open 24 hours. Yoyogi Koen can be reached by 5 minutes walk from the Harajuku (Meiji-jingumae) Station on the JR Line. The Meiji Shrine is also right next on the park. You can enjoy strolling, jogging, and even picnic and hanami (flower-seeing commonly done in Sakura season).

     

    Meiji Jingu

    The most famous shrine in Shibuya in which the Shibuya station is named after. Located within the northern part of the shrine is the Meiji shrine treasure house. The treasure house showcased personal items of the Emperor Meiji, the first emperor of modern Japan who ascended throne in 1867. Currently, the treasure house is closed because of renovation work to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Meiji Shrine until October 2019. However, visitors are still able to go to visit the shrine.

     

    The Hachiko Statue

    This statue is a popular meeting spot for both locals and foreigners alike. It stood as a reminder of a tear-jerking story between Professor Ueno, Hachiko’s owner who brought Hachiko from Akita Prefecture to work in Tokyo. A lot of people take pictures daily in this meeting spot.

     

    Japan Official Broadcasting Station NHK

    Touring to a television broadcasting studio may not cross your mind when you’re traveling. But it’s one of the fun things you can do in Shibuya, where the broadcasting station has a theme park inside. The entrance fee is very cheap, only 200 JPY (less than 2 USD). There are a number of NHK character mascots happy to greet you. Here’s their official website. There are animation factory, creative lab, as well as studio park news. All of which can let you experience the fun in producing tv shows and news. It’s a good place to visit for both adults and kids.

     

  • The Good and Down Side of Sailing in A Komodo Liveaboard

    Komodo liveaboard continues to grow as the most popular vessel in Labuan Bajo as the region blooms with natural attraction. There are fast boats and fishing boats offered in the port town’s wooden docks, but there’s something in liveaboard that makes a sailing trip around Komodo feels more fulfilling. And like everything else in the world, sailing with this ship comes with a set of plus and minus. If you are curious whether liveaboard sailing trip is for you or not, you definitely need to read this to the last point.

     

    Plus and Minus of Sailing in A Komodo Liveaboard

    Komodo liveaboard makes everything simpler

    You might not think about it, but sailing with Komodo liveaboard makes the exploration trips simpler. As there are no hotels or other sorts of accommodations in the protected park, liveaboard cut out the needs of going back and froth from Labuan Bajo to the park. All you need is to pack the bag and let the liveaboard take care pf your needs. It get even more convenient for divers as they don’t need to transport their heavy diving gears back and froth from that car to the dive sites. Everything is here where you’ll need it. And mind you, Komodo has dozens of wonderful dive sites to explore.

    You are allowed to do dozens of dives

    Either budget or luxury liveaboard Komodo, being in one allows you to do as many dives as you can. Often times, it’s the literal version of sleep-dive-repeat circle, allowing 4-5 dives a day if you desire so. A perfect life for divers, indeed. Liveaboard also make a night dive in Komodo possible.

    Liveaboard can be jammed with too much activities

    Taking a liveaboard gives you a prolonged time to go beyond the popular sites. It gives you a vessel to reach the deeper, more remote part of the National Park and exploring the hidden beauty. Sometimes, however, the ‘obligation’ to make the trip into the fullest come with a minor drawback. Schedules can be too packed and your body cannot keep it up. Luckily, every decent liveaboard was built with fun sundecks for a blissful relaxation. Take your favorite book there and take refugee in the sunny loungers.

    There’s no nightlife, but you got the sky

    If you are a sucker for lively nightlife whenever you are on holiday trip, don’t expect to find it in a liveaboard. However, a night in Komodo have something entirely different for your after-dark delight. Away from busy city lights and dazzling skyscrapers, the Komodo’s sky will entertain you with a clear, starry sky that’s so alive with billons stars and constellations. It’s time to lie back and reconnect with yourself.

    When it comes to nightlife versus starry sky, it always result in beautiful draw.

    You will be stick around a bunch of worldwide travelers

    Unless you are renting the whole Komodo liveaboard for yourself (and your closest ones), you’re guaranteed to share the boat with a set of strangers from all around the world. It means you have to keep the best friendly attitude all the time and practice “go with the flow” philosophy. While dealing with minor quarrel on daily basis sounds rather unpleasant, in the end of the day you gotta find a strong bond and great friendships.

  • Insights on Solo Traveling and Should You Meet Travel Buddy?

    Traveling solo is something that will give you experience like no other. It’s both eye-opening and liberating. As you travel solo, you’ll learn to rely on yourself more than ever as you learn to navigate environments foreign to you. The process can be daunting. But for those who have done it, it’s something that is certain to be a memorable time.

    There’s no denying that there’s simply a lot of romanticization on traveling in general and especially in traveling solo. The BS about “finding yourself”? In how many articles you have read it? Regardless of whether it’s true or not (or rather, regardless whether you agree with the notion or not), traveling solo is undoubtedly an experience that everyone should try at least once in their life. Especially when you’re still young and healthy and there is no significant health issues that may hinder you.

    However, it’s undeniable to people who have traveled solo that it’s difficult to avoid feeling lonely during travels. Especially when you’re traveling solo for longer than one week. Even just two weeks can feel overwhelming regardless whether you consider yourself an social butterfly or an introvert. How can you minimize the downsides of traveling solo?

    Insights on Solo Traveling and Should You Meet Travel Buddy?

    For one, solo traveling automatically opens up the opportunity of meeting new people more than ever, as opposed to when you’re traveling with friends or family. When you’re traveling with people you know, your perception and your interactions with them will be strengthened. While it is a good thing in their own rights, it would also limit your interaction to the person you’re with.

    Traveling solo automatically opens up the opportunity of meeting new people without constraints. And the people you can connect with the easiest? That would be fellow solo travelers like you.

    One of the best ways to meet people during your travels for sure is to plan your meet up ahead.

    Take advantage of social travel websites such as couchsurfing. The common social media sites are also an underrated way to meet new people during your travels. You can visit forums in facebook relevant for your travels. Connect with people according to your destinations and travel time. If you have a certain hobby or a favorite activity, then it may be a great place to start your search for a travel buddy. It may be a bit tricky to match your interests with people who are going to the destination at the same time as you. So be open with your options, and do consider going a social event or a gathering.

    You can also meet locals easily through this method. Meeting people who live in your destinations would give you valuable insights about the place as well as where to find the best restaurants locals eat in everyday. You can also chose to stay at accommodations that allows you to connect better with people. Hostels is one of travelers’ favorite ways to meet and connect. However, other alternatives such as airbnb does offer a chance for you to connect with fellow travelers as well. A lot of airbnb listings put the emphasis on being social and even has facilities of social rooms and a shared dining area that you can comfortably take advantage of to meet a travel companion.