10 local experiences you can't miss in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and for good reason. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and see beyond the tourist traps, take a look at the guide to the 10 best local experiences in the region.

A homestay in a Thai Village

There’s more to Thailand than you could ever imagine. This popular rite-of-passage destination offers you Theravada wats, palaces-turned-museums, orgasmic food, islands that look photoshopped, and joyful, welcoming people.

Meeting orangutans in Borneo

Indigenous to the rainforests of Borneo, orangutans (derived from the Malay phrase, orangutan, literally “person of the forest”) are beautiful creatures, and are a wonder to watch at play.

Climbing active volcanoes in the Tengger Caldera, Indonesia

Whether you’re here for the view, the hike, or the spiritual experience, the Tengger massif will give you an adventure like no other. The most well-known of the Tengger Caldera volcanoes is Mount Bromo, an active volcano that often sizzles and seethes.

Depending on volcanic activity, you may or may not be able to climb up the mountain, but there are nearby hills from which to perch and drink in the view.

A colorful floating market in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is Asia’s answer to Venice’s popular floating market. Colorful, noisy, and brimming with fruits, vegetables and home wares, this is the place to hit if you want a raw turnip, some khanom krok (rice pudding), or simply to watch how the locals barter.

The Tha Kha Floating Market is about as local as it gets (being small and not too touristy), and is close to the novel and mind-boggling Maeklong Railway Market (a market that literally operates on railway tracks).

See more: A guide to the Maeklong Railway Market in Bangkok

Trekking through local villages to get to Inle Lake, Myanmar

Named after the Intha people, the Inle Lake covers 44.9 square miles (116 square kilometers), which is about the size of the Kaho’olawe island in Hawaii.

Begin your trek from Kalaw (an old hill station) and move through extensive rice fields, vegetable plantations and local homes built with wood and bamboo. After the long walk, you’ll be rewarded with the stunning Inle Lake, where houses are built on stilts above the water and fishermen row with their legs, catching prey in their conical nets.

Scaling the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia

Mount Kinabalu has carnivorous pitcher plants, oriental small-clawed otters and the world’s largest flower (the Rafflesia)—and we haven’t even started on the view.

At 13,435 feet (4,095 metres) above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is the summit of the Borneo Crocker Range. Not for the weak-willed or the unfit, climbing Mount Kinabalu is a revelatory experience—it’ll make you a different person.

Hunting for dragons on Komodo Island, Indonesia

First documented by the Dutch, the Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard species today, typically weighing in at around 154 pounds (70 kg). These creatures can be found in the Indonesian archipelago, especially on Komodo Island. When you’re done locating your dragon, the island also offers snorkeling opportunities, a pink beach, and a national park.

Taking a slow-boat trip down the Mekong River

The Mekong River runs through China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, and offers financial and practical sustenance to all.

Framed on either side by lofty limestone karsts and natural caves, the Vang Vieng in Laos offers an impressive view of the Mekong River, as well as the mulberry farms just outside of town.

Learning about Cambodia’s tragic past in Phnom Penh

During Pol Pot’s reign, the Tuol Svay Prey High School was converted into a security prison, where thousands were tortured, killed, or worked to death. By death toll, the Cambodian genocide remains one of the largest in history, and the country lost approximately 1.5 to 3 million people at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.

Visiting Tuol Sleng (the prison-turned-museum) and the killing fields of Choeung Ek is a sobering experience, but an important one—especially if you want to learn more about Cambodia’s history.

Visiting the hanging coffins of the Philippines

For two millennia, the Igorot people of Echo Valley, Sagada, have practiced the ancient tradition of wrapping the corpses of their deceased loves one, smoking them (to prevent fast decomposition) and placing them in coffins nailed to the sides of cliffs. It is believed that this will bring them closer to their ancestral spirits.

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The interesting experiences you should try in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a huge amount to offer visitors in search of unique encounters, ranging from breathtakingly scenic routes, ancient sites with rich history, stunning wildlife, spectacular festivals and a huge variety of outdoor activities. At the end of a hectic day touring the country, you can savor the deliciously spicy cuisine, relax with rejuvenating Ayurveda spa, or simply soak up a scintillating sunset.

Enjoy a Scenic Train Ride in Sri Lanka

Train rides in Sri Lanka are so much fun that they are “bucket-list worthy”. These trains are surprisingly clean, affordable and comfortable. It felt like a mini country tour because the views outside were breathtaking. Although it is easy to get a seat but we realized that the most popular seat was the door seat. Many locals just sit by the door, eat and enjoy the view.

Trek through a Tea Plantation in Nuwara Eliya

Lipton Tea is a staple item in the cupboard of most families around the world. You can trek with a 60-yr-old local Sri Lankan up and down the steep mountains home amongst the famous Lipton Tea and other highly lauded tea estates. If you are looking to gain historical context and perspective this is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.

The Royal Tea Trail begins innocuously by the roadside before beginning to the wind between steep tea terraces. Although unlike the rice terraces in Bali these are not tiered. There are no steps and the tea-pluckers must scale the sharp incline. The tea plants are scattered with no particular pattern although they are often layered creating a beautiful linear design on the side of the mountains.

Sunset at the Famous Rope swing in Dalawella

There are plenty of places around the world that have become viral travel hotspots overnight. A few popular Instagrammers or vloggers blow a place up and all of a sudden it becomes a must-do activity while you visit a region. The palm tree rope swing at Dalawella Beach is a prime example of a social media hotspot. Having said that it is an awesome spot for a fun afternoon or a sunset and chill place to hang out whether you intend on getting that ‘Instagrammable’ travel shot or not.

Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock

Built 1600 years ago, the UNESCO World heritage site Sigiriya is an outstanding example of ancient Sri Lankan art and architecture. Probably the most well-known Sri Lankan monument, it attracts tourists and locals alike, who early each morning tackle the 60–90 minute climb to the top. Reach the Sky Palace (on top of 200-meter-tall rock), stopping on the way to take in the gorgeous gardens and frescoes, then continue on to the summit and be astonished by the panoramic view.

Snorkel at Pigeon Island National Park

An idyllic location, Pigeon Island is situated to the north of Trincomalee, and is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Sri Lanka. The National Park’s name comes from the rock pigeon which has colonized it, and you can spot them by climbing up the rocks on the nature trail. But the real treat for visitors is the chance to snorkel right off the beach and spot scores of tropical fish amid dazzling coral.

Explore the Markets

There are markets all over Sri Lanka, all of which will be great to explore. Try new fruits, taste some local dishes and of course meet the local vendors. Visiting a small market in Nuwara Eliya and meeting some beautiful grocers and vendors who loved having their portraits taken as you wander throughout the stalls.

Read more: Find the best beach resorts in Sri Lanka

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The interesting experiences you should try in Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Mekong Delta or Nine Dragon river delta is where Mekong river approaches and empties into the sea through hundreds of distributaries. This region covers about 39,000 square kilometres and is considered as “biological treasure trove” with over one thousand species. Mekong Delta with beautiful sights and unique lifestyle has become one of the most visited tourist destination in Southern Vietnam.

Take a trip on a small boats

The best way to explore the beauty and uniqueness of Mekong Delta is by a boat cruise on waterways. Remember that Mekong River includes a complex system of channels. From the boat, it is quite surprising to feast your eyes on stunning sights of green or yellow rice paddies, lush orchards, lines of coconut trees and quiet stilt houses. While immersing in a scenic boat trip through this immense delta, you will not only discover the bustling colors of floating markets, but also experience the traditional lifestyle around the Mekong River as well as take a close glimpse at rural Vietnam.

An impressive exclusive river cruise on waterways of the Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam will definitely treat yourself to something novel and exceptional.

Experience floating market

Talking about Mekong Delta tour, we cannot miss its famous floating markets and the most well-known one is Cai Rang floating market, which is situated 5 kilometers from Can Tho city.
This is another face of Mekong Delta, different from the surprisingly tranquility of its rural villages, it is a busy and crowded market on the water. The picture of Cai Rang floating market is as vivid and colorful as the life of Mekong Delta residents.

Observing the market, you will see the characteristic of the generous and easy-going people who earn their living on the river. Wooden boats are full of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables. The sellers hang their product samples on a long stick in front of the boat as a sign to inform to buyers what they sell. This is a very special experience that you could not find anywhere else in the world.

Visit and taste fresh fruits in local garden

Mekong Delta wins an award, not only for rice paddies but also for tropical fruits. Thanks to the pleasant climate and favorable natural conditions, fruit seasons seem to be all year round, making it the ideal destination for both domestic and foreigner visitors. And stopping by one of fruit gardens has become the favorable type for many tourists. There is nothing greater than listening to what the host of the garden tells, picking and enjoying ripe fruits by your hands.

Some of the famous fruit orchards in Mekong Delta include Cai Be Orchard (Tien Giang), Phong Dien and My Khanh Orchard (Can Tho), Cai Mon Orchard (Ben Tre), etc. Further, it is also a good chance to broaden your knowledge by knowing the specialties of each area.

See more: Explore the taste of Mekong Delta cuisine in Vietnam

Feed and catch fish at a fish farm

If you would like to enjoy best fish in Vietnam, you should come to Mekong Delta. This region is a good natural environment for many kinds of freshwater fishes. It is a best place to grow fish so that there are many fish farms in Mekong Delta which are worth a visit. There you can feed the fish with the farmer’s help. They eat natural foods such as vegetables, and banana trees and artificial foods.

You can also catch fishes and cook delicious dishes from fresh ingredients. You can use bucket to catch small fishes in the ponds but it’s not easy with big fish such as elephant ear fish and basa fish, etc. Sometimes it needs a fishing rod made of bamboo to catch snakehead fish, carp and catfish. It is not like that you go fishing in a lake or the ocean. Sweet and Sour Soup with Fish and Vegetables is one of the most popular and flavorful home-cooked dishes in Mekong Delta.

Listen to Southern folk songs 

After a long trip of roaming around Mekong River by boats, tasting fruits, catching fish and visiting floating markets, you will be then inspired and calmed by traditional Southern folk songs and performance. Also called "Đờn Ca Tài Tử" in Vietnamese, the Southern folk songs are one special kind of musical art, reflecting the lifestyle of Southerners who live and earn their bread on the land and along the Mekong River.

Through the songs, the locals want to express all of their inner feelings and emotions, generosity, industriousness, and courage of their own. That is why this performance has become popular to any domestic and international locals. You will be quickly cooled down and recharged after wallowing in the soothing sound of the music, in addition to drinking fruit refreshments and tea of the area.

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How to experience Japanese culture while you are in Singapore

Are you curious about Japan or love the Japanese culture, but lack the time or money for a trip to Japan? Don’t fret, here are 5 things you can experience Japan without having to hop onto a flight.

Experience Anime and J-pop at C3AFA (Anime Festival Asia)

Experience the best of Japanese pop culture in C3AFA (Anime Festival Asia), which will be taking place at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will feature anime showcases, industry guests, professional cosplayers, and the grand I Love Anisong concert, hosting popular Japanese rock bands such as SPYAIR.

Boasting over 100,000 attendees last year, C3AFA has grown into the most iconic J-pop festival in Singapore today. With their trendy and hot content in store for you, this is something you just cannot miss if you are an avid fan of Japanese pop culture.

Hunt for Japanese snacks and delicacies

There are more Japanese food stores here in Singapore than you might think. First off, the more well-known places to shop for Japanese treats include the food halls of Takashimaya and Jurong Point, where you can go on a walking food tour of Japanese cuisine. That aside, you can head to Sakuraya Fish Mart for fresh Japanese seafood, including live king crabs that are specially air-flown from Hokkaido. You can also try out the takoyaki, ramen, and sushi while you are there.

Another stop for Japanese food is Emporium Shokuhin, with Singapore’s first live and chilled seafood market, which is probably the closest you can get to a real Japanese market experience. They also have a gourmet section where you can explore aisles of Japanese seafood, fruits, sauces, condiments and more. And for Japanese snacks and other goodies, Meidi-Ya has got you covered with pretty much every Japanese treat you could want.

Go on a shopping spree in Daiso

Shopping in Daiso is quite a unique experience as you get to take a look at some Japanese products. Japanese products are known for being quite intriguing sometimes and the products at Daiso are no exception to this rule. For example, you can get things like banana cutters in Daiso, right here in Singapore. How cool is that?

Take a stroll at the Japanese Garden

Last but not least, the Japanese Garden would certainly come to mind when you are thinking of a place in Singapore that gives you a taste of Japan. One half of the Jurong Gardens, the Japanese Garden is connected to the Chinese Garden with the photo-worthy Bridge of Double Beauty.
The picturesque garden is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and most of all, a distinctly Japanese design that was inspired by Japan’s Muromachi and Azuchi–Momoyama period. Traditional bridges and rest houses dot the area, and there is also a Turtle & Tortoise Museum within the grounds of this garden as well.

Visit Cat Cafe Neko No Niwa

Japan and cats. It is the best of both worlds in one cafe, folks. Owning the title of being Singapore’s first cat cafe, the concept of having these lovely animals in a dining setting was inspired by Japan, which has countless cafes that feature pedigree cats. However, with a little tweak, the owners of Neko No Niwa only adopt their cats instead of buying them. A good cause isn’t it?

Read more: First time in Singapore? Here are 8 of the top things to do

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8 useful ways to earn money while traveling

Have you ever asked yourself, “How will I possibly make money while traveling?” or “How will I survive on the road?” or maybe “How can I cannot start traveling when I don’t have much money?”.

Chances are that these very thoughts have indeed crossed your mind and there is also a chance that you have not found any answers. As a result, you have still yet to take that first step and start traveling and as time passes by, you start to wonder if you will ever achieve your travel goals.

Teaching English abroad

For native speakers with a bachelor degree, teaching English is one of the easiest ways to work abroad. It offers you the ability to spend a significant amount of time in a country, while making good money. There are job opportunities almost everywhere, many companies will pay your flights and apartment. South Korea and Japan are well paid countries for English teachers.

Teach English Online

Teaching English online is a consistent, very accessible way for backpackers and nomads to earn an online income. You don’t need any special coding, tech, writing, or photography skills to become a digital nomad these days. Thanks to the power of the internet, the world of teaching English online has opened new doors to native English speakers wanting to work from—well— anywhere with a solid internet connection.

Work in Hostels and Hotels

Many hostels, hotels and resorts are looking for staff, either for short time (during high season) or long-term. Jobs vary from reception staff, house-keeping, driver for airport pick-ups, etc. Some of these jobs are paid, others are on a voluntary basis. Work in exchange for a free bed and food is quite common. Not ideal if you want to earn money, but at least a way to save money for travel.

Online Freelance Work

Whether you have a background or interest in web design, programming, illustration, writing, marketing, consulting, legal work, engineering or able to do any type of admin work, you should definitely look at websites. These are platforms that connect freelancers with people and companies who need work done. Even if your background is in something else, have a look anyway as there is freelance work to be found in dozens of different fields.

Travel Blogging

It is not easy to earn a big income with a travel blog. The amount of time/effort required to do so is much more than most people imagine. But if you are looking for some extra cash to help fund part of your travels, while keeping the world informed of your adventures, starting a travel blog might be your answer.

Scuba Instructor

Being a certified Scuba Diver Instructor takes a bit of investment, but can be one of the most fun ways to work and travel the world. You need a handful of courses and certifications, as well as having logged in a amount of hours underwater yourself.

If you are already certified, get excited. If you are not, you can do it at home, or take advantage of many programs that exist in countries like Thailand and The Philippines.

Yoga Teacher

You have been doing yoga for some time and it became an important part of your life? Why not teach yoga and inspire others to do so? Yoga is more popular than ever and studios are all around the world. You could teach at a yoga retreat (so many of them in Bali!) or just apply for a yoga teacher job at a resort.

Translator

If you can write and speak more than one language fluently, you could look for translating jobs. Spanish, Chinese, French and Japanese are very popular right now. Even if you speak another language than the ones I just listed, check out the links below, you might find a translation job for the languages you speak.

Read more: Best travel guide books on budget travel you should get

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4 superstitions in Hong Kong you need to know

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, however, many of its inhabitants remain highly superstitious such as beliefs about lucky numbers, bad omens and spirits abound in the local collective psyche.

Lucky numbers 

The numbers have always played an important role, from choosing building floor numbers on which to reside to setting wedding dates or choosing mobile numbers. Each number carries symbolic meaning and significance, and certain numbers are considered more “lucky” or “unlucky” than others due to their pronunciation. For example, number 8 is the most favored number among Chinese because it sounds like “prosperity” & “fortune”.

In Cantonese, the word for “four” sounds similar to the word for “death,” so Hong Kongers avoid the number at all costs. In many buildings, floor numbers such as 4, 14 and 24 are skipped. People avoid gifting things in sets of four, and even prefer phone numbers without the number four.

Taboo gifts

Hong Kongers believe certain things should never be given as gifts, including:

Clocks: In Cantonese, “to give a clock” is song zung, a phrase that means “to prepare for the end,” referring to the rites of paying one’s last respects to a loved one near the end of their life and burying them after they die. Clocks are also reminders that time is running out.

Sharp objects: Gifting knives and blades are inappropriate because they represent a severing of relationships.

Pears: The word “pear” sounds similar to the word for “depart” or “leave.”

Umbrellas: The word for “umbrella” is like the word for “separate.”

Black and white objects: These are colors of mourning, so black and white objects make for inappropriate gifts.

Four of anything: As explained above, “four” sounds like “death,” so anything that comes in a set of four is a no-no.

Green hats: In Chinese, to “wear a green hat” means “to be cuckolded.”

Feng shui 

Feng Shui literally means “wind and water”. It is an ancient Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing with the surrounding environment. Feng Shui masters use a special compass called a “luopan” and a “bagua”, an octagonal pattern determining the significance and auspicious qualities of spatial relationships to analyze feng shui areas in residences and offices in order to improve the inhabitants’ luck and fortune.

Lucky bamboo plants and indoor water fountains are two of the most recognizable and popular feng shui cures. Bamboo plants symbolize strength and luck, different numbers of bamboo stalks symbolize good feng shui for different aspects. For instance, 2 stalks represent love and marriage, 3 stalks mean happiness, while 8 stalks symbolize prosperity. Water fountains are said to incorporate energy into the household and water has long been regarded as a feng shui symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Dragon gates

Coastal high-rises and skyscrapers in Hong Kong sometimes feature rectangular holes called “dragon gates.” Legend has it that dragons (which represent wisdom, courage and prosperity in Chinese culture) live in mountains. The dragon gates serve as a passageway for these mystical creatures to reach the coast, letting positive energy flow through the building as a result.

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Rua da Felicidade, the blissful street in Macau

When you travel to Macau, a picture of Lisboa Casino would appear in your mind, including luxurious hotels, shopping malls and so on. These are definitely attractive spots in Macau. But we cannot forget that Macau has a long history. Rua da Felicidade is one of them. It is a historic street in the southwest of Macau Peninsula. The name comes from Portuguese, which means blissful street.

History

Rua da Felicidade, meaning ‘the street of joy’ was built in the middle age of Qing dynasty by Macau governor-general. Then, two rich merchants bought it. With their management, it rapidly developed into an entertainment street. Rua da Felicidade was divided into two parts. One is cluster of brothel and teahouse while another part is a perfect place for taking drugs and drinking.
Once you come here, you will find that the street is preserved so well by the government that as if you have come back to hundred years ago. It is a kind of magical time traveling.

Unique heritage site

These days, lined with small retail shops and local eateries, the street is completely reborn and has become one of the most emblematic and unique heritage sites in the city. Some movie lovers may even recognize the street from the Hollywood film, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, where it featured as a backdrop in some scenes.

One of the street’s most notable eateries is Cheong Kei Noodle (68 Rua da Felicidade), considered one of the well-known noodle houses in the city. Here, they still make noodles using the traditional method of a bamboo pole to knead the dough. The prawn roe wanton noodles are a must-try.

Don’t miss the delightful Belos Tempos teahouse (10 Rua da Felicidade), which serves delicious Portuguese-style food, as well as Macanese favourites such as minchi rice.

The street is also home to Macau’s oldest guesthouse. The SanVa Hotel (65-67 Rua Da Felicidade) has been operating as a guesthouse since the 1930s. With more than 30 rooms and some of the most competitive room rates in the city, it is well worth considering. Not only will you be in the heart of Happiness Street itself, you will also be on the doorstep of Macau’s main sites and attractions.

Food

For the popularity of any place, its cuisine is one of the major contributing factors and a source of attraction for the tourists. If you have been fortunate enough to travel around Rua da Felicidade, then you must have an idea that Rua da Felicidade is enriched in providing you a countless number of cuisine varieties that differ from one another according to the provinces. Rua da Felicidade is really world famous for its cuisine. Specialties are Tian FaWan fin and Shrimp eggs.

Tips

Walking here in the morning is such a joyful relaxation, people can feel the strong atmosphere of history from the red windows. You can have your breakfast in the tea shops to experience the local food culture.

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