Things to know before take a trip to Bhutan

Bhutan, a tiny country in Asia, only began allowing tourism in the 1960s, so it can be tough to find practical travel information about this mysterious country. Intrigued and planning a visit? Here are some things you should know.

Do not expect to travel freely

Bhutan is not a budget destination or a place for backpacker-style drifting. It only started opening up to outsiders in the 1970s, and it still closely guards its heritage and ecology by restricting tourism. Travel must be arranged through government-approved agencies and be paid in full before you score a visa.

Bring cash

Bring cash to be safe, you can easily exchange American dollars at the airport or your hotel. There was no currency exchange desk past security at Paro Airport, but you can exchange at souvenir shops. Most places in Bhutan will also accept whichever currency you have as payment as well, although you may receive change in the local currency. Credit cards are also accepted for larger purchases, but be warned that most places charge a high convenience fee for cards.

BYO smokes

Bhutan is the only country in the world that completely bans the sale and production of tobacco, and naturally, smoking is banned in public places. Tourists and the Bhutanese elite can bring in 200 cigarettes, but ask your guide to find a place to light up. Hotels will accommodate smokers, some local bars and restaurants have indoor smoking rooms, and many nightclubs informally allow it after dark. Importing cigarettes overland from India (for personal use) is allowed, but they are slapped with up to 200 percent duty.

If your shoes are off, do not take photos

If your shoes are off, it is not appropriate, so just capture the moment in your mind. If you have taken your shoes off to enter somewhere, it means that it is a sacred place (like the inside of a monastery), and so you will not be able to take photos.

Mountaineering is forbidden in the country

Hiking is possible up to 6,000m in elevation. Peaks under that altitude are considered trekking peaks. Anything above that is considered mountaineering, and it is forbidden as the mountains are sacred for the Bhutanese. Snow peaks are considered the domain of the gods and goddesses, and it is believed that if you go there, they’ll get disturbed – bringing hail storms, drought, floods, etc.

See more: Foods that you must try in Bhutan

Feel the burn

The Bhutanese believe a meal is unworthy without chili peppers. If you love spicy food, you will be in heaven. The country’s national dish, ema datse, is a simple, fiery curry of chillies and farmer’s cheese, always paired with a generous helping of nutty red rice.

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Destinations for solo travelers in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a kaleidoscope of rich colors and flavors, where ancient temples lie hidden in lush jungles and skyscrapers tower over glittering, futuristic cities. If you’re planning on traveling solo in this part of the world, these are the top amazing places you can visit.

Hoi An Old Town (Vietnam)

Known for its lantern-lit streets and riverside buildings, Hoi An Old Town is located on Vietnam’s central coast. The historic district remains relatively untouched thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage designation, and cars are banned. However, most guest houses in the area offer free rental bicycles, which you can use to wind through the beautiful streets and alleyways.

Angkor Wat (Cambodia)

Angkor Wat is such an iconic part of Cambodia’s cultural heritage that it has appeared on the country’s flag since the 1850s. Originally built as a Hindu temple, the site has been cared for by Buddhist monks since the end of the 12th century and remains one the largest religious monuments in the world. Climb its intricately carved passageways for breathtaking views of the sprawling temple site, or if you’re looking to get off the beaten track, explore the surrounding Angkor Archaeological Park forests, full of monkeys and other exciting wildlife.

Luang Prabang (Laos)

In Luang Prabang (the former royal capital of Laos), crumbling French colonial architecture rubs shoulders with traditional Laotian wooden buildings, glittering palaces and ornate golden temples. It’s easy to see why this town was awarded its UNESCO World Heritage status. Rent a bicycle or motorbike and explore the surrounding area, or follow the winding roads up to the turquoise waterfalls in Kuang Si. Don’t miss the city’s gargantuan night market, which sells a variety of street food, souvenirs and locally made handicrafts.

Cameron Highlands (Malaysia)

Who says Southeast Asia has to be hot? At an elevation of 800-1,600 metres (2,600-5,200 feet) above sea level, the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia is temperate all year round, making it a perfect place for hiking. The region has a very distinct ecosystem, with a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are rare in the tropics. Its lush, rolling mountain slopes are perfect for tea plantations, which dot this verdant corner of Pahang state.

Read more: The best snorkeling spots you can find in Southeast Asia

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Reasons why you should visit Bintan Island

Are you planning a romantic getaway and wondering if you should visit Bintan Island in Indonesia? If you are looking for signs as to why Bintan deserves your most sought after escapade, here are the 6 reasons why you should head to an island blessed with beautiful white beaches and year-round tropical weather.

It is conveniently located

Bintan is one of the largest islands of the Riau Archipelago in Indonesia. Depending on where you are going to in Bintan, the journey would likely take between 45 minutes to two hours. Meanwhile, the trip is about an hour when you are headed for the Bintan Lagoon Resort complex, which is situated in the northern coast of the island.

It is perfect for nature lovers

Bintan, an island about 2.5 times the size of Singapore in terms of land space, is inhabited by only approximately 300,000 people. Most of the island is occupied by lush forests, rolling hills, and pristine beaches, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with nature.
Join the day tour for an educational ride to learn about the different species of mangrove trees and observe the surrounding flora and fauna. For an unforgettable experience, embark on the night tour and let glowing fireflies and the sparkling blanket of stars lead the way.

A paradise of relaxation

Bintan is without a doubt the ultimate island to really relax and relieve stress. The Luxury Club Med Spa, operated by Osama is situated next to the water’s edge with a backdrop of pure blue skies. A range of stress-relieving massages and treatments are on offer for guests to truly indulge in relaxation.

Also offered at the resort is a range of wellness activities including yoga and meditation. Not forgetting that your Club Med Bintan Island holiday is all-inclusive too, which means that all of your flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, snacks, drinks and many activities are included in the price.

Experience rural life in Indonesia

Well-manicured golf lawns provide a backdrop to the highway as tourist shuttles course through the main highway. Bintan combines rustic sceneries and modern facilities and it was only recently that Bintan was developed into a resort town.

According to a local, it was only a decade ago that communities and fishing villages had electricity. They used to experience blackouts on rotation, a few hours daily.

Party from sunset to sunrise

Partying until dawn is among the de rigeurs in Bintan. Popular party spots include nightclub Silk Club in Bintan Lagoon resort, the outdoor La Luna Beach Bar at Nirwana Beach, and the Club Med and Banyan Tree resorts.

Read more: Top things to do in Lake Toba, Indonesia

Its wide variety of dining experiences

The cultural diversity of the island is mirrored in its culinary variety. Popular dishes such as carrot cake (pan-fried radish cake), fried noodles, and kuey teow (flat rice noodle) were heavily influenced by the Chinese.

Bintan, an island dotted by fishermen villages and bordered by 105 kilometers of coastline, is also big on seafood. The options are endless, ranging from black pepper crabs to garlic butter shrimps to the iconic gonggong (sea snails) and sup ikan (fish soup). Whether you are dining at established restaurants such as The Kelong Seafood Restaurant of Nirwana Gardens or local food places like Akau Potong Lembu and Rimba Jaya Night Market in Tanjung Pinang, fresh seafood is abundant.

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