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In Editor's Picks 5 Mins Read

Indonesia: Everything You Need To Know About Travelling To This Part Of The World

Indonesia.

Is it a place you currently have on your bucket list of countries to visit?

With some of the most beautiful destinations and places to see and experiences to have, it’s easy to understand why so many people would like to go there at least once in their lifetime. There are of course other popular destinations such as Jakarta or Bali that many of us would have already heard of but while there are other places to see and many things to do in the region; here are some tips that could come in handy if you ever decide to visit Indonesia. So if you are looking for everything that you would need to know about your next holiday to Indonesia, read on to find out more.

The Places To Visit

Indonesia as a region may have been on your bucket list, but where should you go? 

There are many popular destinations within Indonesia that are worth considering. From beaches to city vibes, I thought I would share with you some of them.

Bali

If you think Indonesia, chances that the next word to pop into your head will be Bali. One of the most popular destinations in Indonesia, Bali really needs no introduction but I am going to tell you a little bit about it anyway. Bali has long been a place for people to take vacations, thanks to the wonderful luxurious resorts that adorn the sparkly shoreline. Even then, there are also many backpackers and tourists who are on a shoestring budget but still taking in the beauty of this destination. Bali is certainly a place that rocks many buckets lists for sure. If you are looking for a more ancient Bali vibe, heading north will give you all of the thrills.

Jakarta

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia that is home to more than nine million people, is a sprawling city. Many people use Jakarta as a pit stop for a few days of fun and sightseeing before heading off to some of the more remote islands or the popular resort of Bali. The Kota Tui Old Town in Jakarta is definitely worth a visit. If you are planning to buy a property in Jakarta, websites like https://rumahdijual.com/gedung-dijual might be helpful. Jakarta is definitely worthy of a stop before heading somewhere for a bit of relaxation, but don’t forget that it is also a great hub for business and investment opportunities.

 

Gili Islands

Want a tropical paradise, then look no further than the Gili Islands. A trio of islands between Lombok and Bali, these little gorgeous nuggets of tranquillity are not to be missed. The two smaller islands, Gili Air and Gili Meno, are quite secluded and laidback whereas the larger of the three, Gili Trawangan, is a much livelier place to see. A real hive for backpackers, the rustic bars at Gili Islands is filled with a mix of cultures and people from all over the globe.

Lombok

Hate following the crowds? Then Lombok is the next best alternative to the ever-popular Bali. Despite its growing popularity in recent decades, most of the Eastern Island in Lombok is still underdeveloped, which makes it a real beauty for some tranquillity. With less of the commercialised bars, clubs and restaurants, and more of the rustic and simple features, Lombok is a great place if you are after some time of pure thinking space with no distractions other than the beautiful weather and ocean. 

When Should You Travel To Indonesia?

One of the big considerations when travelling to Indonesia is the weather; thus make sure you travel during the best season. The best time to visit Indonesia is between May and September where the days are dry and sunny. Websites like https://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/weather are especially helpful should you need more information about the current local weather in Indonesia.

The Best Things To Do In Indonesia

For some people, a holiday is often just about finding a decent sun lounger with a bar close by in a great beach resort. There is nothing wrong with that and as we have already pointed out, destinations like Bali would suit that kind of holiday style. However, if you want to see and do some of the more popular things, here are some suggestions:

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is part of a collection of volcanoes that are active and is part of the Tengger Massif. It isn’t the tallest of them, but it is certainly one of the most well-known and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Indonesia. Sitting at 7,641ft high, it is certainly something to be marvelled at and definitely worthy of a visit.

Ubud

If you are looking for something cultural, then look no further than the heart of Bali. Nestled against the stunning terraced rice fields, which are also a sight to behold, Ubud holds dance and musical performances in the city daily. If you want to learn about the Balinese culture, Ubud is definitely the place.

Borobudur

Finally, no trip would be complete without heading to the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur. Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, the temple design follows Javanese Buddhist architecture, which blends the Indonesian indigenous cult of ancestor worship and the Buddhist concept of attaining Nirvana. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Borobudur is Indonesia’s single most visited tourist attraction.

While some people may be put off from travelling as far as Indonesia for a holiday, it is certainly worth the long journey. With so much to see and do, you may end up feeling like one holiday there won’t be enough. Couples, backpackers, students on GAP years or even families will all benefit from some of the amazing things this region has to offer. I certainly think it should definitely be a place for you to consider visiting in the future.

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In Editor's Picks 3 Mins Read

Scoot Launches Ticket Sales for Berlin!

The German capital is Scoot’s second destination in Europe and its third long-
haul destination, after Athens and Honolulu

Scoot, Asia/Pacific’s Best Low Cost Airline for four consecutive years and the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines (SIA), has launched ticket sales to its highly anticipated third long-haul destination of Berlin, Germany!

The non-stop Singapore-Berlin flights are scheduled to commence on 20 June 2018.

Up for grabs are attractive promotional one-way tax-inclusive fares starting from $299 for Economy FLY (not including baggage and meals) and $899 for ScootBiz. These fares are subject to availability and will go on sale until 31 January 2018, for travel from 20
June to 26 October 2018.

For an additional 10% off selected FLYBAG and FLYBAGEAT fares, key in the promo code ‘GOBERLIN’.

Berlin will be the SIA Group’s fourth destination in Germany, after Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and
Munich, which are operated by SIA. The four-times-weekly Singapore-Berlin return flights will
be operated with widebody, twin-aisle Boeing 787 Dreamliners, subject to regulatory approval.

The 787 Dreamliner is spacious and boasts state of the art innovations that provide a more
comfortable travel experience, such as improved humidity and cabin pressurisation, large
dimmable windows, 20% less noise and ample overhead compartment space. Scoot’s 787
Dreamliners also offer several amenities and services suited to long-haul travel, such as
inflight Wi-Fi, in-seat power and inflight ScooTV entertainment streamed to guests’ own
devices. Guests can choose from a full-leather ScootBiz seat with 38” pitch, 30kg checked-in
baggage, and meals and drinks included, or enjoy a peaceful journey in the ScootinSilence
economy class quiet zone with seat pitches ranging from 31” up to 35”.

Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Scoot’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “Scoot’s low-cost long-haul business model has finally taken off in the last six months with our flights to Athens and Honolulu. Both have lived up to our expectations and our guests tell us that the 787 Dreamliner
has been key to convincing them to travel long-haul on low-cost. With Berlin, we continue on
our mission to bring more choices for great value long-haul, low-cost travel to more travellers
so they can escape the ordinary!”

Scoot’s current route network comprises 63 destinations across 17 countries, with flights to
Kuantan commencing in February 2018. Scoot operates a fleet of 16 Boeing 787 Dreamliners
and 24 Airbus A320 family aircraft, with four more Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 39 Airbus
A320neo aircraft on order.

The flight schedule for the Singapore-Berlin service is as follows:

1. Singapore – Berlin | Departure: 12.20 a.m. | Arrival: 7.25 a.m. | Frequency: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

2. Berlin – Singapore | Departure: 9.25 a.m. | Arrival 3.35 a.m. (+1) | Frequency: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

All times local.

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In Editor's Picks 6 Mins Read

10 Things To Consider When You Plan For An Extended Holiday!

December is the time of the year that we all start to look back and reflect on our lives. You may have some fond memories of the year so far. You might have done everything you have wanted and more. But you may also be wanting to make some changes because you feel like you are at a crossroads in your life.

It is understandable. We all have moments where we wonder what life’s all about? Did we make the right career choice? Do we not enjoy going to work each day? Do we find life tough for one reason or another?

Well…life’s never always plain sailing and it is often when we go through these situations in life that we want to make the changes that will have the most impact. The new year is nearly here, and it is never too late to start thinking about the goals that we want to set. Whether it’s losing weight, getting fitter, or travelling for an extended period of time, it is about time that you start your preparation.

For those who are seriously considering an extended holiday away from your normal routine and commitments; here are ten things you need to consider:

1. Decide On Where You Want To Go

One of the biggest and perhaps most exciting things to do when it comes to taking an extended holiday is to consider where to go. The world is your oyster, so to speak, and the options are endless. Of course, one of the big things to remember is that some countries have different guidelines and visas. You may need to think about declaring that you are going to work there and actually have a confirmation of how long you intend to stay there. Places like USA, Australia, Malaysia, and Asia are all popular choices. However, don’t just be set on one place, consider a few before you fully make up your mind.

2. Consider Where You Might Stay And How You Might Go About It

Consider where you might stay and how you might go about it in terms of leasing, longer stays in hotels, or even mixing things up a little. Of course, leasing has its advantages because you can establish some form of routine like cooking your own food and doing the laundry. A quick look online at houses for rent in Malaysia or apartments in Australia, for example, can quickly identify whether there are savings to be made. However, you may also like the idea of hotel living, as you don’t need to worry about any day to day tasks like cleaning and cooking. A great idea would be to mix up the two.

3. Will You Work Over There?

Another thing to think about when it comes to extended holidays is what you might do with your time. Will you be spending it sightseeing or do you want to work and experience life out there in a different working environment? Of course, the main thing to think about would be the money side of things. You need to ensure that you can afford to stay out there and working abroad can help to supplement your living expenses. However, ensure that you obtain the right visas or clearance to work before doing it to avoid getting into any kind of trouble.

4. Make Lists

Before you travel, you may feel completely overwhelmed as departure day draws closer. Making some lists will definitely benefit you as you navigate through the tasks you need to complete before setting foot on the plane. A great tip is to have a pen and notepad close by, and every time something comes to mind, write it down, and every time you complete a task, cross it off.

5. Be Well Researched

Making a decision on where you want to go must have you feeling elated but before you go, ensure you know all there is to know by heading on to the Internet to do a search. Blog posts and TripAdvisor reviews are valuable sources of information. Even, putting up a “ask for recommendations” status on Facebook is helpful as you may have someone in your followers or friends list who has been there before and can give you some insider info on places to eat, things to do and how to go about living there. You never know what knowledge you might pick up.

6. Try And Go On A Healthy Lifestyle Change Before You Go

You definitely want to enjoy yourself on your trip away, and so while you are waiting for the big departure day to arrive, use the time to get healthy and change your lifestyle a bit. You certainly don’t want the guilt when you arrive and indulge in the tasty foods or desserts.

7. Visit Your GP And Get Fully Checked Over

Another thing to add to your list is to go to your GP and get a full health check. The last thing you want is to be in a foreign country and fall ill with something that could have been prevented. Of course, things can’t always be predicted but it is better to be safe than sorry. You might also want to check if you need any vaccinations before you go to avoid any further issues when you get there.

8. Be Organised With Your Packing

Packing may seem like a real tough task to overcome, especially because you are going away for a long time, but the best thing to do in this situation is to be as organised as possible. Another great tip is to just pack the things that you want. Once you are there, you can always buy the things you need as you go along. Here’s a list of the top 25 travel packing hacks and tips!

9. Tidy Up Any Loose Ends Before You Go

Leaving for an extended holiday may mean that you have decided to sell your place or maybe rent it out. That might mean that you have furniture to get rid of or storage to organise. You might also need to think about paying off any odd debts you have, closing off utility accounts, and even stopping phone contracts.

10. Cover All Angles

Finally, make sure you cover all angles before you go. Have the necessary travel insurance in place to cover you, take photocopies of your passport and identifications, print off all documents, and have them organised in a wallet for safe keeping. Make sure you can access money overseas and that you have the right accounts for spending abroad. Lastly, make sure friends and family members have your location details and itinerary.

Now you’re ready and all geared up for your extended holiday!

I hope this article has helped you to think about everything you would need to consider before taking that extended holiday. If you do find yourself thinking about doing this next year, then take that leap of faith and go for it!

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In Editor's Picks 5 Mins Read

The Best Pick of Western Australia for 2017 Year End Holidays

I have been to Australia twice in my life; the first was to Gold Coast when I was 12 years old and the second was to Rockhampton when I was 17 years old. Both my trips to Australia were very memorable because there was never a dull moment and I very much enjoyed the down under experience.

Given a chance, I would want to visit Australia again and if you’re thinking along the same line and you’re planning a trip to the down under, allow me to recommend you my best pick of Western Australia- the Margaret River and the South West Region!

Margaret River
Margaret River

A less than 3 hours’ drive to the south of Perth will take you to a gourmet heaven where the best of food and wine is complemented with beautiful wineries, stunning beaches, tall timber forests, picturesque lighthouses and ancient caves.

Accommodations

Olio Belio Lakeside Glamping
Olio Belio Lakeside Glamping

Enjoy a unique lakeside glamping experience at Olio Bello with their six luxury safari-style bungalows, nestled around the lake amidst the natural landscape. The location gives you a perfect setting to be mesmerised as you stargaze and sip world-class wines from the Margaret River region. (Psst… there’s an ongoing deal right now for Olio Bello).

If you are looking to indulge in luxury, consider Cape Lodge, a private Country House Vineyard Hotel & Restaurant in the heart of Margaret River. The accommodation is located minutes away from the coastline and the great wineries of Vasse Felix, Cullen & Moss Wood.

Cape Lodge
Cape Lodge

Food & Beverage

Voyager Estate
Voyager Estate

Create an extraordinary experience by booking an estate tour and tasting at Voyager Estate. A must experience is their much-acclaimed wine paired degustation menus, designed to showcase the best in wine and food matching. The Common is your go-to place in Margaret River for sumptuous meals; the vibe is coastal-casual and the food is the best in town!

Things To Do

Cave Exploration

Ngilgi Cave
Ngilgi Cave

Spend an exciting afternoon learning more about one of the world’s youngest caves (Jewel Cave) in the beautiful karri forest. Exhibiting the largest calcite straw stalactite of any show cave on earth, the Jewel Cave also lays claim to being one of the biggest show caves in Australia; sinking to a reachable depth of 42 metres and stretching for 1.9 kilometres.

Gin Distillation at Giniversity

Make Your Own Gin at Giniversity
Make Your Own Gin at Giniversity

Become an honorary Distiller for the day at Giniversity where you can master the history of gin and practice the art of distilling by learning the tricks of the trade at their highly interactive and interesting gin making class. Get a chance to broaden your appreciation for gin and create your own choice of concoctions.

Katherine Outback Experience

Katherine Outback Experience
Katherine Outback Experience

 

Get a taste of the Australian outback with real life horse-breaking and working dog demonstrations, live music and humorous bush tales. There is something for everyone during the 90-minute outdoor show. The kids can enjoy feeding the animals, while adults get fascinated by the horse and dog training knowledge.

Enjoy a Beachy Day in Margaret River

You will find some of the best swimming beaches in Dunsborough and Busselton. Choose from secluded sheltered coves to long shallow beaches with fine white sand. Swim, surf and snorkel all day. Make sure you visit the picturesque beaches – Busselton Foreshore, Meelup, Eagle Bay, Bunker Bay, Yallingup and Hamelin Bay.

Hamelin Bay
Hamelin Bay

Experience Nature at Its Best 

Cape to Cape Track
Cape to Cape Track

Go for a scenic hike and explore the Cape to Cape Walk Track that runs for 135 kilometres along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. Located between the lighthouse of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the far south-west part of the state, opt for the Top Trail and experience spectacular coastal and forest scenery.

Upcoming Events

Margaret River Gourmet Escape:

Margaret River Gourmet Escape is a top-notch food and wine festival taking place from 16 to 19 November 2017. This extraordinary event is held across four days and it brings together the world’s best chefs, sommeliers, and critics to the region for an unforgettable gourmet experience.

Date: 16 – 19 November 2017, you can check out packages for the event here.

Cooking Classes

For food enthusiasts, here is your chance to learn the fine art of cooking Italian and Thai cuisine from passionate foodies, Chef Sioban and Chef Carlo, at Wildwood Valley Cottages and Cooking School. Join them for some serious fun as you learn the secrets to preparing fabulous dishes from two of the world’s great culinary traditions. Choose from three delightful style options that you wish to master – a ‘Taste of Tuscany’, ‘Wood Fired Cooking’ or ‘Thai Temptations’ and enjoy the Wildwood team’s expert ‘hands on’ instruction followed by a feast.

Dates: Dec 16, 2017 – Feb 07, 2018; Entry cost – $140

Location: Wildwood Valley Cottages and Cooking School 1481 Wildwood Road, Yallingup, Western Australia, 6282

Psst… Don’t say we bojio!

20% Off Flights to Scoot! Travel period is still 24 May 2018!
20% Off Flights to Scoot! Travel period is still 24 May 2018!

You can now get more value out of your trip to the down under when you fly with Scoot! Just enter the promo code ILOVEPER to enjoy 20% off your fares to Perth! In other words, expect flight deals to Perth from SGD$130 (Economy) to SGD$402 (ScootBiz). Travel period is till 24 May 2018!

So what are you waiting for?

Book your holiday vacation to Western Australia today and scoot off for some romance!

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In Travel 2 Mins Read

How Does Travelling Change Your Life?

Have you noticed how popular travelling has become today and do you have any idea as to why it has become so popular?

Well, first things first!

Who doesn’t love seeing new places? Who doesn’t love meeting new people? Who doesn’t love experiencing new cultures?

If you thought to yourself- I don’t like any of that stuff… than travelling might not be the thing for you. But if you thought to yourself… I LOVE all of that stuff, then you are about to learn how traveling to new places is about to change your life for the better.  

Some people may feel a little overwhelmed the moment they leave their house. Some might feel anxious and some might feel scared. It’s not as easy for some people as it is for others. It all depends on your comfort level around new people and in new places.

But really, how will it change your life?

Surrounding oneself in a new place and around new people who speak a completely different language than you can be really exhilarating. You even might find yourself questioning what you are doing there but I can assure you that you are there to experience life in a new way. When you put yourself out of your comfort zone, fun things start to happen. Most of all, you learn that experiences are far more valuable then immaterial things.

The quote, “Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer” holds so much truth. Not only does travelling make you richer with experience but it also teaches you new perspectives and keeps your mind open to different ways of life.

No place in this world is the same. In every country; there are different beliefs, religions, and cultures. Exploring different places will help you open your mind and be more accepting of others.

Ready to travel?

Book your tickets and hotels, pack your bags and GO!

If you’re looking for ideas and ways to finance a trip, you should check out ineedmoneyasap.com 

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In Food 3 Mins Read

How To Have Larger than Life Experiences Affordably

While most of us are spending the majority of our time working to pay bills, there are others that are spending their time the way the want. For whatever reason; whether they have made millions in the stock market or have hustled their way to building a lifestyle business, some people just get to do amazing things in their free time. When the rest of us have some free time, we usually try to spend it with family or friends, get caught up on housework or do a little travelling. It’s hard to see the world in 2 weeks a year though. But what if you started looking out for opportunities to do things that seemed larger than life, but didn’t come with the price tag that most of us can’t afford anyway? Would you do it? Sure you would. Money is what stops us from doing so many of the things we want in life.
Here are three ways you can check the bigger items off on your bucket list without having to go very far or spend a lot of money.

1. Travel with a Group

If travelling is on your to-do list, the most affordable way to do it (besides having someone pay for you) is to travel with a large group. Group travel offers affordable alternative pricing on everything from meals to lodging. You can bunk with up to 4 people in a room to save even more money. Split meals with your kids, take a bus tour to save on rental cars and gas, and stick to the path less travelled. If you venture to popular tourist destinations, you’ll get hit with tourist prices; however, if you travel to the areas outside of the popular destinations, you can find much more affordable lodging and meal options. We will be sharing more about this in the upcoming post that will be published very soon!

2. Take Part in a Weekend Festival Event

There’s always some kind of celebration planned during the festive seasons, and there are even many more events planned all over Singapore! You can indulge in some soulful Japanese food at the Matsuri Race Village during the Mizuno Ekiden Run 2017, watch the thrilling Cirque du Soleil KOOZA circus performance under the Big Top Tent next to Marina Bay Sands, or take an eerie haunted walking tour at Universal Studios Singapore’s Halloween Horror Night. Well, and who would miss the biennial Singapore Airshow where you can view some of the fastest jets in the world? There’s nothing like feeling like you are being transported out of one world and being plopped into another world. Hearty food, thrilling circus performance, eerie ghostly adventures, and roaring loud planes; these things should be on everyone’s bucket lists!

3. Eat Something Exotic

Exotic is a relative term, of course, but the point is that you get outside your comfort zone and eat something you would never normally eat! Similar to travelling in groups, going out to try new foods is best practiced in groups. This way, bills can be split, people can order different entrees and appetizers to taste and you can have a great laugh with friends and family about how awesome or horrible a new food is. And of course, lots of debate and lively conversation is sure to accompany these kinds of experiences, so you won’t be bored!

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In Travel 3 Mins Read

Distant Road Trips: A Few Considerations Before You Set Off

Woman on Top of Car

Road trips are fantastic ways to go out and see more of the world in the comfort of your own vehicle. However, there’s a lot of planning involved especially if you want to see more than just your own country or state. If you want to try and drive a long distance for your road trip, then here are a couple of things to consider to keep yourself safe and enjoy more of your freedom.

Safe and Sound

The first major concern you need to have on your mind is safety. Remember that you need car insurance in case something goes wrong with your vehicle. Although some places don’t actually require car insurance, it’s an essential safety net that you should always invest in. Make sure you also have a first aid kit in your car in the event that you or a passenger ends up in an accident or needs immediate medical attention. During road trips, you probably won’t be close to any hospitals and if you’re in unfamiliar territory you might have a difficult time contacting emergency services. Practice some basic first aid skills so that you’re never left in a bad situation.

Stay Entertained

Driving around without any kind of direction isn’t very fun. If you’re going to travel for long periods of time in the car, then you need to keep yourself entertained. Here’s a great tip: carry a couple of portable battery banks. They’re inexpensive, can be charged at hotels or hostels that you sleep in, and it’s better than risking your own car battery by using the in-car power. With several battery banks, you can keep the tunes playing in your car, you can watch a movie or two on a tablet device when you’ve pulled over for the night, and it will give your passengers something to do outside of staring at the scenery.

Plan Ahead

Part of the fun of a road trip is exploring the world, but it doesn’t mean you have to drive around aimlessly. Plan your road trip so that you’ve got plenty of things to do, be it travelling from one town to another and stopping to eat at famous places, or even visiting museums and other cultural places to soak in the sights and sounds. The more you plan, the more restricted your road trip will be, so it’s important to give yourself a couple of days to explore the destinations you arrive at.

Carry Some Outdoor Gear

When you go on a road trip, one of the things you’ll see a lot of is big open fields. If you carry some camping equipment such as a tent and a portable stove, you’ll have lots of entertainment by simply sleeping out in fields and playing games like the frisbee. It’s great to soak in the sun as well if you plan to take your trip in the Summer, but keep in mind that a lot of lands is privately owned and you’ll be considered trespassing if you aren’t careful. Keep this in mind and plan the places you visit so that you don’t end up in trouble.

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In Travel 6 Mins Read

2 Nights in Kenting- A Southern Taiwan Travelogue

Although Jacqueline and I often frequent Northern and Central Taiwan, we haven’t had the luxury of time to explore the Southern part of Taiwan yet and boy were we glad when we were presented with an opportunity to travel to Southern Taiwan.

In this blog post, we present our unofficial travelogue to Kenting, Taiwan’s best spot for summer activities!

Flight

We took a direct flight from Singapore to Kaohsiung via Scoot and it took less than 4.5 hours. In case you’re wondering, it cost us SGD$548 for two adult return trip tickets and Scoot remains our preferred budget airline for short haul trips! Why Kaohsiung International Airport? Well, it’s the most convenient way to get to Kenting.

Trip to Kenting-1.jpg

Travelling to Kenting

Upon arriving at Kaohsiung International Airport, we took the southbound bus to Kenting which cost NT$309 (about SGD$14.40) per person for a one-way trip. As the travel duration from Kaohsiung International Airport to Kenting is about 2.5 hours, do stock up on some food and snacks at the convenience shops before taking the long bus ride.

Trip to Kenting-2.jpg

Just like any other ordinary buses, the seats are comfortable and spacious enough; just don’t expect it to have the services and comfort level of a coach.

Our Accommodation in Kenting

We decided to put up at Kenting Nanwan Resort and we had a room that has a fabulous view of the sea and it even comes with a gigantic bathtub. The accommodation cost NT$9200 (approximately SGD$426) for 2 nights and the rate is inclusive of breakfast.

Trip to Kenting-1.jpg

If you are planning to celebrate your wedding anniversary or honeymoon, Kenting Nanwan Resort is definitely an accommodation to consider because of its Santorini-styled and nautical-themed rooms.

One of the main reason why we chose Kenting Nanwan Resort was because it is located quite close to a couple of attractions in Kenting.

Travelling Around Kenting

I was told that I could rent a small 50CC scooter from a rental shop even if I do not have a motorcycle license but I decided to just rent an electric scooter (from Kenting Nanwan Resort) to help us get around Kenting instead; since getting into trouble with the law isn’t something that is on my bucket list.

Trip to Kenting-12.jpg

The rental came with a spare battery and the electronic scooter could hit a speed of up to 30km/hour. But of course, opening the throttle all the way isn’t a good idea as it also drains the battery quite a fair bit. If you haven’t ridden a scooter before, I strongly suggest that you get around Kenting via the public transport instead. You wouldn’t want to risk your adventure becoming a misadventure as the traffic there can be quite hard to navigate around if you’re not an experienced rider.

Also, the weather in May can be really hot and we suffered some pretty nasty sunburns from being exposed when riding around Kenting. Hence, do have your sunscreen protection on before you start riding around!

As usual, Google Maps remains our preferred GPS and mapping system to get around.

Places of Interest Around Kenting

To be honest, Kenting is a place that we will visit again because 2 nights really isn’t enough to cover all the attractions that we had planned to visit.

Trip to Kenting-26.jpg

During our 2 nights’ stay in Kenting, we visited the following places of interest and they are as follows:

Kenting Street Night Market

There is one main night market in Kenting and it is located at Kenting Main Street. Known as the Kenting Street Night Market, it is about 2KM long and you can expect large crowds of people especially during the weekends.

Trip to Kenting-28.jpg

Starting from Kenting National Park, the long line of food and game stands stretches to Caesar Park Hotel. There are some interesting food and souvenirs that you can find here and if you want a slice of Kenting’s nightlife, this is the place to be at because there are various bars and pub with various themes.

You might also come across some stalls that sell fireworks and sparklers and should you decide to purchase them; do note that it is illegal to set them off as and when you like. If you choose to buy the fireworks and sparklers and set them off; ignite them only at the open beach areas and at your own risk.

Trip to Kenting-29.jpg

What we personally enjoyed the most was the affordable and tasty street food and if you have forgotten to bring your beachwear, the shops at Kenting Main Street will have it. Kenting Street Night Market opens from 6 pm onwards till about 11 pm daily and if you don’t like big crowds, visit during the weekdays instead.

Eluanbi Lighthouse

Kenting’s best-known landmark is a still-functioning lighthouse that was built in the 1880s at Eluanbi Cape, the southernmost end of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range and inside Eluanbi Park. The park is a part of Kenting Forest Recreation Area and is served by a separate entrance. Eluanbi Park also features trails through vines and past massive coral rocks, a coastal walkway where locals go fishing, and lookout points.

Trip to Kenting-20.jpg

From November to March, the park opens from 9 am to 5 pm and from April to October, it opens from 9 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is NTD$60 (about SGD$2.80) for one person.

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Most Southern Point in Taiwan

Taiwan is not a big island. It takes only 1000 kilometres to circle the island. From the northernmost point, Fugui Cape to the southernmost point; it only takes nine to ten hours of driving and there is even a challenge of cycling from the northernmost lighthouse to the southernmost lighthouse in one day every year. The monument of Taiwan Southernmost Point is located between the famous Eluanbi Lighthouse and the ecological reserve area of Longkeng. Facing the ocean, the Pacific Ocean is on the left and the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and Philippine is on the right.

Paradise of Deer

We had great difficulty in finding this place when we were riding around but the effort was well worth it because we had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Sika Deer! The admission cost NT$100 (about SGD$4.65) and it comes with coupons which you can use to exchange for souvenirs and as well as some feed for the Sika Deer.

The Sika Deer is also known as the spotted deer or the Japanese deer and it is a species of deer native to much of East Asia and introduced to various other parts of the world. For more information, check out Paradise of Deer’s Facebook Page!

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There are many other places that we wanted to visit in Kenting but because of the lack of time; we haven’t got the opportunity to do so and we will definitely consider a second visit again!

Got any questions? Drop us an email or leave your comments in the box below!

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Hitting The Open Road In Another Country

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When you take a trip abroad, it can sometimes seem like a bit of a waste to stay in one area. It’s not often that you get the chance to explore an exotic country, and you’ll want to make the most of it. One of the best ways to really see a country, is to go on a driving tour. It takes a lot more planning than your average holiday, but it’ll definitely be worth it in the end. If you’re itching to hit the open road and get to know a new country, here are the things you’ll have to sort out before you go.

Licence and Insurance

In most countries, your home driving licence won’t be accepted. You’ll need to get yourself an international driving permit, that gives you temporary permission to drive in that country. It is also worth checking what the legal driving age is. The age can vary quite a lot in different countries, and you don’t want to get caught driving underage.

You also need to look into your insurance. If you’re lucky, then your current policy might already cover you when you go abroad. If not, then you will need to extend it. By taking defensive driving traffic school online, you can cut the cost of your new policy, and brush up on your skills before doing some long drives.

Driving Rules

Don’t drive on the wrong side of the road. It might sound obvious, but some people still end up doing it. There are some countries around the world that drive on the opposite side of the road, so make sure you know if you’re going to one of them or not. You should also look into the road signs, as they might not be the same as ours. If you get pulled over for speeding, they won’t let you off because you read the signs wrong.

Plan Your Route Before You Go

It’s good to have a bit of flexibility, but it’s still best to plan a few stops along the way. If you don’t, you could end up wasting a lot of your holiday driving around aimlessly. If you are going with family or friends, try letting everybody pick one stop each, that way nobody will be disappointed. There are plenty of great travel apps out there that can help you with your route planning. Roadtrippers can plan a route for you using google maps and then show you what sights there are to see along the way.

Budget

People often make the mistake of thinking that, because they are saving money by driving, they can spend what they like. If you aren’t careful, you’ll run out of money halfway through the drive. Make sure you account for gas, accommodation, and food, as well as keeping a good chunk to the side for fun stuff. If you’re struggling, use a travel budget planner to help you.

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Unique Experiences are Everywhere in Canada

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Canada is one of those places you think you know a lot about. You know that it’s home to the Niagara Falls, and that the CN Tower in Ontario was once the tallest free-standing building in the world. You even know that Canadians are supposed to be a friendly, law-abiding bunch, who love nothing more than to watch a thrilling game of hockey, so you could be forgiven for thinking that there is nothing surprising about Canada at all. You’d be wrong.

Canada is actually one of the most unique places you can travel abroad to, and as you would expect from the second largest country in the world, it has a lot of one-of-a-kind experiences to offer. Here are just a handful of them:

Howling with Wolves

When you’re applying for a Canadian visa at this website, the last thing you probably think you’ll end up doing on your trip is howling with wolves, but you can if you want to. Wolves often have a bad reputation, After all, they’re powerful creatures, who like to travel in packs. However, they are also very intelligent, interesting creatures, and spending some time in close proximity with them can be a very rewarding experience.

In August, there are a number of Wolf Howls held in Algonquin Park, where professional park rangers will holler out their best wolf howls before all of the tour members head out in special vehicles to catch a glimpse of the beautiful animals in their natural surroundings. It really is amazing.

Walk on the Seabed

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If you want to ensure that your next trip to Canada is a truly memorable one, what could be better than walking on the ocean floor: Nothing, right? So head to the Bay of Fundy – home of the planet’s highest tides – and when the tide is low, you’ll be able to walk on the seabed, which is filled with interesting fossils, rock formations and, of course, an abundance of seaweed!

See a Dinosaur

No, Jurassic Park hasn’t become a reality, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see a huge dinosaur! If you visit the fine city of Drumheller, which has been given one of the coolest nicknames ever – Dinosaur Valley – you can get up close and personal with a 151 foot long, 86 foot high dinosaur! Obviously, it’s dead, but still, impressive, right?

As well as taking a selfie or two with this mammoth creature, you can also spend some time digging the site where dinosaur bones have been found for more than 200 years. Who knows, you might find a whole new species!

Walk in the Footsteps of Vikings

Do you love your history? Do you think Vikings are really cool? Visit L’anse aux Meadow, and you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of Lief – the son of Eric the Red. You’ll also get to see impressive icebergs, try out ax throwing Viking style and have dinner in a fun-filled Viking inspired diner. Just imagine how great the photos will be?

Have you been to Canada? What are your most unmissable activities and attractions?

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