Bali’s Best bits
Beautiful Bali offers such a diverse and colourful experience. It is a humble and friendly island offering warm interactions, epic adventures, spiritualism and scenic surroundings. Bali is far more than just an inexpensive escape for Aussies. Balinese culture Dance plays a significant part in Balinese storytelling. The costumes and the bewitching movements that feature in traditional dance performances are fascinating to watch. A popular dance explaining Bali’s respect for both good and bad spirits is the Barong dance. Click here to read more about it. Scenery Bali is referred to as ‘The Island of the Gods’ and it is certainly worthy of the title. The beautiful island is full of…
Thailand’s favourite floating market
Floating markets offer visitors to Asia a fascinating and unique experience. The market activity is colourful and friendly and offers many unusual sights. Who knows you might even end up cuddling a snake? Damnoen Saduak is the most popular floating market in Thailand. It is an hour’s drive from Bangkok and it is worth going early in the morning to catch the best of the market, which is open daily until noon, and avoid the worst of the heat. It is possible to walk along the banks of the river and witness all the action from dry land, but some of the sellers, and their produce, will be out of…
Tuk-tuk Tales
Bangkok is a big, crazy, polluted city, so what better way to see it than to get right in the middle of things and take a ride in a tuk-tuk? It is certainly a unique experience. Nervous about using a tuk-tuk Being aware that I would struggle to communicate clearly I was wary of accepting inexpensive tours of the city from tuk-tuk drivers, anticipating a time-wasting tour of dodgy commission-earning jewellery haunts, rather than the places I actually wanted to see. So when I got talking to a tour guide outside Wat Pho and he hailed a passing tuk-tuk and told me the driver would take me to the places…
5 Things to do on Khao San Road
The Khao San Road area is a vibrant part of Bangkok. It buzzes all day but really comes alive at night as the temperatures fade and the night sets in. It is a busy place and a notorious stomping ground for backpackers. Shop Khao San Road Khao San Road is the destination of choice for bargain hunters as all the thrifty backpackers keep prices low. Souvenirs of every sort are available from the many, many stores that line the streets in the area and it is also possible to find rows of miniature Buddhas. inexpensive clothes, fisherman trousers, Buddha hand carvings, wooden elephants, wedge-shaped Thai axe pillows, artwork, bags, jewellery,…
10 Reasons to visit South East Asia
South East Asia consists of eleven countries, spread along the edge of the Asian continent and across island nations. The area offers a variety of exciting experiences from walking with tigers in Thailand, visiting ancient temples in Cambodia, joining a small group tour in Laos and scoffing tasty noodles in Bali. Adventurers reap many rewards. Discover Asian culture South East Asia offers wonderfully diverse cultures. The origins are mainly Indian and Chinese with Arab, Portuguese, Spanish and Malay influences depending on where you go. One great way to absorb local culture is through talking with people or experiencing local storytelling. The Barong dance in Bali is an easily accessible example.…
Wat Pho
Thailand is the land of ornate and spectacular temples and no visit to Thailand is complete without taking in a temple or two. Wat Pho, which you may remember Leo DiCaprio visiting in the movie The Beach, is the oldest, largest and probably the most famous temple, and should definitely be on everyone’s must-see list. The Reclining Buddha The reclining Buddha is incredible, both in terms of size and the detail of design. He is 46 metres long, 15 metres high, made of plaster and finished in gold-leaf. The soles of his feet are inlaid with delicate images made of mother of pearl depicting the 108 characteristics of Buddha. You…
5 Reasons to try street food in Asia
Part of the joy of travelling is discovering new things and if like me you enjoy culinary adventures then Asian street food can really provide some fantastic experiences. The human experience Eating at street food stalls in Asian countries is a very personal experience. The stall holder will often smile and make friendly gestures while you point out what you want, and will then encourage you to take a seat or watch the cooking process. Adventurous eating Trying new things means you will discover new foods you never knew about before. Granted, locusts and grubs may be pushing your boundaries, but it is certainly an adventure. Is street food safe?…
Shopping in Bali
The Bali shopping experience is a lot of fun, firstly there are oodles of treasures to be found and secondly there are no fixed prices. Combine this with the friendliness of the Balinese people and shopping becomes a joy! It is a wholly different experience from the average high street. Bargaining is the norm in Bali and the increased level of personal interaction it brings is great fun once you overcome any personal discomfort about offering shopkeepers less than they ask. Shopping in Bali Bali is a veritable treasure trove for those who are keen to buy silk, silver or crafts. Almost every market stall and apparel shop sold simple…
Nasi Goreng
I wasn’t sure what to expect of Indonesian cuisine before arriving there. I will admit it concerned me a bit because of my severe dislike of spicy foods. I shouldn’t have worried though. I discovered nasi goreng and it was love at first bite Nasi Goreng Pronounced ‘nazee gorang’ and offered on most menus, nasi goreng was a reliable and tasty treat while I explored Bali and it was NOT spicy (although you can request it to be). Essentially it is fried rice served with fish, chicken, pork or beef and, often in tourist areas, a fried egg on top and a satay stick. Nasi goreng is a traditional dish…
Bali’s Barong Dance
Balinese mythology is often illustrated through dance. Bali’s traditional Barong dance is a mythical story about good versus evil and provides a fascinating insight into Balinese culture. Barong Barong is the good spirit and looks quite lion-like. He has a red head and his body is covered in white hair. His head is adorned with jewels and pieces or mirror providing sparkle. Despite his innate goodness the Barong mask can still look a bit frightening. Rangda Barong’s appearance is nothing as scary as that of Rangda however. Rangda is the evil spirit. She is portrayed as a witchcraft-practising widow. Her appearance features more black symbolising her evil nature, she has…
