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Travel Tips to South East Asia

Planning a holiday all the way to South East Asia might be an exciting thing to do in your vacation agenda. But what if you have never been to Asia before? What things you should be preparing for an excellent journey to Asia?
Here we share some tips for everyone who will travel to South East Asia:

1. Essential Documents
Prepare your passport and its digital copy. Some countries are free visa entry, some will apply Visa on Arrival. Don’t forget to check the immigration information in advance, for every country you will be visiting. If it needs visa in advance, you can arrange it in your home country.

2. Travel Duration
If it’s your first time to South East Asia, my tips is: don’t rush! Many traveler choose to travel fast in order to fulfill their bucket list in such a limited time. 1 night here, 1 night there, and then cross the border to the next country. It’s exhausting, besides you could not get enough experience of the places you are visiting. Spend at least 3 nights in each city to know more about the area, the culture, the local life, and the culinary. Because traveling is not about how many places, but it’s about how much experience you get during the journey.

3. Eat like locals
Want to experience an absolute travel? Try the local street foods! South East Asia is so famous with its street foods. Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, you name it. All of them have their own authentic street foods to offer. Almost in every city, there’s a street foods market, both day and night. Make sure you do at least once, roaming around the packed night market and eat the local foods in one of the stall. I’m sure you will not end up with 1x visit only!

4. Drink from the bottle
To avoid any bacteria or germs infecting your liver, try to drink only from a sealed bottled drink.
We don’t say that South East Asia is dirty and has a high risk of diarrhea, but the different climate between Northern hemisphere and the South East Asia could also be the main factor your body immune needs to deal with. And if you are not in your peak performance, the risk of getting sick from any germs is still possible to happen. So protect yourself.

5. Light packing
Traveling to the tropical South East Asia doesn’t require any of bulky outfits. As the weather is relatively warm all year long, light clothes would much work for entire occasion. T-shirt, casual shirt, short, light dress, and sandals are the essential, plus a sun glasses. Only in the rainy season you might need a hat or umbrella. But if you are a kind of who love to dance in the rain, you probably don’t mind to get a bit wet. In some areas of SEA there’s winter season (like in Hanoi), but the winter in SEA is still relatively warm for the people from Northern hemisphere. It’s around 14-20’c.

6. Join in at least one cultural exchange activity.
By joining in an activity that has some culture activities to offer, you will get a new unforgettable experience during your travel. For example visit a farmer’s house, traditional market, join in an art workshop, lunch with the royal family in the formerly palace (in Bali), join in one hour teaching at the local school, farming with local farmers, and etc.

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Best things to do in Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a perfect destination for couples and families to go on holiday. The city is located at the shore and there are many tourists attractions in the city and surrounding area. Furthermore, Hua Hin Has many accommodations, because the city was hundreds of years ago a holiday destination for the Thai Royals. Hua Hin is also not too far away from Bangkok, so when you want to escape the crowded city, you can go easily to Hua Hin.

Relax at the beach
Hua Hin has a wide beach which is visited by many tourists. This beach is clean and pleasant for families with young children, has many restaurants at the shoreline and during the weekdays, this beach is not too crowded. There are also many sun beds to get a nice tan during your day the beach. Furthermore, there many activities you can do during your day at the beach like jet-skiing, water-skiing, kiteboarding and horse riding.

Fun at Vana Nava Waterpark
If you get enough of the beach, don’t worry. There’s also an enormous waterpark which has many different pools and waterslides. A fun fact to know is that this waterpark is an ecologic waterpark. There is also a big variety of flora and fauna, because there are 2000 different plants and trees which grow over the whole of Thailand planted at the waterpark. Due to this wide variety of flora and fauna, this park is also named “Vana Nava Jungle”. The park is friendly for all ages. If you want to have a relaxing day or a day full of aqua fun, the park is a decent place to go.

Travel back in time to Plearn Wan Shopping Village
Travel back in time to the 50s. When you go to Plearn Wan Shopping Village. Parents enjoy their visit to the village and teenagers can learn a few things from the past. The village exists from a wooden complex with 2 levels. In this complex, you’ll find many vintage shops from the 50s. all those shops are covered movie-star and fashion magazine posters from the past. You’ll also hear music from the 50s-60s throughout the whole complex. The complex also offers many vintage accommodations which are an experience to stay for the night.

Playing golf in Hua Hin
Hua Hin has 3 big greens which are in use for golfing, these greens have all one of the if not the lowest fees to play in the whole world. The 3 courses are The Royal Hua Hin, Black Mountain and the Banyan Golf Course. All the courses have 18 or more holes, so you aren’t done with the courses that quickly. All the courses have a restaurant where you can go for lunch of dinner.

Khao Takiab “the spiritual monastery”
Visit Khao Takiab and experience the spiritual side of Hua Hin. The mountain is a spiritual monastery for many monks within the Buddhism religion. Monks goes to this place to pay their respect for the gods by praying. While traveling to the monastery on the mountain, you’ll see monkeys. These monkeys are also called “the carb-eating macaques” and they are an attraction to see by themselves. Be aware that these monkeys are wild monkeys and you have to make sure that you hide your shimmering personal belongings.

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Best thing to do in Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is the former capital of Thailand and is renowned for its temple ruins and historical sides. Ayutthaya is the perfect place if you want to see the Buddhism culture. Ayutthaya attracts many backpackers by its historical sides and this place is a must-see when you make a round trip through Thailand.

Temple of ruins
During your stay in Ayutthaya, you have to visit is the Wat Phra Si Sanphet. This temple has served as the royal monetary for the Thai king in 1350 till 1448. You can make a walk through the monetary and you’ll end up in front of the royal palace. Nowadays, this temple is a ruin which is impressive for the eye. This temple has also served as a modal which is now located in Bangkok. Back in the days, the Wat Phra Sanphet used to be the most important temple in the whole Ayutthaya region.

Dutch sights in Thailand?
Yes indeed, there is a big Dutch monument in Thailand which is called Baan Hollanda. This house keeps the Thai-Dutch history. It has been opened since 2013 by the former queen of the Netherlands herself “Beatrix” and the Dutch government. In this building, you see the Dutch history of the VOC. You see the lifestyle of the Dutch residence during this period, how they worked and how they integrated with the Thai culture.

Exhibition of Buddhism
The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum is a museum you have to visit during your stay in Ayutthaya. This museum has many artefacts from different temples across Ayutthaya. At the first floor, you’ll see Buddha images which show you the fortune of the time they were built by the style of the images. At the second floor you’ll find many gold and wooden Buddha’s and at the third exhibits the traditional houses of Thailand.

Shopping under the locals
If you want to see true Thai culture, you must go to the Krungsri Night Market. You’ll find everything you can think of when you visit this market. The market has also plenty of traditional food choices. The food is also fresh which makes the taste of the Thai dishes only better. You’ll also hear Thai sounds the whole evening to make the Thai experience complete.

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Best things to do in Pattaya

Pattaya is a big resort city on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Pattaya is a mass tourism destination which is the reason that this city is modern. The city offers also hundreds of bars, cafes, and clubs which makes the nightlife major. Furthermore, the city is a multi-cultural city, so you will see a lot of different nationalities and oversee influences.

Not a fan of the beach?
You don’t have to worry when you want to cool down in Pattaya without liking the beach. You can go to Ramayana Water Park Pattaya. This waterpark is the biggest waterpark of Asia. The park has over 50 water slides and there are plenty of activities in the water which you can do, like water sports, fly boarding, and many more. There is also a relaxing big relaxing park in the park where you can take a well-deserved rest after trying all the water slides and activities.

Will you find the truth?
When you see the sanctuary of truth, you’ll see what human skill is really capable of. This shrine is a wooden that the sanctuary is fully made by only the hand worship of humans and nothing else. The sanctuary represents the understanding of Ancient Life, Human Responsibility, Basic Thought, the Cycle of Life, Life’s Relationship with Universe and a Common Goal of Life toward Utopia. The Thai residence believe that the sanctuary is the answer of the above called subjects.

Explorer the night life of Pattaya
Pattaya is famous all over the world for its nightlife. There are many different places where you can go and there is for every category a club of café. The LGBT community is also strongly supported in Pattaya and for that community are many different options within the nightlife of Pattaya. Furthermore, there are many bars and festivals which tourists can enjoy in an international environment.

Lose yourself in Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
This garden will show you different landscapes in just one day. You’ll see a different biodiversity while you’re walking through the park. The organisation of the park also held shows every day which are a feast for the eye to see and there are also plenty of restaurants in the park to have lunch or dinner during your visit.

The largest Buddha of Pattaya
When you want to go to Jomtien Beach from Pattaya, you cannot miss the 18 metres high Buddha. This is the Wat Phra Yai and this is the biggest Buddha in the whole region. The temple itself is actually a fishing village and this because of this, the temple is also visited by many locals who came to pray at the statue. The first thing you see are golden dragons when you want to enter the temple. The temple is made in 1940.

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Best things to do in Bangkok

Bangkok “the capital city of Thailand” is a city which have several great things to offer to many tourists across the world. Bangkok is well known for its cuisine, great nightlife, friendly residence who are always willing to help you even when they cannot speak another language then Thai, floating markets, authentic sights, spa’s and much more.

Visit the king in the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is home of the king of Thailand. This palace is the biggest mark of Thailand and as a tourist, you have to see it. The Grand Palace is built in 1782 and it was the home of the king of Thailand for more than 150 years. The Grand Palace is also home to several other buildings like the Pra Ubosot which is home to the emerald Buddha. This Buddha is the most important Buddha in Thailand. During your visit, you also have to see the Phra Asadha Maha Chedi. This complex is built of 8 different towers and each of those towers refers to a different concept within the Buddhism religion.

Buying your souvenirs on a boat
Ever visited a floating market? Now is your chance. There are 3 floating markets in Bangkok which will give you a totally different experience than what you used to. The first market is the Bang Ku Wiang Market , the second market is the Tha Kha and the third market is the Damnoen Saduak. The Damnoen Saduak floating market is the biggest one of Thailand. You can buy here many souvenirs, food and drinks.

Visit China in Bangkok
Chinatown is a neighbourhood in Bangkok which is really old. This Neighbourhood was once the economic centre of Bangkok, but it has changed to a place where you can buy your supplies for the lowest prices in the whole city. Furthermore, you can have a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner for a very low price. The street is very narrow and crowded and because of this, the street is authentic to the Chinese culture. When you arrive at the train station, you’ll see the biggest golden Buddha of the world.

Party your way through the Khao San Road
After sunset, this street will become a big party street. You’ll many mobile bars which sell buckets of cocktails which you can enjoy to start the night. After you drank your bucket, you can go further and choose one of the many bars to go. Every bar has its own music genre and because of this, there is always a bar which you can enjoy.

Be amazed by the Reclining Buddha
Every first timer in Bangkok has to go to the Wat Pho. When you are at the Wat Pho you’ll see a Buddha which you have never seen before. This Buddha is called the reclining Buddha and this is one of the biggest Buddha statues. The Buddha is 46 metres long and is fully covered in leaf gold. While visiting the Wat Pho, you cannot forget to take a massage, because this temple is well-known as the centre relaxation.

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Best Things To Do in Bandung

Bandung is one of the tourist cities in Indonesia which is quite famous for its natural beauty. Its charm is so beautiful for the eye, as if it’s endless to be admired. The options for culinary tours within the city of Bandung are very wide and all tours will cover the natural and artistic sights of the city. For those of you who plan to vacation in Indonesia, Bandung can be one of your best choices.

Relaxation at the Ciater hot spring
The Ciater hot springs are the largest hot springs in West Java on the slopes of Mount Tangkuban Perahu, precisely on the edge of Jalan Raya Subang. This tourist spot is also well organized and has complete facilities thanks to its good management. The hot springs in the Ciater hot spring come from Tangkuban Perahu Mountain, with temperatures between 43 – 45 degrees Celsius. The hot water makes your body relaxed and loose the muscles after the move. . In addition to helping to relax and refresh the body, Ciater hot water is also efficacious for treating various skin diseases, nerve disorders, and even believed to be able to help the healing process of paralysis due to high blood pressure or stroke.

See oriental touches in Bandung Chinatown
Bandung Chinatown was from origin just an ordinary village inhabited by Chinese citizens living in Bandung. The village, which stands on an area of 3,000 ha, began commercializing as a tourist area in August 2017. To differentiate from some Chinatowns in Indonesia, this area has a real Chinese atmosphere and this area is shaped in such a way that tourists can really feel how it feels to be in the China. The concept of Bandung Chinatown was made in the same way as in ancient times and because of this, the city has many details in its architecture which are similar to each other. You will be able to feel nuances and atmosphere of China Town in ancient times.

Taste the delicious street food
If you always eat in a restaurant during your holiday, then it’s time to taste street food in Bandung. Like other of Indonesia, you can find plenty of food in Bandung. We recommend you to try the Pa Otong Chicken Porridge which compared to other Chicken porridge, has extra cakwe and shredded chicken. In addition, you can also try Bandung’s culinary, Batagor, short for Bakso Tahu Goreng (Fried Tofu Meatballs). This dish is made from meatballs and fried tofu which is poured with sweet and savory peanut sauce, then given sweet soy sauce and lime juice. The taste becomes even more distinctive due to its use of mackerel as its main ingredient. You have to try it.

Test the adrenaline in the Ciwidey river
Ciwidey River is a river in West Java that stretches for 20 km. This river is stored with luxury for the ones who like rafting. The rafting course is filled with beautiful views of rock formations and trees. The water is clean and the rapids are fast, so you will enjoy the rafting course which empties into the Citarum river. The course will be challenging holiday activity, because you have to be able to gain control over your rubber boat, while riding the wild and fast rapids of the Ciwidey River.

Visiting the fascinating White Crater
You can visit the White Crater in the Ciwidey area. This crater is a lake which is formed by the eruption of Mount Patuha in the 9th or 10th century. The bottom of the lake is mixed with sulfur which gives the bottom of the lake a white color while the water of the lake is green. The Ciwidey White crater is unique, due to the color changing water in the lake. The mountain which stretches almost 10 hectares wide is famous for its natural beauty. The mountain provide you of a beautiful panorama view over the greenish – white craters which are even more beautiful in the thin mist combined with the beautiful nature surrounding the area. This area has an romantic atmosphere, due to the wonders of nature.

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Best things to do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai “the capital of the province Chiang Mai” is the second most popular city in Thailand. Chiang Mai is a city which is very big, but the city has a laid back atmosphere. The city is located in the north and it has various activities which you can do during your stay in Chiang Mai. You can go to the city centre to enjoy the art which the city has to offer, live music which is played in all of the streets, or you can travel through the surrounding area.

Interact with elephants
The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai sanctuary is one of the first sanctuary’s for elephants to live in good circumstances. This sanctuary function as a retirement and care home for elephants which are used as a touristic attraction. People can interact with the elephants by bathing them. Due to the health state of the elephants, it’s strictly forbidden to ride at the back of the elephants.

Explorer the famous half-built temple
One of the biggest tourist attractions is the Wat Chedi Luang. This is one of the most popular temples in Thailand which is visited by many tourists from all across the world. This temple has been destroyed by an earthquake which is why the temple still isn’t rebuilt to its former glory. UNESCO (the renovators of the temple) quitted the restauration of the temple, because there is no example how the temple has to be rebuilt.

Enjoy the view over Chang Mai
When you go to the north west of Chang Rai, you’ll arrive at the Doi Suthep. Here, you’ll have a view over the province of the whole city of Chang Mai. The Doi Suthep is also home to one of the most visited. This is the forest area of 162 square metres and this forest is the 24th national park of Thailand. At the top of the mountain, you’ll find the Wat Prha That Doi Suthep. This place is a spiritual favourite of locals and foreigners.

Zip lining through the forest
Glide with a speed of 40 km/h through the forest and see all the flora and fauna just within a few minutes. Feel the rush of adrenaline through your whole body while making fast turns through the forest. If you’re really adventurous, you should try out the zip lines in the forest. You’ll have the feeling that you’re flying while you are going through all the green trees.

Do you have a long neck
If you go to Padung, you’ll meet the Long Necks. The name of the tribe already explains why this village is a must see under many tourists. The women of the tribe wear rings around their neck which let their necks grow till a height you thought it’s not possible. If you want to enter the village you have to be respectful for the tribe and if you want, you can also show your respect by buying a souvenir, but this is not required if you want to visit the tribe.

 

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Best Things To Do in Phuket

Phuket the biggest island of Thailand and this island is also a province of the country. The island has beautiful beaches at the west side of the island where tourists can enjoy the sun and relax during their holiday. The east of Phuket is full of mangroves where you experience total different landscapes then the rest of the island. The north coast of the island has many rocky cliffs which will help you to make the most beautiful pictures. Phuket also has a very active nightlife scene in all over the island, but you’ll the most active night life in Soi Banglan. When you go land inwards, you’ll see a jungle landscape which includes high mountains and waterfalls.

Feel the Las Vegas atmosphere in Phuket
You can go to the biggest show of the island; Fantasea. This show functions as a theme park where you can play games, watch big shows, have dinner in the 4000 seat restaurant where you can have traditional Thai food and many more. The main event is still the big theatre with animals which are waiting to show their poses and skills to the audience. There are also 70-minute acrobatic shows which will blow you away.

Enjoy your day at the beach
Phuket offers several which tourists enjoy their time during their holiday. Kata Beach is a well-known beach under many tourists. This beach is ideal for snorkelling during the high season and during the low season, this beach is perfect for surfing. Freedom Beach is a quiet beach where people can enjoy their day without mass tourism. This beach has white sand which is said to be the finest sand of the whole island. Patong Beach is one of the most popular beaches of Phuket. The beach includes nice soft sand, hotels, bars and restaurants.

Parties all around Bangla Road
Phuket is the place to be for nightlife. People from all across the world visit Phuket for its famous nightlife. If you want an unforgettable night out, you have go to the Bangla Road in Patong Beach. This is a road of 400 metres long which is filled with bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs. Mostly of the time, this street is the first and last stop for any tourist.

Feel the spiritual energy of Wat Phra Yai
When you climb up to the top of Khao Nak Koet, you’ll see the Wat Phra Yai which is well known under the name “de big Buddha”. This Buddha is 45 metres tall and is admired by both locals and tourists. Not only, you can see the big Buddha at the top of the mountain, but you’ll also have a beautiful view all over the island of Phuket. You see a tiny Phuket Town and small Karon beaches from the top.

Replay the James Bond movie
When you travel to James Bond island, you’ll see the famous set of the James Bond movie “The Man With The Golden Gun”. The best way to see the James Bond island is to go near by boat. People are not allowed to enter the island, because it’s protected by UNESCO. The bay called Phang Nga Bay also famous for its cliff which appears to fall. The beach itself is surrounded by emerald green water which is beautiful for the eye.

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Best things to do in Bali

Bali is a paradise for tourists, because of its natural charms which are amazing for the eye. One of the favorite destinations of Indonesians and all over the world offers enchanting natural beauty and makes anyone fall in love with the island. The amount of excursions will certainly fill your holiday with a lot of activities. Here are our recommendations of activities you can do during your Holiday in Bali that you don’t want to miss.

Relax on Kuta beach
The beauty of Bali’s beaches has been recognized all over the world, and Kuta is one of the beaches that is famous for its beauty. Tourists who are celebrate their holiday in Bali will surely spend a lot of time at the beautiful beaches of Kuta. The beach of Kuta is well known for its wide beaches with white sand. You can bask under the gentle warm sun while enjoying a glass of fresh drinks, or learn to surf on the waves of Kuta beach which are not too big. That’s why Kuta beach suitable for newbie surfers. Kuta beach is also the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful sunset at the beginning of your evening.

Relaxation at the spa in Ubud
Ubud is famous as a traditional tourist attraction in Bali, due to its location between rice fields, forests and surrounding mountain cliffs that makes the landscape an amazing sight to see. You can enjoy the natural beauty of Ubud while pampering yourself in a spa that refreshes the mind, body and soul. The surrounding area where the spas are located are filled with exotic forest which will prevents you of fresh air. The spa’s in Ubud are also supported by expert therapists who will refresh your body with aromatic massage including distinctive essential oils.

Enjoy water sports in Benoa
Many people think about water sports when they are thinking about Benoa. This place is a paradise for water sports, because there are a lot of water sports activities which you can do, like gliding in a banana boat, parasailing, jet skiing, fly fishing, and excursions to the turtle island. Feel the excitement of sitting on a rubber boat that sways crashing waves or flying using a parachute pulled by a boat that runs above sea level. In addition, you can also see the beautiful underwater scenery and interact with several species of fish encountered.

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Jimbaran
Visiting the beach is incomplete if you don’t taste seafood, and the best choice for enjoying it is in Jimbaran. Have a taste of delicious seafood with a view of big waves which will provide you from an experience which you will never forget. The atmosphere during your dinner will become more romantic due to the sparkling candle light on your table and a sky full of stars. Furthermore, there are also acoustic bands which will play relaxing music. Enjoy the delicious appetizing grilled shrimp, flour fried squid that has a crispy texture, grilled scallops with special spices, and other exotic foods.

Stimulate adrenaline by rafting on the Ayung River
The Ayung river is the longest river in Bali with its length of 62.5 km. The river ends in Sanur. The Ayung river has enough rapids which are suitable for beginners. With a course of 12km, your adrenaline is going up due to the excitement of rafting which will test your guts. Along the road, you will also pass a fresh waterfall. Another attraction of rafting course on the Ayung river is the relief sculpture of the Ramayana story along 1 km of the river wall. After arriving at the end of the course, you can rest for a while and then continue to enjoy a filling lunch.

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Best things to do in Makassar

Makassar is the biggest city of the whole east Indonesia and the city is the capitol of south – Sulawesi. The city has a rich history which you can see from the several buildings and monuments within the city. Makassar is also the big gate of arrival of east Indonesia. From Makassar, you can start a wonderful journey through east Indonesia. In this part, you can encounter with beautiful landscapes, interact with different cultures which you have never seen before and you can do many more things. The city also has a big beach where you can admire the sunset. During the time of sunset, you’ll see many locals at the beach to catch some fresh air and enjoy the sunset.

Visit the city its iconic landmark
Fort Rotterdam also called ‘Benteng, Fort Jupandang or Ujung Pandang is built In 1545 which is also the era of the tenth king of Gowa. The monument is located in the heart of Makassar which is not too difficult to reach. The fort itself is made by a mixture of clay and stones. The fort is made in the shape of a sea turtle which is a unique shape for a fort. The reason why the fort has the shape of a sea turtle is, that a sea turtle lives at land and sea. Just like the residence of the Gowa kingdom. The fort was also destroyed and after that, it was rebuilt by a Dutch general called mister Speelman. He rebuilt the fort in Dutch style and named the fort to his city of birth ‘Rotterdam’.

The tomb of the national hero
The tomb houses the memory of the Indonesian national hero Sultan Hasanuddin. This was the ruler of the Gowa kingdom which he protected fiercely against the Dutch during the 17th century. Sultan Hasanuddin held fort Somba Opu up against 94 Dutch and 2000 Bugis soldiers for 8 days, which is an impressive achievement. The fort felt eventually in the year of 1669. You will find a stone which is named the ‘Pelantikan Stone. This stone is the location where the kings of Gowa were crowned.

Relaxation on the beach
The beach of Makassar is called Pulau Samalona. This beach has a lot things to offer which you can do. The sand of the beach is white which gives the beach a beautiful scenery. There are a lot of day trippers during the weekends, but you will find a more quiet beach during the weekdays. The beach has beautiful reefs to discover and there are a lot of places on the beach where you can hire a snorkelling set, so you don’t have to bring a snorkelling set yourself. The waters at Pulau Samalona a clear. There are also enough of places on the beach where you can get a cold drink of something to eat.

Explorer the port of Makassar
You will find the harbour of Makassar 4 km north from the city centre. The harbour is a very large port which houses many sailing ships. The port is still in use by the city and the ships which arrive in the ports are beautiful for the eye to see. The Indonesian residence who are working in the port are really friendly for locals and tourists. There is also a fish market where you can buy freshly caught fish nearby the port. The local atmosphere during the morning till dawn is one you have to see during your visit to Makassar.

Ever seen a floating mosque
The Masjid Amirul Mukminin also called ‘the floating mosque’ is located on the Pantai Losari. The mosque is called the floating mosque due to its floating appearance. The mosque is built on pillars on the see which makes the mosque looks like it’s floating. You can go to the mosque if you want to see a beautiful sunset. The mosque is surrounded by clear water which makes the sunset even more beautiful to see due to the reflecting effect on the water. This mosque is for the locals the place where they take their daily break during the Ramadan.

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Best things to do in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a special region in Indonesia, because this area is the only area that is led by a sultan. With its Javanese customs and culture that are still thick, this place also has many tourist destinations that are no less exciting and interesting than Bali or popular tourist attractions in Indonesia. The following are recommendations for activities that you can try while on vacation in Yogyakarta.

Studying History in Borobudur and Prambanan
Borobudur and Prambanan have become icons of Yogyakarta, so your visit to Yogyakarta would not be complete if you don’t visit both. The magnificent Borobudur architecture and also its history make this temple one of the world’s biggest cultural heritages. The history of the Borobudur temple is estimated to be around 750 AD and was built by king Samaratungga of the Syailendra Dynasty, one of the great and powerful dynasties that once existed in the Nusantara. Turning to Prambanan, a temple that tells the story of an eternal love. The story speaks about Bandung Bondowoso who struggled to build a thousand temples to be able to marry his idol, Roro Jonggrang. Visiting these two places can be a medium for learning history and admiring the great culture and abilities of the forefathers of humanity.

Admire the Yogyakarta Palace
Kraton Yogyakarta, also called Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, is a kingdom complex located in the heart of the province of Yogyakarta. The palace, which was established in line with the Giyanti agreement in 1755 which split the Islamic Mataram Kingdom into the Kingdom of Ngayogyakarta “Surakarta” kept the undoubted beauty of Javanese architecture. You can take pictures with the background of Javanese buildings which are beautiful for the eye. In addition to admire the architecture, you can also watch art performances ranging from gamelan music, puppets to traditional dance.

Enjoy the iconic dish of Gudeg
Gudeg is a traditional Javanese dish of Yogyakarta’s cuisine which is made from raw young jackfruit boiled for several hours with palm sugar, and additional spices with coconut milk. Gudeg is served with rice, chicken, eggs, boiled, tofu or tempeh, and krecek which is made from fried sambal existing of crispy cow skin. Spicy flavor becomes sweet and has a distinctive and delicious taste. For culinary lovers, it is a must-eat dish which you have to try when traveling through Yogyakarta.

Surrounding Malioboro by Becak
One of the fun things to do on vacation in Yogyakarta is to travel around Malioboro using a Becak. Becak is traditional transportation which you will sit in the front while the driver sits behind while pedaling. One of the advantages offered by a Becak is a minimalist seat, which can only be occupied by a maximum of two people. Thus of course you can enjoy quality time while enjoying the beauty of Malioboro. The Becak is driven by human strength and because of this, the Becak won’t be fast. Thus you can hunt more photos than usual.

Explore the beauty of Parangtritis beach
Parangtritis Beach is indeed famous for its legend, which is related to Ratu Kidul as the ruler of the southern sea. Apart from the legend, this Parangtritis beach area offers beautiful natural scenery and doesn’t make you feel bored looking at every inch where you can have a look. This beach is undoubtedly beautiful due to its wide beach in Yogyakarta which offers a big variety of activities, such as driving around the beach using an ATV motorbike, horse or delman riding, doing sports such as soccer at the sand, playing on the edge of the waves, playing kite surfing, or just sitting while enjoying the atmosphere of Parangtritis beach which is so charming.

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Best things to do in Wakatobi

The name Wakatobi is a combination from the first two letters of every island. WA stands for Wangi – Wangi, KA stands for Kaledupa, TO stands for Tomia and BI stands for Binongo The Wakatobi islands are an undiscovered paradise for divers. The islands have more than 50 diving spots, one of the highest biodiversity in Indonesia and best of all; the spots have a low amount of visitors. Above the surface you will be impressed as well. The sea surrounding the island inhabits villages which are standing in the middle of the ocean. The island have quiet white beaches and boats are sailing over mangrove forests which is an impressive sight to see.

Visit the city on pillars
This village of Bajau is built on pillars and its location is 1 km offshore Ambeua pier. The pillars of the village are standing on coral under water. The locals of the village live in wooden stilt houses which are connected by small bamboo bridges. In the rivers under the bridges is enough space for boats to pass through. The citizens of the village are very friendly and welcoming to the people who want to visit the village. The women in the village do the household duties like cooking, cleaning, going to the mainland to buy groceries at the market, etc. The men in the village are fishermen. They catch fish for their village and for their family.

Discover Wangi – Wangi
Wangi – Wangi has a various underwater world. The reefs are colourful and there is a big variety of marine life under the surface. The ocean floor has various landscapes which you can explores during you stay in Wangi – Wangi. The landscapes vary from Flat plains, gentle slopes, steep walls, and deep caves which you explorer during your adventure at the bottom of the ocean. You can discover the island of Pulau Wangi – Wangi by bicycle. The island has good flat roads which are perfect to cycle. Along the road, there are more than enough beaches and caves to stop and they are all easy accessible.

Discover Kaledupa
Kaledupa was the island of the Ruling Kingdom before the arrival of the Butonese. The royals had a reason to settle on this island and you will see it right away when you enter the island yourself. This island is an beautiful paradise. The mangroves and coconut trees are greeting you when you arrive at shore and when you go into the inlands, you will impregnable landscape. This landscape is even more impregnable then the other Wakatobi islands.

Discover Tomia
Tomia has a beautiful ocean surrounding it which makes the island a perfect diving destination. With beautiful reefs and colourful corals, this destination attracts many visitors. But there is also more than enough to discover when you go to the island itself. Tomia has white beaches and cliffs which are waiting for you to be discovered. After a whole day of exploring the island, you have to go to the night market where you can eat traditional food. Tomia has also a good infrastructure due to its popularity among drivers.

Discover Binongko
This island is famous for its blacksmiths. That explains the nickname of the island which is Kepulauan Tukang Besi. This means blacksmiths archipelago. The island may be the last of the Wakatobi islands, but this island is more than worthy enough to visit with is untouched cliff landscapes, white beaches, turtle breeting grounds and hidden hot springs throughout the island.

Diving in Wakatobi national park
This national park is one of the top 10 diving spots of Indonesia. The diving spot has more than 25 coral reefs and over 900 marine species. The corals are still untouched by humans and the amazing biodiversity underwater makes the diving spot very attracting for scuba divers. The World Wildlife Fund has also helped out the park management to publicize the biodiversity of the park. The WWF even has made a movie over the area.