BE ON THE ROAD | Travel Blog | Adventure Travel, Wildlife Holidays, Culture and Vegetarian Food

India: Do you Love it or Hate it?

2013-06-18T19:43:00.001+05:30

As a traveler from India, I am always keen to find out how the world perceives India as a travel destination. And in my days of travels, I have come across only 2 unanimous answers. I LOVE INDIA! I HATE INDIA!! As an Indian, I understand these extreme reactions since we (India) are an extreme country. But, what I don’t appreciate is many travelers forming an opinion on India even before they set foot on Indian soil. This post of mine is aimed at those travelers and to help them understand the extremities of India and how they should be prepared for India and form an opinion on their own without getting influenced by media or other people.

Please note that I am in no way supporting the bad things going on in India, but am trying to make the traveler understand the current Indian situation and be able to travel freely and enjoy one of the more diverse countries in this planet. You can also think of these as tips to travel India. The only difference to these from other tips is that this one comes from an Indian who loves to travel.

India is a Land of Extremes!
India is difficult to travel. These are some of the reasons why India is so different from the rest of Asia, which is very travel friendly. Knowing these will help you prepare mentally before traveling to India.

1) The population in India is the second highest in the world.

2) The Indian cities have some of the highest population densities in the world.

3) Noise pollution levels, air pollution levels and water pollution levels are some of the highest in the world .

4) India has some very diverse weather conditions across its length and breadth. It has some of the hottest places in the world, it has the second coldest place in the planet, the rainiest place on earth and may be some of the driest in the world as well.

5) India has some of the spiciest (hottest) food in the world as a country. Most of India is vegetarian and finding beef is very difficult in most parts of India.

6) India speaks many unique and distinct languages that have different scripts. The country has a national language ‘Hindi’, but a lot of the people in the country either don’t speak it at all or speak it in passing. Generally, English is the un-official Indian language, which makes India the largest speaking English country in the world.

7) India has some of the richest people on the planet and also some of the poorest on the planet too.

8) Even though a lot of Indians are very educated, illiteracy still ranks high in many states of the country.

9) India stretches a mind boggling 36 degrees in latitude and thus the weather changes drastically with the latitude.

10) As the crow flies, South to North India should be about 5,000 kms, West to East India should be about 3,000 kms and North West to North East India should be about 5,000 kms. This shows the sheer size of the country. I know many countries are larger than India, but traveling through a crowded and large one is a different ball game altogether.

11) India is may be the dirtiest place on the planet. As an Indian, I am very ashamed of this status, but that is the stark reality.

12) The country is very male dominated. Hence, woman are often not given much respect. This may not be seen in the urban areas, but can be seen in the cities. Hence, don’t get worried if the taxi driver talks to your boy friend or husband in response to your question.

13) Pre-marital sex and public displays of affection are considered taboo in India and thus a lot of people coming from an open minded society are shocked. But, this is what India is and travelers should come to terms with it.

14) Indians love to stare and gawk to the extent of making others uncomfortable. This can happen to a female or a male traveler. These stares are more out of curiosity than animosity or lust.

15) Indians are some of the best in the world in terms of scams. The scam artists here can put many others to shame.

16) India has also some of the worst rape records for any country. This makes it a challenging situation for all female travelers. No one in the country likes that this is happening. My head bows down in shame when people mention this attribute of my country. I am happy that the media is giving these rapes a lot of publicity and hopefully rapes in the country will carry maximum punishment, which in turn will stop people from committing this heinous crime.

17) India has 2 tough neighbors in Pakistan and China and this means that there is always some bit of tension around the borders that India shares with these two countries.

18) India is a secular country. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism are Sikhism are some of the main religions. There are other religions being followed too, though in smaller numbers. Because of this wide spread of religions, there are always some religion based clashes going on in the country. But overall, people from all religions co-exist happily as Indian citizens.

19) A lot of people in India are poor and hence resort to begging and stealing. If you feel like helping, help with small amounts of money or food. But, stay on guard.

20) Like most of the world, India too is subject to terrorist attacks in the name of holy war. The Indian citizens follow the news closely and try to stay away from such zones. You should too.

21) Hygiene levels in India leave much to be desired. It is best not to compare India with South East Asia and one should eat from restaurants instead.

22) India has close to 5,000 kilometers of coastline.

23) India has a cold desert, a sand desert and a salt desert.

24) Indian infrastructure is way behind the requirements of the country. Traffic bottlenecks are quite the norm in larger cities. Urban planning is also missing.

25) Indian roads are pretty unsafe and road accident rates are quite high.

26) Corruption in India is pretty high. This is one of the reasons why in spite of positive measures being taken, the actual actions take a long while.

Why you should TRAVEL to India?
The world knows about this. If not, you can find a ton of information on the web or in guide books. I will only mention the ones that I think is very important.

1) ‘Atithi Devo Bhavo’. This is part of India’s main religion (Hinduism) and means ‘Guest is equal to God’. Indians as such are a hospitable race.

2) Food in India is possibly the cheapest in Asia. And I am not talking about street food, but the food available in entry level restaurants. Street food is dirt cheap.

3) Indian food is one of the more famous cuisines in the world. Each state in India has a different cuisine. What better than sample this cuisine right at its home.

4) Public transport in India is very cheap and the connectivity is very good. This is one thing you will appreciate even in the more remote parts of the country.

5) The culture, the festivals and the rituals of India are so vibrant and colorful. Just participating in some of them can be a life changing experience.

6) India has close to 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more than 90 in tentative status. India also has one of the seven wonders of the world.

7) After East Africa, India is the next go to wildlife destination in the world.

8) A lot of foreign tourists don’t visit India. You can still find a lot of places where foreign tourists cannot be seen even during the peak tourist season. A lot of foreign travelers like such places.

9) India is home to one of the oldest cultures in the world.

10) India is the land of spirituality, OM, Shiva, Kamasutra, Yoga, Ayurveda and many more ancient arts.

11) Even though you might have to apply for a visa to India, you will get a 6 month visa to India and sometimes even a multiple entry visa. This can however vary with your citizenship.

12) India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and is changing rapidly. Visit it before it loses all its traditions and cultures.

How to TRAVEL India SAFELY?
A bit of planning and preparation can ensure that you end up exploring and traveling India just like any other country.

1) If you are a solo female traveler, try to travel with some male company. If not, have some local friends at hand you can bank on in case of need.

2) Like with many other countries, always keep guard and don’t trust anyone till you think you should.

3) Don’t eat off the streets of India unless you have a crocodile stomach. The ‘Delhi Belly’ is not just a term coined in passe, but it happens to many travelers. A little bit of precaution should help you from not spending your holiday in the toilet.

4) Try and dress like Indians. Having white skin in itself makes you prime targets. Like most brown skinned people, the Indians are amazed by white skin and will end up staring at you. In all probability, they are just admiring your skin colour. If you wish to avoid these stares, try and cover completely. India has some fantastic cotton attire that should protect you from the sun, the heat, the dust and the stares.

5) In India, try and behave like a normal Indian. There are many places where a normal denizen would not go to and especially during certain times of the day or night. Be aware of such places and times and avoid them at all costs unless you want to taste trouble.

6) Don’t leave your drink unattended in bars, clubs, pubs and discotheques in India. Drink mixing is common in popular parties and events.

7) If someone misbehaves with you, don’t back down. Instead, raise hell and cry. The other Indians will rush to your help as we hate these anti-social elements ourselves.

8) Always keep a watchful eye on your belongings, especially in trains and buses.

9) Book well in advance if you are planning to use some of India’s more popular public transport and especially around the festivals and holidays. The public transport system goes fully booked as the populous nation travels in huge numbers during these dates.

10) Start with some of the more popular tourist areas to become comfortable with India and then spread your wings out slowly.

11) The charm of India lies in its people. Get close to them slowly and in return you will get showered with love.

12) If you fight India, India will fight right back. Just treat her with care.

13) Beware of scamsters in India. Treat invitations and other freebies with a lot of doubt. Ignore politely.

14) Politely ignore all food offered to you on the trains and buses of India. Such food may or may not be drugged.

15) Travel India for a longer duration. India is a large country and requires more than 2 to 4 weeks. If you are on a short holiday, explore only a small belt. If you wish to explore a larger area, keep 3 to 6 months. Even better, if you can explore India for a year.

Do you LOVE India or do you HATE it? Do you have a different opinion on the above? Would love to hear your thoughts.

New Legend Hostel: Backpacker Hostel in Makassar, Sulawesi

2013-06-18T15:27:00.001+05:30

If you want to do budget travel in Sulawesi island, then in all probability you will pass through Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi. Most of the cheaper airlines and good bus connectivity goes through Makassar. This is where I began my Sulawesi trip as flights into Makassar were much cheaper than anywhere else on the Sulawesi island. While I was there at Makassar, I stayed at the New Legend Hostel on Jalan Jampea street in the Chinatown area and close to the harbor of Makassar. The below review is based on my recent experience of staying one night here.

1) The hostel is true backpacker style. It is slightly old, a bit run down at some places, but is the cheapest accommodation you can get in Makassar.

2) The dormitory beds cost 75,000 rupiah per night. They have 4 beds in one room and are cooled by a fan. The dorms don’t have doors or safety lockers, but it does not have bed bugs. The rooms come in fan and air-con options with attached bathrooms and cost 110,000 and 135,000 rupiah. Some inmates mentioned that their rooms had bed bugs. The shared bathrooms only have cold running water.

3) A simple breakfast of bread, eggs and tea/coffee is served free of cost from 7 AM to 10 AM.

4) Free wi-fi is available, but only at the reception on the ground floor.

5) The location of this place is one of its strengths. It is close to the Rotterdam Fort, Losari beach, the traditional Poverte Port and the harbor, which are some of the main tourist spots in Makassar city. The place is also close to many restaurants, warungs and street shops. Groceries, ATMs, supermarts and pharmacy stores are also very easily accessible.

6) The hostel is not very clean and can have a musty wet smell, but thankfully the dorms, the bathrooms and toilets located on the floors above were cleaner.

7) The reception is pretty helpful in arranging tickets for you and also guide you around the town.

If budget is a constraint, this is the place in Makassar. If budget is not a problem, then there are many options available close to this hostel and also in other parts of town.

Street Photo: Smiling Balinese Kids

2013-06-17T04:17:00.001+05:30

There is something about me or my camera that kids around the world find interesting and/or amusing. Within a short moment, they turn from complete strangers to perfect camera models with different poses and smiles. A similar turn of events took place while I was watching a Balinese temple procession next to the Sukowati market in Central Bali, Indonesia.

While I was shooting a video of this temple procession, I noticed these kids staring at me from the corner of my eye and as soon as I turned around with my camera, they got even more interested and started posing for me. And like always, once they see the output on my camera screen, it just makes them pose more. But, what I like in this capture were the genuine happiness and smile on the faces of these Balinese kids. Each one has a different expression and that is what makes this photo special. I hope you like it too.

Bali’s Kintamani: Of a caldera, a beautiful temple and stunning mountain scenery

2013-06-15T10:53:00.001+05:30

Kintamani is a town a lot of people in Bali don’t go to as it far in the north of Bali and quite far away from the airport in the south. This northern Bali town has quite a few specialties that ideally should make it a hot favorite. It is home to the second most important temple of Bali called the Pura Ulan Danu Batur. It is home to the Batur volcano and the caldera. It is very scenic and it’s cool mountain weather is quite a different experience from the rest of Bali.

It is located about 50 kilometers north of Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali and can either be done as part of a day trip from Ubud or even better if you stay in Kintamani a couple of nights to enjoy the nippy mountain weather, a early morning walk in the cool mist and may be even climb the Batur volcano if you feel like hiking.

The picturesque and really stunning Pura Ulan Danu Batur, the scenic location of the Batur lake and the views of the Batur caldera will keep you awestruck as long as you stay in Kintamani. Everywhere you goto in Kintamani, you will see the mountain and the lake. And may be the temple too as it overlooks the volcano and the lake. This is one place you should visit if you wish to experience a volcano, a temple and cool weather all thrown into one. I definitely loved this place and would definitely go here again.

How to get a Singapore visa from Jakarta

2013-06-14T22:00:00.001+05:30

Getting a Singapore tourist visa in Jakarta is pretty simple. I applied for my visa this Tuesday and got it this Friday evening. This post is to help you understand the visa submission and collection process.

Singapore Embassy in Jakarta is on Jalan Rasuna Said in Central Jakarta.

Embassy working days are Monday to Friday, except for Singapore and Indonesian holidays.

Visa Submission time: 8:30 AM to 11 AM

Visa Collection time: 4 PM to 5 PM

Document required for submission: 1) Original Passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
2) One color passport size photograph
3) One photocopy of passport front and back pages
4) Onward and return flight tickets
5) Completed visa application form (form can be collected at the embassy free of cost)

Visa cost: 237,000 rupiah (The embassy requests you to provide exact change). They don’t accept any other currency.

After submission, you are given a receipt for the visa fee and an acknowledgement for your visa submission. You are supposed to bring this acknowledgement on the 4th day after submission (Submission + 3 days). On the evening of collection, you can collect your e-visa printout. It is as simple as that. My visa says that I am allowed entry for 30 days and it is valid for multiple entry even though I thought I applied for single entry.

Key things to note:
1) The embassy allows you to apply for the visa only when you flight date is less than 5 weeks away from the visa submission date. I went to the embassy with the form 7 weeks before my actual travel and they declined to accept my application.

2) The embassy security guards are very strict about the embassy timings. So, do plan to be in early to accommodate for the notorious Jakarta traffic.

3) The embassy security guards do not allow anything in except your passport, documents and wallet. The rest of the stuff needs to be put in a safety locker that they provide at the entrance. It is best to go with very less stuff.

4) If you are staying in the Cikini area or the tourist hub of Jalan Jaksa, a ojek ride should take you 30 minutes and between 20,000 and 25,000 rupiah. A taxi should cost you the same or more depending on traffic, but will definitely take more time.

Uluwatu– Bali’s temple at Cliff’s Edge

2013-06-14T12:00:00.001+05:30

A stunning location. A beautiful temple that you can only see from the outside unless you pray in the local style and follow local traditions. A set of rowdy monkeys that steal tourist’s belongings. And the cliff’s edge and the lovely Indian Ocean view. This is how I would describe Uluwatu, one of South Bali’s main hotspots and also home to a temple that is on the edge of a cliff and that faces the Indian Ocean.

It is famous for is lovely sunset views, but as with any equatorial country, the sunsets are very unpredictable and depends on how lucky you are. But, in spite of that the sunset is the main draw here and tourists ensure that they reach as early as 3 pm. The entrance ticket is about 15,000 rupiah and if you are wearing short dresses, the temple authorities will give you a full length sarong to help obey temple traditions.

It is just a short walk from the ticket counter to the temple, but the views are spectacular. The wide cliff with the sheer drop is very spectacular. But even better is the sound of the waves ramming against this cliff. Amidst all this awe at nature’s construction, be aware of the naughty macaques that are known to steal your ear rings, sun glasses, hats, bags and more and they only give it back when you exchange it for some food. Apparently, these monkeys are trained by the temple staff to do such naughty things. In most cases, you can get your belongings back by paying the temple priest some money and he in turn would bribe the monkey with some fruit or food items.

As the sun sets and nature’s vibrant views disappear into the darkness, the man made cultures and traditions of Uluwatu can be seen through the Kecak dance, a fire dance where the music is provided for by the mouths of the artists and their feet. The modulation and synchronization of voice is so good that this ends up being a captivating performance. The entrance fee to this show is 70,000 rupiah and the show starts at 6 pm sharp along with sunset and lasts one full hour amidst vibrant sound and drama. Uluwatu is one place that you will end up visiting if you are in South Bali. Such is its charms.

Travel Photo: Kid and Life Size Chess

2013-06-13T14:05:00.001+05:30

Life size chess amazes me and it amazed me more to see a small kid stand next to it and try to play with pieces that would take an adult two full hands to move around. I was standing in my room at a five star hotel in Tanjung Benoa, Bali when these events took place. As a photographer, it was a very different frame for me with actually no clear lines, but I somehow like the output.

These grey, black and white colors of the chess pieces and the floor contrast nicely with the colorful kid and it was even more amazing to see this kid play with these chess pieces. Hope you like this cross cross frame too.

Far Eastern Delights

2013-06-12T20:22:00.001+05:30

If you’re looking for somewhere to backpack but are hoping to visit somewhere a little more off the beaten tourist track, Indonesia and the surrounding area could be the perfect place to visit. With enough Western-isms to make even an inexperienced traveller feel comfortable, but with a little less popularity than the likes of Thailand, this could be the perfect destination for someone looking for something a little different. After travelling around the area, I’ve seen and experienced a huge amount of exciting places to visit. To help you get ready for your trip, here’s a spotlight for some of the best.

Image Source: Virgin Holidays

Indonesia
First-things-first, you’ve got to start with the main area. Start off in Bali for some of the best water-based experiences in the area. Junkung Dive is one of the most professional and profound diving experiences available anywhere, perfect for anyone who loves to dive. With sights such as the US Liberty Shipwreck, Gili Selang and Amed Walk, it’s simply unmissable. And don’t worry if you’ve never dived before; there are 5 star trainers on hand to teach and guide you through every part of this experience. Next up is the Wae Rebo Village in Flores, which is perfect for anyone who loves to hike. You are guided up steep hills on a 3-4 hour trek, finally arriving at this traditional village. With only 8 families living in this area, you will truly appreciate what it means to be away from mainstream, modern society. You can even stay the night in one of the huts there, which is a great chance for anyone looking for a traditional Indonesian night.

Malaysia
The first thing you must do in Malaysia is take the Malaysia Heritage Tour of Eat, Pray, Love. Guiding around in groups of around ten, you’re given several hours to take in a huge variety of cultural experiences in a really friendly environment. One of the best things about this tour is that it doesn’t only allow you to see sights you may not otherwise have known about, but you try so much food! Local Chinese, Indian and Malay food is all up for tasting, so it’s a great chance to try something new. Langkawi is famous for its beaches, so you can’t miss the chance to spend a day simply relaxing on the golden shores, taking a dip in the sparkling blue sea. Cenang Beach is one of the best in this region, with lots of fun water sports and eaters available, though it’s also great just to relax and take in the sun and views.

Papua New Guinea
A little piece of British history is available here in the form of Parliament Haus. If you’re looking for some culture, of even just a little taste of home, this is an ideal spot. Opened by Prince Charles in 1984, it’s an impressive building with truly spectacular architecture which everyone can appreciate. The façade is a great spot for photographers thanks to the mosaic designs, whilst nature lovers will enjoy the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing, beetles and stick insects which call this place home. You could easily miss the National Botanic Gardens thanks to their location in the middle of capital Port Moresby, but they’re a must-visit spot. With a 2 km boardwalk moving throughout a jungle canopy, there are also lawns and gardens showcasing amazing tropical plantation.

Philippines
Finally, you should travel to the Philippines before making your way home. The sunken Japanese wrecks are brilliant for people who love both historical culture and nature. Taking the skills you learnt in Junkung at the start of the trip, you can check out the water-life which thrives around the wrecks under the sea. If you’re looking for something you simply cannot see anywhere else, the Puerto Princesa underground river is ideal. Take a tour through the river which travels underneath a mountain, and discover nature you didn’t even know existed. The rock formations are out of this world, and the tour guides truly know their stuff.

Smiling Taiwan: Feel it! Love it!

2013-06-12T16:55:00.001+05:30

Smiling Taiwan. That is how it Taiwan likes to refer to itself. And as a tourist, you will feel it and start loving its people immediately. It’s green mountains, its lovely smiling people, its efficient road system, its busy and workhorse like capital, its beaches, its corals and many more. Taiwan is a land that is very special and deserves a lot of time.

A lot of people visit Taiwan only for Taipei 101. While Taipei 101 is spectacular, the night markets, the really devout people, the bullet train, the stinky tofu, the ability to get all kinds of food, some fantastic green tea, some amazing landscapes and more is what you should go to Taiwan for. The central mountains and the east coast is more less populated, while the north and the west coast is the more well populated and busy. And if you are looking to buy some phones or laptop spare parts, then you are in the right country.

Guest Post: Alternative Road Travel

2013-06-12T15:37:00.001+05:30

There are so many quick, convenient and technologically amazing ways to travel these days that it's easy to forget that we don't all have access to modern travel. In this article, we take a look at some of the most basic travel modes from around the world, and at how they differ from westernized methods. From Tuk-Tuks in Thailand to the Bamboo railway in Cambodia, we find out about how it's not just about reaching your destination, but it's how you get there too.

Our guest author usually writes for PassSmart.com, but today she's given up regular road travel to look at some alternative options in the world.

Bamboo railway
Though not strictly road travel, we had to include this on the list. When the local residents of Battambang, Cambodia, got tired of waiting for unreliable trains, they took matters into their own hands. The Bamboo railway, also known as the 'norry', is only 3m wide and is made of bamboo. The makeshift railway can accommodate 10-15 people and travels at a steady pace. It may not be the most innovative pieces of technology, and, worryingly, they have no brakes, but it does the trick, allowing locals to transport their produce to the market. Bamboo drivers know the official railway's time schedule, so when they hear one coming in the distance, they quickly dismount from the tracks by taking the bamboo carriage apart.

Coco taxi
The Cuban Coco taxi is a favorite amongst tourists visiting the Caribbean country. The rickshaw type vehicles have two seats, three wheels and a moped engine. They get their name from their coconut-shaped bodies, as 'coco' means coconut in Cuba's native language, Spanish. Coco taxis are noisy, and you may be in for a bumpy ride, but they're cheaper than regular taxis in the capital city, Havana.

Boda Boda
The Boda Boda is a bicycle taxi which comes from Africa. They first started being used around 50 years ago as a means for travel for the locals, and have since become an entrepreneurial way for locals to make money. Transforming them into taxis, they're used to transport people between villages. They've since made the progression from bicycle to motorcycle, meaning locals can treat themselves to a speedier, if a little noisier, journey.

Tuk-Tuks and Jumbos
The Tuk-Tuk is not a new phenomenon, but it is one of the most popular travel methods for people visiting Thailand. They may be cramped, but in the bustling traffic of the Thai capital, Bangkok, there's little space for a larger vehicle. They have three wheels, 2 seats and fearless drivers who will get you from A to B as quickly as possible. Jumbos can be found in Laos, and they're really just a bigger version of the Tuk-Tuk; able to seat up to six passengers. Again, they're open-air and your ride may be a little bumpy, but they'll get you to your desired destination.

Bemos
Bemos are the favored form of transport for locals in Bali, Indonesia. The open-air minibuses are small and cheap, but not particularly comfortable. The most unique aspect of a Bemo is that all of the seats have been ripped out, meaning they can fit more people in. Bemos travel on set routes like buses, so you can even take one for your airport transfer, if you're feeling brave enough. Don't be surprised if you come across livestock on a Bemo either, as all kinds of passengers are welcome!

Spending money wisely in Macau

2013-06-12T11:59:00.001+05:30

Every time a traveler is in a flashy location, there is an urge to spend money. Every time there are more avenues to buy, people spend more money. And when this is coupled with casinos, money flows freely. That is the case with Macau. This country is such a lifestyle statement. It’s casinos make more money than Las Vegas and that is why all the leading casino brands of the world have an empire here.

And with China’s growing riches, Macau is just getting bigger and bigger. There are mighty big casinos and five star hotels, there are the leading fashion brands and then there is unlimited shopping. All of this ensures that the traveler is tempted to shell out a lot of money.

Sometimes it is the temptation to become one with Macau and play the part. For a while, this is a way to have a good holiday. But, if not kept in check, it could have a big drain on your wallet as living the Macau lifestyle is an expensive proposition. And when it comes to the casinos, we know how gambling makes people behave. The temptation to make more money is always there and to make some profits, people have been known to lose a lot if not all.

If someone is lucky and ends up on the positive side of the casino table in terms of profits, even they get controlled by the lust for more money or fame. They either end up placing the money in another bet or end up spending the money on lifestyle products or services. In sum, money is not earned, but spent. If you wish to keep your spending habits in check when you are in Macau, always use a credit card when possible with a pre-defined limit so that you can keep yourself in check. This will help you enjoy your Macau holiday while ensuring that you don’t have a financial heart attack when you return home after your holiday.

The world’s fastest elevator

2013-06-12T10:05:00.001+05:30

This elevator can climb more than one kilometer every minute. It climbs close to 85 floors in just a matter of some seconds. This elevator is in the Taipei 101 building in downtown Taipei in Taiwan. One can feel the rush of adrenaline, the jump in the heart and pop in the ears when you ascend from the 2nd floor to the 89th floor viewing deck in just a matter of some seconds.

This elevator has its place in the Guinness book of world records and one can climb it by buying a ticket to go to the viewing deck of Taipei 101. The ticket is fairly expensive and the wait is usually long, especially on weekends, but the experience, even though short-lived is an experience of a life time. The bonus is that this elevator is in the 2nd tallest building in the world.

Dewi Ayu 2: Lovely Balinese Homestay in Ubud

2013-06-11T18:28:00.001+05:30

Bali is one of those few places in Indonesia where more homestays are available than hotels especially in areas that is far away from the very touristy Kuta and South Bali area. Staying in a homestay is a great cultural experience as to stay with local people in their houses and get to interact with them on a daily basis. While I was in Ubud in Central Bali, I stayed at this place called the Dewi Ayu 2 Homestay on Jalan Hanoman. The below review is based on my recent experience of staying here for 4 days and 3 nights.

1) The rooms in the homestay are basic, but are very clean and comfortable for 100,000 rupiah a night. For this price, you get a double bed that can be shared by 2 people, a fan cooled room, a dressing table, an attached bathroom with cold shower and a balcony with a private sit-out.

2) They serve simple, but tasty breakfast free of cost. Breakfast consists of one banana pancake, fresh fruits and hot tea.

3) The place is run by a nice Bali family who try their level best to make your stay comfortable. If you are interested in knowing and understanding more about Bali culture, you can watch how they about their prayers and offerings and you can ask them questions.

4) The place has a lovely garden that you can walk and explore. There are 2 pet rabbits and a dog who roam this garden. If you wish, you can pet them.

5) Wi-fi is free and is accessible from every room. Though, wi-fi did not work for me on the first 2 days of my stay here.

6) The homestay is located on Jalan Hanoman and is right in the middle of the central area of town. It is easy to rent a motorbike, hire a car, get a taxi, go on a tour, indulge in some shopping and go on a food tasting spree at one of the many delicious restaurants located on this street.

7) Most of the central Ubud attractions are all a short walk away from the homestay.

8) The place has some insects coming into the room at night if you keep your windows and doors open, but they hardly bother you. You can spray some insect repellant if you do not like bugs bothering you.

9) The place is unbelievably quiet at night and is perfect for those looking to sleep very well.

This place is ideal for those kind of budget travelers who like to stay closer to local culture and do not need the luxuries and pampering of a hotel.

Surabaya: Foodie City of Indonesia

2013-06-11T16:58:00.001+05:30

,A mammoth line of Harley Davidsons riders come into a mall and then go straight into a restaurant. Well dressed elderly family members enter the same restaurant. Young college students do the same albeit in their latest hip look. There is a festive atmosphere in the line of restaurants in this mall that is famous for its restaurants.

Initially, I thought that there was some special occasion or it was a holiday and hence everyone is out enjoying themselves. But, apparently, this is the daily culture of the city and the people love to eat out here. The people of Surabaya in East Java like to be called as foodies and that tag line fits them well as the food in Surabaya is some of the best in Java, if not Indonesia.

All meals in Surabaya is a communal gathering and especially dinner. The food options here are out of the world. The spread is humungous. People arrive in huge numbers and all the restaurants throw some kind of entertainment in every night to make it an even more interesting experience. Food is more on a take what you want from the many stalls and pay only for what you take/order.

It is not just the restaurants that has this culture, but also the coffee (kopi) shops and beer and wine bars. The communal eating is so infectious that you also feel to be one with the crowd and join in on the eating fun. Whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian, it really does not matter as the food stalls and restaurants of Surabaya has in them to please every palate. What ever you do in Surabaya, do not miss out on the eating fun. If you do miss it, then you miss one of the biggest highlights of Indonesian food.

Summer holidays with a unique twist

2013-06-10T23:43:00.001+05:30

The summer holiday is something many people look forward to because it’s a chance to get away, relax, and enjoy some sun for a change. Sometimes it is hard to book a holiday location that everyone will love, as there are aspects to many sunny destinations that appeal to some more than others. However, Co-op Travel has a wide range of offers that mean you are always getting the best value for money, no matter what location you choose.

Going abroad is always exciting, especially if it’s your first time. Travellers are in safe hands with Coop Travel because it offers expert advice on where the most suitable locations are for your needs, as well as the best deals for how long you want to stay. The following is a guide to some of the most unique holiday destinations Co-op Travel provides, and some of the best features about all of them:

Lanzarote
One of the most unique locations within the Canary Islands, it might be expected that Lanzarote would not be the most popular of the islands to visit, since it is only the fourth largest. In fact, Lanzarote’s main income is from tourism and it is one of the most visited places in the area. Lanzarote is also known as being the ‘island of permanent springtime’, since average winters only drop to about 70°F, meaning that the sun is always likely to be in the sky, whatever the time of year.

Tenerife
Another member of the Canary Islands that invariably makes for a popular tourist location, Tenerife provides visitors with beautiful beaches and landscapes, as well as numerous attractions to visit. The location boasts relaxing aspects and there are plenty of fun times to be had, so is great for children and adults alike.

Benidorm
A hugely popular tourist destination, thanks in no small part to its sandy beaches, warm weather, and cultural attractions. The relaxation side of Benidorm is right at your fingertips as soon as you arrive, and other attractions are easily accessed, all to create a holiday that gives you the most for your money. There really is something for everyone and Co-op Travel can provide you with the best deals.

Package holidays from Co-op Travel include all of the aforementioned unique holiday destinations, with varying specifications so you can choose one that suits you. Co-op Travel provides excellent customer service and ultimately a package deal that can lead to your most memorable holiday yet.

Malang: The Scenic East Java Town

2013-06-10T12:59:00.001+05:30

A lot of tourists coming to Indonesia visit the famous Bromo volcano, but give the nearby town of Malang a miss. This town located in East Java is known for its colonial history and cool climes. It is unbelievably green, has some well maintained boulevards, a lot of museums and some fantastic East Javanese food. Unlike the other busy cities of Java, Malang has a more laid back feel. It’s mornings and late evenings are always nippy and like most of Java, Malang is also prone to heavy afternoon showers every day.

If you have time on your hand, I would recommend you base yourself in Malang for at least a week and explore the town’s attractions, while doing day trips to the mountains and apple orchards of Batu, the volcanoes at Bromo-Tenegger-Semeru National Park and the quiet beaches of Balekampang. And as you spend more time here, you will definitely start feeling this place more and get to know its people better.

My Kawah Ijen story featured on a TV Show

2013-06-08T19:18:00.001+05:30

Last week, I wrote an article about Kawah Ijen and the story of its sulphur miner. This story and the video that I took of these miners has been featured in a television show called RightThisMinute and the video can be seen here. I am very happy to see my story being pushed to a larger audience as this will help more of the world support the cause of these sulphur miners and may be help them with care, food and/or money.

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Thank you RightThisMinute.com team for featuring my video and supporting these Sulphur miners who desperately need all the help they can get.

Bali’s Kuta: A Big Tourist Trap

2013-06-06T22:28:00.001+05:30

South Bali became really famous due to its surfing. But, one of its main areas, Kuta, is today a busy and chaotic and nightmarish place where locals do not want to tread and the worst part is that surfing is just a small piece of it. Rest of it is concrete jungle, lots of traffic, no true Balinese culture, Western brands, lots of coffee shop, bars, watering holes and tons of shopping.

Visualize this! Starbucks, Black Canyon Coffee, McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, Wendys, Pizza Hut, Dominos and many more such Western brands. You will feel like you are in a city of a Western country and not in a small beach side location on an exotic tropical island. If it is not these brands that do not fit the island status, it is the unlimited shopping frenzy that again includes a lot of Western labels, which don’t fit into the Bali scheme of things. In the evenings, people move between shopping malls, watering holes, restaurants and the many small to large size shops. There is zilch Balinese anywhere in any of this.

In fact, Kuta feels like Singapore or Hong Kong or any other large American city. Why would I need to come to Kuta to buy Western clothes and taste Western food. I might as well be in a city in California and buy the best stuff and even more indulge in better surfing. I don’t know why so many travelers get trapped in this so called tourist trap. The trap is out there and you can see it very clearly. In fact, the pull is so much that the entire area of Kuta is choking today with heavy traffic and serious traffic bottlenecks that ensure you take 2 hours in a car if the place you want to visit is in Kuta. The water is also getting affected and the air is also getting polluted with more burning of garbage and vehicular pollution.

I still don’t understand why normal people get pulled into this rut. Some listen to other travelers. Some follow the guide books and some follow the internet. My feedback is simple: Goto Kuta if you want a busy city with a beach, lots of Western labels, lots of shopping and very close to zero local culture. If you wish for a good island, then look at West, North or East Bali or the islands to the West or East of Bali.

Travel Photo: Volcanoes Galore!!

2013-06-03T15:59:00.001+05:30

Some people call it out of the world. Some call it heavenly. Others use words like insane, mind boggling, astounding and many more. I call it ‘Nature at its wildest’. The place that I am referring to is one of the main sightseeing spots of Indonesia. It has volcanoes, craters, green mountains, black mountains, sand dunes, savannahs and panoramic views that will leave you stunned.

This place is the Bromo-Tenegger-Semeru National Park in East Java. It is one of those iconic places with the blown open Bromo crater in the foreground and the mighty Semeru in the background. Both Bromo and Semeru smoke. While Bromo smokes continuously, Semeru smokes intermittently. It is quite a sight to see both of them smoke. The surroundings are all green and only Bromo’s black colour adds contrast to the surroundings.

Kawah Ijen and the Story of its Sulphur Miner

2013-06-02T13:35:00.001+05:30

Kawah Ijen is the world’s most acidic lake. It is an active volcano that is part of a group of stratovolcanoes in East Java. It is also the source of elemental sulphur. But, it is not these attributes that gave Kawah Ijen international recognition. Instead, it was Kawah Ijen’s ordinary Sulphur miners who gave it recognition through their work in the yellow hell.

I have been on a volcano path in Java as I had never seen volcanoes before Indonesia and have been visiting some of the most deadliest in the world (Gunung Merapi in Central Java), some of the prettiest in the world (Gunung Bromo in East Java) and of course, Kawah Ijen, the world’s most acidic lake. But, it was not its natural beauty that drew me to it. It was the miners that drew me to it.

I will be lying if I said I did not find the blue light of Kawah Ijen, its toxic smoke and its beautiful mountain views appealing. But, a couple of months back I saw a TV program on National Geographic about the Kawah Ijen miners and that is when I decided that I would visit this place and see how the sulphur miners live their daily life.

And when I did spend a day with them, my heart warmed for them and I felt that my job is the easiest in the world when compared to the hardships these Sulphur miners endure. Unlike the other places where I go about photographing the place at every opportune moment and angle, I decided to take it easy on my photography and spend more time talking to these miners.

What I found out is possibly one of the toughest life stories I have ever heard. Each of these sulphur miners, who live in neighboring villages collect Sulphur for a company that manufactures rubber products. Sulphur is one of the main elements required for the vulcanization of rubber and hence the high demand for free Sulphur from mother nature.

These miners who come from a poor background take up this much needed job to make money. The rubber companies promise them money better than what they would earn, but that’s about it. They get no other benefits. These miners brave a tough climb, a steep descent and lots of toxic gases to first solidify the molten sulphur and then carry it on their shoulders up to the crater rim and then down the steep slopes to the unloading point.

If a miner’s body weight is 60 kilograms, he aims to carry at least 80 kilograms of sulphur. If a miner weighs 80 kilograms, he tries for 90-100 kgs of Sulphur. They 2 do such trips every day. What this means is that they carry about 120 to 200 kilograms of Sulphur on their backs every day while walking close to 20 kilograms up and down steep and narrow slopes of the volcano.

And for this hard work, they get paid 700 rupiah per kilogram, which equates to about 105,000 rupiah (or ~10.5 USD) if they lift 150 kilograms of Sulphur. This amount is a pittance when compared to the hardships that these miners endure. But, this money is much better to the normal daily wages of other jobs and that is the reason why these miners endure these hellish work conditions.

The worst part is that they get paid only for the Sulphur they bring. This means that they are not employees and do not have any health or insurance benefits. If they fall sick or ill, which they do from time to time, they don’t get paid. They are simply daily wage earners who get paid for the work.

Due to the hellish conditions, the toxic Sulphur fumes and the heavy weightlifting and climbing, these miners face a variety of problems that range from respiratory illnesses, black and burnt shoulders, knee problems, eyesight problems and many more. If they stop, the suffering increases and the money dries up. And that is why these miners keep lifting Sulphur till their last breath.

You would think with these kind of hardships, they would be stone-hearted and not enjoy life. Instead, they are just the opposite. They are full of smiles, whistling away and singing as they walk with the sulphur loads on their shoulder. As a tourist, I found them returning my salutations and engage in interesting conversations with me. Some of them speak bits and pieces of English and being an Indian always ensure that I get asked about Shahrukh Khan and the Bollywood dance.

If you wish to see Kawah Ijen and understand the story of these sulphur miners, I would recommend that you either base yourself at Banyuwangi or Ijen village. If you are staying at Banyuwangi, rent a motorcycle, a motorcycle taxi or a 4 wheel drive to climb the steep ascent of 35 kms. This steep ascent through dense vegetation should take about one hour.

If you wish to see the blue fire, be prepared to brave the cold or carry thermal wear. If you just want to see the day’s events, start at 4 AM so that you can be on the top latest by 6:30 AM. Typically, the mornings are always clear and the clouds invariably start coming in by 9 AM and most of the afternoons are either raining or covered in dense clouds. Once you reach the parking spot, you can have a hot tea/coffee to warm yourself up. Then, begins a gradual climb, which turns into a steep one very quickly. As you see views of Kawah Rawu and the sun’s first rays on the surrounding green mountains and pant for breath, you will reach the canteen, which also doubles up as the weighing station for these sulphur miners. From here, the way is more or less gradual to the rim of the crater. Somewhere near the top, you will have to make your handkerchief or towel wet and tie it around your nose as you will be crossing a sulphur cloud blowing from the crater towards you. Shortly, you will reach the top. Here, there is a sign asking you not to go down. But, many tourists go down, albeit on their own risk. Remember that if you go down and if it gets cloudy, it might get very difficult to breath. Use proper glasses and masks while you are downstairs. The walk back is even tougher as the steep descent batters your knees. The success factor here is to take it nice and slow and be very careful.

A humble request to all those who plan to visit Kawah Ijen. The miners here do not get proper food and water and of course are low on money. So, if you can afford and carry, do bring along some food, water, cigarettes (though it causes harm, it gives these miners joy) and money. The miners always ask for biscuits and water as they are always away from food and water when they are working. If you can afford, pay them small amounts and instruct them not to blow it away in beer and/or cigarettes. If you bring shoes, jackets, masks or any other type of protective gear, the miners end up selling it in the market to make money. Hence, do not bring such items. Food, water, cigarettes and money should suffice. Medical supplies would help, if you could. Apart from simply going to Kawah Ijen and just enjoying nature’s beauty, it would be better if each one of us did something in kind for these sulphur miners who are the tough, yet poor soldiers of this area.

P.S. There is no entrance fee for Kawah Ijen and a motorcycle taxi (return trip) from Banyuwangi should cost you 150,000 rupiah, while a 4 wheel drive (return trip) from Banyuwangi costs 500,000 rupiah that can be shared across 4 people.

Batu: Of Green Apples, Cool Mountains and Waterfalls

2013-06-01T20:49:00.001+05:30

This is the belt of green apples in Indonesia. Such is its soil and weather that the green apples here are plentiful and real tasty. It is these green apples that took me to the mountain town of Batu in Indonesia’s East Java. In fact, it is these green apples, the green mountains, the cool climes, the waterfalls and the beautiful scenery that make Batu a hot favorite with the domestic tourists especially during the weekends.

Batu is about 20 kilometres or 30 minutes from Malang and about 2 to 3 hours drive from Surabaya. It’s parks, its lush green villages, its waterfalls and its great food bring a lot of tourists. During weekends it gets very crowded, but much more peaceful during the weekdays. Songgoritti village is the prettiest of the villages around Batu. Alun Alun is the most favorite place of the locals. Puten village is where the apple orchards are and one can gorge on an unlimited amount of green apples for a small fee. And then there is the Cando Ramon waterfall that plummets from 100 feet above in pristine green surroundings.

But, like I said before, I went to Batu and its surroundings for its food especially its fruits and vegetables. Batu has so many fruits that I had never tasted. Plum chips, green apple chips, jackfruit chips, durian chips and many more are supposed to be tasted here. The apple cake called Dodol is a must taste too. And so is the green apple juice, which is naturally very sweet. A walk through the various markets in the villages allow you to taste other fruits, snacks and dishes. The weather is cold and hence the appetite always stays high for food. These surroundings are also ideal for long hikes into the forest and one can discover many waterfalls, flowers and may be even wildlife. If hard treks are on your mind, then Gunung Arjuna has to be on your list here.

Hotel Baru: Good Budget Hotel in Banyuwangi, Indonesia

2013-06-01T17:05:00.001+05:30

Most of the tourists visiting Banyuwangi come here either for Kawah Ijen or for the ferry connection to Bali. Whatever your travel options are, Banyuwangi is a great East Java town in its own right and while I was here I stayed at the Hotel Baru, an old and well known hotel located in the center of town. Below review is based on my recent stay there.

1) Hotel Baru started operations in 1918 and hence is a pretty well known landmark in the town of Banyuwangi.

2) It’s rooms are large and clean, but can do with some renovation. But, keeping in mind, its location and price, it is fairly ok. For 70,000 rupiah, one can get a economy room and for 90,000 rupiah, a standard room. The room includes a fan, 2 beds, a television and an attached bathroom with squat style toilets.

3) Free breakfast consisting of rice and/or bread is included in all rooms.

4) High speed free wi-fi is available in some rooms and in the hotel lobby.

5) The best part about the hotel is its well mannered and very knowledgeable reception staff. They are always eager to help you plan your trip to Kawah Ijen, Bali or other destinations and they don’t charge anything extra. In fact, some of the cheapest options in town are available in this hotel.

6) The hotel is close to many super marts and local restaurants (Warungs) that ensures you don’t have to walk too much for food and supplies.

7) The Karang Asem train station is only 3-4 kms away and the Ketapang ferry terminal is about 8 kms away, making it an ideal place for tourists in Banyuwangi.

8) The main highlight of Banyuwangi, Kawah Ijen is about 35 kms or 1 hour away. The hotel arranges ojeks (motorcycle taxis) and 4 wheel drive vehicles to take its customers to Kawah Ijen.

Even though this place is a bit old and needs some renovation, I think the reception and its location make it ideal for budget travelers and backpackers. The hotel staff speak English too, which is an added bonus.

Hotel Lingkar: Basic Budget Accommodation in Ketapang, Indonesia

2013-06-01T10:21:00.001+05:30

Ketapang is one of those small towns which many tourists use as a pit stop between two large destinations. These destinations are Bali and Gunung Bromo. Ketapang is the place where one can take the ferry from Java to Bali and vice versa and a lot of people prefer to break their journey here from the 12 hour journey between South Bali and Gunung Bromo. I was at Ketapang not for taking the ferry to Bali, but instead I just found my way into it as I took a train from Malang to Banyuwangi and landed here late in the night and ended up staying at a basic hotel, Hotel Lingkar for the night. This review is to help those budget travelers who are looking to spend the night at Ketapang.

1) Hotel Lingkar is a very basic hotel for those on a true budget trip. You can get a fan cooled double room for 45,000 rupiah or (~4.5 USD). The room comes with an attached cold shower bathroom and a western toilet with no seat cover and a fan that doesn’t seem to have an impact on the room. Thankfully, the nights are pleasant and the ineffectiveness of the fan doesn’t hurt.

2) The hotel is new, but everything about it is basic as can be seen through the furnishings. It looks like this hotel has been built for people looking to stay here for only one night.

3) The hotel offers free breakfast, which is 2 slices of bread and tea.

4) The hotel doesn’t have any internet connectivity or free wi-fi.

5) The hotel reception are nice, but speak very little English and don’t have much clue about the tourist attractions around.

6) The hotel is close by to the Banyuwangi Baru train station and the Ketapang ferry terminal.

7) The hotel has many restaurants (local warungs) located close by and is also close to the main highway connecting Banyuwangi to the Ketapang ferry terminal where you can find a Angkot.

You can’t do much in this hotel, but if you want a cheap and decent place to crash for the night, this place is a good choice. Do make sure you check out next day else you will go mad as there is nothing to do here.

Trains of Java, Indonesia: Perfect for Budget Travelers

2013-05-31T17:32:00.001+05:30

A lot of budget travelers to Indonesia prefer to spend more time in the Java island when compared to the other islands mainly because of its superior public transport infrastructure and the ability to travel long distances for a very small price. Trains and buses forms the bulk to the public transport system while there are taksi (taxi), ojek (motorcycle taxi), becak (3 wheeler cycle rickshaw), bajai (3 wheeler auto rickshaw), angkot (mini van) and more. Out of these, the trains offer the most comfort and are ideal to commute long distances.

During my last 3 weeks in Java, I have taken the train 4 times. I took the Executive class from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, the Executive class again from Yogyakarta to Malang, the Economy class from Malang to Banyuwangi and the Bisnis Class from Banyuwangi to Surabaya. For me, all classes were comfortable even though each journey was a minimum of 6 hours.

The thing to understand with the trains in Indonesia is that the cost of the trains vary with train type and class type. The Executive trains are the fastest, but also cost the most. All the compartments on the Executive trains are the Executive class, which is the highest class. There are no sleeper berths on the trains in Indonesia. All of them are seat type like the airplanes.

The Executive class has individual seats with push back option, pillow, blanket, and lots of leg room (I am a 191 cm guy and I was very comfortable). The Executive compartments are completely air-conditioned. The Bisnis class is also air-conditioned, but the seats are shared and the leg room is slightly lesser. Pillows are provided upon request. There are 2 types of economy class. One is economy with AC and the other is Economy with fan. Both of them are shared seats with very less leg room. Pillows are provided in this class too, but for a price. The cost decreases as you move from Executive to Bisnis to Economy AC to Economy.

Most of the trains have an attached pantry car that serves food. In the Executive trains, pantry attendants come to take personalized food and beverage orders, but in other trains, they just sell the wares. In economy trains, local vendors get into the train at each station and sell the wares. All the train compartments have attached toilets that are always maintained very well. While most of it is squat style toilets, some Executive trains have WC style toilets too.

The Executive trains take the least time to travel between 2 destinations because they either don’t stop at all destinations or stop only for a very brief period of time. They also get premium treatment over the other trains. The economy trains are much slower, but they stop at stations where the Executive trains do not stop. They get much longer than the Executive trains to ply between 2 destinations.

The thing to keep in mind is that in Indonesia, the Executive trains leave from a different station, while the economy ones leave from a different one. To ensure you have a comfortable train journey, carry a jacket and/or blanket with you if you are traveling in an air-conditioned compartment. The trains in Indonesia love to keep the AC very cold. Also, buy water and food as required from a supermarket before entering the train. Even though food is available on the train, it may or may not be fresh and is slightly more expensive than the supermarket.

The best thing about the trains is the ease of booking. One can either book the tickets directly at the train station, online at Kereta API train booking website and/or book at the nearest Indomaret supermarket (you pay 7,500 rupiah more for using this option). Unless it is a holiday, you should be able to book a train ticket one day in advance. Sometimes you can also get the ticket at the train station just before the scheduled departure of the train.

Travel Photo: Sulphur Miner from Kawah Ijen, Indonesia

2013-05-30T16:01:00.001+05:30

Kawah Ijen or crater Ijen is the world’s most acidic lake. It is also a volcano and sulphur gas continues to show its face here at all times. But, it is not for this reason that Kawah Ijen is famous. It is instead of the sulphur miners who go into its bowels to collect sulphur for a living.

They wear no protection, they brave the poisonous sulphur gases, they solidify the liquid sulphur and carry more than their body weight to the dropping site which is about 5 kms away through narrow, steep and dangerous paths. And all this for a pittance of a pay. But, in spite of all this, they always seem to enjoy themselves a sport a broad smile. Wish I could do this. May be, I should stop complaining about how hard my life is!!