Indonesia Guide

Introduction to the country

Indonesia is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean in the southeastern part of Asia. The country has the seventh largest country in the world in terms of total area (land and water). The largest city in the country, Jakarta also serves as its capital. The official language of Indonesia is the Indonesian language.

When To Go? / Best Time to visit

Due to the size of Indonesia, different parts of the country could have different weather conditions. Generally, there is no best time to visit Indonesia, but there are best times to visit a particular part of Indonesia or for a particular activity. You should check the specific weather conditions of the island you intend to visit to be sure it is during the dry season.

How do I get a Visa?

There are 2 major types of visas for a visit to Indonesia. They include the regular tourist visa and the free visit visa. The regular tourist visa can be procured on arrival for 35 USD and extendable for 30 days only. The fee tourist visa, however, is available for 169 countries including UK, USA and all EU nations for a non-extendable period of 30 days.

Do I need Vaccines?

The recommended vaccines for visitors to Indonesia include Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A. Those planning to stay long could also consider taking vaccines for Rabies, Japanese B Encephalitis, and Hepatitis B.

Is it safe?

The country is a safe place to travel and backpack as you can travel alone as a male or female with little to no risk of being attached. However, there are risks of rare cases of road accidents, drug abuse, petty crime, disease, natural disaster, and terrorist attack. The locals are generally very friendly and are generous with giving tourists information about where to visit and where not to visit.

How to stay safe?

When you are in Indonesia, make sure you secure your valuables and stay alert including when you are inside a public bus. This will discourage petty thieves from robbing you. Indonesia also records common cases of credit card fraud. As much as possible, pay with cash when you can. You should also make withdrawals from inside reputable banks to avoid a case where your information is stolen. If you are not comfortable with the look or approach of a taxi driver, you should trust your instinct and alight from the taxi. You might also want to invest in travel insurance as it will protect you from cancellations, theft, injury, and illness. You can also search and read up on major travel scams to avoid as it would go a long way to keep you prepared on what to expect and how to avoid them.

 
 

What To Pack?

Major things you will need on your trip to Vietnam include:

  1. Clothing and hygiene

    • 1 flip-flops pair

    • 1 sneaker pairs

    • 1 T-shirt – long sleeved

    • 5 boxer shorts pairs

    • 8 socks pairs

    • A bathing suit

    • A dental floss package

    • A jeans pair

    • A razor

    • A shorts pair

    • A small shampoo bottle

    • A small shower gel bottle

    • A toothbrush

    • A toothpaste tube

    • A towel

    • Deodorant

    • Six t-shirts

  2. Medical kit

    • Antibacterial cream

    • Antibiotics (as prescribed by your doctor)

    • Band-aids

    • Earplugs

    • Eyedrops

    • Hand sanitizer

    • Hydrocortisone cream

    • Tylenol

  3. Miscellaneous

    • A combination or key lock

    • LifeStraw

    • Plastic bags

    • Universal adaptor/charger

    • Zip-lock bags

A female should also remember to pack up her female hygiene products, hairbrush, swimsuit, make-up kit and a light cardigan amongst others.

Essential Language Phrases

Here are some essential Indonesian language phrases you might want to add to your vocabulary before visiting the country.

  • Excuse me – Permise pronounced as per-mee-see

  • Thank you – Terima kasih pronounced as te-ree-ma ka-seeh

  • Yes / No – Ya / Tidak pronounced as ya / tee-dak

  • You are welcome – sama-sama pronounced as saa-maa saa-maa

  • I don’t understand – Saya tidak mengerti pronounced as saa-yha tee-dah me-nger-tee

  • Where is the bathroom? – Di mana toilet? Pronounced as dee maa-naa toilet?

  • Turn right / Turn left – Belok kana / Belok kiri pronounced as be-lok kaa-naan / bae-lok kee-ree

  • Far / Near – Jauh / Dekat pronounced as jaa-wuh / dhe-kat

  • Don’t make it too spicry – Jangan terlalu pedas pronounced as jaa-ngan ter-laa-luw pe-dash

  • Delicious – Enak pronounced as e-nak

  • How much is this – Berapa harganya pronounced as be-raa-paa harr-gah-nyaa

  • Too expensive – Terlalu mahal pronounced as ter-laa-luw maa-haal

  • Can I get it for less? – Boleh kurang? Pronounced as bo-leh koo-rang?

  • That one, this one – itu / ini pronounced as ee-two / ee-nee

  • 1 – Satu pronounced as saa-too

  • 2 – Dua pronounced as doo-wa

  • 3 – Tiga pronounced as tee-ga

  • 4 – Empat pronounced as em-paat

  • 5 – Lima pronounced as lee-ma

  • 6 – Enam pronounced as e-num

  • 7 – Tujuh pronounced as too-jooh

  • 8 – Delapan pronounced as dhe-laa-paan

  • 9 – Sembilan pronounced as sem-bee-lan

  • 10 – Sepuluh pronounced as se-poo-looh

  • Hundred – Ratus pronounced as raa-toos

  • Thousand – Ribu pronounced as ree-boo

  • What is your name? – Nama kamu siapa? Pronounced as naa-maa kaa-moo see-a-pa

  • My name is – Nama saya pronounced as naa-maa saa-yaa

  • Nice to meet you – Salam kenal pronounced as saa-laam ke-nal

  • Call the police – Panggil polici pronounced as paang-geel po-lee-see

  • Bule – is a generic word for describing foreigners

  • Tolong is an emergency word that means help

  1. Where to start

Indonesia is the fourth largest nation and the largest archipelago in the world. The country consists of over 17,500 Islands. However, only about 6,000 have people living in them. If you want to plan your itinerary, you can fly into Jakarta or Bali and travel northwest or you take a flight to Medan and travel south.

Major Islands of Indonesia

The major Islands of Indonesia will be discussed subsequently with the aim of briefly acquainting you with the Islands.            

10.1 Java

Java is the Indonesian island with the highest population of 135 million people. It is on this Island that Jakarta, the capital of Australia is located. The Island also features Anyer and Carita beach towns to the West, where you can go to relax.  The Southern towns of Yogyakarta, Bandung, and Bogor will also afford you interest you due to the personality and culture of the people in the town as well as the fact that the towns are terrific, full of life and feature some of the best beaches in the world. The Island has a part of it crossing into Papua New Guinea.

10.2 Sumatra

The tropical rain forest covers this Island, reputed to be the largest of all the Indonesian Islands that is not shared with any other country. Adventurous travelers will be thrilled by the so many activities this city offer including unique and exotic flora and fauna; world’s biggest volcanic crater lake, Lake Toba as well as strolling in the midst of the old Batak tribal villages. The Island is full of friendly people and many wonders. The Pulau Weh Island to the north is an amazing place you can visit for snorkeling and diving.

 

10.3 Bali

Bali is reputed to be the destination that is most visited by holidaymakers. It is a Hindu enclave that has its own identity, considering Indonesia is a predominantly Islamic nation. The Island has a lot of activities and meditation centers for the relaxation of visitors. If you are a beachgoer or you want to surf in Bali, then you should move towards the Southern part of the Island.10 best things to do in Bali

10.4 Lesser Sunda Islands

Another haven for divers, snorkelers and backpackers are the Gili islands in the Lesser Sunda Islands, just to Bali’s east. The Gili Trawanga is reputed to be the liveliest for backpackers among all the Islands under the Lesser Sunda Islands. If you love a challenge, then you might want to climb Mount Rinjani, the highest volcano mountain in Lombok island.

10.5 Maluku Spice, Papua, and Sulawesi

In the Northern part of this area lies the famous islands of Maluku spice. Papua is located in the farthest eastern part with a distinct people and culture. For some of the best trekking, food, and diving, ensure to visit Sulawesi, reputed to be the island with the most distinctive shape in the world. Their distinct architecture and unique funeral rites are a must see.              

10.6 Kalimantan Borneo

You can enter this island through Pontianak and enjoy a wild experience. The island has no backpacker hostels and features just little infrastructure. The island is shared with Malaysia and Brunei.  

20 Must Visit Places In Indonesia

11.1    Jakarta

If you desire a mix of old culture and modern metropolitan vibe, then you will find a lot of that in Jakarta. The museum where you will find the National Monument of Indonesia signifying its fight for independence is a nice place to see. You can also take colorful bicycle rides around Ko and sample some local delicacies. Shopping in the many malls located in the city at night or partaking in other nightlife activities will be a great experience for you.

11.2    Yogyakarta

A relatively new location for tourist, you can visit the Taman Sari and Sumur Gumuling to view the nice architectural look of the city. You can also take a 90 minutes’ drive beyond the city to visit Prambanan and Borobudur, both of which serve as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

11.3    Gili Islands

This Island consists of 3 islands namely Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. The islands are a great destination for backpackers and honeymooners. The area is reputed for its snorkeling, diving, and party vibes. There are also a lot of white beaches to visit.

11.4    Bali

Bali has Hinduism traditional roots. It has a delightful bouquet of nature, art, cuisine, and culture. It is a backpacker’s paradise and caters to the most taste of travelers including soaking in water, enjoying a beach, surfing, yoga or party.

11.5    Lombok

If you have been to Bali before or do not want to visit there for the now, you can go to Lombok instead. The natural feel of the place and climbing the 2nd highest volcano in Indonesia, Mount Rinjani while taking in the sights of gorgeous lakes and hot water springs along the hiking trail will make up for an exciting experience.

11.6    Berastagi

Located at a 1300m altitude, you can trek the Mount Sinabung and Mount sibayak volcanoes. The local market also affords you the opportunity to get a rich volcanic soil you can cultivate on.

11.7    Lake Toba

The lake was created after a volcanic that didn’t destroy this time but left behind an incredible natural feature. You can also visit the old caldera lake formed approximately 75,000 years ago.

11.8    Bukit Lawang

Take a trip to see the wild Gunung Leuser National Park rainforests. The Orangutans are the famous residents of this forest and they are the major attraction for a lot of tourists. You can also get to see baboons and leopards on your lucky day.

11.9    Pulah Weh

Not too far from the Sumatra mainland, you can escape the noisy beaches by visiting the quieter versions in this town. You will enjoy the magnificent underwater experience in the bluesy water and lavish tropical greens. You can engage in snorkeling, land exploration or flag down a tuk-tuk.

11.10    Komodo National Park

There are two major attractions in this park. First is the presence of the dragons (the largest lizard in the world and venomous). You would love the sight of the beat. Second is the presence of some of the world’s best spots for diving.

11.11    Flores

It is a great, beautiful and peaceful place to spend some time. You can tour a local village or admire the Ruteng Spider-Web Rice fields.

 

11.12    Raja Ampat

Be Warned. It is a daunting journey to reach the off Bird’s Head Peninsula archipelago. However, once you have accomplished this, you will be rewarded with surreal and exotic sights. There are also a lot of biodiverse diving spots that are reputed to be among the best in the world.

11.13    Tana Toraja

This area has a lot of rituals, especially related to death and afterlife. Animal sacrifices, walking of the dead, elaborate burial rites and gravesites hanging on cliffs are some of the things to see in the city.

11.14    Nusa Penida

If you are looking for a natural Island that is yet to be affected by commercialization, then you should consider visiting this Island.

11.15    Nusa Lembongan

A bit more developed compared to Nusa Penida, you can partake in the world popular surf break or other activities. Its peaceful beaches allow for peaceful yoga poses. 11.16    Baliem Valley You can trek on this island for an emotionally rewarding and challenging experience. Places to walk including multiple villages in the valley, mysterious jungles, bamboo bridges, and rugged trails.

11.17    Kawah Ijen

Do you think it appealing to climb an active volcano sound? Then you should visit this Island and climb the blue fire Java volcano. You can also get to see the biggest acid lake in the world.

11.18    Pulau Nias

This is a very lovely part of Indonesia with four different wave varieties offered by the Indian Ocean. You can also enjoy a lot of seafood varieties including smoked fish.

11.19    Mentawai Islands

If you want a private spot for surfing, then you can visit this remote island. You can also sunbathe on the shores and enjoy long walks on the beach.

11.20     Batukaras

Do you love the slow life or you need an opportunity to just relax and slow down? Batukaras gives you this opportunity, alongside local beer and dishes.  

10 Things To Do In Indonesia

Some of the things you should do when you visit Indonesia are discussed below:

12.1    Surf With 17,000 Islands and a coastline of about 34,000 miles, there are so many reasons and places to surf.

12.2    Dive With a great expanse of ocean and land, enjoy diving with the opportunity to spot 600 species of corals and over 3000 marine life species. You have no knowledge or experience in diving, no problem as there are many diving schools to guide you.

12.3     Volcano Hiking With approximately 150 volcanoes in Indonesia, you can be sure to find a volcano to climb in many of its Islands. You want to climb the highest volcano in Indonesia, visit Mt Kerinci. Other volcanoes of note in Mt Rinjani, Mt Ijen, Mt Bromo, Mt Batur, and Mt Agung.

12.4    Snorkeling If you don’t want to dive or after your diving, you can enjoy the world of underwater as you observe some of the world’s healthiest coral reefs.

12.5    Temple Visitations There are many Buddhists and Hindus islands you can visit.

12.6    Yoga There are many white beaches and green rice fields that give you the right environment to meditate and do Yoga.

12.7    See the Orangutans The Orangutans are waiting for you in their natural habitat n Sumatra and Borneo.

12.8    Island Hopping You can hop from one island to the other during your visit to Indonesia.

12.9    Festivities There are several cultures and ethnic groups in the country. This is coupled with major religions including Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. There are many festivities to see all over the country at every time of the year.

12.10    Go to a Deserted Beach Going to popular areas like Nusa Islands, Gili Islands, Lombok, and Bali might be too noisy and rowdy for you. You can visit other less popular deserted beaches and enjoy some quiet time.  

Typical costs (Accommodation/Food/Drinks/Transport/Activities)

You can get a bed in a hostel or dormitory for 7 USD equivalent. If on the other hand, you need a private room, you should budget from 14 USD per night. This applies to budget hotels. 3-star hotels will cost you about 28 USD a night. You can get street food for as low as 0.7 USD. This can go to as high as over 9 USD for Western meals. If you a backpacker, an average of 32 USD per day should be okay if you intend to use public transport, stay in a hostel and eat street food. If you want a budget hotel or private hostel room, then your mid-range budget should go for 60 USD per day and a minimum of 140 USD for a luxury budget.

Saving Tips

    • A filtered water bottle will save you cost as you can’t drink the tap water

    • Pay directly to bus attendant during the ride as opposed to buying tickets

    • Book your accommodation online in advance

    • Use free shuttles when available

    • Drink at local happy hours as they are cheapest

    • Negotiate whenever you are given a price

    • Eat street food

    • How To Get Around?

Apart from Java, it will be difficult for finding public buses. In Jakarta, you can use the Transjakarta Busway for 0.25 to 0.65 USD. You will, however, have to purchase a 3 USD card preloaded with 1.4 USD. You can make use of a motor-powered cart or three-wheeled pedal, known as becak, to move around. You can order a taxi starting from 0.5 USD at an average of 0.3 USD per km.

Things You Shouldn’t Do

    • Do not joke about ethnicity, religion, and race

    • Do not underestimate how much quantity of spice could be in your meal

    • Don’t play card games or consume alcohol in public places

    • Don’t consume tap water

    • Do not be involved in drugs, you could get the death penalty for it

    • Do not forget to thank indigenes as etiquette and politeness is highly valued

    • Do not engage in wildlife disruption

    • Do not ignore the custom of the locals

    • Do not use too much of credit cards and reserve smaller bills for small purchases and tips

    • Don’t hitchhike

    • Do not forget to learn a few local phrases and use them as it could significantly increase your likeability by an indigene you say an Indonesian phrase too, even if you said it awkwardly

Our recommended travel resources

Travel Insurance World Nomads Travel Insurance

Accommodation  Booking.com

Site Web Hosting  Bluehost

Conclusion

Indonesia is a great country. As with islands, so many water bodies, mountains and so many things to see and do, that you might just find out that irrespective of how long you plan to stay, you can’t exhaust all activities. You should plan to visit Indonesia soon to enjoy all of these sights and fun activities.  

Note: Some links are links of our affiliate companies.

The Most Incredible Cruise Destinations in South-East Asia

Your visit to Asia promises to be a lot of fun as it has so much to offer in terms of food, rich culture and the ultimate cruise experience on its several seas.  Activities you can Cary out in Asia includes visiting floating villages, ancient temples, say hello to real dragons or simply enjoying the cool breeze on the white sand in a remote village.

To experience the best Asia has to offer you need to visit the right places, visiting the wrong might leave with a not so good experience of the continent. On that note, I have put together a list of the best places to visit in the Asian continent.

Bagan, Myanmar

The first on the list is the Bagan, Myanmar. This ancient village is a very peaceful settlement on the banks of the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar. The village stands at 104 square kilometer housing about 2220 Buddhist temples making it one of Asia’s important historical and archeological sites. There are quite several similarities between Bagan, Myanmar and Angkor Wat only that the later as an overwhelming population.

One of the best cruises to try out in Bagan is Sanctuary Retreats. Sanctuary Retreats offers regularly cruise along the Irrawaddy River, around 3 to 11 itineraries daily between the distance of  Bagan and Mandalay. Although they do not provide departures between June and July, you can enjoy the cruise all other months.

Komodo Island, Indonesia

Next on the list is the Komodo Island located in Indonesia with a complete resemblance to a scene in Jurassic Park. It houses towering green mountains, and giant, prehistoric-looking reptiles.  Part of the highlight of Komodo Island is the chance to see the Komodo dragons and also the world’s largest living lizard.

Best cruise to try in Komodo is Holland America Line and Seabourn. They both offer itineraries services that call at Komodo Island, with several departures all year round.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

The Halong Bay located in the city of Vietnam is a place to visit if you want to see first-hand the mystical ocean “city” with more than 3000 towering limestone islands.

As part of your excursion plans, you can visit a floating village where beautiful houses built on rafts gently stands on the water, at the foot of a mighty limestone pillar, without a visible attachment to the land. The inhabitants of Halong Bay has all of their lives on the water. Their offices, businesses, school and even markets.

The Holland America Line, Seabourn, and Silversea are the top pick of the cruise as they all provide itineraries service to Halong Bay. They provide stop over at Halong bay all year round except between May and September.

Peradventure you are at Hanoi, and you decide to go on a quick cruise, Heritage Line got you covered as they provide premium one- and two-night itineraries.

Palawan, the Philippines

This tropical island located in the Philippines was judged the best island to visit in the world by the

Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2015. This award didn’t just come by, but as a result of the quality of tourist experience, it offers.

If you are planning on visiting the Palawan then you in a for a swell time because part of what you’ll see all is the dramatic limestone cliffs, lush greenery, quaint fishing towns, and the white sand. All of these are enclosed by a turquoise ocean.

You can also try this on your excursion to the Palawan; do a boat tour on an 8.2-kilometer long Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River and then head to the beach and soak up views and the sun.

The two major cruise to try when visiting the Palawan is the Seabourn that calls there between January and February while the Holland America line calls in March.

Singapore

Singapore had so much to offer that it becomes a tough call to pick or suggest which or which you should visit. All you need to do is look through the city guide pick which one best suits your needs.

 There are plenty of cruises that call at this Asian country all year round, but for a top-notch experience that is out of the ordinary, you can make use of the Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas.

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

The Mekong delta provides agricultural support for the inhabitants of the city, ranging from fishing to rice paddies and banana plantation the river can be termed the breadbasket of Vietnam.

Many tourists are taken to the remote villages to experience first-hand the local culture.

To have a good time on the lively river, make use of the services of Heritage Line. They provide VIP Mekong cruises all year long asides from May.

Bali, Indonesia

This spot is located in the heart of Indonesia which provides healthy raw food dishes that would surely excite your taste buds. The mountains in Bali are covered in electric rice terraces which is surely a beauty to behold. There are beautiful and classy places you can unwind in the city be it a water temple, a yoga class or on a beach; you are certain of a swell time.

You can also choose to pay a visit to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, located just on the outskirt of Ubud, or the Uluwatu Temple.

Asides from the above-listed spots there are also several other spots that offer high tourist experience. Some of which includes

Penang, Malaysia

Phuket, Thailand

Ko Samui, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

Yangon, Myanmar

If cruising in South East Asia has always been a dream for you, now it’s time to really experience it because I strongly believe after you might have read this article all you’ll be able to think of is a chance to see all these beautiful spots.

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Nepal Guide

Nepal is a landlocked country located in South Asia. It lies sandwiched between China on the north and India on the east, south, and west. Its capital is known as Kathmandu, a city that is well known for its rich cultural history despite the overnight urbanization developments taking place frequently. However, Nepal tries to strike a balance between the influences of the two countries and is able to maintain a culture that is distinctively its own. This country boasts of having Earth’s highest mountain, The Everest, in addition to other spectacular features

When Can I Visit Nepal?

If you are really interested in visiting Nepal, then the weather is an important factor to keep in mind. Nepal’s climate is influenced by both continental and maritime factors. This means that Nepal has four distinct seasons.

Spring normally starts from March to May and at 22oC, this is a perfect time to visit Nepal if you really want to enjoy the trek, within this season, you can also have a safari adventure and get to see diverse wildlife.

Summer here is a wet season. It starts from June to August and the average temperatures are 30oC and can be more during the heat waves. During this warm period, trekking can be quite a challenge since most of the trains can be very muddy. For safety purposes, it is not recommended that you do not take a hike due to poor visibility and the risk of frequent landslides.

From Mid-September to November, we have fallen. This is also one of the best times to visit Nepal, if you desire to go for a trek in some of the highest peaks or explore the natural beauty and the culture of the people, you definitely need to consider visiting Nepal in the fall. What heightens the experience is the magnitude of the Dashain festival, that is Nepal’s biggest festival celebrated in the capital and all other adjacent towns.

Winter starts from December to mid-January. Since Nepal is a country full of mountains and deep valleys, winters experienced in this region can be heavily foggy and rather cold. Most of the treks are closed during this season for safety and health purposes. However, visiting Nepal during this season can be a breathtaking experience if you want to enjoy the sights in a less crowded environment.

How do I get the Visa?

Nepal provides a hustle free experience for all foreigners seeking to get visas. You do not need to apply and wait for weeks as is common in most countries. In Nepal, visas are available at the international airport at the capital in Kathmandu and any other border openings for foreigners. You are required to have passport photos on hand and money preferably in US dollars for the foreign fee.

To get a visa upon your arrival by air, you are required to take a digital photo and fill out an application form at one of the automatic registration machines. You can also be an early bird by filling the form and uploading your picture online 15 days before the arrival date.

A Nepali visa is valid for entry to the country for three to six months from the date it has been issued. Tourist visas are also available for 15, 30 or 90 days on arrival. Children below 10 years are required to have a visa but they are not charged for the fee. All foreigners apart Indians are required to have visas.

Do I Need Vaccines?

There are some vaccinations recommended for Nepal. Those are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) include;

  • Hepatitis A

  • Hepatitis B

  • Typhoid

  • Yellow Fever

  • Cholera

  • Rabies

  • Polio

  • Japanese Encephalitis

It is important to ensure that you have been vaccinated for each of these diseases since some like rabies is a high risk to those who may come into contact with the animals.

Travel Safety Tips

Nepal is a truly picturesque country! Also referred to as the Himalayan Kingdom, it would be wise for you to follow the travel tips to this beautiful country to enjoy your stay in Nepal. Below are 5 very important tips

  1. Ensure that you are not trekking alone since many people get lost as solo trekkers.

  2. Make sure that you carry cash with you at all times since there are many rural town and villages that lack ATM machines.

  3. Always carry a universal adapter with you to reduce the need for you to spend a lot of time searching for the right plug hat may be difficult to do.

  4. Beware of money scamming taxi drivers and only travel by meters.

  5. Ensure that you have taken all the necessary vaccinations before the trip to prevent diseases that could have easily otherwise been easily avoided.

Trekking Packing List

Are you up for a trek on the mountainous regions of Nepal?  It is crucial to know the type of clothing you are expected to be in and the correct equipment to have. It is important for you to have prior knowledge of the place you desire to trek on to know the relevant equipment, below are some commonly used equipment and clothes for many treks around Nepal.

  1. A waterproof, durable and lockable duffel bag.

  2. Sunscreen, water bottles, and a moisturizing skin cream

  3. A daypack to carry essential items such as sunscreen, a camera, and a passport

  4. A thermal vest that is synthetic and long-sleeved will really be of help during the trek

  5. Water purifier, hand sanitizers, and a head torch.

  6. Synthetic sports bras for women to wick moisture away from your skin

  7. Lightweight walking pants that are air permeable and provide protection against the sun

  8. The perfect sized hiking boots with full ankle support. Do not wear leather boots since they are too heavy

  9. A good pair of sunglasses with protection against UV rays. This can greatly help you prevent headaches, snow blindness, and

These are just but an example of the item you are required to have before you go for trekking. Be sure to look for more equipment you must have during a trek.

Non-Trekking Packing List

It is not a must for you to trek around Nepal to have an experience of a lifetime. However, just like the way trekkers have a packing list, you also need a packing list. 

  1. Keep in mind that most roads in Nepal are unpaved therefore pack good shoes and sandals.

  2. Instead of packing too many clothes for a month long vacation or so, why not carry a few that you can wash and wear? For women please be considerate of the cultural difference. Wearing bitty shorts and skirts and clothes made of sheer material can be quite offensive.

  3. Carry a daypack that holds your personal effects such as sunscreen, wet wipes, and a flashlight

  4. Insect repellant is something you would not want to forget about.

  5. Necessary toiletries and a book if you need to keep busy.

Before deciding on the type of other personal effects to bring, do thorough research on the weather to expect and thereafter choose the suitable weather for the clothing.

Essential Language Phrases

In Nepal, the official language used is Nepali. To get your way around or to ask for something from the locals, you need to have information on some common phrases used. Below are the phrases you can use.

  • Hello (general greeting) – नमस्ते (namaste)

  • My name is… – मेरो नाम … हो (mero naam … ho)

  • I’m from… – मेरो घर … हो (mero ghara … ho)

  • I don’t understand – मैले बुझिन (maile bujhina)

  • Yes – हो (ho)

  • No – होइन (hoena)

  • I don’t know – मलाई थाहा छैन (malaaii thaahaa chaina)

  • Excuse me – माफ गनुस् (maapha ganus)

  • Sorry – माफ गनुस् (maapha ganus)

  • Thank you – धन्यवाद (dhanyabad)

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the largest and capital city of Nepal. It is well known because it has the highest concentration of world heritage sites. This city is a hub of ancient traditions. When in Nepal, be sure to visit Kathmandu, it is the perfect place not only to learn but to relive history.

Pokhara

 This is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Nepal. Many tourists who visit this place are up for the breathtaking site of the Himalayan ranges and lakes on whose shores the city lies on. Activities that are common in this location include rafting, canoeing, and bungee jumping.

Annapurna Massif

The Annapurna is the 10th highest mountain in the world located in Nepal. It has been concluded that this mountain is the most difficult and dangerous 8000-meter peak to climb, having an expedition fatality to a successful ascent ratio of 38%. What makes it the most dangerous is that it is considered the most sensitive avalanche prone areas, which make climbing a difficult experience. However, the sight of this majestic mountain is a breathtaking view.

Nagarkot

Nagarkot has been rated as one of the most beautiful places in Nepal with a rejuvenating and numerous jaw-dropping view that will leave you to fall in love with what nature has to offer. If you are looking for a place far from the busy city hustle, then this is the perfect destination. This is the perfect view where you can get the perfect clear view of Mount Everest.

Typical Costs

The cost in each city within Nepal vary. For accommodation, low budget rooms can be acquired at about $10 per day. Prices can also get up to $100 per day depending on where you are staying at.  

Food in Nepal is widely distributed. This means that you have a wide variety of food to choose from, that can cost $5 for a meal, especially if you are staying in a large city or town. In trekking regions, the food is pretty basic. Remember that the cost of food depends on your choice.

For transportation to various parts of Nepal, buses are the common mode of transport. The local bus fares for a whole night travel may cost you $10-$25 depending on the bus you are using. You can also higher a taxi to take you to your destination where you are charged $10 for a distance of approximately 7 kilometers.  

How to Get Around

Transportation within Nepal can prove to be somewhat challenging because of the mountainous terrain. There are various modes of travel throughout Nepal. You can decide to go around by air, bus, motorcycle, private cars or taxi and Rickshaw transport.

Each town has its own common mode of transport. You can choose to travel by air to enjoy the scenic aerial view of the green and mountain ranges Nepal has to offer or you can simply travel by rickshaw and feel the cool wind on your face as you enjoy the picturesque view of the landscape before you begging for admiration.

Do’s and Don’ts

Nepal has diverse cultural practices that may appear unusual to a person on their first visit to the country. In order for you to enjoy your visit, get to know more about what you can do and what you cannot do to the Nepali public. Here are 4 examples of do’s and don’ts.

Do’s:

  • Remove your shoes before entering a Nepalese home, temple, and monastery

  • Seek permission before entering a temple. Most Hindus do not allow westerners to enter the temple.

  • Use both your hands to show appreciation and respect rather than one while giving or accepting something from others

  • Take photographs after receiving permission to do so.

Dont’s:

  • Kiss or hug your partner in public

  • Eat with your left hand or eat beef.

  • Touch women and holy men. Use the palm together greeting “Namaste”

Conclusion

If you want to get a calm holiday or you are up for a challenge to trek, consider visiting Nepal. The breathtaking sites will leave you with a lot of appreciation for nature.

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10 Best Things To Do In Kerala

Are you planning to go on vacation with your family members but you’re yet to find a perfect place of your choice? Or are you on an official trip and you want to see some fascinating pieces of stuff before heading back to your company or office. Are you a tourist seeking for where an event to explore and you’re yet to find a great area/place for your adventure?

Irrespective of the group you belong to, there is one place I would love to recommend and that’s Kerala.




Where is Kerala and what makes it so Unique

Kerala is a huge state created on the 1st of November 1956 (62 years ago) and it’s located at the Southwestern Region of Malabar Coast in India. It has over 38,863 km2 (15,005 sq mi), making it one of the largest states in the Asian country.

With well over 40 million citizens, Kerala is known for its diverse cultures and wide-range of food, norms, and festivals. Despite the numerous cultures, languages, and races; Kerala has an official language which is known as Malayalam.

As a stranger, you don’t need to worry too much about learning many languages; you only need to learn the Malayalam language and you’ll be able to communicate fluently like the son of the land — isn’t that amazing?

That’s not enough, the people of Kerala — whose nicknames include: Spice Garden of India, Land of Coconuts and God’s own state — are very friendly and welcoming, you can be rest assured of your safety because you’re ‘home away from home’

Talking of Kerala’s uniqueness, their festivals, food, and other events make it the best place to be at all times. If you’re not convinced with some unique traits have mentioned above, don’t be too quick to judge. Just take a look at the next paragraph of this article to see other exciting things you can do in Kerala;



* Watch Kathakali Performance

Kathakali is an ‘all-in-one’ art show which is often characterized by wide range of colorful costumes, wears, face masks and other eye-catching attires. It’s called ‘all-in-one art show’ because it contains wide range of performances such as choreography, dance, drama, music, vocal performances among others.

According to research, Kathakali has been in existence since the 17th century, though, no one can specify its year of origination. You wouldn’t want to miss this.

* Pay a visit to Iringal Craft Village

Kerala isn’t just known for good food only, it is also known as a good craft-making state. The State’s Tourism Department set up a spacious craft village in Kozhikode (a district in the state) where traditional artisans create many mind-blowing objects /products.

Craft village is the best arena for you to learn how to make some important products from raw materials such as coir, bamboo, coconut shells, husk, coconut leaves, sand, palm leaves among others.



* Stay with Traditional Families during your visit

Most tourists prefer booking a hotel room throughout their visit to Kerala, however, I will advise you to stay with some people during your time in the state. This will help you learn a lot about Kerala’s culture and their cooking as you have the chance to chat with them and ask series of questions.

* Don’t miss the Kalaripayattu Bout

The Kalaripayattu Bout is a must-watch show that showcases Kerala’s ancient martial arts. It’s one of the oldest martial art shows in the world, hence, you can’t afford to miss the breathtaking actions such as running, somersaulting, swinging of spears and daggers, jumping among others.  You’ve been watching it on TV; it’s time you see it live in Kerala.

* Embark on a trip to Sandalwood Forests

When we talk of forest in India and Asia at large, we can’t but mention Sandalwood forests located at Marayoor. The forest contains a wide range of trees, and it produces a very cool atmosphere where you can relax and feel refreshed.

Apart from the trees, there are some fascinating features in Marayoor, they include factory of the Forest Department, Thoovanam Waterfalls and ancient rock paintings.



* View a Theyyam Performance

Theyyam performance is a scenario where some groups of actors create a fierce-looking but colorful and well-costumed Warrior so as worship him. In short, Theyyam is a way of worshipping an idol-like creature so as to experience success and prosperity in all their endeavors.  You’re not mandated to bow to the creature/ warrior; it’s a matter of choice.

* Ride on an Elephant’s back

This is one of the liveliest activities you must do during your stay in Kerala. Riding on an elephant’s back makes you feel thrilled and comfortable. It also renders you an experience you won’t forget anytime soon. You don’t need to be scared of its size, many Elephant handlers are readily available to guide and guard you throughout the exercise.

* Engage yourself in an Ayurveda Massage

This massage isn’t like every other massage because it comprises the ancient method of massage and the modern-day massage technique. Warm plants are combined with massaging oils before being applied to the body and bones for great effective actions. It helps to stimulate nerves and muscles and it helps you feel more relaxed and more energized.

* Ride in a boat down Periyar River

Periyar River is one of the largest rivers in Kerala, hence, it’s important you experience what it is to boat-ride on it. Safety measures are put in place, should there be any case of emergency. You don’t need to worry about your health and personal luggage.

* Boat-ride the Alleppey Backwaters at Sunset

The last, but not the least, thing to do in Kerala is to view the sunset via the Alleppey backwaters. Allepey is known for numerous tourist attractions, however, experiencing a sunset is an event you wouldn’t want to miss out and that can only be possible by taking a boat at Alleppey’s backwater.




Conclusion

So, there you have it. If you’re planning to visit Kerala, make sure to make most of your time there by engaging in these things and for those that have visited and failed to do participate in some things listed above, put it on your to-do list against your next visit.

Read Kerala Cuisine

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