Category Archives: Asia

Asia, Colombia, Europe, Iran, Middle East, Netherlands, South America

Some Smoking Experiences from my Travels

January 28, 2015 Wing Wang

When you go backpacking round the world as a smoker, you need to be aware of the cultures you are jaunting through. For example, smoking cannabis may be perfectly acceptable in the coffee houses of Amsterdam as nobody flinches an eyelid. However the entire world is not the same. On my journeys, I’ve highlighted 5 places with different smoking related cultures.

Smoking Travel Adventures - Iran — Smoking Travel Adventures – Iran

1. Iran – Shisha Houses
Iran can be a strict country for the younger backpacker as there is no pork, no alcohol and no way to use visa or mastercard. There is also a no tolerance for illegal drugs, such as marjiuana and cocaine. However Iranians get their cool fix in a different way – these awesome Shisha Tea Houses! Well worth a trip and we loved cities like Kerman and Yazd because of this.

2. Bulgaria – Smoky Bars
Bulgaria is still quite an unventured country in parts especially in smaller towns and cities. One big problem can be that bars get smoky. Of course we will smell the scent of marijuana a mile off, but it’s the after smell your clothes get mainly from nicotine that is worse.

3. Colombia – Drug Central
OK so the Colombians may have a reputation for drugs, however you should be aware that some remote towns and villages have fairly laid back lifestyles due to it. Towns like Guasca and Guatavita all have their locals smoking a joint on a Saturday night, but they don’t go crazy and kill people over it. Leave the drug barons to do their ugly work while you relax with a cocktail and a reifer in the farming villages.

4. Netherlands – Amsterdam
Well I had to include Amsterdam in this list anyway as it’s the hippest place to be to smoke pot and weed on the streets in relative harmony. Pop into a smoke bar and puff the night away, you can find lots of sensi seeds and all sorts of different strengths of cannabis but don’t try to smuggle them out of the country!

5. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Despite being a Muslim country, Malaysia is fairly stringent on the laws of smoking and drinking. Kota Kinabalu is a spot of loads of bars, some shisha smoking and if you know the right contacts, you can get your fix of weed too.

So there are some smoking related tips for you on your travels. Stay safe and within the laws please!

Asia, Hong Kong

Hong Kong for the Native HK Girl

August 24, 2014 Wing Wang

Living in Hong Kong never grows old. However, for the native girl like me, there are times when you want to break from routine and experience something new. There are also times when it is just good fun to play tourist in your home town. The following five ideas are great ways for native HK girls to relax and play a bit!

1) Shopping in Hong Kong

Sure it’s an old standby, but how long has it been since you’ve been to Mong Kok? Fa Yuen Street is one of the best places in HK to buy sportswear and electronic equipment. If you’re a photographer, you will love the camera supplies that are available at reduced prices. Continue on to the Langham Place Mall just a short distance from Mong Kok’s MTR. Causeway Bay, Harbour City – Tsim Sha Tsui, and Elements Mall – West Kowloon are other great shopping areas for HK natives. Remember not to forget your credit cards for Hong Kong citizens so that you can take full advantage of AMEX discounts and rewards on your purchases!

2) Temple Street Night Market

Take your friends and enjoy an evening under the lights at the Temple Street Night Market. A flea market par excellence, Temple Streets is one of the most exciting places to find real bargains in HK. There’s so much to see and eat! Have your fortune told or purchase a cool new gadget, then stop off for a meal on Arthur Street.

3) Ride the Cable Car and Visit Ngong Ping 360

Be a tourist for a day in HK. Enjoy an almost half-hour cable car trip up to one of HKs most popular visitors’ attractions. Located on Lantau Island, you can visit the Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha. What’s more, you can relax and have something to eat at one of the diners or you can go to the Monkey’s Tale Theatre. Just take the Ngong Ping cable car from the Tung Chung Station and get ready for a day filled with adventure.

4) Hit One of Hong Kong’s Beaches!

Summer is one of a Hong Kong girl’s best friends. It’s possible to visit any one of a hundred beaches. (It may be worth renting an apartment near the beach in Cheng Chau.) Or, ride on over to Big Wave Bay, or Tai Long Wan for a little surfing. You might want to visit the Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre or rent a kayak for the day!

5) Rent a Boat for the Day

If kayaking isn’t quite your style, Aberdeen Boat Club provides sailboat rentals and lessons. Or rent a ‘junk.’ Find a hidden cove and escape for the day, or lease a larger party ‘junk’ for yourself and a couple hundred friends! If you’re into power-boating, check out the ‘Black Mamba’ for the thrill of the season!

If these five suggestions haven’t quite got your attention, maybe a day spa, beach volleyball, a helicopter ride or paragliding are more your style. Whatever you choose, get out there and have some serious fun!

I’m in Guatemala backpacking at the moment by the way and hope to have more stories to come soon!

Asia, Brunei

My Travels to Kampong Ayer, Brunei

July 10, 2014 Wing Wang

About 10% of Brunei’s entire population lives in Kampong Ayer, known as the ‘Water Village’ in English. (Note that the Malaysian spelling drops the double o, making it Kampong Ayer). Having begun its existence 1,300 years ago, it’s a very special place, where all of the buildings hover over the Brunei River, held up by stilts. It’s a spectacular sight and, if you’re spending any time in Brunei – be it just a quick stay at a Brunei hotel or a longer holiday – a day trip should definitely be on the itinerary. Depending on what kind of experience you prefer, you can travel on your own or opt for a guided tour.

Strictly speaking, the ‘Water Village’ is not just one village, but a group 42 separate villages, joined together by more than 29,140 metres of foot bridges. In excess of 4,200 structures make up the area, including not only residences, but also shops, restaurants, educational institutions, places of worship and even a hospital. Even though, from a long way away, it looks a bit like an impoverished socio-economic area, it’s actually pretty impressive in terms of 21st century facilities. It might not be as quaint as Venice, but you’ll certainly find all the mod cons, including electricity, plumbing, air con, television and access to the internet. 30,000 people live in Kampong Ayer altogether, making it the biggest water village on the planet.

How to get there

To get to Kampong Ayer from Brunei, you’ll need to catch a water taxi. They depart every day from the middle of town (from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to be precise). If you’re travelling independently, you won’t be able to see inside people’s homes, but you will be able to visit the Kampong Ayer Cultural Centre, a US$2.4 million facility dedicated to the history and importance of the area, built especially for curious visitors. Expect to spend at least 30 minutes there, if not much longer. There are both enlightening, educational displays and an excellent viewing platform providing some interesting perspectives.

Travelling on an organised tour

Another way of experiencing Kampong Ayer is by taking an organised tour. For fiercely independent travellers, this isn’t always especially appealing, but, in this particular case, it’s actually a great idea, as it’s the only way of seeing inside houses. Many tour operators have friends and associates in the village, so they’re usually able to organise home visits without too much trouble. Some might even include a bite to eat with some locals. That said, don’t expect tours to be super cheap. Prices have responded to increasing demand, so don’t be surprised to pay US$25 or so per hour.

What you need to know

First and foremost, it’s important to be respectful of those who call Kampong Ayer home. As you can imagine, having hordes of tourists passing your house every day and finding it an utter novelty isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, so do try to be discreet when looking around. Remember, too, that Islam is Brunei’s official religion, so all people – visitors included – are expected to dress modestly. That means keeping flesh covered as much as possible.

Also, whenever you’re day tripping in Brunei, you should be prepared for rain. It won’t necessarily pour every day or anything like that, but you can certainly expect scattered showers. So pack a rain coat and/or umbrella. Thankfully, temperatures are usually rather warm, varying between 22 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees, reaching their peak between May and August and cooling down between January and March.

Asia, India

Touring the The Temples of Hyderabad in India

July 8, 2014 Wing Wang

Even though Hyderabad is often thought of as one of India’s most technologically advanced cities, and is known for its forward thinking, eco-friendly urban initiatives, it is also overflowing with significant historical sites and amazing temples. So, for travellers with an interest in architecture or spiritual matters, it should be definitely be on the itinerary. What’s more, there are many hotels in Hyderabad India that make for a lovely stay.

Image Source

Birla Mandir

Of all the sacred places in the city, the Hindu temple Birla Mandir is arguably the most renowned. Completed in 1976, it took ten years and two thousand tonnes of white marble to complete. Dravidian, Utkala and Rajasthani architectural influences combine in the various rooms and features, the most striking features being a 13-metre tall flagstaff, made of brass, and a 3.4-metre high sculpture of Lord Venkateswara, made of granite. Birla Mandir was constructed by the Birla Foundation, a Hindi organisation responsible for constructing several other temples in India. You’ll find it perched on top of the Kala Pahad, a stunning hillock, which has a nearby twin by the name of Naubat Pahad. Opening hours are 7am to midday and 3pm to 9pm every day of the week.

Image Source

Hanuman Temple, Karmanghat

For a contrast, take a visit to this temple. While Birla Mandir is one of Hyderabad’s newer additions, the Hanuman Temple at Karmanghat is one of the city’s oldest temples. It was built around 1143 AD, when the Kakatiya Dynasty wielded power over the region, and is devoted to Lord Hanuman, whose spiritual presence is believed to be exceptionally powerful. In fact, thousands of devotees visit the temple every day to experience it, and the name of the area – ‘Karmaghat’ – translates as ‘Make your heart strong’. Opening hours are 6am to midday and 4pm to 8pm every day, except for Tuesday and Saturday, when they extend to 5:30am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm.

Sanghi Temple

For one of the most beautiful views in the Hyderabad area, head to Sanghi Temple. Located about 35 kilometres out of the city, it requires at least a few hours to visit, but it’s absolutely worth it. Its special location atop Paramanand Giri hill offers panoramas of the surrounding region and sunsets are particularly spectacular. The building itself is heavily influenced by South Indian architecture and pretty much every important Hindu god is represented. Opening hours are 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm every day.

Image Source

Peddamma Temple

The best time to visit Peddamma Temple is during June or July, when the colourful Bonalu Festival is in swing. For two months, Hyderabad and its twin city Secunderabad become devoted to worshipping the Hindu goddess Mahakali and Peddamma Temple is the centre of much of the action. Expect music, flowers, bucket loads of incense and delicious feasts. That said, Peddamma is interesting to visit at any time of year – there’s a constant stream of devotees visiting to make offerings to the ‘Supreme Mother’ to whom the temple is dedicated. Located in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills, Peddamma is open between 6am and 1pm and 3pm and 8pm daily.

Image Source

Shyam Temple

Another temple that really comes to life during special occasions is Shyam. On the 11th and 12th days of every ‘bright month’ of the Hindu calendar, thousands of devotees come to pay respects to Lord Shyam, also known as Barbarika and considered to be a reincarnation of Lord Krishna in Kalyuga. The temple stays open all night long with devotional singing sessions. You’ll find Shyam at 3-4-1079 Kachiguda, just opposite the police station.

Image Source

Asia, Hong Kong, Money Saving

My Tips For Saving Money on Holiday

May 9, 2014 Wing Wang

Nothing refreshes the body and soul more than an enjoyable holiday, even for a hardcore backpacker like the Travelling Hong Kong Girl. Even trips to new locations found close to home are rewarding; if not simply for the change of scenery they provide. Travel opens your mind to new perspectives and exposes you to diverse cultural habits and traditions. Regional differences between nationals, for example, cannot be fully appreciated without taking trips to the regions that interest you. While budgeting and cash flow concerns commonly come into play as you plot holiday trips, being short of money is no excuse to stay home all the time.

My home - Lam Tin in Hong Kong — My home – Lam Tin in Hong Kong

The amount of money you spend on holiday is ultimately tied to the activities you participate in and the things you buy while traveling. Meals, for example, constitute a large share of most vacation budgets; especially when the entire family is traveling together and eating three meals each day. Similarly, lodging and other holiday expenses can quickly eclipse cash on hand when they are left unchecked. The good news for holiday planners is that savings exist at every level of leisure travel, so there is always room to trim a vacation budget into affordable territory.

As you set the stage for adventure, advanced planning goes a long way toward saving money. The ability to take advantage of long range deals and special promotions is a feather in your cap, but even spur of the moment travel can be squeezed to fit your budgetary requirements.

Track Travel Deals Online

Saving money on holiday starts with information. Sales, specials, promotions and other offers are the gateway to vacation savings, but you must find them to take advantage of the incentives they provide. Luckily, the information age furnishes ready access to the alerts you need to save money. Consumers are spoiled, in fact, compared to the way travel planning unfolded for past generations.

Travel agents, for example, once furnished the best access to timely information about airfares, hotel rates, and other vacation planning necessities. While the industry served a vital role for many travelers, today’s consumers have access to the same information, often within a split second.

Internet resources are valuable tools for tracking air schedules and other fast-changing travel information. Access to the World Wide Web also opens the door to savings, as vacation planners isolate the best prices on travel. The technology furnishes up-to-the-minute data about various specials and incentives offered by travel providers. And booking travel Online also qualifies for additional savings, in some cases, so staying abreast of travel information online pays off in a variety of ways.

In fact, the rapid flow of information has made the air travel industry even more competitive than it once was. Since travelers have access to everyone’s pricing and scheduling information at the same time, side-by-side comparisons are easily executed without contacting each airline individually. In much the same way air travel providers compete for limited business, other travel services are also subject to market conditions – which can be good news for budget-conscious travelers.

Bundled Travel Deals and Prime Notifications

Depending on the precise travel services you need, buying them as a bundled package may yield significant savings on your next vacation. To entice travelers, airlines, hotels, ground transportation services and even restaurants participate in joint efforts to furnish services. Booking your hotel rooms at the same time as your plane tickets, for example, reduces the cost of each one bought on its own.

Some travel deals and bundled packages are reserved for certain consumers, like those who travel frequently or use many hotel room-nights. By signing up with the providers you use frequently, you might open doors to exclusive money saving offers

Asia, India

Touring the Beaches Of Kerala, India

May 8, 2014 Wing Wang

I recount some of my India adventures with you again today, Kerala! Kerala is a wonderful adventure destination, be is trekking the hills, cruising along the kayal (backwaters), climbing the rugged rocks, spice scented plantations, unending coconut trees, misty mountains, sun-kissed golden beaches, the God’s Own Country has lot to offer the travellers. The state is adorned with panoramic beaches and exquisite interconnected water bodies, providing a fantastic treat for anyone who visits the land. Listing here are the popular beaches at Kerala which should not be skipped in your next visit.

Alappuzha Beach

Alappuzha, the Venice of the East, is a famous hotspot on the map of Kerala.The town draws tourists worldwide to experience scenic spots and adventures; calm backwaters, beautiful beaches edged with coconut palms, coir industry and snake boat races. The picnic spot is a relaxation destination for the tourists. Besides natural lagoons, fresh water lakes, rivers, the picturesque beach towards the west has the mesmerising Arabian Sea and dense coconut palms on the other end. The pier, stretching into the sea is 140 years old. Vijaya Beach Park is an added entertainment for the tourists. The beach offers variety of fun-sports like beach volleyball, swimming, surfing and parasailing. If you are planning to visit Alappuzha beach, don’t miss cruising along backwaters in ‘Kettuvallam’ or houseboat.

Varkala Beach

Varkala beach is located 51km North of Thiruvanathapuram and 37km South of Kollam. The serene Varkala beach is one among the top ten seasonal beaches of the world. About 10km away from Varkala beach is the Papanasam beach, a well-known destination for natural spring. The silvery sand Varkala beach landscaped with oscillating coconut palms is the only beach in Kerala that has beautiful cliffs running parallel along the fullstretch of the beach. Tourists can engage in interesting activities like scuba diving, swimming, parasailing, sailing, sun-bathing and surfing. A 2000 year old SreeJanardhana Swamy Temple (on the cliff of the beach), Sivagiri Mutt Ashramam, Ayurvedic resorts, mineral springs are some of the fascinating attractions around the place.

Bekal Beach

Kasaragod district owns the renowned destination of Kerala, the beautiful Bekal Fort beach. Surrounded by the undulating and roaming sea stands the famous Bekal Fort. One of the ancient and largest (around 40 acres) forts, Bekal Fort is a souvenir of the past memories. The vastbeach stretching near the fort to the expanse of sea is a beautiful location for tourists. You can trek along the seaside fort; climb the tiny hills, explore the fishing village and Bekal Fort park, cruise across the backwaters and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the coconut palms. On the beach there are two sculptures of Theyyam made of laterite. The beach is illuminated after sunset, allow tourists to spend more time relaxing on the beach.

Shangumugham Beach

The beach is located 8km away from Thiruvanathapuram. Expanse of white sand lined with coconut palms and the breezy atmosphere offers a pleasurable time for tourists. The beach is known as Sunset Beach because it offers a soothing experience with photographic shots ofthe sunset – a favourite hangout for people to see sunsets. Swimming is not much advisable due to the rough tides, but other than that beach volleyball, badminton, are activities which tourists enjoy. MatsyaKanyaka (a huge 35m sculpture by the famous sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman on the hilly terrain), Star Fish Restaurant, Indian Coffee House, are other hideouts at Shangumugham.

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam beach is located 16km South of Thiruvananthapuram. The beach has black sand with coconut palms on one end and Arabian Sea on the other end. With the arrival of hippies during the seventies, the beach which was once a small fishing village is now the most popular beaches of the world. It is the favourite haunt for European tourists. The entire stretch of coastline is divided into three crescent shaped beaches; Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach. The leisure activities at Kovalam are many; Ayurvedic Spa resorts, yoga centres, swimming, sun-bathing, surfing, kayaking, skiing, etc.

This article is authored by Ajith Thomas who is one of the authors of the blog Ayurveda, you can find him at Google+

Asia, India

My Travels in India: A Trip to Dargah Ajmer Sharif

May 6, 2014 Wing Wang

Dargah Ajmer Sharif is one of the most sacred Muslim sites in the whole world. That’s because it’s home to the tomb of the famous Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, also known as the ‘Protector of the Poor’ (Gharib Nawaz), who spent his entire life comforting and assisting the poor and underprivileged.

Image Source

Getting to Dargah Ajmer Sharif

The shrine is located in Ajmer, which lies about 135 kilometres (or two hours’ drive) west of Jaipur and 390 kilometres (or nine hours’ drive) from Delhi. A major rail line connects these three cities, as well as Ahmedabad and Mumbai. If you’re travelling in Delhi and would rather avoid a long ride, you can catch a plane to Jaipur and take a train or bus from there.

Once you’re in Ajmer, you can choose to travel around by taxi, rickshaw or tonga (a light horse-drawn carriage). Dargah Ajmer Sharif is not difficult to find – it’s right in the centre of town. If you need to pick up any supplies – from food to worship materials to handicrafts – before or after your visit, you won’t have any trouble. The shrine is surrounded by colourful markets, selling every item imaginable.

Image Source

What to expect

Not only is Dargah Ajmer Sharif spiritually important, it’s also interesting from an architectural point of view. Mughal construction styles are the primary influence and the stunning Nizam Gate is one of the building’s most outstanding features. It was built in 1915, under the instruction of Mir Osman Ali Khan (the last Nizam of Hyderabad). Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti’s tomb is found within an internal chamber. Outside, a series of small portraits depict both him and disciple Qutb ud-Din Bakhtya Kaki.

When to go

Given Dargah Ajmer Sharif’s global significance, it’s busy pretty much all year round. If you’re not keen on crowds and don’t fancy negotiating your way around loads of people, your best bet is to visit in the evening. Don’t expect things to be utterly tranquil, but do expect them to be quieter than during the day.

In contrast, if you’re hoping to maximise people watching opportunities and experience being a part of something much bigger than yourself, you should definitely plan your trip during the annual Urs Festival. Every year, in the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar, hundreds of thousands of Muslims make the pilgrimage to Dargah Ajmer Sharif. Drumming, praying and brilliant, coloured cloths take over the streets. Some of the most well-known of the pilgrims are the Qualanders or Kalanders – ascetic sufis who walk all the way to Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti’s shrine from Delhi (every single one of the 390 kilometres).

Where to stay

It’s usually a really good idea to reserve accommodation in advance – especially during the Urs Festival. The atmosphere can become rather chaotic, so do consider spending your stay in an Ajmer Hotel. That way, you’ll have a tranquil oasis to escape to, where you can find refuge from the crowds, and enjoy the convenience of high-end facilities, like luxurious spas, fully-equipped gyms, on-site restaurants and spacious rooms.

Asia, North Korea

My North Korea Trip 2013

April 5, 2014 Wing Wang

2013 was a very busy year for me as the Travelling Hong Kong Girl visited about 10 new countries in one year including Iran, Israel, Brunei and North Korea. Although I had stepped foot in North Korea in 2011 at the border with South Korea, I finally got round to booking a tour in 2013.