Category: Travel

Travelling to see majestic animals in their natural habitat can be thrilling and exciting. However, it is strongly suggested that you do it by following the guidance as not cause any harm or damage to the wildlife. Make sure that you are not visiting just to treat them like pets because they are not. Be mindful with what you do as it may affect their natural habitat. Always follow the guidance from professionals before doing anything. And here are best places to see some of the most majestic animals in the world:

Kanha Tiger Reserve, India

India has Kanha Tiger Reserve to protect this species from danger and extinction. These big cat species still live in their natural habitat where they can run or lay roughly on the ground, whatever they decide. It is recommended to pay a visit between March and May if you want to get higher chance of seeing Kanha Tiger in their natural habitat. The tigers like to roam around next to the last remaining water holes when the forest is dry during these months. 

Kinabatangan River, Borneo

Borneo is the Asian version of the Amazon. So you can imagine how many species living in the dense forest that is now almost full of oil palm plantations. The forest on the river banks is where you get to see various majestic wildlife from primates to birds. There are orangutans, proboscis monkey, and macaques you get to see during your adventure here. You also get to see some nocturnal creatures at night such as Western tarsiers, the Philippine slow lorises, flat-headed cats, as well as Borneo pygmy elephants. 

Addo Elephant Park, South Africa

If you want to get a close encounter with elephants, you may get the chance from visiting Addo Elephant Park in South Africa. In Addo, you can see elephants almost everywhere. They are cooling off in the shade, strolling across the savanna, or running towards the watering holes. There is a specially-constructed hide near the watering holes in which you can sit on to have a closer look of these majestic animals. Aside from seeing elephants, you also get to see other wildlife from this place including elands, kudus, red hartebeests, mongooses, meerkats, and more. 

Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

This national park in Costa Rica is a natural habitat for some of the most endangered wildlife in the country. The animals living in Corcovado National Park are rescued and protected from hunting and poaching. They are relatively calm even in close proximity with people. In this place, you will get to see interesting animals including Baird’s tapirs, species of Costa Rica’s primates, and more. There is fat chance that white-nosed coatis and collared peccaries coming to approach you during your visit. They especially like to hang around the Sirena ranger;s Station. Keep your hands to yourself during the encounter and try not to aggravate them or making noises that may bother them. For safety, always follow the guides from the staffs there.

Flores is one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist attractions and the gateway to Komodo Island. It’s a beautiful archipelago with rich volcanic scenery and an interesting history. It’s the ideal getaway for adrenaline junkies eager to venture off the beaten path. The island is home to some of Indonesia’s best dive locations as well as strenuous walks through active volcanoes. Flores island tour packages are increasingly popular and make it easier for tourists to choose according to their budget. 

What to expect during Flores island tour

On Flores Island, six distinct languages are spoken: Ngada, Nage, Keo, Ende, Lio, and Palu’e. So’a and Bajawa are other popular choices among locals. In Labuan Bajo, the majority of inhabitants speak English, but finding someone who understands the language becomes increasingly difficult as you walk further afield.

The Indonesian Rupiah is the only currency accepted in Flores (IDR). ATMs are located in the district capitals throughout the island, and most establishments accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. The National Bank of Indonesia’s (BNI) ATMs are the most dependable.

Read also: Liveaboard diving, Embark Your Komodo’s Underwater

Flores Island has a tropical climate that is hot all year. The rainy season lasts from December to March, and humidity levels are high. From June through September, the dry season is in effect. The best time to visit is between April and October. A strong wind from Australia is blowing, which keeps humidity levels low and makes outdoor activities more enjoyable. If you visit during the wet season, you’ll still receive plenty of sunshine. The showers are brief but powerful, so you won’t have to stay indoors all day.

Labuan Bajo, Komodo National Park, Pink Beach, Padar Island, and the Kelimutu Volcanic Lakes are among the top Flores Island attractions.

How to get around Flores

You can start your Flores island tour with book a spot on a local or tourist bus with most hotels on the island. Some will pick you up from your accommodation while others will stop for you on the side of a road. Prices start from 50,000 IDR, and you can choose between A/C and no A/C options. 

If you plan on renting a car, keep in mind that the roads aren’t in great shape. There are also many hills and tight turns, and the locals are known for driving aggressively. It’s also the priciest mode of transportation, with rates starting at 1 million IDR.

Flying into one of the island’s many airports will save you time. It isn’t the cheapest option, but if you want to see as much as possible, it is a viable one.

Another alternative is to schedule a Flores tour Labuan Bajo, which will take you to all of the island’s best sights. If you don’t want to drive or take public transportation, this is a decent choice.

Are you looking for a Komodo liveaboard for your next vacation? The secret is out, and divers from all over the world are rushing to the Komodo Islands, one of Indonesia’s most popular diving locations. Many visitors come to see the gorgeous rolling hills, stunning beaches, and ferocious dragons, but they also come to see the diverse aquatic life. Komodo National Park is a famous dive site, with crystal blue seas teeming with sharks, manta rays, corals, and huge fish. While you can spend your time doing day dives, liveaboard diving is the ideal way to see the many top-notch dive locations.

What you need to know before do liveaboard diving

One of the most crucial aspects of picking a liveaboard is deciding when to go. You’ll need to pick one that works with your schedule.

If you want to get the most out of your diving vacation, head to Komodo during its peak season, which is from March to October. Although some liveaboards operate all year, November to January has the best visibility.

The busiest months are April through August. The months of December to February are ideal for seeing manta rays. During your Komodo sailing trip in August, you were able to swim with almost 15 manta rays. August is the greatest month to see mola molas.

The Komodo Islands are notable for their powerful currents, which also contribute to the abundance of marine life.

The liveaboard boat crews are all trained to read the tides and will select each dive site carefully based on the weather and water conditions.

One of the best things about being on a liveaboard is that you have an advantage over all the other day trip diving boats. To avoid the crowds, go diving early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

The islands of Komodo and Rinca act as a bottleneck between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, creating a rollercoaster of currents and waves in Komodo National Park. Always put your trust in your divemaster and pay attention to what they say about currents and water patterns.

In case the current sweeps you off course, it’s a good idea to keep a neon diving flag or collapsible pole stored in your BC pocket. Due to the strong currents, reef hooks and gloves are also recommended.

We suggest you take Komodo diving insurance for peace of mind throughout your diving activities in case of medical issues.

Read also:

Labuan Bajo Open Trip, Explore the Charm of East Indonesia

It is true that regardless how meticulous you are with your travel plan, there are going to be mishaps here and there. However, more preparations and cautions allow you to reduce the risks of making mistakes or encounter major mishaps. Also, it is better to avoid making mistakes then feeling unbothered but you face the consequences later. There are some unnecessary or dumb mistakes you can actually prevent from happening from the start. And here are several of them:

Risking your life just for a selfie

There have been many reports about accidents and death due to taking selfie in not-so safe ways. Many travelers died for taking a selfie. Some of the causes are travelers being washed away by waves on the beach, taking pictures in too close to running train, or snapping photos at the edge of the cliffs. Those are dumb ways for you to die. Keep in mind that interesting travel photos can be taken in so many ways without risking your life. Always prioritize your safety first during your trip.

Not preparing the requirements of your visa and passport

Just imagine you plan your trip for months just to cancel it in the last minute when you get to the airport because you don’t have the visa requirements you need to enter the country. This is one of the worst nightmares of travelers. Hence, always check your passport and visa requirement at the very beginning of your travel preparation to ensure you have everything ready. If you forget items such as body lotion, razor, or t-shirt, you can buy them during your arrival. So focus more on what matters the most with your travel plan. 

Overpacking your schedule

It is understandable that you don’t get to travel many times in a year so once you have the chance to do it, you want to make the most out of it. However, overscheduling is not the answer for that. Instead of trying to see as many places as possible, you may consider adopting slow travel approach. You only select few attractions to visit and see them thoroughly to fully get the best experience. It allows you to fully enjoy your trip and appreciate the little things on your surroundings. 

Not checking bedbugs

You will regret it the time when you wake up with red marks all over your body and constant itchiness. Bedbugs are something you should not take as a joke because they are really nasty and hard to handle. It is best to read the reviews before booking a hotel room to see what the previous guests have to talk about the condition of the room. And when you arrive at the hotel room, make sure to investigate the mattress headboards, and box spring to see if there are any bedbugs chilling out. If there are signs of bedbugs, ask for different room and tell the reason to the hotel staff. Also, wash your belonging immediately once you return to your home to avoid bedbugs infested into anything in your house.

Today, many people have become more aware of the importance of maintaining health and fitness. It shows by how the gym studios keep opening in many places. It is not hard to find one especially in big cities around the world. And what about health conscious travelers who want to maintain their health even during their adventure? Is it possible to maintain health while having fun as well?

Best tips for health conscious travelers

The good news is that, the facilities for health maintenance has increased now. It shows by how hotels now provide amenities that cater to the needs of health conscious travelers. They offer indoor gyms, mini bar fruits, personal trainers, complimentary bike rentals, and even running shoes rentals. So generally, it is not hard to maintain your health and fitness during a vacation now. And here are some tips for you who are health conscious travelers:

Find out information about jogging maps

During your trip, you can stick to your jogging routine and have a wonderful time jogging while exploring new places. Ask for a jogging map to the hotel staff and see if you can explore the routes for morning run while enjoying great views. 

Look for special wellness perks

Some hotels provide variety of wellness perks you can take advantage of. Hence, do not be shy to find more information about it. Some hotels for example offer yoga classes or workout studios. Even if you don’t bring your own exercise gears, you can rent the ones provided by the hotels. If you like biking, some hotels also offer a bike rental you can use anytime. Find out about these information during booking so you know what to expect and make a plan. 

Research about local foods

Food is important part of maintaining your health because it what keeps your body functioning. Hence, research about the locals foods and dining setting prior the trip. You may want to look for local dining options, what kind of foods they usually have, or what produces they often use. Remember that healthy meals are not always about salads and plain chicken breast. There are so many healthy food selections you can choose if you have knowledge about it. Hence, you won’t struggles to find healthy menu wherever you go. 

Ensure the hotel policy about hygiene and safety

If you are very concerned about your health and overall safety, it is best to ask for more information about those to the hotel before making a reservation for a room. It is okay to ask questions related to these topics and the staffs will answer them for you. However, keep in mind that being too conscious about germs, bacteria and all may rise your anxiety so you may need to tone it down a little bit and enjoy the trip more. 

Making the most out of your trip while staying healthy is possible for conscious travelers. Enjoy your time without worrying too much over foods, hygiene, or workout schedule. Stick to your normal routine and you will be fine. 

When you travel, you have your own goals of what you want to do once you get there, where to visit, what food to eat, etc. If you are bike lovers, might as well choosing bike-friendly places. There are plenty of bike-friendly cities around the world that can be your destinations for your next travel plan. Cycling or biking are not only healthy but also fun to do especially if the places are enjoyable and beautiful. 

Ideal places around the world to bike

The most ideal places to bike is those with better weather, safe trails, and pretty views. These kind of places are most sought by bike-enthusiasts and here are some of the most recommended cities around the world enjoyable for biking:

Paris, France

This city is full of romance and many lovers come to visit it each year. It has become one of the most popular cities int he world especially because lots of travelers who want to see Eiffel Tower. However, it is not the only destination you can visit when it comes to Paris. There are many sites to explore from parks, beaches, street arts, to historic landmarks. Another best thing about the city is that it has implemented many eco-friendly initiatives which makes it more cyclist-friendly now. Green spaces and parks are not hard to find as well. It is also said that there have been active ban to certain vehicles that don’t meet the regulation. Hence, it makes it more enjoyable for this city to be explored by cycling. You can do it while travelling solo or with your travel buddies. 

Miami, The U.S.

The U.S sounds nothing like bike-friendly place to enjoy. Most of people though that it is a place where you will find only crowd and buzz of big cities. However, it is not always the case because the U.S . also has Miami, which is cyclist-friendly city for bike-enthusiasts. The weather of this city is warm enough for you to enjoy the wind while cycling. You can do it practically anytime of the year since the weather is warm and comfortable enough. You can get outside and explore various sites offered by the city from parks to modern landmarks. There are many bike routes you can follow during your visit to this beautiful city. Not to mention that Miami also has such picturesque view to bless your eyes while cycling. 

Chiang Mai, Thailand

This place is one of the most ideal places for cycling. Thailand itself is such a beautiful country full of charms from many aspects such as culture, food, and art. This place is considered gorgeous due to its scenic routes that makes it ideal for biking. Follow those routes to lead you to the most stunning sites such as sacred temples and mountain ranges. When biking around this city, don’t forget to take a break and buy some street foods. There are plenty of them with affordable prices and rich flavors. Take your time exploring and enjoying the city with your loved bike. 

South Korea has everything you need for an ideal travel destination. Many travelers visit this country might be because they are drawn to the K-pop culture. However, there is more to it when it comes to Korea. You may have watched or heard about Mukbang. It is an interesting eating show you can watch in Youtube. Many Korean Mukbangers deliver interesting eating show with variety of Korean cuisines. Not to mention that it seems Korean people eat very deliciously which can make whoever watching them get hungry. 

Korean street foods worth travelling for

If you have a chance to visit South Korea, you can eat your way through Seoul to try variety of Korean street foods worth travelling for. So here are some of the most mouth-watering street foods you can find in Seoul that you might have seen in various Mukbang on Youtube:

Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki or spicy rice cake is like a must-try street food in Korea. It is very easy to find because almost every corner of the street in Seoul has food stalls selling this red snack. It is made from rice cake along with various sauces and onions. To find the best Tteokbokki, you can head to Gwangjang Market or Myeongdong Shopping street. Be careful if you are not used to eat spicy foods because Tteokbokki can be very spicy. 

Odeng

Odeng or Eomuk is also another popular street foods in Korea. It is best to eat during chilly weather because the hot soup can provide needed warmth. It is fish cake skewered on a wooden stick. It is left to boil in a very hot broth that taste savory. You can find it in various food trucks or hawker stalls. Not to mention that it is relatively cheap. Namdaemun Market and Gwangjang Market also have the best Odeng you can try. 

Pajeon

Pajeon or savory pancake is also a must-friend to have during chilly weather. It is best to enjoy while it is still hot. This pancake is not sweet or sticky. It is crispy and best served with a dipping sauce. The batter consists of wheat flour, rice flour, scallions, and eggs. You can find the best Pajeon around Hwigyeong-dong. 

Kimbap

Kimbap is basically rice roll. It has appearance similar to sushi. However, it is not. It is made by wrapping steamed rice, meat fillings ( such as crab, tuna, or chicken) into a sheet of roasted seaweed. All the ingredients are rolled into a cylindrical shape. Then, sesame seeds are sprinkled on top. It is usually sliced into one-bite portion. However, it is also often for Korean to directly eat the roll without cutting it into small pieces. You can eat it with a dipping sauce or just as it is. 

Mandu

Mandu or dumplings are loved by Korean regardless of age. This Korean dumplings can have different meat fillings inside. You can opt the one with minced beef, shrimp, chicken, or vegetables. It is also easy to find around Seoul. Mandu can be prepared by boiling, steaming, or pan-frying. 

Now that the Komodo National Park open a direct flight from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo, more and more people put this charming far-flung island to their gateway list. The remote and prehistoric-looking set of islands bewitch travelers to hop on sailing boats and explore what’s inside the national park. Though Labuan Bajo is open to all tourists, there are some people who will enjoy the trip to Komodo to the most. Let’s meet them. 

The Adventurous on Komodo Trip

More often than not, travelling involves on venturing out into the unknown. And everything on Komodo National Park will definitely not be in your known territories. Its savannah vegetation, high ‘lontar’ palm trees that punctuates the sky, steep and rugged topography, and unusually gigantic, venomous lizard that rule the islands are nothing like what you will see in an everyday life. The Komodo in itself is even different from the rest of Indonesia. For the adventurous, exploring new landscapes and engaging in totally new experiences are the real deal. The trip to Komodo gives this excitement which feed the spirit. 

The Travel Blogger (or Vlogger) 

For those who dedicated their life documenting beautiful places on earth, how can they missed the exotic Komodo National Park? There are so many exciting things to be reviewed! Scores of magnificent views and panoramic landscapes to be documented on camera. The dazzling turquoise ocean, the rugged hills, the golden savannah, and tons of other beautiful things in Komodo just begged to be featured in the vlog (or blog, your choice). The sailing journey and life on boat itself is worth a quality content. There’s literally hundreds of reasons on why a travel blogger would never think twice for visiting the Komodo. 

The Curious of Everything in Life

Little is yet to know about the Komodo National Park and this remote archipelago has so much to uncover. The curious love to learn about new things. They are thrilled to interact with new cultures, honing a new skill (think about sailing!), and meeting rare animals that cannot be found in other places. Experiencing new things is the livelihood in their blood.

More Komodo Travelling Stories:

A Bright, Calming Morning in Komodo Liveaboard

Things to Know About Going on A Komodo Liveaboard

The Nature Enthusiasts 

With so much different thing going on in Komodo, the nature enthusiast would probably the one to offer biggest appreciation. The Komodo trip would be a journey full of discoveries; being so close with nature in its purest form. They would love to study the unique topography, sighting endemic birds, and analyse every bits of the Pink beaches. Don’t be too surprised if they happen to be the only persons on boat to track Komodo Dragons’ ancestry back to the Megalania era!

The Avid Divers on Komodo Trip

Do you know that the Komodo National Park is among top diving destination in Indonesia? With more than 260 species of corals, 1,000 species of tropical fishes, and rare marine animals venturing the waters, the Komodo’s underwater is simply heaven for divers and snorkelers alike. Even the dive sites are so diverse. From gentle slopes to pinnacles overflowing with life, or steep wall to underwater caves, you got it all. Almost 50% of tourists in Komodo are divers and it’s easy to see why. 

If you are planning to have a vacation, it is important to take necessary measurement to stay safe. Keep in mind that even the stay-at home or lockdown orders have been lifted in some places doesn’t mean you are free-risk of contacting the virus. Therefore, always be cautious and take precautions to keep yourself and others safe. Travelling put you at risk no matter how short your trip or how safe your destination is. 

Things to do to stay safe while enjoying your trip

Pandemic is evolving situation and it is still on going now. Nobody can predict when it will completely stop spreading. Thus, always follow guidelines set by forth organizations. Also, being conscious of practicing safety measures is also important no matter where you go such as wearing a mask, frequently wash your hands, and maintaining social distancing. 

It is highly recommended to book a socially distance hotel stay instead of a hotel located in a popular place with big crowds. Of course, hotels are now implementing new cleaning policies to help preventing from virus transfer. However, it is still considered safer to choose a hotel that truly implement high standard procedures while being located in relatively safe place or far from the crowd. 

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Selecting The Priority

If you are unsure about the safety of hotel, you can opt for a private vacation home for your stay during the trip. It can help minimize interaction or contact with others. However, you still have to be selective in choosing the one that implement good cleaning policies. 

Choose travel options wisely. It is recommended to take a well-planned road trip. It allows you to stay in your car safely and reduce the risk of interacting with others. You can stock up your foods and drinks enough for the trip. Also, it is advised to take fewer breaks and stops if not necessary. Just make sure that your car is in good shape so you won’t have problems while on the road. 

Alternative Option To Make Your Trip Memorable

It is recommended to choose nature-oriented trip such as camping in remote space instead of visiting a theme park or popular tourist destinations. You can have a camping or glamping with your family to spend your vacation. Pitching a tent can help reduce the exposure to unnecessary interactions or crowds while you have something to enjoy with on your trip. 

If you are used to book a trip through travel agent, it is best to work with the one offering professional service. They have spend their years in the business so they know what’s best for travelers to truly enjoy their trip while staying safe and having fun. However, it is still necessary for you to look through their travel plan so you are informed about everything. It is advised to book refundable options and pay attention to the cleaning policies. If you are still unsure about having a vacation or not, you can just stay at home and have a virtual tour instead. It is good alternative to spend your day during pandemic.