Delayed Flights

“Excuse me, Ladies and gentleman; we have an announcement to make. Flight number ABC 111 will be delayed due to.....”.

Did anyone cringe while reading the above?

All the horror stories we heard about people missing their transit flights to people getting stranded in airports flood our thoughts. That was the thought that came to mind when the broadcast for another hour delay came. With that announcement, the total delay time amounted to 4 hours and people starting yelling and screaming at the operation staff demanding the reason behind the delay and started to explain their situations squeezing information out the airline staff.

It was chaos and havoc and not a happy face was in sight, save the few young children who went about playing a game of chase delighted at the fact they had more time to spend playing with each other.

However, all is not too grim as there were a few things to be grateful for. There are a lot of reasons for a plane delay and most of the time, it is for our safety. Bad weather, technical difficulties, etc. put the passengers at risk and hence the delay is called to ensure a safer journey when we're 39,000 feet off the ground.

Our lives are more important than anything and it is crucial to remember the fact that if we miss a transit flight, it may throw our entire schedules off whack; but force a plane to take off in horrible conditions, we risk the lives of not only ourselves but the rest of the passengers and the crew which no amount of money can ever repay.

There have been countless numbers of lives lost in the recent years due to plane crashes or accidents and even missing planes so let us take a step back and be thankful that even though our flight is delayed we are still safe and sound and on the ground. So the next time we encounter a delay, let's not get too upset and try to think of solutions that would cause less stress for ourselves. At the end of the day, it is most important where we reach our destination safe and sound and everything else is secondary (in our opinion).

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This is just a little rant and depiction of the scene that occurs at least to those who travel at least once a year. Till the next post, safe travels everyone!!

10 interesting facts about Vietnam:

Hey guys, it's been a while and we want to change things up a little so this time we thought we would share with everyone a few interesting facts about Vietnam. So here we go!!

1. The currency is called Dong!

2. Children are called to school not by the ring of the bell but by the Gong (pun intended)!!

3. Nguyen is a common name.

No, not everyone with the surname Nguyen is related. It works the same way as the Chinese surname as where not every single person with the surname Wong are related.

4. The country's name was originally spelled as two words: Viet Nam.

5. Football is the most popular sport in Vietnam.

6. Motorcycles are everywhere in Vietnam.

Motorcycles are the main form of trnsport for those with average lifestyles whereas cars are considered to be reserved as a luxury item for the wealthy. Therefore, motorcycles are often used and not wearing a helmet can lead to a fine.

7. Vietnam is the world's leading export for cashew nuts and black pepper.

8. A Vietnamese specialty of rice wine, Ruou Ran (snake wine) has a pickled snake in the bottle and is allegedly said to be able to cure any sickness.

9. Vietnamese cuisine embodies the five fundamental Asian elements of spicy (metal), salty (water), sweet (earth), sour (wood), and bitter (fire).

10. The country has a literacy level of 94%.

With that, we hope you enjoy this post and we'll try to come with more posts so until then, safe travels everyone!!

5 water parks in ASEAN:

 It is HOT out there and heat stroke death counts are rising. Cool weather sounds wonderful but what if we can't afford to fly far and away to escape the heat waves? Here's a good idea; go to a waterpark and have fun!!

Here are 5 major water theme parks around the ASEAN region that we can visit without burning a hole into our wallets to go overseas for the lovely cooler temperatures.

1. Waterbom Bali, Kuta, Indonesia

Ranked high with good reviews, Waterbom Bali is a great place to splash around, get wet and have fun while we're at it. Fit for all ages with plenty of rides and slides suitable for all ages although some would require supervision. However, worry not; loosen the reins, jump in and enjoy the glistening waters of the park while escaping the heat.

Address: Jl. Kartika, Tuban, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia

More information on their main website: http://waterbom-bali.com/

2. Black Mountain Water Park, Hua Hin, Thailand

A great place to spend the day with family and enjoy the waters. Family oriented size so e sure to pack a good amount of clothes and towels and schedule hours of fun with the family. Bonding with family and friends has gotten much sweeter when surrounded by water to cool down from the current heat.

Address: 1, หินเหล็กไฟ 2 หินเหล็กไฟ, อำเภอ หัวหิน ประจวบคีรีขันธ์ 77110, Thailand

More information on their main website: http://www.blackmountainwaterpark.com/

3. Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia

Malaysians are no stranger to the name 'Sunway Lagoon' and it is known to be a great place to unwind and relax. The area surrounding the water theme park has malls to shop and feed and all sorts of other attractions that might take days to finish covering. Sunway Lagoon is the water theme park specifically and the countless numbers of rides and a large wave pool lets visitors really feel the sensation as if being at the beach.

Address: 3, Jalan Lagoon Timur (9/1), Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

More information on their main website: http://sunwaylagoon.com/attractions/the-waterpark/

4. Adventure Cove, Resort World Sentosa, Singapore

Resort World Sentosa is high on the list for anyone visiting Singapore and plans to have a great time during the trip. Filled with all sorts of attractions for all ages, Adventure cove is something you would not want to miss. There are a good selection of rides from long slides to slow moving streams where you ride on a float watching the world go by. There is also the area where you can interact with marine life although it might have extra charges if you decide to get up close and personal with the adorable creatures of the deep.

Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269

More information on their main website: http://www.rwsentosa.com/language/en-US/Homepage/Attractions/AdventureCoveWaterpark

5. Flow House, Bangkok

Equipped with a wave machine that lets visitors cool off, have a blast while getting fit, Flow House Bangkok is a great place to learn and play. Safe for beginners and still serve a good time. We don't need to worry about starving ourselves while here as there are restaurants and bars in the general vicinity. Flow House isn't exactly a major water theme park but a wonderful place nonetheless that allows visitors to learn flow boarding and enjoy the sport.

Address: 120/1 โคงการ เอ สแควร์ ถ.สุขุมวิท26 แขวงคลองตัน เขตคลองเตย Bangkok 10110, Thailand

More information on their main website: http://flowhousebangkok.com/

With that, we hope everyone is ready to beat the heat and be sure to pack your sunscreen as we don't want to get burned. Let's make sure the sun rays don't get to us before we've goofed around enough, till the next post, safe travels everyone!!

Eco-tourism spots in Indonesia:

In one of our previous posts, we've explained and shown quite a bit about tourist spots that are available in Indonesia. Some of these spots also happen to be eco-tourism locations for travel.

1. The Komodo island where massive lizards roam free is a sight to behold as the world's largest species of lizard stroll across the streets. They are native to the island only and this is the only place to find them in their habitat aside man-made habitats in the zoos. We're not sure if we are allowed to feed the lizards but chances are it is not possible as the lizards on the island are wild and might attack us if we threaten them. This spot is also one of the 'must-see' spots if one is planning to explore and experience Indonesia at its finest.

2. One other eco-tourism destination is the Sumatra Ecotravel at Bukit Lawang, where you can enjoy a vacation while being surrounded by Mother Nature. There are plenty of options for getting around the place and riding atop elephants is just one of them. Take to the trails and visit Danau Toba Lake or explore the rainforest around Bukit Lawang.

If you prefer to be surrounded by people and not the company of insects and animals, hang around Berastagi and bond with the locals and learn more about their culture and cuisines. It isn't too far away from Bukit Lawang so heading down shouldn't be too much hassle.

3. Aside Sumatra Ecotravel Bukit Lawang, another great eco-tourism spot is Borneo, Kalimantan, Indonesia. Interactions with Orangutans and bonding sessions can be done here and Borneo is also home to some major rainforests. Kalimantan is famous and well-known for the flora and fauna that can be found in the area where different types of mammals and countless birds make their homes amongst the flourishing forests.

Towards the west of the Kalimantan region, the Betung Kerihun National Park is one of the biggest conservation areas in the area. It is a great area to explore and observe the nature that breathes in the region which is a great place for nature lovers. The locals who live there have a strong and unique culture that can't be missed as well.

Here are a few spots that one can consider when planning an eco-tour to Indonesia and till next time, safe travels everyone!!

Crossing the border: Johor Bahru and Singapore

Both Malaysia and Singapore are neighbouring countries which are connected by a bridge spanning across the two different nations.

History fun-fact: Malaysia and Singapore used to be of one nation until Singapore's declaration of independence. However, history transcends time and until today the two countries remain friendly with each other.

Public buses from the Singapore's Woodlands Crossing (Causeway) is the most commonly known spot that takes visitors across the borders. It is accessible for anyone in Singapore to get to Woodlands Crossing thanks to the convenience of Singapore's transportation system. A few hours on the bus and one will arrive in Johor Bahru before we even know it.

One can also grab a taxi and have them drive across the border, but do be sure that crossing the borders include border security checks as it involves two different nations so this would mean having all travel documents at the ready. 

While security features differ from those in the airports of both countries, there are regulations as to what items are allowed and not allowed which will be confiscated from us or we could be fined if our actions or belongings violate the law.

As crosing from Johor Bahru into Singapore, it still requires us to present our passports or passes at the checkpoint and taxis as well as buses are available from different states across Malaysia.

However, as Singapore has specific rules about what products can be brought in it is best to check with the immigration before we make the trip.

For more information on how to catch a bus or cross the border from within Singapore, here's a site where we can check which location that is closer to us and still get us across the border: http://www.taxisingapore.com/singapore-to-johor-bahru/

We at ASEAN Kaleidoscope have yet to make the journey and these are some of the things we've heard so we thought we'd share it. However, if anyone has experience crossing the border do share with us your experience if you don't mind as we would love to hear more and help others with the information received.

With that, we wish everyone to have a great time and till the next post safe travels everyone!!

5 free things to do in Bali, Indonesia:

Enjoy the sandy beaches of Bali

For many, it is a well-known fact that Bali has beaches that look like they popped out of a perfectly portrayed picture book. The beaches are definitely free to visit and getting a tan or splashing in the waves is a great way to let loose. Close to the nightlife is Ubud Beach where life doesn't exactly slow down in the evening which is a great place to check out after a day at the beach.

Explore Indonesian night markets

The fun doesn't end when the sun sets. The night markets of Bali are plentiful in resources be it food, drink or local products. What better way to understand the Balinese lifestyle than joining the hunt for food in the night markets and enjoy the local cuisine in a fun way. This is a great option for foodies who love to explore and experience the local taste.

(Exploring is free however whatever purchase made will require money, don't say we didn't warn you~ But what's travel without food?)

Check out Bali's arts

Bali is a famous spot for its artists who produce breathtaking artworks and masterpieces. Observing artists at work creating wonderful and spectacular masterpieces are a great way to appreciate Bali's beauty through the artworks produced. Bali is a great gathering place for artists who share a passion for the arts and you can be sure that things are going to get lively when music, art, and culture come together.

Hike off the beaten path

Discover hidden temples and secret locations that might not always be listed in the guidebooks. There are a few spots in the area which are slightly abandoned and some have an eerie and silent atmosphere which is great for adventurous soul seeking a good slice of mysterious sightseeing. Though it would be a good idea to research beforehand which places are fine for a visit and which are prohibited as we wouldn't want to be breaking any laws now.

Keep an eye out for festivals

There are plenty of events happening in Bali and most of these are free for admission. What better way to experience the local culture by participating in events that hold a meaning to the locals. It is a great option to meet people and share information about each others culture. Of course, it'd be great to stay open-minded when encountering something new otherwise we might miss out on things that might be an eye-opener.

With that, we hope anyone who is Bali right now or is planning to head over to Bali during the upcoming holidays to have a blast and we wish everyone safe travels!!

Vietnamese dish: Pho

Pho (pronounced: fuh) is a Vietnamese dish that consists of vermicelli/clear-flat noodles cooked in a steaming warm bowl of soup with meat and bean

sprouts as a topping. It is very common to see this dish being sold on the streets and locals having this dish in the morning.

How Pho came to be a breakfast dish is due to the conception of Pho being like the American equivalent of oatmeal or cereal. When we said that it is sold in a lot of places in Vietnam, stalls on the sidewalks may sell them and locals may park their bikes along the sides before diving into a warm bowl of Pho.

The dish is normally served with herbs and of course, the noodles is one of the main parts. The name of the dish 'Pho' actually refers to the noodles itself and the dish can be eaten for any meal and is most certainly not limited to only breakfast.

Pho is a great way to start the day and for Asians, we've seen a lot of renditions and different versions of Pho; just called in a different name and cooked with a different style or topping but essentially the same.

With that, we hope that everyone has a better idea of what Pho is!! Till the next post we wish everyone safe travels!!

Indonesian Passport Ranking?

Indonesia is one of the members of ASEAN and is also known as he country of a thousand islands. With its pristine beaches, beautiful nature trails and wonderful people, it is a great place to relax and travel in. However, for those holding an Indonesian passport, there might be some questions as to where we can go without getting a visa? Here's what the passport index 2016 says.

Indonesian's passport power ranks 70 out of the 158 countries out in the world, being able to gain access to 56 countries without the need of a visa. Indonesian passport holders are required to get a visa before travelling to the South American region and the UK as well as other countries.

The good news is that travelling to nearby neighbouring countries and into the rest of the ASEAN territory (except Brunei) does not require a visa. 

However, if anyone plans to visit China, it might be a good idea to check where you're headed. Hainan, Macao and Hong Kong do not need a visa from passport holders but the other states may need the individual to get a visa.

Finally, anyone venturing to Europe, the US and the UK will need to get a visa. With that, we wish everyone a great trip and safe travels everyone!!

Sightseeing in Singapore: Pleasant or Pricey?

Singapore, known otherwise as the 'Lion City' in Chinese is a well-known spot for being one of the most developed Asian countries aside Japan. As the cost of living is high in Singapore, some of us might have second thoughts when budgetting a trip to Singapore.

Sightseeing is a fairly inespensive action. If it's just the sight of the Merlion or the Singapore Flyer, then it shouldn't be too costly as all you'd need is to walk and purchase transportation tickets to get to the destination and take plenty of selfies.

The night skyline of Marina Bay Sands from the other side of the Singapore River.

However, if the idea of sightseeing is to travel and experience rides in Universal Studios Singapore then it will cost us quite a bit as attractions do cost money. The infamous skyline of Singapore's sights of the famed Marina Bay Sands and the cityscape is practically free after paying for the transportation to get down to Marina Bay.

The Merlion - symbol of Singapore

One of the best things about travelling in Singapore is the convenience of being able to hop onto a bus or train and get transported to a stop within walking distance of your destination. Therefore, with a proper ticket (which is not extremely expensive) we can travel and sightsee around Singapore without burning our pockets; though do expect a lot of walking.

Esplanade - Locally known as the famous "Durian Village" due to it's spiky exterior. A great spot where music and the arts come together. (Close to the city center)

The artistically built art and science museum is right next to the famed Marina Bay Sands resort.

If you prefer to feel the wind on your face without walking too much, there are double decked buses that tour the city where we can sit on the unsheltered top deck and watch the city from the comforts of our seats and feel the breeze. These will cost a bit of money so it is an option for those who don't mind spending a little extra.

Transportation fees in Singapore are counted by meters on taxis and distance on tickets for buses and the transit system. This means the further the distance between you and the destination, the more it will cost.

With that, we wish everyone safe travels!!

Preventing Zika Virus during travel?

The Zika virus is prominent in certain areas of the world like Mexico or South America. While the chances of contracting the disease in the ASEAN region is lower than western, it is still possible to get the disease while travelling as we never know what can happen.

Although it is tough to say for sure that we can prevent getting the disease at all it is best to prepare and do our utmost best in prevention. There is currently no vaccine for the disease so it is best that we be cautious about our surroundings and our health while travelling.

Here're three things we think might be able to help.

Long sleeves

When visiting a place that is hot and humid with the occasional rain that allows mosquitoes to breed well, it's best to be prepared and protect ourselves from harm. Wearing long sleeved clothing keep bare skin away from a mosquito's reach.

Sleeping in an air-conditioned room with windows closed prevents mosquitoes from entering in the night and feeding on us while we're asleep. Long sleeved clothing complement this method well and there is no need to use insect repellent. Although it shouldn't be a problem if we stay in hotels.

Insect repellent

If long sleeve and getting warmed up isn't what you have in mind, try using bug or insect repellent. This allows us to wear short sleeved clothing and still be able to keep ourselves from being targets or victims of nasty mosquitoes.

Do consult a pharmacist if you have sensitive skin issues and clarify if it is safe for young children, toddlers or babies to use insect repellent as some may contain chemicals that may cause them harm.

There are some insect repellent bands or stickers sold on the market if spraying insect repellent directly onto the skin is not an option but it is still a good idea to keep an eye out for their effective periods as some only last for a while.

Mosquito netting

When camping out, mosquitoes are a major concern. Having mosquito netting will reduce the chances of mosquitoes infiltrating the tent and stinging us before the sun is up. Applying insect repellent before bed may act as an extra layer of protection from pesky insects.

Covering a baby's crib with a mosquito netting will keep the worry of babies getting bitten in their sleep.

These are ways one can reduce the chances of being inflicted with the Zika virus. With that, we hope everyone has a great time travelling in the ASEAN region and till next time, safe travels everyone!!

3 Eco-tourist spots in Malaysia

In our previous post, we shared a few things about eco-tourism but this time, let us trot over to Malaysia for an adventure!!

1. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

Located in the state of Selangor, 30 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur; the capital city of Malaysia. The Kepong site facility boasts a scenic view of the forest from above canopy level and we might be able to spot Kuala Lumpur! It was declared a national heritage in 2012. With a good variety of activities that can be done in the park, from picnicking to bird-watching it will be sundown before we even know it. Campers are welcome, however; it is best to note the opening hours as some of the attractions are weather dependent.

2. Cameron Highlands

If you prefer the open expanse of land over the crowded rainforests, Cameron Highlands in Pahang is a great choice. It is famous amongst locals for being a great place to retreat from the regular heat of the city. With a natural temperature of around 12-degree celsius, tea plantations flourish and prosper in the highlands. Cameron Highlands is known for being one of the bigger producers of tea leaves in Malaysia. Not only that, the temperature makes hikes and treks along the highlands much more pleasant and cooling.

3. Mulu Caves National Park

Eco-tourism isn't limited to West Malaysia, to the of the country in the state of Sarawak, is a long network of caves home to around 12 species of bats. With so many bats setting up camp in the caves, it's going to get really hectic in the evening when they horde out to hunt for food (not exactly the best thing for people who are afraid of bats); but the trek into the cave is worth its salt. There are other attractions and options like Eden Valley Walk, the Medicine Plant Trail, and the Paku Waterfall if you want a change of scenery.

Bats leaving the cave, don't say we didn't warn you XD 

With that, we wish everyone have plenty of fun if you do decide to travel to the destinations listed above. Of course there are more options than the ones above but these are a few we thought are interesting.

Till next time, safe travels everyone!!

Ecotourism in ASEAN

New to the idea of Ecotourism? Here's a few points we thought would be of interest so let's share some info!!

Ecotourism promotes the conservation of an environment of a region and it is getting more prevalent in the ASEAN region. The Southeast Asian region is filled with plenty of natural beauty and tourist spots with plenty of flora and fauna that are unique to the ASEAN region. There are a couple of benefits and this has caused efforts placed into developing ecotourism to increase; despite it still being in baby steps of the process.

Ecotourism encourages travellers to reduce the ecological footprint while they travel and allow them to experience the state of nature of their destination. It comes with being aware and immersing themselves into nature and experiencing it in a way that might not be possible without ecotourism.

Documentaries have covered how wonderful or illustrous the rainforests are or how wonderfully blue the oceans can be with the diversity of wildlife present. It gives viewers and travellers a better understanding of why nature is an important part of our daily lives and how some of our actions threaten the balance of nature.

On the other hand, ecotourism doesn't just benefit the travellers as they explore the region, it allows the area to be preserved along with all it's inhabitants. It generates income for those who manage tourist locations and destinations all the while boosting tourism for a specific country in ASEAN.

Ecotourism gives us an opportunity to witness nature in its purest and natural form. There are a lot of activities that can be done in nature and a lot of facilities provide and encourage tourists to go out into the wild. With that, we hope that ecotourism efforts are supported and for nature lovers, you could check out a few ecotourism spots for your next visit!!

Till next time, safe travels everyone!!

Unhygienic places on a plane:

 Lavatory

It's without question that the lavatory would be the most unhygienic place on a plane but when you're in the air and you need to go, the lavatory can be avoided. The seat and the flush button are the most contaminated spots in the space so be sure to flush before you wash your hand.

Armrest

The armrest of the seats may have given us a lot of frustration as to who should claim ownership. But if this happens the next time, let us give it to the other person as the rest is touched by countless number of people and may not have been cleaned as often as we think.

Seatbelt and buckle

Have you looked closely at the seatbelts the last time you flew? For some planes that are older, you can see the obvious worn out fibre and the dark edges of the belt. This is proof of the things that the belt is exposed to and sometimes accidents happen and the belt may not have been cleaned.

Tray table

With all sorts of people out there, the tray table may be used for any purposes and this may not always be sanitary. Therefore, it is best we sanitize the table before take off and inform others around us to avoid dirtying the tray table while on their flight.

Overhead air – vent

While the overhead air vent is not the most dirtiest place you might imagine it to be, it does hide a lot of germs and is one of the slightly unhygienic spots on a plane. So it might be a good idea to bring along a small bottle of sanitizer or sanitizing wipes for such instances.

With that, we hope that everyone has a better idea of what spots on a plane contain more germs that other and let this serve as a reminder to us to bring along sanitizers to protect ourselves. Till next time, safe travels everyone!!

Check out some other articles that contain a longer list that the five that we have:

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/09/07/travel/airplane-airport-germs/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3208635/The-dirtiest-areas-aircraft-revealed-E-coli-fecal-matter-aeroplane-tray-tables-blankets-seat-pockets.html

http://www.businessinsider.sg/dirtiest-places-on-a-plane-2015-9/#.VxQ_xzB97IU

5 plane etiquettes that we might not have known

When travelling to another country it is inevitable for us to take the plane most of the times. Yet, the entire process before we board the plane is extensive and can tire one out quite quickly. But with proper plane etiquettes, we can be sure to get onto the planes and into our seats in an orderly manner. Here are some etiquettes that we may tend to forget.

1. Recline slowly

If we must recline our seats, we should do it slowly to avoid startling the person behind us or cause them any discomfort as the seat does close in onto their space. This is important as economy seats in most airlines and planes have a limited space for a person to move about.

2. Time and plan toilet breaks

It is convenient that a plane is designed to allow us to relieve ourselves but due to the space of the aisle, it is barely enough for two people to cross each other. Timing our toilet breaks is crucial as you don't want to be stuck when carts are present or during meal times as mobility is cut down.

3. Middle seat gets the armrests

Armrests are limited with four of them to three seats on the sides. However, a lot of us forget that the middle seat has slightly less of room to move their arms so it is said and researched through surveys that the middle seat gets the armrest for half of the flight time.

4. Consider your odour

We know there are people out there who really emphasize on appearance and personal presentation. Yet, being in an enclosed area for a time will backfire on us. It is better to avoid using perfumes or cologne that are too strong. For those with a slightly stronger body odour may want to consider using a bit of lightly scented perfume to avoid suffocating our neighbours.

5. Know our luggage

Being familiar with the size of our own luggage helps in estimating the amout of space required in the overhead compartment when storing hand-carry items. It is best that we be considerate of others by not placing it sideways when more space can be saved placing it wheels or handle first.

With that, we wish everyone safe travels and let's all try to make the ride better for everyone and have a blast when we reach our destinations!!!

Cultural diversity: A danger?

When living in an environment that has cultural diversity, it creates an environment that is both good and bad. It presents opportunities and challenges. It is great to live in such an environment while growing up as it teaches us to be more open-minded and accepting towards the tradition and cultures of other ethnicities. 

A few counties in the ASEAN region are countries with cultural diversity and It also gives us a broader perspective of the world we live in as well as teach the younger generation how to live in harmony with others. In a world and era that is consistently growing and people cross paths with others from other cultures it is important for us to understand the term cultural diversity and respect it. Opposing it only creates a rift from disrespect toward how others celebrate life.

This has happened in the past due to stereotypes and prejudices that grew into a sense of disgust and worst yet; hatred towards other cultures. In Malaysia, such an incident that occurred is known as the 13^th May incident, it is well-known by the people and is taught to children in school to remind them how the three main races fought out of disagreement and to remind them not to make such mistakes again.

Both Singapore and Malaysia are multiracial countries and they are well-known for being able to live in such environment peacefully albeit there being disagreements here and there; but the general public are able to live together peacefully. The people are taught at a young age to respect and understand others from another culture and learn to live in harmony with them.

While cultural diversity can pose a threat to one culture overshadows the other, it can be avoided if we respect their individuality and traditions as well practices. Unlike Malaysia which is essentially an Islamic country, Singapore respects it's citizens who are Muslim and do take care in meeting their needs by providing eateries and places of worship.

With that, we hope everyone has safe travels wherever you are and if you happen to be in culturally diversed country, do be careful f our actions so we don't unintentionally offend others! Till net time everyone!!

What is the Zika Virus?

The most recent worry healthwise for travellers is the Zika Virus. The known cause of the disease is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The spread of the disease occurs when a mosquito bites an infected person and contracts the virus. The virus travels into their system and into the mosquitoes saliva which is then secreted into the victim before they feed.

Victims normally get a series of fever, rashes, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eye). These symptoms are similar to those of dengue and the illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting a few days to a week after contraction. Not many rarely die of Zika and they don't get extremely to warrant hospital attention. However, once a person is infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections although the accuracy of this is being researched on.

There is currently no vaccine for the disease and treatment is still being researched. While no major side or after effects of the disease is recorded. A major outbreak in Brazil have called for the concern of many people especially pregnant females or those of whom are trying to get pregnant. This concern is due to the fact that virus can cause microcephaly – damage to the brain or smaller size of the brain – amongst the offspring of women who were inflicted with the virus during their pregnancy.

The Zika virus can also be transmitted sexually although many believe it is mostly spread through the mosquitoes. There are ways to treat the sickness if infected and fever occurs.

. Get lots of rest

. Keep hydrated

. Take medication to decrease the temperature

. Stay away from drugs

. Follow the instructions of the doctor to avoid consuming over-lapping medication

We hope a cure for the Zika virus can be found soon so the widespread of this disease will cease and it is best to take care of our health as our bodies are an important asset of ours, beware of mosquito infested areas or look up travel destinations to ensure they are safe for travel. Till next time, safe travels everyone!!