Frustrated from planning for a trip?

When planning for a trip or getaway, we tend to do a lot of research before selecting our journey in order to ensure we get the best out of the deal. Along with multiple obstacles before the main trip, this may sometimes be frustrating and half the time discourage those who aren't very enthusiatic about the trip. It would be great if planning for a trip had no stress at all but that's the ideal; reality hardly ever goes that way. Here we've come up with a list that might help when faced with travel planning stress.

1. Identify the purpose:

Let's take a step back and ask ourselves what is the main objective of the trip? Why is it that we want to go for a trip at this certain time? What are the sights or places that we want to see or visit? Maybe one might be looking for a great place to tan or to purely escape the cold or heat of the native country. These are a few questions that we have to identify which will serve as the basis of the entire journey.

2. Identify location:

After we're clear of why is it we are taking a trip be it for vacation or pure exploring, we'll have to decide on the location. When travelling alone these worries dwindle but when travelling with family or friends it might be both heaven and hell. As to why that is is due to the different ideals or expectations of every member is different. It is best to sit down and discuss thoroughly the agenda and the where and whys of the destination.

3. Research:

After determining the location of the trip, it's time to crack down and do research regarding the country we're visiting and the regualtions it has. It would make the trip smoother by understanding what the rules of the country are and prevent breaking them due to ignorance or unknown. It is also wise to understand the requirement for a visa, the local climate and how that would affect the trip. Depending on the country, the culture may be different so do read up and research beforehand.

4. Prepare:

With accomodation, plane tickets, transport all settled it's time to prepare and pack for the trip. Packing shouldn't be too big a problem with proper research. However, a lot of things can happen between the time period of planning and the actual trip so staying in constant contact with those participating in the trip and communication will definitely help. Understanding each other will also prevent us from being at each other's throats for the duration of the trip.

5. Relax:

Finally, with all things said and done, the last thing is to await the arrival day of the trip. Continue to keep in contact with the other members and keep the hype and excitement alive. Yet, getting too worked up, expecting too much or having idealistic expectations may tend to go the wrong sometimes. Hence, loosening up and not being too uptight by remember the point of the trip may help pre-travel stress and frustration during the planning period.

With that, we hope this article helps with those anxious or frustrating moments. Till next time, we wish everyone to have safe and fun travels!!

Feeling homesick? Why is that?

Homesickness is a non-tangible sense of emotion which can be felt when a person is away from home, family, friends or just a place where they are familiar and comfortable with. Homesickness strikes when we start to feel lonely and isolated when in a new environment be it for travel, work, or studies abroad or far away from home. These feelings grow stronger if we are in a country that has a culture and language that is completely alien to us. So what can we do to decrease homesickness?

1. Identify the reasons that causes homesickness

Homesickness isn't just loneliness or sadness alone as it has more than one side-effects. When homesickness occurs, try to grasp onto the triggers that causes one to feel lonely, slightly depressed, pick up on these and talk to someone you trust and address that homesickness is happening and you're feeling down. Understand oneself and when homesickness, try to reminding yourself of why it's happening. This may be linked to comfort, familiarity, and positivity back at home.

2. Recognize the symptoms of homesickness

Anxiety, nostalgia, depression, and abnormal behaviours are just a few of the more major effects of homesickness. When you feel at loss of control about your surroundings, or events that are occurring around you, this may be another symptom of homesickness. Recognize what are the reactions we have when we feel homesick and hold ourselves from out-lashing at others. This doesn't mean to bottle our feelings but to find balance within and come to terms that we are in a new environment.

3. Face the problem

Once the problem is identified and we know that we are homesick, it is best to solve the problem at the roots instead of avoiding it. Facing the problem head on will help ease the pain sooner. If a person is constantly feeling nostalgic of their home, it may be good to find what is great about the current new environment and try to be appreciative of it. Doing so will help adaptability by not delaying or putting the emotions aside.

4. Do things that can similar to regular routine

By keeping familiar things around or changing your routine to be slightly resembling of the regular routine back home is a great way to adapt an cure homesickness. The items that scream of home will help to comfort us in times of extreme sadness and loneliness, it links us to our past home. This has a calming effect as we see objects that are present in the previous house in the new house and allows us to feel slightly more at home.

5. Immerse into local culture

In a new environment, it is important to understand the local culture to blend in and feel at home. By making a list of what to explore, discover and encounter in our new environment will allow one to understand more about the local culture and adapt to it. Going outside and forming connections will also help in being a part of the culture. Try something new and slowly move out of our comfort zone and bit by bit, we'll start to be comfortable of our new environment.

Coming to terms with homesickness may be tricky and the matter is highly subjective which differs for every individual. By identification and confrontation, it will definitely help to ease the feelings of homesickness. Of course, let's try to be appreciative of our new environment as well and find the beauty within. The grass may not always be greener on the other side but that is life. Accepting the flaws and appreciating the pros will help us get used to things quicker. Till next time, safe travels everyone!!

Tired of plane sickness? Ways to combat the problem:

Motion sickness is a form of sickness that occurs among quite a number of people when they feel nauseous, dizzy, fatigue or symptoms of vomiting due to the changes and imbalance of equilibrium in the inner ear. When this happens the person will feel discomfort.

There are a few ways to reduce the chances of getting airsickness and this includes:

• Staying hydrated

• Not consuming alcohol before the flight

• Taking a meal that is low in sodium and fat.

• Understanding what our bodies are capable of should be taken into consideration when planning and scheduling flight plans.

• If the person is unable to withstand long flights, it might be better to take stopovers to allow the body to rest from the flight.

When preparing for a trip it might be good to pack some medication to help with motion sickness. These medicine, pills or tablets can be bought in regular drug stores and there are unproven remedies out there that do work for some. Consuming ginger or pressure therapy may help in some cases but it is not for everybody.

If one is afflicted with airsickness:

• Stop reading and try to relax.
• Pack some sick sacks in case of nausea or vomiting.
• Have a meal an hour before the flight so it reduces the need to eat during the flight and decreases nausea; it also allows the food to be slightly digested before boarding.
• Rest or nap

Getting checked up with the physician before a trip is another option to figure out the cause of airsickness for the individual as everyone is different. This aids in prevention of forcing oneself to endure the ordeal of having to tough out a plane ride. 

With that, we hope that these small tips will help those who encounter plane sickness. Till the next post, have a safe and pleasant trip!!

How culture shock will add to personal life experience:

When travelling to a new environment, it may be a harrowing experience and frightening for some. Be it for study, work, or travel, entering a new culture can be exciting from pure curiosity. Experiencing these shocks can be worrying but are valuable nonetheless in adding into our life experiences so long no one is offended or nothing impolite is done. Here's why we think experiencing culture shock can be beneficial for the individual.

1. Adds to knowledge of context between countries:

When thrown into a new country with a culture that is completely different, adjusting requires perseverance and determination. It is easy but this allows us to take a good look at how people in other countries go about their everyday life and deal with conflicts in their own unique way. Most of the time, different cultures present different form of challenges and these will help us understand the context of the country.

2. Adaptability:

In a new environment, it is expected that we quickly adapt and adopt the status quo. This forces the person to break out of their comfort zone and immerse themselves into the culture. Breaking out of our shells is one of the responses to culture shocks and this shapes personality for the future.

3. Growth of open-mindedness:

Far away from our old stomping grounds, we have no other choice but to rely on ourselves and monitor our behaviour, manners, and actions. This causes a person to become more observant. As the individual grows in their new environment, the chance influences them to be more open-minded about others, becoming more understanding and accepting of their ways of life

4. Networking and exchange of information:

Receiving culture shocks may be embarrassing at first but this can be seen as a spark to network and connect with locals who can show the ropes and exchange information. When conversing with newly made contacts and connections, it would benefit both sides by sharing the differences and learning from one another.

5. Understand the world and how we are connected:

With a wider connection and network of friends, acquaintances or partners, this opens our world and broadens the horizons of our view of the world. In troubled times, we can rely on our connections and try to solve the problem in mutual interest. Culture shocks also presents the fact that no matter how different a community can be from the other, we are all connected and share the world together; which in turn presents new opportunities and issues as we grow together.

Aside these, experiencing culture shocks will leave us with memories that may be humorous after a few years down the road. It will stay with us and may be a way to crack and break the ice with new contacts when we share our experiences with others.

Nonetheless, we urge everyone to not be petrified by the possibility of making a fool out of ourselves as growing and learning is part of life. Be sure to apologize and do research when entering a new culture so the effects of the shock may be reduced.

Till next time, safe travels and have a great time on your journey! 

How far can your Malaysian Passport take you?

 Holding a Malaysian is a certification for that of a Malaysian citizen or one certified to stay in the country. A Malaysian passport can allow the holder to gain access to several countries without the requirement of a visa.

There are a few limitations where Malaysians are denied access to and one of these are Israel where Malaysians are completely barred from entering.

According to the Henley and Partners visa restrictions index, Malaysia's passport ranked 12^th for being slightly more versatile for traversing several countries without the need to apply for a visa.

Here are a few of the countries that Malaysians can enter without much hassle. The link below leads to an official online document that provides a detailed list for countries that allow visa-free travel or countries that requires a visa.

http://www.kln.gov.my/c/document_library/get_file?p_l_id=225808&folderId=231025&name=DLFE-1922.pdf

For Malaysians planning to travel overseas to another country, do check out the link and check for the requirements of the travel destination country. Therefore, till the next time, we wish everyone to have safe and wonderful travels no mattter where one is.

5 Reasons to travel to Indonesia

With nearly thousand of islands as part of the landscape, Indonesia has some of the most mesmerizing sceneries and a vast variety in their arsenal of landscapes. From mountains to volcanoes, beaches to rainforests; Indonesia boasts a large nuumber of flora and fauna in their possesion. Developments for local art is blooming as Bali slowly gains recognition for being an island filled wth local artworks brimming with life and love for nature. That said, here are five reasons to visit Indonesia.

1.Food:



Food is an inseparable part of life and nourishment. Nowadays, the art of fine dining and cuisine is evolving and research for fine-tuning the ways to fine dining is observed. Indonesia has a selection of food so wide-ranged that one may have a har time choosing what to have for a meal. It can be a real dilemma for those who love to eat and want to have abite of everything in one go. All the local cuisine exude an exotic, mouth watering taste that can only be found in the country.

2. UNESCO heritage sites:

Indonesia has a few UNESCO heritage sites that are filled with wildlife and some of these are bound to the local culture. One of the most intriguing factors that draws a lot of attention are the komodo dragons that reside on komodo island. These humongous lizards can only be found in this region th
us piquing the interests of many. There are also rainforests or nature reserves that are included into the list of UNESCO heritage sites which are worth the visit.

3. Nature escape:

As mentioned above, Indonesia has different landscapes spanning the various islands which allows variety for living environment. Volcanoes, beaches, and rainforests are aplenty and this can cater to anyone with different interests. The beaches are home to a lot of marine life and these are great spots for scuba diving and snorkelling. There is even an underwater walk available in Bali where one can walk on a pathway underwater and watch firsthand the fishes around them.

4. Atmosphere:

The locals are known to be friendly and welcoming to tourists and mostly wear a smile as they bring tourists around. They are humble and open when it comes to serving tourists or foreigners. This creates a great atmosphere to travel in or feel a difference in lifestyle. For those trying to escape the politics or drama of everyday life, Indonesia is a great place to escape to. The environment is extremely important when it comes to creating a great place for a great retreat.

5. Adventure and explorations:

Visits or travels to Indonesia is bound to be filled with adventures that may not be countable with our ten fingers. Mountains with untainted wildlife and mystifying lakes like Lake Toba in Medan are a few lesser known tourist attention sites but are beautiful places nonetheless. For those adventurous souls or passionate explorers, Indonesia has a geography that is adventure friendly and encourages exploration. This allows handful of chances or reasons to visit Indonesia.


All in all, there are more than just five reasons to visit Indonesia and it's culture is also another reason. However, with that aside; it is good to want to experience the world and understand others who share the world with us. Do check out these articles for more information on UNESCO heritage sites in the SouthEast Asian region: http://theaseanexperience.blogspot.sg/2016/03/unesco-heritage-sites-in-south-east-asia.html

Or this article to find out more about dealing with culture shocks: http://theaseanexperience.blogspot.sg/2016/03/dealing-with-culture-shock-how.html

Finally, this article of ours covers things to pack for when travelling to tropical climates: http://theaseanexperience.blogspot.sg/2016/03/what-to-bring-for-trips-in-tropical.html

5 popular beaches in Philippines:

Boracay, Aklan:

White, smooth sand surrounded by clear blue pristine water with lapping waves; Boracay beach is one of the infamous destination in Philippines for vacation-goers. Aside the soaking up the sun, diving in the sea or trying water sports; Boracay hosts a myriad of activities in the night to cater to the variety of night-life on the beach. The beach is also featured in CNN as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world in 2012. 

El Nido,Palawan:

Accessible by both air and sea, El Nido is another sunny paradise surrounded by a whole spread of wildlife and scenes of nature. Known in another name as “The city of Gods”, El Nido's boasts karst limestone formations, peaceful lagoons, caves and waterfalls that can take your breath away in complete awe of their beauty. Aside being a getaway location for travellers, El Nido is a utopia for marine life that has a vast and diverse ecosystem. 

Samal Island, Davao City:

Famous amongst fellow snorkelers and divers for it's crystal-clear waters, rock formations, mangrove areas and coconut palms dotting the sandy whites of the beach. The flow of tourists into the area is slowly gaining pace due the multiple numbers of resorts available. With a wide stretch of land , there is plenty to explore and discover while taking in fully the scenery and embracing the surrounding nature.

Panglao Island, Bohol:

A little ways away from Bohol, Panglao is a beach slightly similar to Boracay. With it's diving spots, fine sands, and blue ocean waters; it is known as the “little paradise of pure hearts”. Aside swimming alongside the aquatic marine life in the fine clear waters, another attraction is the Chocolate Hills. No, the hills aren't made out of chocolate but that is how the locals call the unique dome-shaped hills on the island that turn brown during the dry seasons. 

Pagudpud/Bangui, Ilocos Norte:

A quiet holiday destination that has travel constraints to control the influence of commercialism. This allows the sense of space for anyone seeking a less crowded location to soak up the sun rays and surf. Located on the northern tip of Luzon, there aren't much places for one to shop and the number of ATMs are limited. This might not appeal much to shopaholics though but the peace is a great change of pace for those searching for a break from the hustle and bustle.

Such gems of beaches are a rare find and are a real draw for those who just love to surround themselves in the cool embrace of the waves or feel the sun on their backs. Philippines is filled with such wonder of nature and for anyone heading there soon, don't forget your sunscreen!. Till next time, safe travels and have a fun trip everyone!!

UNESCO Heritage sites in South-east Asia:

UNESCO has a total of 37 heritage sites in the South-east Asia region and these are all scattered throughout various countries and locations. These sites are established to preserve the history and culture of the locations and it is an important asset to the country and the world as a whole as it documents lifestyle and culture. The countries that are included are Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia.

In this list, we'll be covering one heritage sites from the each of the various countries starting with:

Indonesia: Komodo National park

Indonesia is the one country that is known to be the native land of the world's largest giant lizards. The Komodo dragons aren't actual dragons but lizards of massive size. Their native birthplace is this island which is now turned into a national park in order to preserve them.

Vietnam: Hoi An

Hoi An is an important trading port where trade was centered in the 15th to 19th century. The town has traces of numerous local and foreign influence. However, the history, culture and infrastructure is well preserved and seeps through the ages till today.

Malaysia: Kinabalu Park

All of Malaysia's 13 states has a unique quality that each state is best known for and towards the East, on the state of Sabah is one of the highest mountains in the Asian region. Mount Kinabalu is one of the mountains with a peak so high that plenty of climbers challenge.

Philippines: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Divers would love this site as the pristine and clear waters reveal some of the world's hidden treasure under the depths of the waves. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park hosts a variety of coral reefs and marine wildlife.

Singapore: Singapore Botanic Gardens

Reminiscent of a European-style botanic garden of plants established under British rule in 1859. From then onwards, it stands as a landmark representative of Singaporean history and culture while relative and significant of science, education and the importance of conservation.

Laos: Town of Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, a town filled with the history and splendour that presents itself as the ancient capital of the old kingdom of Laos. Luang Prabang's buildings blends and combines those of Asian and European cultures that comes together to create the uniqueness that is Luang Prabang.

Myanmar: Pyu ancient cities

The three ancient cities of Halin, Beikthano and Sri Ksetra remains from the Pyu Kingdom that lasted for eleven centuries from 200 BC to 900 AD. The ruins breathe of a rich Buddhist culture left behind from royal, religious structures and an irrigation system.

Thailand: Historic city of Ayutthaya

Nestled in the Ayutthaya province, this historic city was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The remains of the destruction of the Burmese in the 18th century speak aloud of the religious and administrative buildings that once stood proud; hinting towards the city's majestic history.

Cambodia: Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is infamous amongst the South-east region as a major archaeological site filled with the beauty of ancient remains of the Khmer Empire. The site includes the famous temple of Angkor Wat, the Bayon Temple, and the jungle covered Ta Phrom Temple being part of the arsenal.

Here area few of the different UNESCO heritage sites around the South East Asia region. We hope that you have a great time if you happen to come across these amazing sites. Till the next post, safe travels everyone!

Why is the Ringgit called the Ringgit? :

The Malaysian currency is called a unique name that is different from the 'Dollar' name that a lot of countries use. It is called the 'Ringgit' and it's currency code is 'MYR'. The name means  'jagged' in the Malay language which referred to the serrated edge of Spanish notes that were circulated in the country back then.

The currency is issued by the national bank of Malaysia called Bank Negara Malaysia. The abbreviation for the currency is coded as 'RM' which signifies 'Ringgit Malaysia'. It's history dates back to June 2, 1967; where Bank Negara Malaysia issued the notes to replace the Malaya and British Borneo dollar on par.

The denominations currently as of 2016 are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 Ringgit notes. The images below are a specimen of how they look like.

The coins are called 'Sen' in Malay or 'Cents' in English. The coins are denominated to be  5, 10, 20, 50 cents. These can be counted to be 10 sen = 1/10 of 1 Ringgit.

After the issuing of the notes back in 1967, Malaysia adopted a free-floating currency trading policy abut 2.50 compared to the US Dollar. The Ringgit has devalued from 2.50 to 3.80 on the exchange trades by the end of 1997. The currency has continued to devalue until this day and has fluctuate unstably for quite while. 

Currently, the median exchange rate is 1 USD to 4 MYR and 1 EURO to 4.5 MYR. That being said, we hope that these information will help anyone heading to the Malaysia for holidays. Be sure to have your notes exchanged before your trip but no worries if you fail to do so on a sudden trip as the international airports do accept a variety of currencies. Till next time, safe travels eveyone!!

Tips to know before travelling to Malaysia:

Malaysia is an Islamic country and due to it's diversity of race, religion and culture; it is a wonderful place to visit and explore. Malaysian's are friendly in general and most are able in speaking the English language. However, there are certain rules and regulations that would be extremely helpful before entering the country.


 Below is a list of a few things to watch out for when visiting the country.

1. Clothing: Malaysia is a country of tropical climate and is hot and humid all year round except during the monsoon season. Therefore, travellers tend to wear light and thin clothing to keep heatstroke away. However, it is best for one to wear clothing that covers the arms and legs before entering a place of worship.
2. Shoes: Unlike the western culture, Malaysian's do not wear shoes into their houses. So do make sure to take of your shoes before entering someone's house. This rule applies to mosques as well and some may require the person to wash their feet before entering the premises.
3. Eating ethics: When eating noodles, do not slurp it as it reflects bad manners. One can request for the regular fork and spoon if using chopsticks is not an option. It is a norml sight for some people to eat using their hands in certain places but if it's at an Indian stall, refrain from using the left hand.
4. Cuisines: Malaysian cuisine is normally flavourful and filled with an assortment of flavours that will dance on your tastebuds. However, half of the dishes available may come cooked or drizzled with spices. So, for anyone out there who can't take spicy foods, you might want to check if the dish you order is spicy before confirming it.
5. Religion: Being an Islamic country, there are times where masses of Muslims go and pray and prayers can be heard in the close vicinity. This is normal and on Fridays in particular, Muslims would leave work early to go to the mosques to pray. Do not be alarmed if you see crowds of people flowing into the mosques on Friday; it's just prayer time.
6. Pork: When visiting Malaysia, the triangular sign with the word “Halal” is present in many places. This refers and relates to the fact that Muslims are not allowed to eat pork. If a restaurant has this sign, it means that the restaurant does not serve pork. If you're a pork lover and can't live a day without consuming pork, it might be a good idea to stick to Chinese restaurants that do normally serve pork.
7. Safety: When visiting, it is wise to not have gold or expensive jewellery or expensive looking ones on you. It is not to say that Malaysia is completely unsafe but crime may happen and prevention is way better than cure.

By understanding more about our destinations, it shouldn't be too big of a problem for one to commute or coordinate around the wonderful cities of the 13 different states of Malaysia. Till then we wish everyone a safe travel and a wonderful trip throughout Malaysia.

Top 10 phrases to learn before a visit to Malaysia

Malaysia, a nation brimming with beautiful and spectacular natural scenes and locations. It practically screams perfection for a retreat; be it to the mountains or the beaches or into the cool canopy of Sarawak's rainforests. Despite most of the younger generation being able to understand English, Malay is considered the national language. With communication as key, here are a few Malay phrases we suggest to everyone to learn before your trip to Malaysia. 

1. Sorry/Excuse me – Minta maaf (Mint a mah uff)

2. Thank you/Welcome – Terima kasih (Ter rih ma Kah sih)/Sama – sama (Sah mah sah mah)

3. What is this? - Apa ini? (Ap pa in ni)

4. How much? – Berapa? (Ber ah pah)

5. Expensive/Cheap – Mahal (Mah hull)/ Murah (Moo rah)

6. Water – Air? (Ire)

7. Can (verb) – Boleh (Bow lay)

8. Help – Tolong (Tow long)

9. Yes/No – Ya (yea)/Tidak (Tea duck)

10. Don't understand – Tidak faham (tea duck fa hum)
11. Toilet – Tandas (tun dus)

One need not worry as some English phrases work and the locals do understand English to a certain extent that doesn't cover overcomplicated phrases or sentences. Therefore, it is still better to know a few Malay sentences to help us out in a sticky situation. Till next time, safe travels everyone!

Phuket: An over-commercialized “heaven” for tourists?

Like some other conservative travelers who enjoy a relaxing beach sunset while sipping a bottle of coke, some of us may enjoy the serenity or tranquility which we may find on islands and beaches. Upon Google search on where to go in Southeast Asia for these beaches, Phuket comes out in the list.

    

For first-time travelers in Phuket, most of them will either straight away head to the famous Patong beach or Kata beach once landed from the airport. Dreaming of a serene view overlooking the sea, you may find yourself in shock. Crowded beaches with Russians and Chinese will be the first thing you will see.

After strolling down the beach sometime, you may want to find a place to just sit down or hang out. Once you sit down, you will “bombarded” by mat sellers or just some random umbrella vendors. Some of them will be rather rough when you try to bargain. The dream of enjoying a serene sunset by the beach? Busted.!

Nightlife around the main beaches in Phuket may also be a mess. Loud booming EDM , drunkards, and hookers. The worst case scenario for travelers who enjoys calm, serene environment.

What we recommend is spend minimum time to explore these over-commercialized spots in Phuket such as Patong or Kata beach. Spend some time staying in condotels of Phuket town enjoying the real local livelihood of Phuket islanders or go to some underrated beaches such as Yan Nui beach which is situated not far from the Promethep Cape.

Some detailed planning will help you from dropping in just another tourist trap in Phuket.

Top 10 phrases to learn before a trip to Vietnam

Vietnam is a beautiful place to visit and like the adventurous people that we are, it is better to research on the language or destination before the trip. This will help us communicate better with locals and save us from a pinch. Here are 10 phrases which we think will be useful in learning before heading to Vietnam.



1. Hello! - Xin chao! (sin chow) Greetings are very important.

2. Thank you - Cam on (gahm uhn) Expressing thanks show gratitude.

3. Sorry/Excuse me - Xin loi (seen loy) Useful for apologizing or asking for directions.

4. Do you speak English? - Ban co noi duoc tieng Anh khong?

5. Can you help me? - Ban giup toi duoc khong? (ban zoop thoy duc khom?)

6. What is this? - Cai nay la gi (guy nai la zee)  Clarify what items or food are.

7. How much? - Bao nhieu (bow nyew) This phrase comes up often when eating or shopping.

8. Do you have a cheaper price? - Ban co gia nao re hon khong? (Used in bargaining)

9. Water - Nouc (Water is crucial to survival and being able to ask for some is useful)

10. Where's the toilet? - Nha ve sinh… o dau? (ngha ve sin o dau?) Useful in a toilet emergency.


We hope that this short compiled list will turn out to be of help to everyone. Till next time, safe travels everyone!

Haze: An annual "norm" in Southeast Asia?

From the annual “plantation burning ritual” in Indonesian grounds to the uncontrollable forest fire in the north of Indochina, Haze has already becoming a more and more serious issue in this part of this world.

Southeast Asia not only offers the great convenience of an international hub, but also is blessed by the abundance of beautiful natural resources. From the sandy beaches in Koh Samui of Thailand to the mountains in Crocker Range of Malaysia, southeast Asia attracts millions of visitors around the world annually.

However, haze problems has been dramatically growing during these past few years. With hazardous PSI levels heading up to nearly 250 in Singapore, it has severely affect the good tourism reputation of most countries in Southeast Asia.

Although the ASEAN governments has “dramatically” come up with new partnerships to cope with the severe haze, the haze problems had not been resolved in these past few years. Recent haze which strike Chiang Rai of Thailand and also parts of East Malaysia has is becoming an annual norm for people living there. 

What strikes us is till when the ASEAN community can come up with a haze remedy not only to protect our natural resources but also to protect our own Southeast Asians? 

What to bring for trips in Tropical Climates?

Most parts of Southeast Asia are under tropical climate regions and a visit to there may be a disaster if one do not prepare well. Here are some items to keep a traveller checked when visiting Southeast Asia:

1. Mosquito repellent/Bug repellent:

Tropical climate regions are the best breeding ground for bugs and mosquitoes. Mosquito or bug repellents is a must to prepare before heading to tropical regions such as Southeast Asia

2. Foldable Umbrella:
 

Simply a shield for rain or shine. Make sure it is foldable which is more convenient to fit in backpacks.

3. Light-material backpacks:

A useful item to keep your stuff on the go. Canvas backpacks or other light-weighted material backpacks will not only be waterproof, but also will not be a hassle to bring during trips.

4. Slippers/Sandals:
 

This item will be of good use when going to the beach or when you simply just don't want to step on the carpet with your bare feet at the hotel.

5. Straw Hats:
 

A good alternative to bringing an umbrella. Plus, straw hats are light too.

6. Sunscreen:

The sunlight can be quite strong even during mornings in tropical climates. Applying sunscreen before heading out will minimize the damage done to your skin.

7. Sunglasses:

Not only to keep your coolness, but also to protect your eyes from the sunlight from time to time.

8. Small first-aid kit: 

An open wound or simply just a scratch may get worst or even attract unwanted diseases in tropical climates. First-aid kits which contain antiseptics, cotton and bandages will go a long way preventing you from being infected by tropical diseases.

9. A small packet of salt:

Especially useful for jungle travellers. Leeches and bugs of commonly found in the jungles of tropical climate regions. Salt can easily remove leeches from skin without doing any damage. 

Top 5 Slangs to learn when travelling to Malaysia

On the way

Usually used when you’re late for a formal event or a meeting session with friends. No matter what are you doing when the question is asked ( even still at home), Malaysians tend to use this 3 words to answer. A lot of times it is continued by Malaysians saying “ X minutes ah…”

Example:

A: Why so late? Everybody waiting for you , you know ?

B: On the way…on the way… 5 more minutes..!!

Cincai

The word “ cincai” literally means whatever. Malaysians use this word frequently when they are reluctant to make a choice or just to continue a conversation.

Example:

A: Where you want to eat today ?

B: Cincai lah.. Up to you…

Walao / Walao Eh

This phrase is often to describe the feeling of surprise or disbelief. Often, it is followed by a demanding question regarding the topic which strikes disbelief.

Example:

A: So sorry, I forgot to buy your share of tickets for the movie..

B: Walaoeh, How can you invite for the movie and forgot to buy my share leh ?

Tapau

Perhaps one of the most useful slang when it comes to travelers when buying food in Malaysia. “Tapau” means to take away servings of food.

Example：

A：Can I tapau a packet of Chicken Rice ?

That's why lah

The phrase literally translates into "that explains it" in proper English. Often used when Malaysians want to make a quick reasoning about something.

Example :

A: Oops..I’m being late again, coz’ stuck in the heavy traffic

B: That’s’ why lah.. always ask you to go out earlier but you don’t listen.

Pre-anxiety travel? How to deal with it?

 With all sorts of people out there, some of us might be the type to feel extremely stressed out and worried or anxious before a trip. This can take the fun out of it no doubt but with proper preparations, attitude, and mindset, confidence can be built and anxiety can be quelled. Below are a few ways or tips on how to identify pre-travel anxiety and how we can handle it to help our journey be slightly worry-free.

1. Research - Researching up on the destination can be informational and saves us from major culture shocks. Anxiety can stem from the fact that we are stepping into a new foreign land that we're not familiar with and causes worry and concern. Google is our best friend in such cases so do Google up on your travel destination and learn a little bit about the place before you hop onto the plane.
2. Identify the trigger points of pre-travel anxiety – In the case of anxiousness before travelling can be linked to multiple aspects of our lives. Solely luggage preparations may not be enough to solve the problem. Therefore, understanding ourselves and mentally and emotionally while preparing ourselves for the trip is another way to deal with pre-travel anxiety.
3. Talk, don't avoid – Once we've identified the sources of anxiety, talk to friends or family members to lift the burden. We are surrounded by people so talk about the problem instead of avoiding it is able to lift the burden off our shoulders.
4. 

   Ample preparation time – In the previous point, we've mentioned that those of us with anxiety should prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally. By allowing time for ourselves to register the idea of travelling and carrying preparations requires time and if one feels rushed then maybe it's time to take a step back on the next trip and give ourselves a little bit more time to prepare.
5. Prepare for the unexpected – Travelling is a messy business, by which we mean that not everything goes according to plan. We may have planned a wonderful time but life never always go the way we want it. By lowering our expectations back down to Earth can also prevent us from suffering setbacks or disappointments in our travels.
6. Take breaks – While packing and preparing, be sure to take breaks and not wrap everything around yourself. We are all human after all, and a break or two may turn out to be even more productive than we thought.
7. Write a checklist – Writing a checklist with items that are essential to the trip may aid us during those spells of memory loss. It also helps us keep track of what is done and what is left undone; and boy, does watching those items getting crossed off build up the excitement.
8. Plan ahead – For those who have a fear of flights, heights or just pure anxiety of plane rides, planning ahead by reading up on ways to cope with the stress before the actual plane ride. For those who hate boredom; maybe throwing a book or two into the bag might help.
9. 

   Don't procrastinate – Preparing for a trip is no small feat, it requires hours or scheduling and arranging and up until the actual flight, we might all be worn out. Therefore, leaving everything till the last minute is a horrible idea that might take the entire fun out of the journey even before it began. This is why we should have a little progress each and everyday to even out the workload.
10. Don't over-think – Constant worrying and over-thinking will do nothing to help with pre-travel anxiety. It worsens it; know that all preparations are done and all there is left is for the plane to take off. Believe that everything will turn out just fine. It's a vacation, not a migration. XD

With all said and done, the journey is just as important as the destination so let's all enjoy the scenery while we hike up the mountain. Till next time, happy and safe travels everyone!!

Dealing with Culture Shock? How ?

Do more Research 

Learn as much as you can about the new location before you go. This refers to the positive and negative sides of being in the region or country. From which sides people drive on to local cuisine and culture, sometimes even local religion, it is always good to understand more before stepping into a country. If possible, learn a few phrases of local greetings or daily conversations.

Willing to Learn

Be open-minded and willing to learning. Ask questions. If you are going to a place which has a different language or slang, consider taking a few courses in that language. One of the best way to combat cultural shock is actually to blend in the local scene. Mastering a few local “trick of the trades” will be helpful all the time.

Build new positive friendships

Even if you’ve done really good research, having someone who can help you in avoid culture shock and even coping up with the local pace. Surviving another culture is favourably easier when you have a person to guide you through the new little everyday experiences when you are travelling abroad.

Have an Adventurous Spirit

Eleanor Roosevelt once said “do something that takes courage every day,” . This is especially important for travelers when it comes to Survival 101 in a different culture. The only way to survive out of the monotonous comfort zone is to actually treat every day as an adventure ..

Stay in Touch with Family and Friends

Perhaps one of the most important element of all. This can give you some comfort while away, and it will help you to minimize reverse culture shock when you get back home. Spending some time conversing with family and friends back home will ease the anxiety of adapting to a new culture.

Interesting transports found in Southeast Asia

When travelling to South East Asia, there are certainly tons of alternative methods of transport across. From animal carts to crowded mini-lorries, these transportation are easily accessible to those who visit particular regions in South East Asia. Here are some of the interesting transportation methods.

 Cidomo 

Cidomo is a small horse-drawn carriage used in some parts of Indonesia. In the 1960s-70s, it was the main transport used in Bali, Indonesia. The carriage usually can seat up to 4 persons, with 2 person sitting in the front and 2 in the back. Till now, it is widely found especially in Bali and Gili Islands of Indonesia. Riding the Cidomo exploring suburban towns of Indonesia is definitely an interesting experience.

SongThaew

The songthaew , literally translated to English from Thai as Two Rows. This is a passenger vehicle commonly found in most areas in Thailand and Laos. It is actually a pick-up or a larger truck and used as a share taxi or bus. Nowadays, drivers of songthaew especially in Thailand can communicate with simple English resulting to a lot of western visitors actually use songthaew as a mode of transport in places such as Krabi or Phuket.

Tuk-Tuk 

Tuk-tuks or 'sam lor' (three-wheeled) is found in Thailand. Originating from an old-fashioned rickshaw during the second World War, a tuk-tuk is essentially a rickshaw with a small engine fitted in. Tuk-tuks have become one of Bangkok's most recognisable transportation features, and are still popular among tourists and visitors. The typical capacity for a tuk-tuk in Thailand is two average-size people or maybe three.

Trishaws 

The trishaws found in Malaysia are the cousins of Tuk-Tuk from Thailand. The only difference between them is the trishaws found in Malaysia are pedal-powered. Trishaws are a great way to travel through the historical alleys in parts of Malaysia such as Melaka and Penang. Malaysian Trishaws will usually ferry you through narrow lanes, offering closer view of historical sites at a most leisurely pace.

Xe Bo

Xe Bo is known as the bull cart in Vietnam. Visitors travelling to the outskirts in Vietnam such as Ninh Binh and Tam Coc will always encounter these bull carts. Although not the fastest way to travel through the roads, it may be an unforgettable experience to ride on one of these bull carts. As known, no matter it is one bull or 2 bulls pulling these carts, it will always be the same speed.