Asia Archives - A Million Lives

February 16, 2022 by Greg Underwood

10 ways to experience Bali like a local?

Of all the places you can visit, Bali has to be one of the most visited by foreigners. Here are ten ways to experience Bali and a Komodo sailing trip like a local:

Shop in an authentic market

To get yourself acquainted with how the Balinese live, go shopping at their markets and take it all in. Sitting and watching what they buy and eat will teach both your hands and eyes what popular foods and how they prefer to cook them.

Watch a Kecak dance performance for free

Every night, there are free Kecak dance performances at Uluwatu temple. Kecak is a Balinese trance dance that tells the Ramayana story. The performance is quite a spectacle and a great way to experience a religious event in Bali for free.

Have a meal with host families

While staying in a homestay or hotel is fun because you have your room and bathroom to yourself, nothing brings you closer to your hosts than inviting them over for dinner. Having them cook food from their hometown teaches you both about their culture and gives you authentic Balinese cuisine straight from the source. It’s also widespread for guests who have just arrived to be invited by their host family to eat with them before they have settled in.

Swim at a black sand beach

No one ever mentions this, but there are black sand beaches in Bali. While Kuta and Sanur’s white sand beaches are the most popular, if you look around enough, you can find gems like Pura Tanah Lot near Tabanan, where the water is quite cold and offers fantastic views of the famous rock formation set against a deep blue sea.

Participate in fire ceremonies

It isn’t hard to stumble upon these little rituals- from lighting incense sticks for family members who have passed away to celebrating full moons by lighting candles on the beach. If you want an immersive experience with Balinese Spirituality, try attending a ceremony and seeing what you can learn from it.

Enjoy the cultural artistry of Kecak Dancers

Every night at Uluwatu temple, free Kecak dance performances tell the Ramayana story through trance-dancing. If you’re up for a once in a lifetime experience and some good local entertainment, this is your chance.

Talk to strangers

Bali has an incredibly friendly population and very few dangers compared to other places worldwide. The best way to get to know locals better is striking up conversations with them which will give you insights into both Balinese culture as well as Bali tips such as where the safest beaches are, how to get there, and local hangout spots

Participate in a fruit ceremony

Every time you visit your host family or relatives, expect to participate in a fruit ceremony where you will be given at least one piece of fruit for every person present around the table. If you don’t eat all of it, they will tell you that the earth has taken back its share and that you will not have good luck for seven years. It is just Balinese culture, so go ahead and indulge.

Try new things, especially street food

Bali offers some unique fruits that you can find at traditional markets and on the side of the road. Get to know local street food and fruits by trying new things every day.

Take a bike ride around town

Bali is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered on your own, so get out there and explore with your camera in hand or on a rented bike. Every time you turn a corner, take out your map because it’s always rewarding when you stumble upon something beautiful that wasn’t even listed in any guidebooks.

Bottom line

The best way for tourists to experience Bali as locals do is to go shopping at their markets, try Balinese cuisine straight from the source or have dinner with host families, which will give a more in-depth look into the Balinese culture.

September 5, 2018 by Greg Underwood

Top beaches to visit in Kochi

Kerala is awarded the title of “God’s own country,” for the natural beauty it possesses. Every single city of Kerala offers beauty that one can found nowhere in this world. Be it a hill station or a beach city, Kerala has the best. Talking about beach then Kochi is the first name that often strikes the tourists. The city has the beaches that not have ocean and shores but are something that looks majestic. With other elements like Chinese fishing nets and smacking seafood being served on the seaside stalls, Kochi has always been people’s favourite when it comes to planning a holiday at the beach city. If you are impressed with the elaboration of Kochi’s beaches and want to plan a holiday there, we have more for you. Today, we are discussing the top beaches of Kochi that you must visit.

One can easily reach Kochi as the city has well-connected and maintaining transportation facilities. Talking about international tourists then it is even easier to reach the place as Kochi has its own international airport. One can book Canada, Singapore, London, and book Dubai to Kochi flights easily with the help of several websites.

Now let us discuss the top beaches of Kochi that you shouldn’t miss from visiting.

Fort Kochi Beach

Fort Kochi beach is the first beach in the list that you must visit. The beach is located in the Old Kochi across the Arabian Sea. The beach is famous for its Chinese fishing net which is locally called “Cheenavala.” The beach is not the cleanest one in the city but it is worth taking a walk. Do not forget to click the photos of Chinese fishing net as they are hard to find these days. Also, if you are a seafood lover, do try out some seafood dishes served at the nearby stalls. You can also shop for some handmade crafts from the beachside stall.

Puthuvype Beach

This beach is not famous as other ones in the city which perhaps keep it from crowd and litters. This fact also has kept the place from getting commercialized and there is hardly any vendor. You can enjoy some me-time here without getting interrupted. The view of the turquoise water meeting with golden sand at the shore is something worth watching. A lighthouse serves as the perfect background scene. If you are visiting from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. you can also get the chance to take a trip to the lighthouse.

Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach is another very famous beach in Kochi and is located on the Northern tip of the Vyppedn Island. The beach stays overcrowded for there are many water sports activities are offered along with swimming and boat ride. You can ride a boat and go to the less crowded area of the beach to enjoy the view. You should try out seafood here. You can also spot the same Chinese fish net as of Fort Beach. If you are lucky, you can also spot a dolphin. Yes, you read it right, you can spot a dolphin.

These 3 beaches of Kochi are must visit. Each of them offers different ambiance, facilities, and charm.

December 11, 2017 by Greg Underwood

Bustling Bangkok: The Essentials on How to Have an Awesome Trip

Thailand attracts millions of tourists from around the world each year. Some head to the beaches and find a luxurious rental in thailand along the coastline whereas others head north to Chiang Mai. But one thing is for sure, the vast majority of tourists spend at least part of their time in Bangkok. Bangkok is a great city that’s loved by many. Here’s your guide on how to have an excellent trip to Thailand’s capital.

Why Bangkok?

First, Bangkok’s food is delicious. If you’re a fan of spicy Tom Yam or street food, you’ll find yourself in paradise. Lots of restaurants sell inexpensive Thai food, and street vendors have an array of snacks and bites. The adventurous can even try eating different types of insects including crickets, scorpions and beetles in Khao San.

The nightlife in Bangkok also has a reputation for late nights and cheap drinks. Some want to party until the early hours while others sit content with watching the chaos pass by in front of them. Most of the bars are along Khao San Road and are always full of backpackers and tourists. But you can find more sophisticated places around the city too. Favourites include rooftop bars and lounges.

Sightseeing is easy in Bangkok. There are lots of temples, the Royal Palace, river cruises, night markets and beautiful train journeys to choose from. And something is always happening in Thailand’s capital, which adds to the travel experience.

Where to Stay

The cheapest and more popular spot for tourists to stay is around Khao San Area. Khao San Road is the backpacker area with noisy bars, endless tourists and masses of vendors hawking their goods at all times of the day and night. Lots of hotels, hostels, guesthouses and homestays are in this area with most having an affordable price tag. If you want to meet other travellers and have a good time, this is the best place to stay in Bangkok.

For a more upscale experience, head to the Bangkok Riverside. The district hugs the edge of the river and has lots of five-star hotels and resorts. Most of the best Bangkok rentals and places to stay are around here. You’ll find lots of fine dining opportunities in this part of the city along with lounges and exclusive bars.

Sukhumvit neighbourhood is in the centre of Bangkok and a little further away from the noise and chaos. Accommodation choices tend to be in the mid-range but still very affordable. Shopping malls and spas are a short walk from most hotels. You’ll find endless Thai and international restaurants along the streets including Italian, Arabic and thick juicy Australian steaks. If you want to get away from the backpacker zone and don’t have the budget to splurge, find a place to stay in Sukhumvit.

Things to Do and See

First-time visitors may feel overwhelmed when they arrive. There are so many things happening and new things to see in Bangkok. Wandering around the street and sampling local food is a highlight for some whereas visiting temples and museums are more important to others.

Regardless of what you want to do, the must-see attractions in Bangkok include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Emerald Buddha inside Grand Palace and joining a river cruise. You should also visit the National Museum if you have the time to learn more about the history and culture of Thailand.

Travel Tips

The most important travel tip is to remember when sightseeing is to pack something to cover your legs. Anyone who visits the Royal Palace or any temple needs to dress respectively, which includes no shorts, mini-skirts or singlets. If you don’t meet the requirements, you don’t go inside.

For someone who visits Bangkok for the first time, the sheer number of Tuk Tuks racing around is a fascinating site. Colourful carriages attached to the back of a motorbike speed and wind their way through traffic. And most drivers speak a word or two of English. But, you may also notice that it’s only foreigners inside. And that’s because they tend to charge a much higher price. Locals rely on taxis because they’re cheaper.

Taxis are a pain, especially in and around Khao San. Taxis should use a meter, but most don’t. In the touristy areas, drivers collude with each other and say a fixed price. Tourists ask a few drivers and get the same amount wrongly assuming it’s the standard price. But it’s not. The cost will likely be up to five times higher than if they use their meter. Don’t use a taxi if they don’t switch it on. And don’t listen to their excuses either.

Get a good map of the city. If you’re using your phone or tablet, make sure you’re connected and can see exactly where you are. More traditional travellers may buy one from the shop. Bangkok is a large and complicated place with alleys, roads and highways in all directions. Getting lost is all too easy, especially after dark. The city is confusing to locals, let alone jetlagged tourists!

Bustling Bangkok

Bangkok makes an excellent destination for a few days to enjoy the attractions and visit some of the temples. If you’re on a budget and want to enjoy the famous nightlife, find a place near Khao San. Others may find better accommodation along Bangkok Riverside in Sukhumvit. Enjoy the food, culture and cheap drinks and avoid relying on Tuk Tuks and taxis refusing to use their meter. Follow our suggestions, and bustling Bangkok will quickly become one of your favourite cities in the world.