10 Things I truly, madly, deeply DISLIKE about Bali

"One does not love a place the less because one has suffered in it."
--Virginia Woolf, The Common Reader

I would have used ‘hate’ but Mike keeps telling me it’s such a strong word so, I used ‘dislike’ instead, with some adjectives for emphasis. =) 

The Impermanents on Surf Wanderer!

Follow the link below and check out my article published last month on Surf Wanderer's Online Surf Magazine. 

A little insight to one of Kristin's and my favorite beaches here in Bali's Bukit Peninsula -- Balangan. 

We have plenty to share about the Bukit soon, 

but enjoy this for now!

        Escaping Motorcycle City: 'B-Land' Bali Surf Travel

Setting Up in Bali: Part II -- Renting Transportation, Communications, and Internet

How to Rent Transportation?

Things to Do in Canggu & Kerobokan

Rapidly expanding Seminyak has already begun spreading north into the Kerobokan and Canggu area. Now home to a healthy ex-pat community, this area also has plenty of accommodation for tourists as well. The beaches can be a bit dirty, but there's lots of great shopping and dining. Villas set amongst the rice paddies and its proximity to the action south make this a popular destination.

Setting Up in Bali: Part I -- Accommodations, Furniture, and Appliances

Sorry for the delay in between posts. Life has gotten quite stressful and busy here in Bali land.

Things to Do in Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak

Once a small fishing village, Kuta has developed into the heart of Bali's tourism industry over the past four decades. In fact, it's gotten so big that it's hard to tell where Kuta ends and its northern neighbors of Legian and Seminyak begin (we can barely tell, that's why we grouped them together here). The area's proximity to Ngurah Rai Airport makes it the easiest arrival and departure destination, and it's long sandy beach is close to a wide range of accommodations, shopping, restaurants, and bars.

Inflight Article

Something I keep forgetting to do:

So you want to date a Surfer??

oh them surfer boysss

Let me tell you some things about being a surfer’s girlfriend before you delve into their world of sun, sea, and surf.

You see them at the beach all tanned and gorgeous; their toned arms carrying boards as the breeze blows at their rough sun-bleached surfer hair. Their lean athletic bodies look so sexy, natural, and daring, especially when you see them ripping at the waves and bravely charging sets and barrels.

Not to mention the lifestyle they lead: nature-loving travelers who are always up for the next adventure or off to the best surf locations, enjoying such carefree and fun lives.

Who wouldn’t be attracted to these laid-back risky specimens? They’re easy-going all right, but there’s a lot more to dating them.

How I learned to surf in Bali

Thinking of learning to surf in Bali, yeah?

Let me first share with you my story and some things you need to know from a beginning surfer’s POV, then you can possibly gain from my experience and learn to surf the less stressful and painful way.

How to Learn to Surf (in Bali)

brit having fun in kuta

So you're planning a holiday to Bali or already on one and have heard and seen the amazing surf culture on the island. Now, you want to take lessons and start rippin’... Well, it takes more than just renting a board and going out there.

To learn without having to endure my mishaps or at least not as much, take heed my advice:

The Best Massage Place in Bali

One of the pleasurable activities of holidaying is getting a massage – a deep-tissue kind that literally pries your muscles from the bone or one that presses all the hurt and pain away, or a most relaxing one that leaves you snoring soundly on the bed. Whatever you want to achieve in your session, it should make you feel relaxed and energized after.

BEST MASSAGE PLACE?

Bali Activities 101

The island of the Gods is very flexible and accommodating to one's interests and purpose of holiday. Be it communing with nature, surfing, a romantic honeymoon, fun family time, or simply delving into one's spirituality, Bali has a spot for you.

Bali Trip Planning

Like with any destination, you want to have some idea of where you want to visit and the sort of activities you want to do. A lot of people think Bali is all about the surf, but that's far from true. Let's run through some of the regional distinctions.

next up: BALI

probably the much awaited topic by many of you. i get asked a lot about this place since I moved here in 2010 and Mike on his part, being a semi-resident himself.

there's loadsss to tell and we honestly don't know where to start. so we've decided to divide the writing tasks and claim our expertise (haha) on certain areas to give you all the best possible information on this beautiful island.

as you all know, we're up and about most of the time and writing takes a bit of effort (plus, sorting our photos, etc), so please be patient and stick around for amazing tips and know-how's on Asia's number one holiday destination! =)

Singapore Social

The saying "some good things come in small packages" definitely is one way to describe Singapore. 

This country may be mini in size but sure is max in fun! More so, its size and advancements in technology make it a very accessible city as well as providing convenience in getting around.


Be it you're on a long holiday, a weekend trip, or even just a flight lay-over, don't hesitate to go into the city and enjoy yourself. 

Here are some fun things to do in Sing Sing:

How to get from Langkawi to Singapore

We basically retraced our steps until Alor Setar.

From our hostel, we rode a taxi back to the Jetty Port, took the ferry to Kualah Kedah, a cab ride to Alor Setar, then the coach (~RM43) back to Singapore.

This is just one of the ways you can return to Singapore. The other is to fly back or take the train at Arau Railway Station.

This is probably the longest bus trip I’ve ever taken in my life. The entire trip took a little over 10 hours! (so yeah prepare yourself, bring some snacks and water) Good thing was that the bus was pretty comfortable and I slept for most of the trip. 

dinner at Red Tomato before leaving

Previously:  Lounging in Langkawi

Author: Kristin

Lounging in Langkawi

        Langkawi is a cluster of islands off the mainland coast of Northwestern     Malaysia. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah.It is famous for its conservation parks, islands, and beaches.

How to get to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore

After hanging out all over town in Singsing, my friend Jasmin and I made our move for Langkawi, an island on the west of the Malaysia peninsula with a stop-over in Kuala Lumpur.

I’ve heard of the difficulties of traveling it by land but we were both up for an adventure so, we decided to give it a go!

Kuala Lumpur in a day!

Kuala Lumpur is the business capital of Malaysia. I found that there isn't much to do here but eat at restaurants, visit the Petronas, and enjoy the city structures.

How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi

listening to kelly clarkson's concert
outside the hockey stadium while waiting
for the bus departure time. 

Jasmin and I took a cab from Berjaya Square to Sentral Station. From here, we rode the train to Bukit Jalil Station and walked about 5 minutes to the "temporary Bus Station / Terminal" -- because Puduraya Bus Terminal is closed for renovation at the time (it has resumed operations in 2011) -- where we took the late night bus, 11:30PM for Alor Setar. 

How to get to Sesame Street?

"Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street?"

Doubt anybody ever really knows. Doesn't even say in the song nor has Big Bird, Bert or Ernie mentioned it. Perhaps, Snuffie knows.

Halong Bay Tour Intinerary

To find out what happens on the Halong Bay Tour, read on.

Hanoi Have To Do's

These are what you HAVE to do:

Where to stay in Hanoi

In my searches, Hanoi Backpackers always came up with good reviews. So when I got to the strip I decided to check it out. Oh yeah, it's popular all right. It was bursting to the seams with young drunk aussies on their version of spring break. The place looked like an over-flow of Kuta in Bali.

Vietnam and Scams

I had a great solo trip to Hanoi this January even when it started out with a bit of a hassle and scare.

How to get from Koh Chang to Bangkok

This trip was probably the most excruciating of all. 

What to do in Koh Chang, Thailand

Is a large island 310 km from Bangkok, on the Western Gulf of Thailand, and near the border to Cambodia. It is well-known for its mountains, wildlife, and beaches. 

WHAT TO DO IN KOH CHANG?

How to get from Siem Reap to Koh Chang

Most people would fly back to Bangkok then land travel to Koh Chang. But it’s also possible to get there by BUS from Siem Reap.

Where to stay in Siem Reap

There are plenty of affordable hotels and hostels in the area. But, I love this one:

A special experience in Siem Reap

Remember I said previously that I love the hotel (and its staff) we stayed at? Here's why.

I had been wanting to visit a Buddhist temple to see the architecture, the monks at prayer, and get a blessed red string bracelet if possible, but I never seem to get the chance. Even from my first visit here, I didn't get to.

7 Other Things to do in Siem Reap

Other things worth doing aside from visiting Angkor Wat:

Siem Reap: A little piece of Heaven in Asia

Michael's photo of sunrise in heaven

SIEM REAP is the capital city in northwestern Cambodia, and is where the Angkor region is located. The past 10 years has seen an increase in tourism due mainly to ease of access and travel to the ancient Angkor Wat complex or historical Phnom Penh through its neighbors Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. More so, affordable flights are now provided by airline companies.

How to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap - Part 2

This part is about getting from the border to Siem Reap proper.

So you've gotten stamped, survived the chaotic crossing alive and all, and excited to get to the city and see the national heritages and wonders of the place. 

How to get there?

Crossing the Poipet Border Warnings

Many have experienced and written about their border-crossing horror stories, let’s hope through this you won’t have to write yours!

Poipet Boarder Crossing is the probably the busiest and most scamful of all the crossings into Cambodia. You really need your smarts to get through here. So when you're passing through, it's best if you're fully awake, sober, and in a good mood. Okay, maybe some alcohol might help ease the annoyance.  

How to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap - Part 1

Many travelers make their way to Siem Reap after a stint in Bangkok, as the city is accessible by various modes of land transportation.

I’ve done the mini-van and the local train ways.

the Low-Down:

Fun DAY stuff to do in Bangkok

So you’re over the whole Khao San and Tani Road scenes, or were never really into that and would love to see BKK during the day.

Here are some FUN day stuff to do:

BANGKOK: Ways to get from the Airport to Khao San Road

Bangkok is the capital, most populous city, and the main business district in Thailand. For foreign travelers however, Bangkok is a shopping mecca for cheap fashionable goods, delicious Thai cuisine, a commuter hub that connects you to the many other touristy spots of central Thailand, and of course the infamous Khao San Road.

Khao San Road is where the nightlife in Bangkok is concentrated; about 30 km/ 30 minutes from Suvarnabhumi airport. This is where all the crazy ought-be-forgotten partying happens aka the thai vortex.

How to get  to KHAO SAN from SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT

Got Kink? Kansai does.

Kansai, historically known as the Kinki Region, literally means "west of the border" that spreads all through the Kinki Plain and consists of seven prefectures: Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, and Shiga.

7 Fun things to DO in Osaka

I went to visit my good friend Andrew, who has moved here from Tokyo to work as an English professor at the beautiful Kwansei University. After touring his new school (definitely an upgrade from the language center we both worked for), we went around town to do some sight-seeing, eating, and of course partying!

What to DO and SEE?

5 Amazing Things to DO in Kyoto

Kyoto Imperial Palace

I had a few days off work so what better way to spend it than visiting ‘old Japan’ or what people call the ‘real Japan’ which is Kyoto. 

Kobe: 6 Things to DO in One Day

I had an extra day to spare so I decided to pay a family friend, the Sakoda Family, a visit. Sachiko and her daughter Aki gamely showed me around this little city.

What to do in ONE DAY??

5 Ways to Meet People in Tokyo

Life as a gaijin in Japan can be very lonely. If you’re male, you risk being called a pervert; for females, it may be a risk to your safety.

Coming up to other gaijins may come across as you being weird (unless you’re at a bar or club). More so, if you can’t speak the language well, it may get difficult for you to communicate and make local friends. 

So where do you go to meet people the safe or non-creepy way??

Here are 5 WAYS:

TOKYO LIVING

Living in Tokyo Town

Gaijin – slang and short for Gaikoku-jin. Modern meaning: Foreigner, alien, non-Japanese. Historical meaning: outsider, different people, barbarian. Yep, that’s you.

When I came to live and work in Japan, I didn’t know anyone or how to speak the language. Although, I didn’t learn the language (yeah, shameful, but I managed to survive. more on this in a separate article), I made many quality friends and learned so much about Japanese history and their way of life.

So, if you’re an Atarashii Gaijin (new foreigner) in the land of Nippon, you will need some essentials to help you enjoy your stay and survive Tokyo Town.

How to SURVIVE in Tokyo:

How and Where to find a Place To Live in Tokyo

photo courtesy of sakura-house

So, you’re about to move to Japan or have already moved but unsure of where to get help finding accommodations and such. 

Normally, your employer should help set you up. But if this isn;t happening and you're alone on your hunt, here are what you need to know about finding a place in Tokyo:

10 LESS POPULAR yet Cool Places to Visit in Tokyo

Yokosou Nippon!

I had the amazing experience living in Tokyo for 4 years. Despite my never learning Nihonggo properly, I survived and learned the ways of the people more than what I set out for.

I have so much to share about Japan but I wouldn’t want to bore you with my experiences. Instead, I’ve decided to provide helpful information in traveling within Japan and categorize it in the different ways you can enjoy plus share some information that is beyond what most travelers go there for.

Where to go in Tokyo?

HOW TO GET A TEACHING JOB ABROAD

Often, I get asked how I find my jobs abroad. Many assume I go with an employment agency or have a friend help me in. The truth is, I just do it the plain old fashioned way: search online. I search, search, and search. It can get frustrating and exhausting but, just don’t give up really.

Here are some suggestions:

HOW LIVING ABROAD CAN HELP CHANGE YOU FOR THE BETTER.

You’re on this page because you want to understand how and why living away abroad can make your life better, yes? Or, because you’re about to leave your comfort zone, your rabbit hole, your safety nest and you want an assurance that it you made the right decision.

This detachment to security is a scary fete to most especially those moving away for the first time. Not many are able to achieve this. Why would you leave familiar behind? Your home, your routine, your job, your family? Why?

“Everybody has to leave, everybody has to leave their home and come back so they can love it again for all new reasons.”   

-- Donald Miller, Through Painted Deserts: Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Roads