Category: Travel & Leisure

  • Arrange Your Raja Ampat Trip and Explore Marine Tourism

    Away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan city, one of the special destinations in Indonesia that offers serenity and peace. Raja Ampat is a regency that is part of the West Papua Province. The natural wonders on offer are so amazing that visitors may find it difficult to leave. The Raja Ampat trip takes you across an area of approximately 4.6 million hectares. The waters of Raja Ampat are the best diving and snorkeling destinations that have their own legends. Waigeo Island, Batanta Island, Salawati Island, Misool Island, and 1847 other tiny islands make up this district.

    Arrange Your Raja Ampat Trip and Explore Marine Tourism

    What makes your Raja Ampat Trip special?

    The Raja Ampat islands are home to 75 percent of the world’s coral species. With the discovery of 1,318 species of fish, 699 species of mollusks, and 537 species of coral reefs. This destination has a high species richness and uniqueness Raja Ampat offers the sensation of diving. You can meet a wide variety of unique marine biotas, such as pygmy seahorse, batfish, and dugongs.

    Best diving spots

    Kabui Passage, near Arborek Island Pier, Sauwandarek, Yenbuba, Friwen Wall, and many others are only a few of Raja Ampat’s best diving spots. It’s no surprise that so many international tourists are eager to go all the way to Indonesia to experience the captivating underwater beauty. You don’t want to miss out, so plan a trip to Raja Ampat now!

    The panorama above the surface is just as beautiful as the underwater splendor. When viewed from the top of the hill, the panorama of the row of stone islands in the middle of the blue water gradation appears heavenly. Yes, prepare a strong physique and go trekking to the top of the hill to witness such gorgeous sights!

    Tourism Village in Raja Ampat

    Raja Ampat not only has spectacular natural beauty, but it also has welcoming local communities that will make Pesona Buddy feel at ease. Apart from enjoying the natural world, don’t forget to immerse yourself in the local culture, OK? The Arborek Tourism Village welcomes Pesona visitors and guests.

    You can choose from a variety of hotel options and tourist attractions while visiting this tourist village. Watching the manufacture of Arborek’s famed woven handicrafts, or sampling traditional Papuan cuisines such as papeda or sinole.

    How to get there?

    Sobat Pesona must first fly to Sorong, Papua, from Jakarta or other large cities in order to visit the Raja Ampat islands. You can continue your travel to Raja Ampat by water after arriving at Sorong Airport.

    Falaya Harbor near Wasai, Yellu Harbor on Misool Island, and Marindi Airport on Waigeo Island are the three entrances and checkpoints to Raja Ampat.

    Read also:
    Great Budget Liveaboard For Komodo National Park
    Exploring The Largest Marine Park in Indonesia

  • Vacation in Bali with Kids: Singaporean Travel Guide

    Vacation in Bali family resorts with Kids: Singaporean Travel Guide

    Bali is one of the world’s most family-friendly places, drawing you in and making you want to come back again and again! Bali is a serene and spiritual destination with breathtaking views and a diversified landscape. There is enough to see and do in Bali for all types of families, from the rice terraces of Canggu to the rip-roaring surf of Ulawatu. And with its close geographical location, many Singaporeans find this island ideal for a perfect family getaway. Whether you want to relax at a Bali family resorts with a fantastic kids’ club or participate in a family yoga retreat, there’s something for everyone. So here’s a guide to travel in Bali with your kids.

    Choose Nusa Dua Over Kuta if You Want Family Peace

    If you’re wondering where to stay in Bali with kids, Nusa Dua, in the south of the island, is the best place to go. It’s home to many Bali five-star hotels and family-friendly beach resorts. Snorkeling, jet skiing, surfing, sailing, and glass-bottom boat trips are just a few of the activities available to children in these safe shallow seas. From here, you can travel to Jimbaran for sunsets, head to Seminyak to find restaurants and stroll around Kuta for shopping. 

    Stay in Bali Family Resorts for A Relaxing Holiday

    Choosing where to stay in Bali is one of the secrets to creating the perfect family vacation in Bali. There are numerous areas to select from, with each of the top Bali locations having its own particular vibe. The popularity of family hotels and resorts in Bali is high. The Holiday Inn Bali Benoa is a wonderful choice for family resorts because of its family-friendly accommodations, facilities, and activities.

    Always Choose Accommodation with Breakfast

    Breakfast-included lodging might save you a lot of money, especially if you’re traveling with children. They’ll be set for the day if they eat pancakes, eggs, toast, and fruit. If you prefer a Balinese breakfast over a Western breakfast, most hotels provide both.

    More Travelling Stories:

    Five Awesome Kids-Parent Activities to Enjoy at Holiday Inn Resort Benoa! 

    What to Do in Bali with Kids

    Experience Spa with Kids in Your Family Resort

    Experience Spa with Kids in Bali family resorts
    Mother & daughter in tea tree spa Holiday Inn Benoa

    When was the last time you have spa? In some family resorts like the Holiday Inn, you can have mom & daughter or father & son spa package where you can indulge in relaxing massage and rejuvenate in clay masks with your little ones. 

    Play in Flamingo Beach Club

    Play in Flamingo Beach Club
    Image by: Instagram/@theflamingobali

    With wonderful meals, a swimming pool, and a little but amazing playground zone, it’s a favorite place to lounge around all day. Come on weekdays, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beach club more because it won’t be as crowded. The youngsters can ride gigantic flamingo floaties and slide down the pirate ship-themed playground. On the weekends, though, they have free face painting activities for the youngsters starting at 4 p.m. They also bring some species from the Balitopia Butterfly Park, which is located directly over the street. I’m quite sure they’re both run by the same people.

    More Travelling Stories:

    Why Travelling With Family Is Not As Daunting As You Think

    Play in Waterbom Bali

    Play in Waterbom Bali
    Image by: Instagram/@theflamingobali

    Now, waterboms is quite a luxury for many Singaporean kids. You might have visited the Adventure Cove water park or the Wild Wild Wet, but nothing is like the Waterbom Park Kuta Bali. This giant water park is a fantastic spot for a family day out, featuring rides, slides, adventure, and leisure attractions for children and people of all ages. The entire complex is created and maintained to strict international safety standards, and includes major state-of-the-art tubing, matting, and body sliding thrills.

    Waterbom’s ‘Bombastic Aquatic Playground,’ especially for kids aged 12 and under, is an interactive pool of fun where kids can have hours of fun, thrills, and spills in a fully supervised and safe setting.

    Visit the Birds at Bali Bird Park

    Visit the Birds at Bali Bird Park
    Image by: Instagram/@balibirdparkofficial

    Bali’s Bird Park, which is lush with tropical plants and trees and home to over a thousand unusual and beautiful birds, has over 60 aviaries. The bird park is a great educational adventure for the whole family! Kids can see more than 250 species of birds in the Bird park—like Birds of paradise, kingfishers, hornbills, parrots, flamingos, peacocks, and the critically endangered Bali Starling—that cannot be easily found back in Singapore.

  • Great Budget Liveaboard For Komodo National Park

    The Komodo sailing excursion is quite relaxing! You can find the most up-to-date availability for scuba diving trips in Komodo by searching on Google. There are a variety of live onboard providers to meet every budget and requirement. Most of the liveaboard boats are based in Labuan Bajo all year round, or just to spend part of the year exploring Komodo. Budget plans for Komodo National Park Liveaboards are a great place to sail and dive at a reasonable price.

    Great Budget Liveaboard For Komodo National Park, sundeck area

    Budget Liveaboard, Make Your Dream Come True

    Think about dragons! Consider the gin-clear waves that lap against the pink beaches. Imagine snorkeling across coral reefs surrounded by schools of fish of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Consider traveling through deep blue oceans and islands that look like they belong on the set of Jurassic Park.

    Komodo has some of the world’s top diving and snorkeling. Unfortunately, you can’t snorkel right off the beach in Komodo.

    To see Komodo’s underwater treasures, you’ll need to join a guided snorkeling or diving cruise. It’s simple to charter a boat in Labuan Bajo, and it’s not as pricey as you may assume.

    Divers in Komodo have the opportunity to see a variety of large marine creatures, including manta rays, sharks, and dolphins, to mention a few. The dive sites vary a lot: there are pinnacles as well as sandy slopes, and there are lots of drift dives as well as swim-against-the-current dives.

    We feel that chartering your own boat for an overnight excursion provides excellent value and an unforgettable experience. The majority of tours in Labuan Bajo are oriented toward divers. Many of these diving cruises include snorkeling, the majority of the reefs are only accessible to divers, and you’ll most likely pay the same fee as divers.

    How to get to Komodo

    The most popular and highly recommended method to come to Komodo is to fly to Labuan Bajo. Book a budget liveaboard and you may visit Komodo National Park at your leisure and sleep in some incredible locations on the boat. This way, you may go for a sunrise trek, a night dive, or simply watch the sunset from your boat’s deck.

    There’s also the possibility of doing a liveaboard from Bali. Before heading to Komodo, you’ll do some diving in the Lombok region. The Bali liveaboard trip to Komodo will be amazing.

    Read also:
    Exploring The Largest Marine Park in Indonesia
    Scuba Diving Komodo, Experience live on board and Day Trip

  • Building A Campfire During Your Summer Camp

    Camping is one of the getaways you can do anytime with your loved ones, especially with those who love adventure and outdoor activities like yourself. There are many activities you can enjoy during your time venturing into the woods. Hiking, trekking, cycling, or simply building a camp to stargaze at night while enjoying burnt marshmallows. Also, you cannot forget the fun of building a campfire to warm you up during chilly nights into the wild. 

    How to build a campfire safely during your vacation

    Building a campfire is not only for when you camp since you can do it literally anytime. The most important thing is to build campfire safely so as not to hurt yourself and keep it going for long. And here are some tips of building campfire to consider:

    Bring the necessities

    If you plan on building a campfire during your little vacation, make sure to pack the necessities or at least know what items need to build a campfire. Some basic items to build a campfire include kindling, which is small pieces of woods that catch fire easily to help your larger logs catch fire. Then, of course you are going to need larger logs to make fire last longer. Then, you need something to lit up fire. It can be matches or lighter. You may also pack other alternatives you prefer. And the last is flammable items to light. Instead of using newspaper, might as well using cotton ball or recycled coffee ground. 

    Learn more about method of building a campfire

    There are many different methods of building a campfire you can learn. Everyone can actually build a fire even without the need to forego a formal training or such. However, there are some methods that can help you build a fire quickly and more efficiently. Regardless of the methods you use, make sure to always start small then build up to your larger materials. This is how you do it safely without the risk of injuring yourself in the process. 

    Why your fire is not lasting long?

    Some people are struggling to start a fire and some others are struggling to keep it alive. There must be reasons why your fire doesn’t last long. For example, it is probably because the bottom logs are burnt out and the fire gets cold. Hence, it is important to keep the logs close together while still making space for oxygen. Try aligning your log in parallel position to one another to conserve more heat. Most importantly, it is a must to opt for dry woods to catch fire easier and the fire last longer. 

    Learn how to extinguish fire safely

    During your summer camp, do not leave a campfire unattended. Fire is dangerous thing that can catch its surroundings so quickly causing serious problems. And the best way to extinguish fire is by blocking the oxygen. You may use sand or dirt if there is no water. Be careful when extinguishing the fire because if you do it poorly, it may roar back to life hours later.

  • Raja Ampat Liveaboard Cruise, Embark Your Underwater Journey

    Indonesia’s Raja Ampat is a scuba diving paradise. For scuba divers, there is no location quite like it, and it is at the top of most divers’ bucket lists! However, because it is notoriously expensive and difficult to access, Raja Ampat tours must be done properly. Raja Ampat liveaboard is a once-in-a-lifetime trip through a tropical archipelago at the center of the Coral Triangle.

    Raja Ampat Liveaboard Cruise, Embark Your Underwater Journey

    Raja Ampat liveaboard diving

    Let’s start with why you’ve come: to learn more about scuba diving in Raja. You’ve heard it’s one of the world’s best diving destinations, but is it really? Do you appreciate warm waters, manta rays, sharks, macro photography, enormous schools of fish, drift dives, and just about anything else? If this describes you, Raja Ampat is the place for you! It virtually has everything a recreational diver could possibly want.

    Located in the northwest corner of Indonesian West Papua, at the confluence of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, pristine coral reefs (home to 75% of all known corals) teem with so much marine life that scientists call it a “species factory.”

    Raja Ampat cruise brings you to see an incredible diversity of marine life combined with some of the most unique birds in the world, including different Birds of Paradise. Raja Ampat is the indisputable centre of marine biodiversity and one of the world’s most diverse marine environments.

    Best dive sites Raja Ampat

    Best dive sites Raja Ampat

    Mioskun Raja Ampat

    This is a fantastic way to start your Raja Ampat liveaboard. It consists of a coral column that descends to a depth of 25 meters. Mioskun is ideal for beginners or intermediates as the currents are light but sometimes a bit strong. On the reef, you can usually expect to encounter a lot of yellow snappers, as well as Wobbegong sharks if you dive down a bit deeper. Seahorses, fusiliers, trevallies, groupers, gigantic clams, morays, and many other species can be found.

    Blue Magic Papua diving site

    One of the more well-known Raja Ampat dives, it is frequently combined with Mioskun as a second dive. A submerged pinnacle that begins at about 7 meters and drops to fewer than 30 meters. You may expect to see a variety of fish species and multiple cleaning stations, as well as enormous schools of fish and larger predator fish, sharks, and manta rays in season. This Central Raja Ampat dive spot also has a lot of Pygmy Seahorse.

    Cape Kri

    The global record for the most species referenced in a single dive is held by Cape Kri. The convergence of diverse currents at the island’s point has resulted in an astonishing diversity of fauna and flora – all types of sharks, numerous schools of fish, incredible coral diversity, macro specimens. Sometimes all you have to do is dive down, grab a rock, and take in the show! A dive at Cape Kri will never leave you dissatisfied!!

  • Tips On Taking Your Dogs For Camping

    Tips On Taking Your Dogs For Camping

    Camping is fun activity you can do anytime. During camping, you get to enjoy many simple things with more wonderful feelings and vibes such as star gazing, making a bonfire, or simply listen to the nature. While these kind of joys can be experienced from camping, what about your dog? Should you leave them behind and have the fun all to yourself? Or take them with you and having fun together? The second option sound much better, doesn’t it?

    How to take your dog for camping safely

    More preparation is needed if you plan on taking your dog for camping. You need to prepare their foods, sleeping arrangement, etc. Your dogs need different gear to keep they comfortable and safe during their outdoor trip. And here are some useful tips for you if you plan to take your dog for camping next time:

    Opt for lightweight items

    Even if your camp is located not too far from your home, you sill need to pack for some logistics including for your dogs. Hence, leave all those ceramic bowls behind and opt for lightweight ones instead. Lugging around heavy items will torture you during your hike or walk to the location. Pack waterproof and collapsible bowl for your dog that is very light but still durable. 

    Bring a leash and ID tag

    Consider the campsite’s rules and restrictions about pets

    Even if you are sure you won’t encounter any other humans during the trip,  always bring your dog’s leash and ID tag. In fact, an outdoor trip means you need to leash your dog all the time for safety purpose not only for other people but especially for your dogs. Also, ID tag will help alot if your dogs unknowingly wander around to other camps. It easier for other campers to help your dogs get back to you. 

    Consider the campsite’s rules and restrictions about pets

    It is necessary to confirm if your campsite indeed allows pets. It is best to confirm it prior so you will be able to make another plan or find another campground that allows pets. Even if the campground allows pets to tag along, you have to follow the rules because it often comes with several pet restrictions. Some areas may be protected which won’t allow your pet to wander around. 

    Be considerate of your fellow campers

    Even if you plan on solo camping, you may still have other fellow campers on the site. Hence, always be mindful and considerate of the people around you especially when you bring a pet. Your dog may get aggressive or stressed due to unfamiliar environment and it may worry other campers. Make sure to have your dogs under control while making them as comfortable as possible with new surroundings.

    Pack first-aid kit

    Always pack first-aid kit with you especially if you plan on a long hike as well. Your dog may also get injured from various things such as thorns, barbed wire, porcupines, etc. Also, bring a dog-carrying harness just in case your dog becomes sick or injured. Hence, you can carry them to get out of the woods safely. 

  • Why Seminyak Private Villa Bali Makes Great Wedding Venue

    Why Seminyak Private Villa Bali Makes Great Wedding Venue
    image credit: Instagram @thebalibride

    With the development of private villas in Bali it’s becoming more usual to not just vacation at rental houses, but also to hold weddings there! While there are definitely fewer rentals that can handle these gatherings, they do exist. Couples throw lovely and memorable parties at them. Because this is unknown ground for many, the prospect of doing a wedding in Seminyak villas might be daunting. There is a lot to learn about the process, but it is totally possible and a great planning adventure if you are dedicated to making it work. These are the reasons why hosting a wedding in a Seminyak private villa Bali is a good idea. 

    A Complete Private Wedding in A Villa Seminyak Bali

    The ability to have total and absolute solitude at a vacation rental wedding is a feature that regularly entices couples. This setting provides for a more private affair in a quiet location free of distractions or unwanted guests.

    Creating An Intimate Wedding in A Homey Location 

    Creating An Intimate Wedding in A Homey Location
    image credit: Instagram @baliweddingforyou

    Many engaged couples nowadays start considering vacation homes and villas in Seminyak Bali as wedding locations. A vacation home is a fantastic choice if you want to avoid getting married in a church and have a low-key wedding in solitude. There is something for everyone, from quaint cottages to huge rural homes.

    A Seminyak private villa in Bali can also be used for wedding receptions and after-parties. The benefit of renting a vacation home for a wedding is the seclusion. You may also locate magnificent homes for far less than the cost of renting a place at an official wedding venue.

    More Villa and Vacation Home Rentals: 

    How to Have the Most Memorable Vacation in A Villa Ubud Bali

    A Safer Option for Wedding Party in the Middle of Pandemic

    Few things are more joyful than a wedding that celebrates real love between two individuals. However, because to the present COVID-19 issue, special occasions and festivities across the board, including weddings, have been disrupted. A huge wedding with extended friends and family in an indoor venue is just not practical for couples whose weddings have been postponed due to the epidemic, or for those who got engaged during the quarantine. However, this does not imply that eloping at city hall is the only method to declare your love. Instead, try a vacation property for an intimate wedding with only your closest relatives and friends and a stunning setting.

    A Super-tailored Wedding to Your Personality

    Bringing Your Ideal Concept to Live
    image credit: Instagram @planabali

    Having your wedding at a rented property allows you a lot more leeway to make the occasion your own and tailor things to your desire. Consider a rental property wedding to be a completely blank slate on which you get to decide on almost every element of your special day. Traditional wedding locations do not always provide this, making rental property weddings particularly appealing. 

    More Villa and Vacation Home Rentals: 

    Throwing an Unforgettable Party in Luxury Villas Bali

    Bringing Your Ideal Concept to Live in Seminyak Private Villa Bali

    The concept of a private and perfectly tailored wedding in Seminyak villas is a desire for many couples. Having an event at this small sanctuary you’ve built for your big day seems opulent and nearly heavenly. That is undoubtedly a selling point for many couples when they have that choice with a wedding in a private villa. Sometimes couples want a really casual wedding that otherwise would be quite incompatible for big hall reception parties. Other couples might consider lots of kids involved in the wedding and prefer picnic-style catering for the party than a fancy sit-down dinner. 

  • Which Card To Choose For Hassle-Free Travel

    Carrying too much cash for your trip is not uncomfortable because it can make you feel like you have to be on guard in every second. Also, there is a risk that you lose it so if you don’t bring any back up, you might end up in trouble. You will also look too standout when exploring around travel destination carrying thick wallet full of cash. There is a risk of you being the target of the thieves. Hence, it is more recommended that you also bring your card to back up your cash. But which card is better to bring between credit card and debit card?

    Which Card To Choose For Hassle-Free Travel

    Reasons why credit card is a better option for travel

    Paying via card over cash is considered more efficient, convenient, and safer. You also don’t have to prepare space in your wallet to store your cash. However between credit card and debit card, the former is considered better option for travel especially if you plan an international trip. And here are the reasons for it:

    You get more rewards with credit card

    With credit card, you have more opportunity to get many rewards since they are designed to offer lucrative rewards in the form of cash rebates or reward points. It entitles you to many kinds of exclusive promotions, deals, and other privileges either you use it locally or overseas. It is even more beneficial if you travel frequently during holiday since you will get rewards in the form of dining and overseas spends or air miles. 

    Credits are are safer

    As mentioned earlier that it is often for travelers and tourists alike to be a victim of robbery and pickpocketing due to their lack of knowledge about the city or country they visit. Hence, many travelers choose to not withdraw any cash for expenses they spend during travel. It is considered safer to go cashless. 

    There is a limit for credit cards

    There is a chance that you run out of money during travel and it will be a trouble if you bring only debit card that only has insufficient funds. You will not experience this kind of trouble if you bring your credit card since you have the option to exceed credit limit to your card. Hence, you don’t have to worry too much during the trip since you can buy anything. If you want to avoid excessive spending however, your credit card have its limit you can stick to. 

    Larger networks worldwide

    Credit cards are more universally accepted. Hence, you don’t have to worry about your card being rejected during payment overseas. There are also discounts and privileges you can get no matter what country you are travelling to. Meanwhile, it is different with how debit card works. Sometimes, local debit card payment networks are not accepted universally. Therefore, it is less risky for you to choose credit card over debit card. It offers more rewards and bonuses while also keeping you financially safe through worldwide network and easy access anywhere you go. 

  • How to Have the Most Memorable Vacation in A Villa Ubud Bali

    As the land of Balinese tradition, culture, art, and centre of healing, Ubud vibrates a very charismatic aura that significantly differ from the southern Bali beaches. This region nestled in Bali’s highland, surrounded by tropical rainforests and rice fields terraces that gives instant cool vibe to this little town. Spending some few weeks grounding in a villa Ubud Bali is the best to explore this charming region. And with so much things to do and see, you gonna need a little guidance to get the most of Ubud!

    Choose A Villa Ubud Bali with A View

    Choose A Villa Ubud Bali with A View
    Image credit: Instagram @kibarerpropertybali

    There are hundreds of villas, small hotels, and guesthouses you can find in Ubud, but we highly advise you to stay out of town. Move several kilometers away from the main Monkey Forest streets to near the outskirt. The hidden gems are usually a little bit out of reach. Do not settle until you find a good villa Ubud Bali that offers jungle or rice views from the balcony. Staying in a house with view will definitely be one of your biggest holiday highlights!

    Also Read:

    How To Get Ubud Villas Rice Terrace View?

    Visiting the Temples

    What is Ubud without its strong ties to the culture and religion? It’s time to take a visit to several Ubud’s famous temples.

    Saraswati Temple

    Saraswati Temple
    Image credit: Instagram @roccogio_panorama

    The Saraswati Temple, located in the center of Ubud, is a water temple with beautiful lotus blooms on either side! Follow the blooming walk to marvel at the stunning Balinese architecture and vibrantly colored doors.

    Tirta Empul

    Titra Empul is another shrine not to be missed! Locals and tourists alike queue up to immerse their heads under one of the nine holy spring fountains and leave an offering for cleansing. The pool area is frequently packed with people waiting in line just to get in. There are also beautiful gardens and a large Koi fish pond.

    Give yourself some time here because it’s a huge temple with a lot to see, especially if you intend to participate in the ceremony.

    Puri Saren Ubud

    The Ubud Palace is located just across the street from Saraswati Temple (Ubud Water Palace). To say the least, this magnificent temple features ornate stone doors with flowers, monkeys, and “strange” faces. Wooden doors with golden etches of more exquisite Balinese art stand in that doorway. Ubud Palace is also free to see, so I recommend adding it to your itinerary.

    Do Yoga Anytime

    Do Yoga Anytime
    Image credit: Instagram @intuitive_flow_yogastudio

    Whether it’s morning, afternoon, or sunset yoga, anytime is the best yoga time in Ubud.

    Ask the Villa Ubud Bali to Rent You Motorbike

    The easiest way to see the landscape around Ubud is to rent an automated motorcycle. You could walk or ride your bike, but riding on the back of a bike is much cooler. It’s also inexpensive—only 50,000 IDR ($3.70) each day, with no deposit or license required. However, renting a motorbike can be quite a hassle. Ask the owners or housekeepers in your villa Ubud Bali to arrange a motorbike for you. They usually get a good connection and can give you the best price! If you are new to motorbike, you can also ask them to teach you for few days.

    Also Read:

    Villa Sanur Bali: Living in The Island’s Classic Resort Area

    Go to the Monkey Forest

    Go to the Monkey Forest
    Image credit: Instagram @monkeyforestsanctuaryubud

    No visit to Ubud is complete without a little trip to the land of the monkey, the sacred Monkey Forest. The Sacred Monkey Forest is a must-see on any Ubud tour. You don’t want to miss this place unless you’re terrified of monkeys. Over 700 highly cheeky monkeys and three temples may be found amid the thick jungle comprising 186 types of flora. You will be in awe to look at huge trees grow over the bridges and structures, giving it a ruin feel.

    Join A Cooking Class

    There are lots of cooking class in Ubud—your villa might actually hold one! The cooking lesson usually covers a market tour, preparing Canang Sari (offerings basket), and plenty of hands-on cooking. Some of them even had an unique vegetarian menu, and invite you for the final supper.  

  • Spring Flower Blooms That Are Travel-Worthy

    At the end of winter in each year, we are always ready to welcome the spring. It is the time where we can appreciate the seas of colorful flowers. In some countries around the world, the spring flower blooms are even travel-worthy and have become touristy places to visit. Spring flower blooms make every spot look more whimsical and magical somehow. They can turn even ordinary place like park like something out of fairy-tale. 

    Travel-worthy spring flower blooms around the world

    If you are planning to have a vacation or trip during spring, might as well include spring flower blooms trip into your bucket list. The are the best places to take picture as well so you get the type of photos that look beyond beautiful. And here are some of the best spots to find spring flower blooms:

    Mount Fuji, Japan

    Mount Fuji Japan

    Of course Japan has one of the most whimsical spring flower blooms. Pink0hued flowers can be spotted every April and May in Japan. They blanket the meadows at the base of Mount Fuji. There is also The Shibazakura Festival to mark the occasion. People visiting this festival usually stroll through the park fields and snacks on variety of local foods such as ramens, buns, soup, etc. This spot is one of the best and photogenic places in Japan and the world. 

    Keukenhof, Netherlands

    Keukenhof, Netherlands

    If Japan is known for their sakura, Netherlands is known for their tulip. Spring is the best time for you to witness beautiful flower blooms in Netherlands. The countryside is the better place to go hunting for the spring flower blooms. It usually takes place in May where you can see fields of bright tulips in Netherlands. Public garden like Keukenhof is the most favorite among so many spots in the country. It is in fact, one of the largest botanical gardens in the world as well as home to over seven million flowers. 

    Death Valley, Southern California

    Death Valley spring bloom

    So contrast to the name, Death Valley is one of the best places to spot beautiful spring flower blooms. Parks in Southern California are home to many different types of flowers and Death Valley National Park as well as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are famous for their purple and yellow desert flowers. They can be spotted as early as March. You can also spot a sea of yellow, red, and orange poppies blanketing The Antelope’s Valley’s California Poppy Reserve. As you may have known that orange poppy is the national flower of California indeed. 

    Kew Gardens, England

    Kew Gardens

    Kew Royal Botanic Gardens is the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in London, England with standing at 300 acres housing 27,000 colorful plants, poppies, tulips, and cherry blossoms. In spring, they bloom so beautifully, making it looks more magical than ever. For those who are interested may join online educational horticulture courses to identify wide variety of species of many plants that the gardens offer. If you plan to visit London somewhere in the future, don’t skip this beautiful spot.