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Seven Tips for Women Trekking Burma

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Trekking-Burma

Love traveling to unexplored places?

Then, Burma (or as the government calls it Myanmar) should be on your bucket list.

Picture it:

Thousands of temples cover the plains of Bagan, leg-rowing fisherman sit patiently on the still water of Inle Lake and rolling rice paddies and small villages wait to be explored.

And there’s no better way to experience the beautiful countryside, meet locals, and live the Burmese lifestyle than trekking Burma.

Along with several self-guided treks in Burma, I’ve hiked a guided three-day trek from the tiny town of Kalaw to the beautiful still water of Inle Lake.

After walking over 37 miles (60 km) through rice paddies, into thatched hut villages, and up and down Burmese mountains, here’s my list of seven tips for women trekking Burma…

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The One Thing You Must Do in Tulamben, Bali…

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Wreck Scuba Dive & Snorkel; Tulamben (Bali), Indonesia

One question: Is scuba diving and snorkeling really worth it in Tulamben, Bali?

Yes… and it’s arguably the best diving in the world!

Tulamben is the most overlooked coastal village in Bali.

There aren’t hordes of tourist, thousands of bars or restaurants and – in all honesty – it’s pretty boring.

But that’s only at first glance…

The real action takes place beneath eerie black Bali Sea.

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Warning: Don’t Travel Here If You Love Chinese, Indian or Malaysia Food

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Georgetown (Penang), Malaysia

It’s literally a melting pot.

Known as the food capital of Malaysia – Georgetown boasts some of the best Indian, Chinese and Malay cuisine in the entire world.

Mouth-watering treats like Dim Sum for breakfast, Asam Laksa for lunch and Chicken Tikka Masala with Mango Lassi for dinner have been perfected over hundreds of years and are served up fresh daily.

If you love a mix of delicious cuisine from a historic port town, then Georgetown is just for you…

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View from Above; Cebu, Philippines

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Cebu, Philippines

Nothing beats the view from the top.

Whether standing at a height or flying from above, a sense of serenity comes over those who look down upon the chaos below. A little separation can do wonders for the soul.

But don’t think that heights are always a comfortable experience. On firm ground all is well, however, hanging over the edge of an elevated plateau can be simultaneously thrilling and terrifying. Continue

Creature Cuisine; Phnom Penh, Cambodia

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Phnom Penh, Cambodia

What has eight legs, is deliciously crispy and served with a side of chili and shoyu for 300 riels?

Tarantulas. It’s okay, really.

But spiders aren’t the only things deep-fried in Phnom Penh. Just about anything that crawls or jumps is on the menu including crickets, beetles, grubs, and grasshoppers.

Eating insects might seem like a locals gimmick to earn extra coins from brave travelers, but there is more than meets the eye.

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Sea Kayaking; Phang Nga, Thailand

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Sea Kayaking; Phang Nga, Thailand

Phang-Nga – located just 59 miles (95 km) from Phuket – is a highlight for many travelers to Thailand.

Why?

Some say its the province’s numerous limestone cliffs, strange rock formations, and underwater caves; others argue it’s Phang-nga’s (pronounced “fang naa”) blue-green waters, killer kayaking and dense collection of mangroves on this collection of islands.Continue

Love Shopping? The Chatuchak Weekend Market Can Help You…

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Chatuchak Weekend Market; Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok…

The second largest city in South East Asia and the heart of Thailand…

Pumping goods into and mainly out of the country accounting for 16% of the country’s GDP.

In layman terms…

Thailand produces a lot of inexpensive stuff, making it one of the best shopping destinations in the world!

And what better way to bargain shop than at Chatuchak Weekend Market – the largest market in Thailand.Continue

The Shores of Palawan Island; Philippines

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Palawan Island; Philippines

Reaching paradise in Palawan isn’t necessarily the final destination.  The Philippine province bases resorts and activities in a series of exotic locations.  If you keep on traveling after you’ve discovered the perfect spot you’re likely to come across something even more perfect.  Continue to explore and you will be greatly rewarded.Continue

Scuba Dive; Ko Tao, Thailand

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Scuba Dive; Ko Tao, Thailand

Ko Tao – which means “Turtle Island” – is highly regarded for its snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing.

There are two reasons for this. First, an abundance of coral ensures plenty of marine life – including grouper, moray eels, angelfish, stingrays, reef sharks and even whale sharks – will be circling the coral in search of food. The second reason is its location: Ko Tao is three to seven hours by boat from the mainland, which helps keep day-trippers away. In other words: serious divers only.

Well… not really.

This remote location has also kept development – and therefore, costs – down. Ko Tao has become one of the premier spots in Thailand to get certified for scuba diving, thanks largely to the fact it’s cheaper than Ko Samui or Ko Pha Ngan.

Many people who backpacked here in their twenties are now returning with their families. Travelers in search of peace and quiet should head to Chalok Baan Khao, located on the south end of the island.Continue

Explore the World’s Oldest Jungle! Taman Negara National Park…

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World’s Oldest Jungle; Taman Negara, Malaysia

Taman Negara National Park is the ultimate survivor.

The ices ages came and went, miraculously leaving the forest unscathed…

Volcanoes exploded around the world, never touching the dense jungle…

And even the destruction of human over-development hasn’t faulted this protected land.

The pristine plant and wildlife that flourished in Taman Negara National Park for over 130 million years, should be respected and cherished for years to come.Continue

Ifugao Rice Terraces; Batad, Philippines

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Batad, Philippines

Tradition is often compromised to make way for modern developments.

The old ways are beat out by the easiest ways.

And yet when we reflect on the loss of our culture, we do so as though it weren’t our duty to preserve it.

Now, in the age of technology, travelers are drawn to historic sites.  But seldom do we see historic practices that are still being upheld today, practices such as cultivating rice at the Ifugao Rice Terraces.Continue

Explore Hidden Beaches; Trang, Thailand

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Trang, Thailand

It’s incredible.

Even though Thailand is well-trodden by tourists, there remains (relatively) isolated areas where you can kick your sandals off and dip your toes in the water without sharing it with every other speedo sporting tourist in southeast Asia.

The Trang beaches and islands are just such a place. It’s home to dozens of islands and transportation is improving with each year. The following lists of the more accessible (and enjoyable) destinations of Trang Province.

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Mekong River Cruises; Luang Prabang, Laos

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Mekong River Cruises; Luang Prabang, Laos

Sit back and watch the landscape slowly drift by.  Stand at the rail as the boat approaches deep caves and steep cliffs.  Mosey over to your table to dine on a meticulously prepared dinner.  Retire to your comfortable bed when the fatigued sets in.

If the above description sounds like an ideal vacation day then you might just be interested in taking a cruise along the Mekong River.Continue

Drink Boh Tea; Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

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Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

There is nothing sweeter in life than a cup of black tea, overlooking the maze of bright green tea plantations, covering the soft hills of the Cameron Highlands. This charming hill station will warm your heart almost as much as the tea warms your belly.

Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands, named after a British surveyor William Cameron who mapped the lands in 1885, spans 275 square mile (712 sq km), is the highest point in Malaysia and is located in Pahang. It wasn’t until the 1920s, when the British returned to the Highlands to develop the fertile and cool mountain lands into tea plantations, a huge commodity at the time.

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Bridge Crossing; Amarapura, Myanmar

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Amarapura, Myanmar

The use of a bridge can extend well beyond a simple crossing. Bridges can serve as architectural attractions, community connectors, and lookouts for scenic regions.

When a bridge meets all three of these standards, make sure you slow down and enjoy it.

And as you can’t drive across the U Bein Bridge, you have no choice but to take your time.

Amarapura

Located to the south of Mandalay, Amarapura is squeezed between Taungthaman Lake and the Irrawaddy River. With a name meaning ‘City of Immortality’, the town lives up to its lofty title. Enter its borders to find residents living simple lives, steeped in religion and tradition.

As the town is open for visitors, plan to travel over from Mandalay for the day. A typical experience will involve trips to historic sites, exploration of religious monuments, and a trip across a particularly long bridge.

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Lounge and People Watch; Nha Trang, Vietnam

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Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang – the Miami of Vietnam offers beautiful beaches, cheap beer, and a fun promenade for excellent people watching.

It’s easy to lose yourself along the six kilometer white sand beach dripping with palm trees and restaurants making it the perfect beach destination in Vietnam.

Nha Trang has always been a gem along the South China Sea with a surprisingly mild history for its stunning scenery. Tourism hit Nha Trang during the American Vietnam War when the US opened an air force base (now the closest airport to Nha Trang called Cam Ranh International Airport) located only 22 miles (35 km) away.

There’s no surprise that the Americans thought Nha Trang was heaven on earth with its warm temperate waters, long stretch of sandy coast, and mild climate almost year round (with the exception of October to December during Monsoon season). Today, both Vietnamese and international tourist flock to Nha Trang for a wide variety of activities and, of course, the beach.Continue

24 Hour Shopping; Singapore

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Singapore Shopping

Shopping is a common form of entertainment in Singapore and people from around love to lose themselves in the hunt for the perfect items. From traditional markets selling fish and produce, to high-end stores that rival the glitz and glam of Milan, there’s literally something for everyone. If you love shopping, eating and being papered, Singapore should be on the top of your list.

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Life on the Lake; Inle Lake, Myanmar

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Inle Lake, Myanmar

The region of Inle Lake is a site that plays out like a novel.  Human interest, intrigue, and mystery are all likely to be a part of your journey.  At the end you may find yourself asking more questions than when you began.  Hop right into the plot and let the story begin.

Inle Lake

At Myanmar’s center, in the Shan Hills, is the nation’s second largest lake.  Serving fishermen, farmers, and Buddhist monks, the lake is an important centerpiece to cultural survival.  Though the area has only recently opened up to tourism, it is quickly becoming a favorite of Southeastern Asian travelers.Continue

A Village on Stilts; Kampong Ayer, Brunei

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Kampong Ayer, Brunei

Don’t expect to travel down quaint canals. Nor should you assume that you’ll be guided along slowly on a gondola. You certainly won’t be walking across intricately decorated bridges and through wide open places.

While Kampong Ayer isn’t Venice, the stilted village certainly makes for a drift-worthy day of sightseeing.

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Bulabog Putian National Park; Panay, Philippines

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Panay, Philippines

Take a deep breath of fresh air as you hike through the wilderness.  Soak in the suns rays before you make your way into the shade of the forest.  Cool off as you enter the caverns.  Watch your head as you dodge pesky stalactites.  Tread carefully around the protruding stalagmites.

Bulabog Putian National Park

Located on the island of Panay, the Bulabog Putian National Park is found in the municipality of Dingle.  The natural reserve has some 25 miles (40km) of trails, winding through the forest and past a series of caves.  While hiking Bulabog Putian does make for a nice day out, it’s the caves that draw hundreds of visitors a year.

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