Asia Traveler Advice
/ Asia / Asia Traveler adviceHome Stay in Malaysia (Itineraries)
Other than the sight-seeing, experiencing home stay or the “village life” in Malaysia can be a worthwhile experience. Here you get a chance to spend time with the locals, learn to cook Malaysian...Read full tip...
Spelunking in Gua Nasib Bagus in Malaysia (Itineraries)
Other than beaches, caves in Malaysia are also a major tourist draw. Spelunkers will surely love the challenge that it offers (imagine yourself in small passageway which suddenly opens up into a...Read full tip...
Taxis in Japan (Transportation)
While trains and buses are the more popular means of transportation in Japan, they close for service at around midnight. When you're faced with this predicament, you may want to take a cab instead. ...Read full tip...
A note when giving gifts (Warnings)
When giving a gift to a Japanese or to someone in Japan, never give them items that consist of four pieces. The number four is the Japanese version of the Westerner's 13. It is considered...Read full tip...
Chopsticks superstitions (Warnings)
Using chopsticks in Japan entail a few superstitions to respect, especially when you're dining in a public place or when you're with a Japanese. Never stick the chopsticks into your food (particularly...Read full tip...
Beware of hawkers/drivers offering bargain tours (Warnings)
Politely walk away from hawkers if any of them approaches you for a bargain tour. These hawkers, who might present themselves to you as drivers, are infamous for putting drugs into the food or drinks...Read full tip...
Be careful of earthquakes (Warnings)
Although not a regular occurence in Indonesia, earthquakes, especially the volcanic kind, are a concern. Indonesia has many active volcanoes which can cause high-intensity earthquakes and tsunamis. If...Read full tip...
On hiring cars and drivers (Warnings)
It’s better to hire a car and a driver from your hotel than just negotiating with any random taxi driver on the street, even if the driver turns out to be friendly. The drivers not from your hotel...Read full tip...
Tianenmen Square scams (Warnings)
Be careful in Tiananmen Square as scams are very common here. A typical type of scam is when a local invites you to join a Chinese tea ceremony. At first, the local may tell you that it’s for free...Read full tip...
On beggars (Warnings)
Beggars are ubiquitous in Vietnam, and while it is utterly heart-wrenching to see them in their state, giving them money will do more harm than good. You're better off giving them food or taking...Read full tip...
Beware of free art gallery tours (Warnings)
You may be invited by a local to go on a “free” visit of an art gallery. Be cautious that this “art gallery” might be nothing but a shabby art shop with tacky, substandard, or...Read full tip...
Yoga, anyone? (Itineraries)
If you're into yoga and meditation, what better place to visit than the so-called "Yoga Capital of the World" - Rishikesh? Its most popular ashram is called Sri Sant Seva Ashram, with...Read full tip...
On Public Display of Affection (Warnings)
As an Islamic nation, Malaysia is a highly conservative country where lavish display of public affection is frowned upon by the local society. While you won't get arrested for holding hands (and tourists...Read full tip...
Crazy over Mumtaz Mahal (Food)
Everyone knows about the ever-so-famous Taj Mahal, right? It was constructed by the Emperor Shah Jahan as a token of his love for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. But did you know that there...Read full tip...