By Alex Smith

Although the wily jungles of Indonesia are slightly tamer than the days of the Borneo headhunters, there are still many options for the modern day thrill seeker. Whether trekking in the jungles and mountains of the vast archipelago, diving in some of the most biologically diverse waters in the world, or visiting with some of the few remaining tribal groups in the world, Indonesia can still live up to its unfettered past.

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From the snow capped peaks of Papua to the smoking volcanoes of Java, Indonesia presents any trekker with a wide array of choices, regardless of skill level. The further a field you plan to go, the more valuable you will find using a tour agency to arrange your trip. Tour agencies often get better deals on national airline tickets and can arrange for transportation and accommodation in areas where such amenities are scarce. Papua, the easternmost province of Indonesia, is unfortunately experiencing periods of civil unrest, so be sure to get updated information if you plan to set off there. The snow covered Carstensz Pyramid, locally known as Puncak Jaya, is the highest mountain in Papua. Please note – the trek up Carstensz Pyramid is for the experienced climber. For those looking for something challenging, but without the need for carabineers, try the third highest peak in Papua, Trikora Mountain. Indonesia requires all trekkers in Papua to obtain a climbing permit, usually arranged by your tour company. Trekking can be combined with a visit to one of the few remaining tribal groups on the island to experience first hand the wonder of what it means to live off the land.

If you like diving, the blue waters of Indonesia, teeming with marine life of all shapes and colors, are not to be missed. Some of the best diving in the world is found in Indonesia and options come in all price ranges, from a quick dip off the coast of Bali to a two week liveaboard that will take you to areas otherwise inaccessible. Among the most popular dive spots for those wanting easy access, as well as beach resorts, is Bunaken Island off the coast of North Sulawesi. Bunaken has suffered some damage to its coral reefs from blast fishing, but much is still alive or recovering through the efforts of local conservation groups. If you prefer a liveaboard, there are many operators to the Komodo Islands, Sulawesi’s Wakatobi and Lembeh Strait, Flores, and Alor, to name a few. Shop around for the best price and definitely check up on the company or you might find your accommodations less than desirable. Once you get in the water though, expect to be awed by teeming barracudas, colorful cuttlefish, and mantas.

For the eco-tourist, the options are endless. From orangutan spotting and jungle trekking in Kalimantan to Komodo Dragon watching on the shores of Komodo, options vary by budget and time frame. The orangutan population continues to dwindle every year and some of the money garnered from eco-tourism goes to support foundations and local groups that work to save them. Although the number of visitors is limited each year, tour companies can arrange a visit to the famous rainforest study area of Tanjing Putting National Park and Camp Leakey in Kalimantan (formerly Borneo). A visit to the Ministry of Forestry’s feed station might earn you the chance to interact with the orangutans directly. Accommodation and transportation are best arranged beforehand as flights can vary throughout the year. Another popular ecotourism destination is Komodo National Park which includes the three large islands of Komodo, Rinca, and Padar as well as several smaller islands. A visit to this area can be combined with a dive trip as the waters in the reserve are home to an estimated 900-1,000 marine species. The Komodo Dragons themselves, giant monitor lizards, are relatively easy to spot, but you’re guaranteed to find them safely with the help of a guide. Accommodation in the National Park is rustic, but the staff is friendly and the food is decent. Foregoing the beaches of Bali may not be easy for some, but the treasures of the other Indonesian islands are not to be missed.

About the Author

Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com

By Alex Smith

If adrenaline is your thing then Thailand is a place where you can get your fix of adventure in graduated doses. Some would say that negotiating the Bangkok traffic on the way from the airport is adventure enough in itself, but if you want to put your experiences on a more organized footing there is no shortage of opportunity.

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Most developed resort areas on the coast offer bungee jumping, para-gliding, Jet skiing and water skiing. So flinging yourself from great heights or being blasted in to the air or across water at great speed can be easily achieved.

Thailand also remains a veritable paradise for those who enjoy the world underwater, whether that’s diving, snorkeling or even submarining in Phuket.

It is also a country rich in wilderness areas of mountains, forests and waterfalls which makes trekking big business in the north of the country. The best season for trekking is between November and February when the weather is cool and the air is clear. Many operators in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and Pai offer trekking tours.

Often these will be run from guest houses and it’s worth asking around to find one that suits you. A trek usually lasts between three and five days and you will need good boots and a proper pack since the walking can be quite hard especially in the heat.

The guide will usually take you through ethnic villages of Lisu, Karen, Meo, Akha and Paduang. All these tribes are different in dress, language and culture and most migrated to the mountainous areas of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam within the last century from China. Also included in a trek will be some rafting and maybe some elephant riding. If the gentle rafting on a trek is not adventurous enough for you, many operators offer the white water variety. Pai is the best place to go for this and the tours are run from mid June to January when the rainy season raises the height of the water levels.

When it comes to two wheeled travel Thailand offers some of the best touring and off road motorcycling in the world. The roads are excellent and pass through mountain scenery of breathtaking beauty. Infrastructure is good with plenty of guest houses and places to eat en route. You can either go on a tour or hire bikes on your own, Chiang Mai having by far the greatest variety on offer. It is important to be an experienced driver and this is doubly true for trail riding. Many operators run tours and to get the best from off-roading, or simply finding obscure routes, it is often better to go with a guide who knows the area.

For those who spurn engines then mountain biking is now really popular and there are many operators who run trips. Whether on the lakes and rivers of the north or the Andaman Sea in the south Kayaking is available in most tourist friendly places where there is water. Tours are even run down the Mekong River. In the south Krabi and Phang Nga provinces offer spectacular scenery with luminous seas dotted with soaring limestone outcrops.

For those who want to get airborne there are a number of ways you can do it. Ballooning is offered both in Chiang Mai and Pattaya between October and March. The views in the North are better than on the coast. Perhaps, whether it’s the sea, the mountains or the jungle, it is the wealth of natural beauty available in the national parks all over Thailand that make it so attractive to the outdoor enthusiast. From the heights of Doi Inthanon in the north to the maritime depths of Surin in the south there are 103 protected areas where you can enjoy an amazing variety of scenery and wildlife. Where ever you are in Thailand there is a wilderness of some sort near by.

About the Author

Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com

By Alex A. Smith

Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago of thousands of islands, is known throughout the world for its biological diversity and Balinese beach getaways. As culturally diverse as it is biologically, the capital city of Jakarta is a melting pot of roughly 10 million people. Home to numerous expatriates from all corners of the earth, Jakarta has everything any cosmopolitan city has to offer – but you might just have to dig a little deeper to find it. While your first impression might leave you choking on fumes from the ubiquitous Metro Mini public buses that leave a trail of grey exhaust along the main thoroughfares, Jakarta quickly compensates with its high end shopping malls, excellent cuisine, and smiling faces. Known as the “Big Durian” after the notoriously stinky Southeast Asian thorny fruit, Jakarta certainly makes an impression on all who have counted themselves among Indonesia’s bule gila (crazy foreigners).

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If you are relocating to Jakarta, the first challenge you might find yourself up against is the hunt for accommodation. While short term needs are easily met by any of the international or national hotel chains in the city, longer term accommodation can be trickier. The decision usually boils down to a villa or an apartment. For those of more modest means, there are also communal living arrangements called kost that include a private bedroom and bathroom with shared living area and kitchen. The area in which you choose to live is usually decided by your particular needs. Families often opt to live in Jakarta’s southern neighborhoods in order to have a larger house with a yard and easy access to Jakarta’s international schools. Kemang is an area of town most known for its expat population and as such has numerous boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars within walking distance. Singles and couples often live in Kemang or opt for the more centrally located apartments that can be found in and around the central business district. Centrally located apartments are often on the higher end of rental spectrum as they offer a host of luxury amenities such as on site gym, security, and pool.

Jakarta has much entertainment to offer both young and old throughout the year. The up and coming local and international artists have made great effort to broaden Jakarta’s cultural horizon and sponsor annual events such as the Jakarta International Film Festival and the Jazz Festival. Embassies and Consulates also bring in talent every month which include pianists, operatic performances, and chamber music. For athletic types, whether children or adults, there are numerous intramural teams who are very welcoming to newcomers, such as the football teams and Ultimate Frisbee leagues. If your idea of athleticism is lifting a Starbucks while you contemplate whether or not to buy that cute Kate Spade bag – Jakarta will not disappoint. With new shopping malls springing up every year, Jakarta is quickly becoming a shopping haven to rival the nearby retail center of Singapore. With numerous high end stores such as Bulgari, Valentino, and Gucci as well as moderately priced chains like the U.K.’s TopShop, there is something for everyone.

If you find yourself missing home while in Jakarta, you don’t have to go far to find a taste of comfort food, whatever it might be. Be sure to check out Scusa at the Intercontinental for Italian, C’s for steaks and seafood at the Grand Hyatt, and of course the place to see and be seen for Sunday brunch, Seasons Café at the Four Seasons. If hotels aren’t your thing – don’t worry – there are more than enough International restaurants tucked away in a neighborhood near you. Try the persistent favorite, Koi with mouth watering desserts or line up for freshly flown in mussels at Cassis every Tuesday. For consistently good Indian, try Kinara in Kemang. The newly renovated Blowfish is the trendiest place for sushi these days, and the attached club gets going by 11pm making a late dinner transition into drinks a step away. If you have a hankering for dim sum, you will not be disappointed in the consistently high quality of Din Tai Fung in Plaza Senayan Arcadia. And if you stay long enough – there are bound to many new restaurants popping up as the city’s economy continues to recover.

About the Author

Alex Smith has traveled extensively in Southeast Asia, has lived in Bangkok, Thailand for the last four years where he maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website.

By Alex A. Smith

As well as providing exceptional shopping, Hong Kong is also an often sought after travel destination because of its vibrant nightlife. Hong Kong embraces everything from the ritziest floor shows with top local and international talent, down to alley way restaurant dining and karaoke bars. Hong Kong caters for all tastes and desires. The most popular forms of nightlife activities frequently include restaurants, karaoke bars, discos, dance clubs and the cinema.

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In Hong Kong the party never stops and anything goes. Many nightclubs and bars are open 24 hours and as the third largest producer of movies, you can be sure to find a film to satisfy your needs. The nightclubs you encounter are uniquely different than those encountered in western cultures. Many nightclubs provide not only entertainment but also family and business dining. The nightclubs engage talented locals whose performances include singing, Opera (Cantonese), acrobatics and dancing.

The hottest Hong Kong nightlife is found in Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong. These iconic, must see areas provide a wide selection of restaurants, bars and cafe’s catering to any culinary tastes. Known as the trendy night district, you can be certain that you will be able to indulge in a wide variety of international and local beers, wines and spirits. While many tourists remain in Kowloon, the tourists “in the knowâ€� always attend these areas, which are also popular with the locals. You will be provided with a well balanced mix of relaxation and best of all, you will get to socialize with the locals.

Hong Kong is situated on the ever busy Victoria Harbour. The harbour is a well known for its dinner and dancing cruises as well as its symphony of lights tours. Not only can you cruise the Hong Kong skyline in large commercial boats, but those seeking an in-depth cultural immersion, can also choose to travel on traditional Chinese junkets. With an economy based on tourism, you can be confident that you’ll get some reasonable prices on which ever option you choose. Most importantly don’t forget to barter your harbour tour package as the asking price is far higher than the price you are expected to pay. If all day shopping bonanzas don’t satisfy your needs, then Tsim Sha Tsui is definitely the place for you. Here you will find the world famous night market. Filled with bright lights and eager shoppers, you have the opportunity to continue shopping for clothing, electronics and local produce, and then finish your night in the Music and Drama rooms. The music and dramas feature the upcoming local talent and sometimes the old talent winding down their careers. Tsim Sha Tsui gives you hustle and bustle mixed with relaxation it’s a perfect location to cater to almost everyone’s needs.

Hong Kong is often described as the Oriental Pearl. With such a wide array of night time activities merged into such a small location you’ll always find something of interest on every corner. With its mix of eastern and western cultures, Hong Kong is sure to satisfy your holidaying needs. There is no need to worry about jet lag here because of the cities vibrant 24 hour atmosphere. While the world is sleeping, Hong Kong is ablaze with bright neon lights and activities to give you exactly what you are seeking.

While in Hong Kong be sure to visit:

Victoria Harbour at night Sky Lounge at the Sheraton Hotel Cyber 8 Disco Pub at the Miramar Hotel JP Causeway Bay Cinema at UA Times Square

Remember that Hong Kong is designed for all travelers and the nightlife is reflective of the warm temperatures. When venturing into Hong Kong’s vibrant nightlife areas, dress for comfort, only the exclusively upmarket establishments have strict dress standards. But the most important thing to remember is have fun, take in the culture and don’t be in a hurry. Hong Kong gives you an atmosphere where you have 24 hours a day to explore the Oriental Pearl.

About the Author

Alex Smith has traveled extensively in Southeast Asia, has lived in Bangkok, Thailand for the last four years where he maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com

By Alex Smith

After exploring the rich historical surrounds of the Philippines, it is only natural to unwind by delving into the local nightlife. The natural charm and surrounds of the Philippines allows you the total escape package which is complimented by the daily wind down phase of visiting the unique night time offerings. This is the place where you can dance the night away, lounge in comfort driven lounge bars or indulge in feasts fit for a king. The nightlife starts late and ends even later so you can be assured of finding the night time activity which will meet your every need.

Being a country which embraces contemporary advances and historical charm, you will find a wide selection of nightlife establishments both old and new. Most travellers find that the older style bars and clubs in the out skirts of the major areas provide not only a fine drinking location but also one where you can satisfy your hunger with ‘pulutan’ also known as bar chow. Pulutan is similar to tapas and ensures that you stay well nourished for your night of activity and fun. It is customary for bars and clubs to provide free meals to its patrons as the culturally rich customs which don’t condone drinking on an empty stomach. This is one country where you will receive free grilled meats, vegetables and nuts for simply purchasing a drink from the bar.

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The Philippines is unique in the sense that it is host to some of the seediest and most upmarket bars in the world. When visiting Manila you are likely to find more of a nightclub scene than you will find in the other areas such as Cebu, where you will find a more relaxing environment in the confines of the local night spot. The nightlife in the Philippines is somewhat different from western society. It is not unusual for a bar or nightclub in the Philippines to cater to a more relaxed atmosphere with substantial comforts as opposed to the standing environment western nightclubs usually provide.

Manila is the place to be if you want to find lively pubs and karaoke bars. When you enjoy the Philippine nightlife you will quickly learn that beer is the drink of choice. The Philippines has a large selection of international beers but unfortunately for the spirit drinker you may have to rely upon the local Ginebra which is a localised version of Gin. For those who are a bit more adventurous you may like to try the customary drinks such as Lambanog and Tuba. Both of these drinks are made from coconut sap. Funnily enough, these drinks are also the base for a number of well known bubble gum brands.

The Philippines is an extremely cheap place to visit and you can expect that all of your nightlife adventures will be well below what you would expect to pay back at home. Theatres and cinema’s are not dominant in the Philippine nightlife but with the low cost of food, alcohol and entertainment it is not necessary. The local population who also visit the night life spots are the ones that will make your journey complete. The Philippines offers you the opportunity to indulge in the historical sights during the days and learn the unique culture from the locals at night.

After leaving, you will not think of nightlife in the Philippines as a visit to the Opera. You will be left of memories of spending time with the locals, learning their customs, talking over a few drinks and enjoying the fine local cuisine that is part of the entertainment scene. The Philippines is unique in its ability to make your stay about the person, and the local memories it provides you with.

By Alex Smith

Situated, as it is, at the heart of the South East Asian region it is no surprise that Thailand is home to many expats. It is not only convenient geographically; it also has a modern infrastructure making it a convenient place from which to do business. The ease of living and the variety and beauty of places to live also mean that Thailand is also a popular place to retire. It is a country where a modest pension can go a long way.

For those wishing to make their home in Thailand the first and most important hurdle to jump is that of visas. Although visiting as a tourist is a simple process, negotiating the bureaucracy for a longer term stay is more complicated. If you are employed in Thailand you will need a work permit. This involves your employer providing proof that you are genuinely employed. You then apply for a non immigrant visa, preferably from your country of origin, which allows a stay of three months. During that time you need to complete the process of getting a work permit at which point you will be granted a one year renewable visa. For a retirement visa you need to be over fifty years old and prove sufficient funds.

Once established in Thailand you will need health insurance. Private health care is excellent and, compared to western countries, is also very cheap. However cheap it is if you should be unfortunate and need major medical the cost does mount up. There is not really any need to be covered for outpatient care since the insurance payouts are minimal and it is cheap in any case. BUPA BlueCross is an international company that can take care of all this. Opening a bank account in Thailand is very simple. You do not necessarily need to show residency but it helps. The Kasikorn Bank is the one that seems most foreigner friendly. You will be issued with an ATM card that also functions as a debit card.

If you want to work in Thailand there are opportunities but it can be complicated. The single biggest need in all of Asia, given that English is the global language of commerce, is for people who can teach. These days you will need to be educated up to University standard and you will definitely fair better if you also have a TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification that qualifies you as a properly trained teacher. Apart from that there is work in the tourist industry if you have skills in diving or the hospitality industry. Wages in Thailand are generally fairly low if employed locally but then so is the cost of living. This works both ways. Many people choose to work “remotely” for companies in their own countries and with advances in technology and the reasonable living costs this is an increasing trend.

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When living in Thailand the expat does have to get used to things that would generally not be an issue in Europe or the US. Although in many ways very advanced, Thailand is also very newly developed. One has to deal with a, sometimes, chaotic bureaucracy, a legal system that lacks definition and a police force that is underpaid and therefore unorthodox in methods of law enforcement. If you are asked for extra curricular payments and you are guilty the most important thing is to remain friendly and keep the costs down. In the main this will involve minor traffic infringements and the standard ‘fee’ to walk away is about 200 baht. When it comes to serious crimes, especially drugs, law enforcement in Thailand is punitive to put it mildly.

One thing that every expat in Thailand learns sooner or later is patience. Things don’t always happen as quickly as they should and sometimes they don’t happen at all. To show anger and impatience, however justified, will probably just make things worse. For the expat the first phrase of Thai to be learned is ‘Mai Pen Rai’ or ‘never mind’.

About the Author

Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com

By Alex Smith

English is the official language of ASEAN – The Association of South East Asian Nations. It is the language of international business and now it is the main language of the internet. This means that in Thailand there is a big demand for native English speakers to teach all age groups how to speak, read and write the English language. Coupled with that is the ever growing tourism industry and the need for language skills amongst those who service it.

Although in the past the regulation of the teaching industry has been relaxed, the only real qualification being that you are a native speaker. This has now changed not only in Thailand but elsewhere. Employers will insist on a bachelor’s degree. Oddly this is more important than either a specialized TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or a TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certificate. The subject of the BA is not important but it must be genuine. Anyone caught using forged qualifications are now subject to law and employers will run checks with issuing colleges and universities from which the qualifications were awarded. If you are qualified then teaching can be a great way to get really involved with Thai society. ‘Sanuk’ or the importance having fun is a defining factor in social interaction. It may not always be easy, but teaching can be a rewarding and interesting experience.

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When looking for work you have to decide whether you prefer to teach adults or children and what sector of the industry you want to cater to. International schools follow the curriculum of the country to which they are affiliated whether that is the UK, US or France. Teachers there would be qualified in the same way as they would in their country of origin so these jobs are in high demand since the pay is very good and employers can be very choosy.

All over Thailand there are private schools some being part of a chain whilst others are totally independent commercial enterprises. They range vastly in quality, the better ones having the pick of those they want to employ. This is another reason why being properly qualified is important. You will be paid more. There is also a great need for teachers at high schools. The pay can be quite low but generally it is a less stressful job since class times are shorter.

Often considered the most prestigious places to teach are universities. The pay is not always as high as the prestige might suggest since rates are set by the government but there is plenty of opportunity for specialization if you already have an academic background.

Private one to one teaching is a market in itself. Some teachers hate it finding it very demanding, others prefer the freedom in hours and the more intense nature of the work. It can also be a bit more lucrative than teaching a class. People will want value for their money though from the one to one experience, so professionalism and preparation are vital.

Some teachers prefer dealing with adult students and some prefer children. It’s just a question of preference. With adults many experienced teachers specialize in one area whether that is business English, medical English, tourist industry English and so on. Thailand is a country where appearance, respect and face matter. The profession of teacher or ‘kru’ or ‘ajarn’ is highly respected and certain levels of presentation are required. From men a shirt and tie at least and for women fairly formal clothing.

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Teaching jobs are advertised in the Bangkok Post and increasingly on the internet.

Whatever your training and however long you plan to make a life in teaching Thailand can be an enjoyable place to do it. Teaching those keen to learn who also want to have fun is a rewarding experience.

About the Author

Alex Smith manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website http://www.cheapthaitravel.com and occasionally contributes to http://www.golf-in-thailand.com and has lived in Thailand for the last 3 years.