Sunday, November 15, 2015

Travel and Earn at the Same Time

Who doesn’t love traveling? I am sure that any of us, given the time and money, would go backpacking and hop from country to country. There are just too many places to explore and so many things to experience. However, one of the reasons that keep us from traveling is money and time.

For some people, traveling can be expensive with only a meager salary to rely on. Those who earn enough, on the other hand, do not have the ample amount to get out of the responsibilities that bind them. Many of us do not have both the time and the money.

But what if there is a chance to travel and earn money at the same time? Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours has the following travel opportunities that can also help you make money:

1. Be an English Teacher
If you are fluent English speaker or a native, you can apply for English teaching jobs in countries which use it as a second language. Asia is the best target for that. Aside from a vacation-like travel brought by the pristine beaches and majestic sceneries in many places in Asia, the people are friendly to western people and look up to them with high regard. You can apply for English tutoring jobs and be treated as the smartest person in the world in places like South Korea, Jakarta, Indonesia or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

2. Be a Travel Blogger
Being a successful freelance blogger/writer can be hard and may take time to help you earn money. Fortunately, more and more people are looking over the net for good reviews before they start traveling. You can also write some blogs which can help readers become aware of most scams or fraudulent acts in a place you visit. People would appreciate it if they are warned beforehand.

3. Be a Hotel Boy
Many hotels and restaurants hire foreigners on a daily basis for waiter positions, act as receptionist or if you are good singer or pianist, an entertainer. The opportunity may not lead you to an immediate stardom nor make you an instant millionaire but at least, it can help you get through your daily living.

4. Be a Tourist Guide
If you know many things on the place you are visiting and are sociable enough, you can earn a living by being a tourist guide to fellow foreigners. You can create your own walking tour, meet people along the way, share what you know and earn at the same time.

5. Rent your Apartment
If you merely want to be a traveler with no obligation and you have an apartment or a house back home, then, the budget is set for you. You can rent out your home while you are gone instead of leaving it useless and unguarded.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Wonderful Asia: English Proficiency and Language Barrier, Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours Review

One of the reasons why many westerners hesitate on traveling to Asia is because of language barriers. Indeed, Asia is a home for thousands of different tongues on top of hundreds of cultures. Communication may be a problem, relaying the message you want may be a daunting challenge and surviving may be questionable. Or, it may not be an existing problem at all.

According to English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Asian countries are not altogether illiterate in speaking and understanding the universal language. If so, there are countries which can even speak English as fluent as any native can. Surprise surprise! They also have educational system which teaches English language and international affairs where English language is being used to properly communicate. Business districts in many capitals like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Jakarta, Indonesia use English in a day to day basis.  You may even be surprised to meet a young child who has not gone to school or mingled with foreigners but can speak and understand English. So for those who are just finding some dumb excuse to visiting Asia and its wonders, your complaints are invalid.

But if you must, you can learn simple tips to overcome language barriers.

1.            Learn simple phrases beforehand
It does no harm to review new language as it does not mean that you will totally abandon your own mother tongue. Simple greetings like thank you, good morning or excuse me can be a good start. To get by, you can learn basic conversational phrases revolving around things like restrooms, food and directions. Simply perfecting “how do you say this” or “what this is” can be simple ways of learning bits of the language.

2.            Pay attention to non-verbal languages
90% of human communication comes from non-verbal languages. Gestures are of a global scale and it can be understood by anyone regardless of culture or tradition. Smiles and nods can reach a long way to foreigners and locals alike while touching and eye contact can vary depending on customs. In Republic of Korea and Vietnam, it is rude to offer or receive with only one hand. Gifts should be given or accepted with both hands and a bow.

3.            Bring a notebook

Although you have a sharp mind, you cannot always trust it. Jotting down the simple phrases you have learned can help you in dealing with the same situation later on. You can also use your smartphones to avoid hassle. Just make sure you hold your gadgets tight as there are a lot of fraudsters in Asian streets.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Hygienic Traveling Tips



While traveling, you do not want any hygienic issues hamper your trip. Being a first time tourist, you must be surprised of how challenging it is to keep your health rituals and hygiene. There may be unavailability of water, the change of environment or the different feel of the new place that makes you awkward to get through your own beauty habits. Whatever the factors that you are experiencing, it shouldn’t hinder you from doing what you have to do.

Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours, a group of professional travelers who contribute great ideas and suggestions on traveling understands the issue incorporated with keeping good hygiene and staying clean all throughout your travel even when you are walking through the Sahara desert, trekking on the Amazon jungle or getting stuck on traffic in Jakarta, Indonesia. The following are some of the must-haves that you shouldn’t travel without:

1. Tissue and Toilet Paper

Make sure you have packed your own toilet paper. When you are traveling to public places, these are oftentimes not included in public restrooms. You cannot expect these in rural areas as well which does not promise that much of a facility.

2. Sanitizer

While doctors highly advise of using soap and water while washing your hands, there are times that this is not a highly likely option for travelers. Fortunately for travelers of today, there is the invention of sanitizers. A bottle or two can greatly help in easing your sanitary problems which makes it one of the must-haves when traveling.

3. Water

When you are traveling there is a high risk of getting infected through the water that you drink. This warning heightens more when you are traveling rural and isolated areas. Bottled water is the best option to avoid contradictions.

4. Facial Wash

When you are traveling, it cannot be avoided that you can either get an oily or dry face. The condition of your face depends on the condition of the weather on the place you are going to. If you are concerned you’ll get haggard, make sure you pack a lot of facial wash and cream.

5. Mouthwash

There are times that you cannot find a good place to brush your teeth, your water may be limited or it can be too unsafe to use. Mouth wash is a very useful especially if you want to interact to other people but can’t be too near. Don’t sacrifice your travel just because of a smelly breath.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Best Honeymoon Destinations in Asia


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Honeymoon should be a time of romance and love. As a celebration of two individuals starting their lives together, honeymoon is set to be enjoyed for the more joined experiences later on. There is just nothing like the feeling of being newlyweds.

Asia is one of the best places to go to while during honeymoon. As home of pristine beaches, hilly terrains and other must-experience adventures, Asia has a lot to offer to make your sweet start of life as husband and wife.

Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours, you’re traveling guide based in Singapore, has the following list of today’s top honeymoon destinations in the heart of the largest archipelago to review and visit:

Maldives

Maldives is already gaining popularity to being one of the most dreamt honeymoon destination. This tiny island offers diverse bask of adventures secluded from other prying eyes. In this island, you will find the world’s top spa retreats, white beaches and a picturesque and scenic view. No fraudulent experts can ever copy the majesty of Maldives.

Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is a center of diverse culture and rich heritage fit for couples who like a little adventure and peak in the past. A good honeymoon itinerary would include going through the Chao Phrya River in a canal boat ride and visiting Royal Barges National Museum. Honeymooners may also want to visit Buddhist temple and pay little homage or ask for a blissful years of couple life to come.


Despite being a city, Jakarta offers a wide variety of activities hidden within its boundaries. A good place to say would be in Nihiwata, Sumba which is perfect if you want to achieve both city and beach honeymoon. The Marangga villas of Nihiwatu in Sumba offer an unobstructed view of the Indian Ocean from the terrace of your room, complete with private pool and the privacy that honeymoon couples need.

Borneo

Borneo offers more of the natural adventures of honeymoon. Seeing an orangutan during your romantic days wouldn’t seem a weird idea once you are already there. You don’t need to be a nature lover to appreciate the spectacular wildlife that roams free in this country

Lombok Island, Indonesia 

Lombok Island has the most heavenly atmosphere and the beautiful underwater scenery. The waves, which are not too big and quiet, of course will add romance honeymoon. Watching the sunset while holding hands by the shore is just one of the fantasies that can come true in this island.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Diversities and Complexities



Indonesia is composed of 17,000 islands, more than 200 languages and with a population of more than 200million. Java and Jakarta holds the most number of inhabitants and has actually been listed by UNESCO World Heritages in its list of the most diversified country in the world.

Indonesia is a melting pot of races cultures, languages, religions, traditions and histories.

In reviews of the archipelago’s events, Madurese bull-racing, Kerapan Sapi, is a festival that takes place annually on the island of Madura, whilst the traditional Sundanese marriage ceremony involves nine formal stages, and many Javanese people do not typically have surnames.
People may identify themselves according to their ethnicity, birthplace or family, and hundreds of languages are spoken throughout the country, however most Indonesians are united through the national language, Bahasa Indonesia, as well as through the national philosophical foundation of Pancasila. These five principles come from age-old traditions and are said to define Indonesia’s nationhood:
  • Belief in the one and only God
  • Just and civilized humanity
  • The unity of Indonesia
  • Democracy guided by the wisdom of deliberations among representatives
  • Social justice for all the people of Indonesia

Aside from the people, Indonesia is also known as a country rich in natural resources and a haven of paradise. According to Westhill Travel and Tours, Indonesia is the top country in South East Asia when it comes to pristine beaches and nature adventure. From mountain trekking to cave hopping, Indonesia offers varieties of explorations.

Facilities within the country can also accommodate to any ethnicity and nature. No complaints have been heard about Indonesia’s hotels. Those in the archipelago are second to none. In fact, many of our luxurious and unique hotels have constantly been listed as some of the best in the world, located on white sandy beaches, overlooking green river valleys, or situated in the heart of busy capital Jakarta. While Indonesia’s cities like Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, or Makassar are a hive of activities for business and leisure and a paradise for shoppers, offering upscale boutiques selling top brand names, to local goods at road-side stalls. Here gourmets can treat themselves to the many regions’ delectable spicy cuisine or dine sumptuously at international restaurants. And for sheer relaxation, Indonesia Spas are also dominating the list around the world.

From hospitable people and locals, to nature, to facilities, Indonesia is fast growing and developing. We can definitely expect more from this country in the years to come.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Banks and Money Exchange in Indonesia

Indonesian rupiah has more zeroes and digits on its tail. You can easily be a millionaire in this country. Having any currency above $150 equals to millions in Indonesian rupiah.


With the confusion that comes from counting changes and subtracting the money needed to make your way through Indonesia and even on the central business district of Jakarta, having an advanced knowledge and keen eye on the exchange is a must.

A warning reached Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours on the current fraud happening in exchange stalls scattered around Jakarta. With a quick sight of hand and a good acting skill, any scammer can deceive foreigners in slacking some bills off of your money.

•              Beware of places where money changing is a secondary business. It may not be legitimate or they are doing a part time con on top of what they are earning.

•              Indonesian rupiah is composed of IDR1000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000, and Rp 100,000. Always ask for a bigger note. One of the scammers’ tactics is to confuse you by making you count bundles of 2,000 unless you are very sharp.

•              Start to wonder if there are two people at the counter. The other may be talking to you and being friendly while the other is counting your money. This may be another scam to confuse you and take your concentration away from the money. If this happens, just politely ask the one talking to leave you alone since you have to give 100% attention on you money.

•              The exchange person will give you a bundle of calculated notes to be counted by you. Count the notes carefully and bundle them in the order you calculated but don't mix them up just yet. Keep the notes closer to you once you have counted correctly. If the guy proceeds to take the entire bundle back to re-count, stop him and do the counting yourself. If he insists, don't waste your time. Walk away with your foreign notes. Because he is going to take some money off until you give in. 

•              If the guy pulls out a load of smaller 10,000 or 20,000 notes, just walk away as it is just going to be a guaranteed con.

Never let the money leave your sight while it is countered and checked, or you could find the total shorter when it comes back. Everyone should just be cautious and keen in doing their business.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Things to Do in Indonesia Before You Die

Indonesia remains to be the world’s most populous island country in the world and the world’s largest archipelago with 17,800 islands in its territory. It is no wonder why there are a lot of things to do in this country.

Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours advices these following must-do in the country:

1.         Eat Strange Things

Head to the Mangga Besar district of Jakarta and dine on such wondrous delicacies as lizard, frog, bat, snake, or even dog. A little warning though, some parts of the city may also offer you a head of a monkey served on a platter while you are eating its brains (talk about cannibalism)

2.         Go Fishing with a Local Fisherman

As stated earlier, Indonesia is an archipelago. It is basically a given when in every place you see a harbor. Get up at dawn and climb into a tiny little fishing boat which is soon rocking and swaying in the increasingly big waves which splash over the sides of the boat soaking you to the bone while the insides of your now rumbling stomach are threatening to push their way up and out of your throat. No matter how much you complain, you won’t get back to shore in a few more hours. No worries, you probably would have the chance to catch a mackerel and maybe an old flip –flop if you are lucky.

3.         Snorkel a coral Reef

Indonesia is one of the countries rich for its natural resources. Its coral resources are no different. Experiencing its underwater natural resources is a need and a must when you are in Indonesia.

4.         Climb a Volcano

Indonesia is home to 129 volcanoes and it would be a waste if you don’t climb even just one of them. It is best to climb at dawn and, if you are lucky, take a glimpse of the sunrise atop some volcanoes. Believe me, up there is to experience a little bit of heaven.

5.         Take a trip from Jakarta to Bangkok without Flying

In the age of high speed communications we forget that the real beauty of going somewhere is not just in getting there but also in the journey. If you have the time, a really cool thing to do is to get to Bangkok from Jakarta by sea and overland.  You can actually try island and country hopping through buses and boats. From the harbor of Tanjung Priok to Tanjung Pinang to Singapore, then ride buses and trains to Malaysia and another train towards Bangkok.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Experience Spa, Experience Indonesia

Indonesia is known to be a home of the best spas and leisure activities. In its popularity, many expatriates and foreigners come to this archipelago just to get the best from the best. From massages and meditations, to facials and body scrubs, a spa is guaranteed to offer something to help you relax. Indonesian spa’s range all the way from secluded hideaways in beautiful natural surrounds to serene parlors tucked away in the streets of big cities to review and experience. From Jakarta to Bali to Sumatra, there are a lot of spa treatments and clinics to go around. Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours introduces some of the places to be when it comes to spa and relaxation. 

Angsana

In beautiful open-air rooftop pavilions or cozy treatment rooms, sensory pleasures are sharpened as professional therapists skillfully ease tension and stress away. Using the ancient art of aromatherapy and a therapeutic sense of touch, a range of specially blended massage oils, floral-based essential oils soothes you through aromatherapy treatments, body wraps and scrubs, massage and facial.

Banyan Tree Spa

Secluded from the busy streets of modern life, Banyan Tree is located in the luxurious Banyan Tree Bintan retreat. Amidst a beautiful natural environment, intimate spa pavilions offer the utmost privacy during personal pampering services. Banyan Tree Spa takes a holistic approach to physical and spiritual wellbeing, providing a sanctuary for the senses.

Ciater's Revitalizing Hot Springs

The cool highlands of Subang in West Java provide an idyllic setting for an unforgettable personal experience where the crisp mountain air and the refreshing sounds of bubbling mountain streams soothe the soul. The town of Ciater is known for its natural hot springs with their healing qualities which promote physical well. With its nice effects, you can never complain. 

Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay

Overlooking the spectacular Jimbaran Bay, The Spa at Jimbaran Bay offers head-to-toe all natural spa treatments that use sea salt crystals, seaweed and aromatics. To cleanse the body, revitalize the skin or balance the senses, island spices, exotic flowers, tropical fruits and essential oils are part of the Jimbaran health and beauty rituals that are derived from ancient Balinese and Javanese traditions.

Puri Santi - Garden of Relaxation 

A Day Spa in the heart of South Jakarta in Cipete. It is easy to reach from Senayan, Kuningan, Kemang or Pondok Indah. Puri Santi’s provides ultimate relaxation by combining traditional Spa approaches from Indonesia and other Asian countries with natural products. They offer private treatment room, ensuite showers and bathtubs, and a VIP Suite for couples with built in jacuzzi, steam bath and private bath room.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Cycling your way in Jakarta



In a traffic congested city like Jakarta, it would be hard enough to get your way on foot without worrying of being side swept by a car. Nevertheless, many tourists and visitors continue to suggest that the best way to truly experience the heat, the landscape, the culture and the city is to tour by bike.

Ernest Hemingway once said, “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.”

Still, we all need to be cautious when touring the dangerous paths of Indonesia by bike. Motorists may respect your choice of transportation but it is still better to travel safely. Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours have gathered these simple tips to keep in mind whenever you are cycling your way in the city:

1. There are caveats along the way and these warnings shouldn’t be ignored. Any city biker alive in the city very well know this and of course, it only takes common sense to understand them in the city

2. You have to know and accept that you're a cyclist and at the bottom end of the totem pole.

3. You have to have the humility to acknowledge other forms of motor transport and be willing to concede the rights of way in acquiesce to the honks of the other.

4. You have to have the mental discipline to forget the probabilities and risks that you face from stupid drivers behind you, and proceed from Point A to B in a very steady and conservative line on the road and a cool head. If for any reason there is an obstruction in your path, you should quickly and certainly (no doubts!) determine if there is traffic behind you or not and whether it is safe to overtake. If in doubt, always be ready to choose to be conservative and to dismount. You should also not be averse to momentarily riding on the dusty shoulder of the road if the oncoming traffic looks like it's going to crowded.

5. Please always be reminded to wear all the lights, blinkers, bright shirts and helmets and please always review the most important parts of your bike and if it needs repair. It may look geeky, but geeky also communicates that you have done all that is expected of you as a safe biker and places all other responsibility on others.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Things to Remember

When we talk about natural disasters, we might immediately be thinking of typhoons, tsunamis, flood and other heart-breaking disasters that we dreaded. Among the countries in Asia, Indonesia seems to be on the top when it comes to experiencing these disasters.



Indonesia is a large country spanning across few time zones. Natural disasters common here are the earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. Also, the separation between islands makes it harder for help to come immediately when needed. Despite all of these, Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours still continue to promote tourism in this country for obvious reasons. Local and foreign tourists continue to flock the country, ignoring the warning because of the majestic invitation of archipelago from the buzzing busy streets of Jakarta to heaven-like Bali.

Just to be sure, here are some things to remember once you visit Indonesia:

Crime

The crime rate in Indonesia has increased over the years but most are just petty thieving like robbery, theft, scams and pickpocketing. Avoid showing your valuables and money in public and like most places in the world, be aware of your surroundings especially popular public places. There are several bombing reported at highly concentrated tourist area such as Bali and Jakarta, so as to minimize your risk, try to avoid tourist packed nightclubs or restaurants.

Vaccination

It is recommended to get vaccinated for hepatitis A and typhoid fever before traveling to Indonesia as food hygiene in some areas are questionable. Get more information in vaccinations for traveling in Indonesia.

Medical Issues

Dengue is rampant in remote areas of Sumatra, Borneo and Lombok or points east, so bring strong repellants and be careful. Also the air quality in Indonesia is quite poor, especially in major cities, with occasional haze (June-October) from forest fires in Borneo and Sumatra, so if you have respiratory problems do remember to bring your medication and breather.

Areas to be Cautious at

• Maluku – there is serious civil unrest in this area with long standing communal tensions.
• Papua and West Papua – political tension creates a high risk security situation in that area.
• Central Sulawesi – security situation on risk due to religious tensions and terrorist activities.

Every other country has their own imperfections. Just as no human is perfect, no country is perfect as well. While taking these warnings at heart, never forget to enjoy your journey. Look into the good things each place has to offer. Happy trip!

Monday, June 8, 2015

Exploring Indonesia

I am a native of Jakarta, Indonesia and have also been a host in the famous hosting website, Couchsurfiung.com. Many of our visitors are asking me what they should be expecting and doing in Indonesia that can make their trip worthwhile. Well, in my most humble and objective opinion regarding my country, here are some tips that I can give:
  • Eat on the street – Like many Asian cultures, we Indonesian also like to eat street foods which offers delicious traditional and customary culinary skills. If you are saving money or just trying to be a local, you can buy food for $0.50 while experiencing legit Indonesian custom beside the streets.

  • Bargain hard – Another Indonesian culture. If you don’t bargain and complain about the price, you are definitely not from around. Nothing is ever at face value in Indonesia. Bargain with sellers as most of the time, the price they’ve quoted will not be the price you’ll pay if you bargain!

  • Relax in Bali – When mentioning Indonesia, first thing that comes to mind is Bali. This is probably the most famous of Indonesia’s islands and for good reason. Although often crowded with travelers, there is no escaping the fact that this place is beautiful. Try some surfing at Bingin Beach or visit the Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple, which is a truly stunning building.

  • Dive in the Gili Islands – For a true sense of an island paradise, head to the Gili Islands. You won’t find any cars on these islands; bike travel or horse and cart are the ways to see all that Gili has to offer. You’ll find excellent scuba and snorkel facilities, as well as nightlife on the party island of Gili Trawangan.

  • Jakarta – Indonesia’s capital is a large, bustling city with a population of over 10 million. For a moment of calm, people-watch from one of the cafes overlooking Fatahillah Square in the Old Batavia, the Dutch quarter, where you can take in the historic architecture. In terms of nightlife and eateries, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Jakarta. Make sure to watch for your personal belongings though as my city is admittedly full of scammers (but aren’t they all).

  • Have a spa day – Another famous thing in Indonesia. When you are in a place like this, it only seems right to treat your body to some probably much needed, deep pampering treatments. Getting a massage is basically a given, but why not do it on a beach. Body wraps, facials, manicures, and pedicures are also a nice bonus.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Avoid Getting Screwed

Traveling in a foreign land is a good opportunity but it involves many risks as well. You might find yourself naked, penniless and tied on a telephone pole on a side of a dirt road outside of a corn field. These kinds of situations may happen to you one way or the other so you should be cautious and put these simple warnings at heart. Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours have these simple steps for you to follow:

1. Simple Security Items You should Pack
Carry a card with you with numbers of the local police station, fire departments, hospitals and other numbers that you need to call in case of emergencies. In addition, it's not a bad idea to put your own emergency contact information on the card in case you're in trouble and someone needs to know who to call.

2. Protect your Passport
Passports nowadays have RFID which can be scanned from a distance. Scammers have been taken advantage of this to take your personal identification and information. This is easily solved with an RFID blocking wallet or case. You'll probably need to carry a wallet anyway, so you might as well carry one that'll keep you a bit safer.

3. Know your Taxi
There are a lot of taxi scams existing especially in traffic congested cities like Jakarta, Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Bangkok, Thailand. You're almost always better off taking official taxis, as the unmarked cars aren't bound by the strict regulations. A reputable private car service might work just fine, but generally you'll pay a lot more for it. When an unmarked cab is offering a similar or better rate than the official taxis, it's at least worth being a little skeptical. If there's some reason you really don't want to take an official taxi, make sure the fare includes any tolls and fees that might come as a surprise later on. Also, if the fare isn't flat rate, be sure you know the possible routes. Some drivers will know better and will take good care of you, but others will take longer routes to increase the fare. If you know your options, you can suggest a different route to avoid paying too much.

4. Know Your Rights
Laws change from state to state, and certainly from country to country, but ignorance to them will get you nowhere. In fact, in many cases you can get yourself out of trouble by known the laws that will affect you. When traveling to other countries, make sure to review the laws and policies that can affect your activities. There are a lot of misconceptions and knowing better could save you a headache.

Monday, June 1, 2015

Indonesia and the Reasons Why You Should Visit

                Jakarta is known to be the home of the world’s worst traffic. Because of this impression, added by accounts of pick-pocketers around the city, Indonesia should be one of the least visited countries in Asia. Or is it?

                Despite the complaints, the country seems to boom in terms of tourism and travel. With over 17, 000 islands, the archipelago is home to thousands of great beaches, majestic sceneries and bountiful natural wonders. Bali always comes to mind when thinking of resorts in the country but although Bali is great, the place has so much more to offer.

                Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours has wrapped it up in some of the top reasons why you should visit Indonesia:

1.            The Komodo Dragons

                Indonesia is home to Komodo National Park, named after its celebrity residents, the Komodo Dragon. Currently the largest living lizard in the world and the closest thing we have to dinosaurs, these fierce dragons are quite the tourist attraction for the thrill seeker. Indonesia is the only place in the world where they can be found living in the wild on the four islands that make up Komodo National Park. A little warning though, Komodo dragons are also known to eat a human or two so you have to make sure you have park rangers with you when you come face to face with these deadly creatures.

2.            Scuba/Snorkel

                Indonesia is home to 20% of the world’s coral reefs and some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling you can find. There are many opportunities available for beginner and experienced divers, with lots of gear rental shops and liveaboard trips and more being offered. Indonesia also has a lot of shipwrecks off its shores, which make for interesting dives. It's almost a shame to visit Indonesia and not get your feet wet.

3.            Food & Coffee

With a lot of varieties of food to choose from in Indonesia, you can definitely eat for days and always try something new. From chicken skewers (yup, Asians are famous for eating weird things) to fried rice with everything thrown in it, you can deliciously enjoy your meal. You will never have any complaints trying a cup of coffee as well as one of its most famous drinks, Java, actually originated here (obviously).

4.            Bananas

                When we were visiting Indonesia, bananas were very popular everywhere we went, which is no surprise seeing that the country is one of the top six producers of bananas in the world. If we weren’t having them at breakfast, we had them as dessert, deep-fried, drizzled with chocolate, or served many other ways.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Improve your Cruising Experience


Are you now tired of the usual beach vacation but you love the sea? Are resorts already overcrowded? You might want to try cruising, then. 

Some people think that traveling in a yacht is too expensive. Yet, this kind of adventure has been very popular. Many people say that it would be worth it to experience it even once in your life.  But how do you make your cruising experience fun and memorable?

To avoid the hassle or prevent untoward circumstances, Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours has provided you some tips to make sure that you cruise safely and make each moment memorable. 

http://www.clker.com/cliparts/1/8/7/1/13704448901162223323cruise_ship-1.png1.  Get There the Night Before
Sounds simple, but hundreds of cruisers literally miss the boat each year because of delayed flights, traffic, bad weather and other unforeseen troubles. Others board by the skin of their teeth, panting and screaming at one another. Who needs that sort of stress? Fly or drive into your port city the night before and you simultaneously bypass pre-departure jitters and add a day to your vacation. Check and review tourist boards for stay-and-cruise information.

2. Stay Away From the Pool
With large cruise ships, there is a great possibility that every passenger will be eyeing the use of the pools. Unfortunately, there are only a fraction of the chairs necessary to accommodate everyone. It may not be a good idea to insist your way into the crowded place. Instead, duck the hubbub. Most new vessels have adults-only areas, some with pools, and almost always less crowded. Also, scope out ship deck plans for a place to call your own.

3. Eat on Your Terms
Many major cruise lines continue to encourage group dining at a prescribed time. If making small talk with the same strangers every night at the same time is your thing, go for it. But myriad options abound to break up the routine: If the ship is in port late, slip off and have dinner, preferably something native. Order room-service breakfast (it’s included in most cases) and have a picnic on your balcony. Make reservations at an extra-fee specialty restaurant.

4. Stay on the Ship.
It doesn’t matter if you are in the Caribbean or in some part away from the island of Jakarta or Sumatra, Indonesia where there are a lot of nice places to look at. But in most cases, you can only look at it from afar, on your deck outside your cabin. If you can stand not spending 6 hours crammed on a tour bus, stay onboard. Most facilities are still open, and you’ll have them to yourself. Besides, you’ll skip the risk of being left by your ship.


Monday, May 18, 2015

The World is a colorful Place

I know we all cannot get enough of colors. People say that there are mental effects of seeing colors which brighten up moods help stimulate happy hormones in our life. Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours provides you more colorful places to visit around the world:

Keukenhof Park, Lisse, The Netherlands
                Also called the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof Park (which covers 80 acres) is planted with over 7 million flower bulbs every year. Though the park is only open from March to May, it has been around since 1949 and remains a major attraction for tourists and dignitaries alike. Many people who have visited the place have thought that the flowers which is sprayed with tulips, roses and other wild flowers are fraud but when it seems too good to be true, they are actually real array of colors.

Kelimutu crater lakes, Indonesia
Far from the buzzing busy street of Jakarta, Indonesia, Kelimutu, one of hundreds of volcanoes in Indonesia, is unique in that it is topped with three crater lakes of drastically different colors. Tiwu Ata Mbupu (“Lake of Old People”) sits apart from the other two and appears deep blue or even black. Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (“Lake of Maidens”) is separated from Tiwu Ata Polo (“Enchanted Lake”) by a shared crater wall. These lakes tend to be bright blue-green and red, respectively. The colors of these lakes have been known to change depending on the chemical composition of the water and the position of the sun.

Guilin Rice Terraces, Longji, China
Located in southern China close to Vietnam, the Longji terraced rice fields cover an area of almost 20,000 acres and rise as high as 3,600 feet into the air. These fields, nicknamed the “Dragon’s Backbone” because of their resemblance to scales, first appeared in this area around 1300 AD and take on a different appearance in every season, depending on the life cycle of the rice being grown. Many reviews has also been written on this place which shows petitions for it to be declared as one of man-made wonders of the world.

Lake Retba, Senegal
Literally translating into “pink lake,” this body of water north of the Cap Vert peninsula in northwest Africa is known for its high salt content, and gets its pink color from large concentrations of Dunaliella salina algae, which produce the red pigment as a byproduct of their metabolism. Coincidentally, Dunaliella salina is one of few organisms that can survive in such salty conditions, making Lake Retba an ideal home for the algae species.

Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, India
Located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the 2500-year-old city of Madurai, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to the gods Meenakshi (Parvati) and Sundareswarar (Shiva). The temple consists of 14 gopurams (gateway towers), all between 100-170 feet high, and two vimana (shrines).

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Introducing Lombok

Indonesia is known as one of the world’s most tourist destination. Its archipelagic geography gave it an advantage for different spots and abundant supply of natural beauty. Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours has the pleasure of introducing Lombok, Indonesia, one of the prides of the country.

Tourism is an important source of income on Lombok. The most developed tourism area of the island is on the west coast of the island and is centered about the township of Senggigi. Lombok is only a few kilometers from the country’s capital, Jakarta, Indonesia which made it more accessible to tourist to visit the place.

We have reviewed some of the most sought-after adventures in Lombok as follows:

1. The Lombok Chili Pepper
Since the word lombok means chili in Bahasa Indonesia, you'd expect the locals to know a thing or two about spicy food. The green and red Lombok chilies are often made into sambal — a fiery condiment — with locally grown naga jolokia peppers, garlic and shrimp paste. Sample it as an accompaniment to local dishes like ayam taliwang (grilled wild chicken) and sayur nangka (jackfruit curry).

2. Hit the Beach
Lombok's beaches are second to none and a blessed relief after Bali's busy strips. Head for the island's southwest to really escape the crowds. Surfers love the big waves at Bangko-Bangko (also known as Desert Point); if its long-walled and hollow left-hand breaks sound too taxing, then try the tiny island of Gili Nanggu, 15 minutes by boat from the town of Tawun.

3. Two Wheels Good
Public transport on Lombok is unreliable. Many visitors opt to hire a car and driver, which can be obtained at very reasonable rates, but if you're feeling adventurous try renting a motorcycle — available from shops all over the island. At just over 80 km at its widest point, Lombok is easily traversable and its roads are in great condition for Indonesia — the beneficiaries of recent infrastructural investment. The excellent 21-km coastal stretch from Senggigi to Pemenang winds past beautiful inlets and beaches and is an easy, exhilarating ride. Other, smaller roads meander through rugged highlands, passing secluded waterfalls and verdant rice paddies.

4. Hot, Roasted Worms
The largest and most colorful festival is the Bau Nyale or Sea Worm Festival. Every February at Kuta beach, the Sasak people commemorate a mythical princess who drowned herself in these waters rather than enter a politically vexatious marriage. The festival is timed with the spawning of marine worms, which are eagerly caught and eaten — often after being wrapped in banana leaf and roasted — and the celebrations last for four days. The locals never had any complaints on the taste of worms in the spirit of the festival.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

It’s Nice Having a Boring Long Road Trip

Have you ever been in a long trip and got bored along the way? Wouldn’t it be worse for your kids? Well, Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours thinks it shouldn’t be boring. Try to be more creative. This long boring trip may be a way to secure your bonding with your colleagues, family and friends with you. Here are some games you can review and play along the way:

1. The Alphabet Game

Everyone knows how to play — you go up and down the alphabet picking letters out of words you see from the car. Some people play where you can use license plate letters, which is total bullcrap.

The double alphabet game is a great variation. Only words that have at least two instances of one letter can count. 'Alligator' - A, 'Blueberry' - B, and so on. No one in recorded history has ever finished a round of the double alphabet game.

2. Car plate Abbreviation

This is the game Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours staff had invented when we were traveling Jakarta, Indonesia. Try to make up a meaning out of car plates that you pass by. You will be surprised on how hilarious this game will be. 

3. Fortunately / Unfortunately.

One person makes a statement, and the next person has to counter. Example: Person A: Fortunately, we have lots of snacks in the car. Person B: Unfortunately, they’re all covered in mold!

4. Name a country. 

The next person has to name a country that begins with the last letter of the previous country.

5. Car Colors. 

Everyone picks a color, and each person counts all of the passing cars in that color. Whoever reaches X number of cars first wins.

6. Would you rather X or Y?

Best game ever. All parties MUST answer. Example: Would you rather be able to read minds or be invisible? You might get a lot of complaints and heaps of laughter with this one. 

7. Alphabet Signs

Players must watch signs out the windows. The goal is to go through the alphabet (in alphabetical order), finding a word that begins with each letter while you are are "on" it. This is great for beginning readers and older people alike.

8. Alphabet Search

Same premise as alphabet signs, but in this game you are not looking for signs. You are looking for actual objects or physical entities that begin with the letter you are "on." This is much more challenging than it seems, because most people tend not to see visually and think in terms of words simultaneously.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

How to Avoid Travel Scams


Travel Scams are rampant nowadays that reports in these cases have reached wider scope from underdeveloped countries in Africa, developing cities like Jakarta, Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and even already developed countries and states like America. As your trusted travel consulting partner, Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours has listed some tips that you may follow on how to avoid scams and any other fraudulent acts there.

If you have been offered a great bargain on a cruise or resort vacation, but you cannot seem to get all the details unless you pay the company first, you may be dealing with a travel scam.


Retain a healthy dose of skepticism. Be extremely skeptical about unsolicited e-mail, postcard and phone solicitations saying you've been selected to receive a fabulous vacation or anything free. Be especially wary of firms requiring you to wait at least 60 days to take your trip.

Do your homework. Some offers might sound great on the surface, but be sure to read the fine-print. Certain offers impose so many requirements and restrictions, such as black-out dates and companion fees, that you will either never have the chance to take the trip or you will end up paying more than had you made the arrangements on your own. Remember, the devil is in the details

Run a "background check." You should vet the companies from which you purchase travel services.

Keep private information private. Never give out your credit card number unless you initiate the transaction and you are confident about the company with which you are doing business.

Get the facts. You should receive complete details in writing about any trip prior to payment. These details should include the total price; cancellation and change penalties, if any; and specific information about all components of the package.

Follow up. Once you have the complete details of your trip, contact the hotel and transportation companies on your own to make certain the reservations have been made.

Know where you stand. If you insist on replying to an e-mail or calling a 900-number in response to a travel solicitation, understand the charges and know the risks.

Know when to walk away. High-pressure sales presentations that don't allow you time to evaluate the offer, or which require that you disclose your income are red flags to be heeded.

Protect yourself. Always pay with a credit card if possible. Even legitimate companies can go out of business. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, credit card customers have the right to refuse paying for charges for services not rendered.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Spiritual Check: Religions around Asia

Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, with millions of different peoples following a wide variety of different religions. As a melting pot of culture, Asia is the birthplace of most of the world's mainstream religions including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastranism, as well as many other religions. When traveling Asia, you should be careful in recognizing the religion of the place you are visiting. Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours has listed the top religions in the region:

Hinduism

Hinduism is the majority religion in India, Nepal, and the Indonesian island of Bali, with strong minorities in the Asian nations of Bhutan, Fiji, Jakarta Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka with approximately 1 billion followers. Before the arrival of Buddhism and Islam in Southwest Asia and Southeast Asia, Hinduism (and Shaivism in particular) was the most widely practiced religion in Southwest Asia and Southeast Asia

Hinduism as we know it can be subdivided into a number of major currents. The main divisions of Hinduism are Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Smartism and Shaktism. The vast majority of present day Hindus can be categorized under one of these four groups, although there are many other, partly overlapping, allegiances and denominations.

Buddhism

Buddhism is the fourth largest world religion and the 3rd largest in Asia. It is dominant and the majority in Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, Tibet, Laos, Mongolia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. According to reviews, Large Buddhist populations live in China (18.2%), Japan (36.2%), Taiwan (35%), Macau (17%), North Korea (13.8%), Vietnam (10%),Singapore (33%),Hong Kong (15%) and South Korea (22.9%). It also has strong minorities in India, Indonesia (which practiced it widely and considered it the major religion in Jakarta), Malaysia, Brunei, Nepal and Russia. Buddhism was founded by Siddartha Gautama, also known as Buddha.

Christianity

Christianity is a widespread minority religion in Asia with more than 286 million adherents according to Pew Research Center in 2010, and nearly 364 million according to Britannica Book of the Year 2014 constituting around 12.6% of the total population of Asia.

Asian countries with large Christian populations are China (68 million), India (24 million), Indonesia (23 million), Kazakhstan (16.5 million), South Korea (15 million), Vietnam (7 million), Georgia (4.6 million), Armenia (3.2 million), Malaysia (2.6 million), Japan (2.5 million), Pakistan (2.5 million), Uzbekistan (2.5 million), Syria (1.8 million), Sri Lanka (1.5 million) and Taiwan (one million).

There are still large ancient communities of Middle Eastern Christians and Arab Christians in Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Israel and Palestine numbering more than 3 million in West Asia. There are also a large populations of expatriate workers which include a sizeable Christian communities live in Arabian Peninsula numbering more than 3 million.

Asia is also home of other unnamed sects and even fraud religions with thousands of followers so better be careful when you run along with them when traveling.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Asia’s Martial Arts

We know Martial Arts have somehow originated in the regions of Asia. While people in western countries armed their rifles and guns in battle, people in the East depend on their body to fight. Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours listed some of the martial arts per country in Asia that you might need to attend to when you are traveling:

Bangladesh
Lathi khela is a traditional martial art of Bangladesh and India that emphasize weapon-based fighting with sticks and other weapons. Lathi made by bamboo and other materials. Lathi khela teaches self-defense with sticks. One who specialized himself in wielding lathi and who lived on the martial art came to be known as lathial. The Lathial Bahini (group of lathials) performed various acts on the Eid or Puja occasion. Lathi Khela has a remarkable history but the popularity is on the wane now with the existence of fraud practices and strategies.

China
We all know Chinese Martial Arts which is also called Kung Fu. We find these fighting skills from Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Kung Fu, as a matter of fact have developed over the centuries in China. These fighting styles are often classified according to common traits, identified as "families" (; jiā), "sects" (; pài) or "schools" (; mén) of martial arts. Styles that focus on qi manipulation are called internal while others that concentrate on improving muscle and cardiovascular fitness are called "external".

Indonesia
Silat (Minangkabau: silek) is a collective word for indigenous martial arts from a geo-cultural area of Southeast Asia encompassing most of the Indonesian Archipelago including its capital, Jakarta, the Melayu of Indonesia and part of Melayu (Malay Peninsula), and the entirety of the Nusantara(South East Asia). Originally developed in what are now Indonesia, Melayu at Peninsular Malaysia, South Thailand, and Singapore.  There are hundreds of different styles but they tend to focus either on strikes, joint manipulation, throws, bladed weaponry, or some combination thereof. Silat is one of the sports included in the Southeast Asian Games and other region-wide competitions.

Korea

Korean martial arts are military practices and methods which have their place in the history of Korea but have been adapted for use by both military and non-military personnel as a method of personal growth or recreation. Among the best recognized Korean practices using weapons in reviews are traditional Korean Archery and Kumdo, the Korean sword sport similar to Japanese Kendo. The best known unarmed Korean Martial Arts Taekwondo and Hapkido though such traditional practices such as ssireum - Korean Wrestling - and taekkyeon - Korean Foot Fighting - are rapidly gaining in popularity both inside and outside of the country

Friday, April 17, 2015

Traveler’s Checklist

Do all the people you know travel? Are they already asking you to join them and that you are already itching yourself to? However, a trip requires careful planning.  Before you pack your bags and hitch hike with your friends, Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours has listed some important steps you can take to prepare for a safe trip anywhere: 

Be Aware of Any Travel Alerts and Warnings for Your Destination
               
The State Department may issue Travel Warnings to recommend postponing travel to a country because of widespread civil unrest, dangerous conditions, terrorist activity or, in some cases, because the your country has no diplomatic relations with the country and may have great difficulty in assisting foreign citizens in distress. Travel Alerts disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats or other relatively short-term or transnational conditions that could pose significant risks to you and affect your travel plans.

Do You Have All Required Travel Documents?

Most foreign countries require a valid passport to enter and leave. Some countries may allow you to enter with only a birth certificate, or with a birth certificate and a driver’s license, but all persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air, must present a valid passport to reenter the United States. Some countries have the strictest policies in knowing fraud passports entering their country.

What about your children?

Some countries have instituted requirements to help prevent child abductions and may require travelers to present proof of relationship to the children and evidence of consent from any non-accompanying parent(s).  Visit our child abduction country information pages for information about your destination.

When does your passport expire?

Some countries require that a traveler’s passport be valid for at least six months beyond the dates of the trip. Contact the embassy of your foreign destination for more information. Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found in our Country Specific Information pages.

Do You Plan to Drive Overseas?

If you plan to drive overseas, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP).  Many countries do not recognize your local driver’s licenses without an accompanying IDP, and it is illegal to drive without a valid license and insurance in most places.  You should check with the embassy of the country where you plan to travel to find out more about driver’s license and car insurance requirements.  If you will be residing overseas for an extended time, say, Jakarta, Indonesia or Singapore, it is a good idea to obtain a local driver’s license as soon as possible, since IDPs have a limited validity.  Foreign countries may also require that persons considered resident obtain a local driver’s license if they are going to drive.  To renew a U.S. driver’s license while abroad, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your home state. IDs are also important to verify your identity so that you would not be tagged as scam.

Monday, April 13, 2015

Baby Travel

The idea of flying with kids is probably the biggest single cause of stress for traveling parents. Nobody looks forward to lugging a lot of luggage through the airport with a tired and unhappy child (or children) in tow, and the prospect of keeping them seated, quiet, and happy for hours on end can be terrifying. While we can't promise that your kids won't have a meltdown, Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours in Jakarta travel tips will help streamline your air travel and keep everyone in a better mood! 

Getting Ready
The first step is to get to the airport early. It is time consuming to get through the airport and security in any circumstances and you won’t be as able to make a last minute dash to your gate as you would without a child (or children) in tow. The extra time at the airport will give your child a chance to exercise (find an empty gate area or ask if there is an airport play area) in between the long car ride and the flights.
Eat at the airport
When possible, check in and secure your seat assignment online before you leave for the airport. Don’t forget to print the boarding passes & put them in your carryon!
Be sure to pack your itinerary (including any phone numbers you'll need) and a map of your destination in your carryon. Nothing is worse than struggling to find your hotel with tired and full of complaints children in tow.

Checking In
If the line is long, the open spaces in the airport can be a good place to let the kids run a little while one parent waits in line to check the bags. Remember to stay close in case the gate agent needs to see each of the passengers or check id.
Don’t check your stroller unless you plan to carry your child in a sling. Most airlines will allow you to push your stroller all the way to the gate. They’ll then check it at the gate and have it waiting for you outside the plane door when you deplane. Some airlines will even let you bring a small stroller on board if there is space.
Make sure that your stroller has a tag with your name, address, and phone number. If you do check and review your stroller, consider packing it in a bag as many airlines consider strollers “fragile items” and will not reimburse you for damage.
If you are travelling with a lap infant in a carrier car seat, consider keeping the car seat with you until you find out whether there is a free seat on the plane that you can use for the baby.
Check with your airline in advance about baggage restrictions. On international flights, some airlines like that in Singapore, Beijing, China and Jakarta, Indonesia will allow a lap infant to check baggage; other airlines exclude baby items like a car seat or stroller as part of the parent's baggage allowance.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Pack and Go


Each one of us deserves a vacation every now and then. It can help us live life. All work is no good. We all need to relax for a while and have a little time to enjoy. We at Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours call it Traveling Life.

Admit it or not, the first issue we have during the travel is on packing. Yes, you read it right. Issue. Packing is a big challenge prior to traveling and it leads to a big issue. Here are some tips for you to review the next time you are packing all the stuff that you have:

• Pack as light as possible. Ask the simple question: “Do I want it or do I need it and if I need it am I will to cart it around?” There is little you really need when you travel.

• Travel with a light backpack. If you are moving between places, backpacks leave your hands free to hold their hands.

• Pack just a few clothes with only a couple complimentary, solid colors — no patterns. Black is a good idea if you need to be able to dress up and be casual.
• Pack only what you can carry on to the flight. Warning: excess baggage is expensive.

• Put everything you want to bring in a pile and slowly strip away things that aren’t necessary.

• Leave the laptop behind, as well as blackberry and any other tech gadget. For computer addicts, being away from the internet’s constant flow of data for a few days recharges and relaxes you in ways that you never experience at home.
• Bring along a small, foldable umbrella to protect against the UV rays of sunlight and possible rain.

• Most toiletries can be found easily in your destination country so you won’t have to file complaints on where to relieve yourself.

• If it’s something you think you can buy there more cheaply than at home, then don’t bring it (especially if it’s something you don’t already have).

• Bring one book, and when you’re done, find a book-exchange and trade it for a new one.

• In Asia, especially when you are traveling in culture-filled cities such as Jakarta, Indonesia, Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand sarongs are a traveler’s best friend! A sarong works as a towel, a skirt, a makeshift bag, a scarf, a sheet. They’re especially good to have if you’re traveling low-budget, staying in hostels or guesthouses, which often don’t offer towels or even top sheets. The best thing is that they dry really, really quickly, even when it’s humid. A wet towel can take all day to dry in the tropics, and if you have to stuff it in your bag before it’s dry it can get all dank and mildew, and so can all your stuff.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Preparing for the Last Six Months of the Year


Slide1 

Now that we are nearing the second half of the year and spent the first half working hard, it may be good to spend some part of your time once every month in visiting wondrous places in Asia . Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours have listed a special place to spend your weekend at.

July – Sumatra, Indonesia
Sumatra is the second island popular for surfing with the most number of surf spots, with 18 altogether and an island away from the capital, Jakarta, Indonesia. The common time for surfing is around May to September with the trade winds blowing from east to south-east. From October to April, winds tend to come from the west to north-west, so the east coast breaks get the offshore winds.

August – Chinatown, Singapore/ Chinese Enclaves, Malaysia
            If you are up for a little visit to the dead, you should join the celebration of Hungry Ghost Festival in basically almost all of countries with Chinatown of their own. In Asia, the celebration of the event is widely awesome in Singapore and Malaysia.  The Hungry Ghost Festival celebrates the Taoist belief in the afterlife.
Chinese communities in Malaysia and Singapore believe that the gates of Hell open on the 7th lunar month, freeing the spirits of the dead to roam in the world of the living.
The living, in turn, must make offerings of food and burnt prayer money to the souls of the dead to appease them. They shouldn’t show complaints or heavy feelings, though, as ghost are said to hunt those that do.

September – Borneo
Malaysian Borneo is one of those rare places where you can sense the adventure in the air, along with the green smells from thousands of miles of rainforest just waiting to be explored. Borneo is the third-largest island in the world, and a virtual paradise on earth for anyone who shares a love for plants, wildlife, and adventure.

October - Beijing, China
Asia in October can very enjoyable; the month is a transition period. Countries with hot summers and high humidity finally start to cool off, and the leaves will be changing colors in China, Japan, and other parts of East Asia. Families with young children and backpacking students have all returned to their home countries for school, so many islands and attractions are less crowded. You can explore the Forbidden City and the Tiananmen Square and find out the hidden secrets of Chinese cultures.

November - Rajasthan India
Occupying the northwest corner of the subcontinent and bordered by Pakistan, Rajasthan is India's desert state. Forget the typical drab desert; Rajasthan, India, is famous for its colorful cities, brightly dyed traditional attire, and romantic history of forts, desert raids, and epic battles. If you've ever wanted to ride a camel across a desert, Rajasthan is the place!

December – Luang Prabang, Laos
While most people would stay at home and spend the holidays surrounded by snows, turkeys and Santa, some people would try out holiday getaway visiting exotic places and thinking or reviewing how people in the rough places celebrate their Christmas.
One of the most charming cities in south-east Asia, Luang Prabang is the most popular tourist attraction in Laos. Until 1975, when the communist took over the country, it was the royal capital of Laos. The main part of Luang Prabang is located on a peninsula between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers. A collection of golden-roofed temples, wooden houses and crumbling French provincial buildings fill the main roads. At dawn, monks from the various monasteries walk through the streets collecting alms of rice.