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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.