Lone traveler in SE Asia - December till mid January
Replies: 3 - Last Post: Nov 17, 2012 8:04 AM Last Post By: AlexanderO
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Lone traveler in SE Asia - December till mid January
Hi,After countless months of brainless searching for places to visit in Asia, I've more or less concluded with that I want to see it all. That is of course not possible, hence why I'm making this topic in an attempt to maybe pin out the best places to see.
Some basic information about me. I'm a Norwegian male, 23 years old. I've lived in Singapore the past year, and will be moving back home to my fellow vikings in January. I have taken a masters degree, So in order to try to make the best of the time I have left in Asia, I've decided to travel for about 1,5 months.
Some brief information about what I want and do not need/want and possible limitations:
- Money is not an issue. This is something I've saved up for since I was born more or less.
- I'm not interested in bars, nightclubs or general nightlife. I do not drink alcohol either, so might be the reason for this point.
- I would like to stay out of the main cities. Stopovers is, on the other hand, ok.
- Rain is not a problem. I know it is the monsoon season, which I can clearly feel and see in Singapore, and I am generally quite used to it from back in Norway. So that is something I just have to accept.
- I am used to long flights and possibly long hours, so traveling over vast distances is also ok.
- I will be traveling alone throughout the entire period.
- I haven't traveled a lot yet, but I've been to the following countries earlier; Japan (Tokyo, Nara, Kyoto), South Korea (Seoul), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur).
- I do have both a Norwegian and Singaporean passport. So far I haven't seen any places yet where I do need a special permit or visa to enter. The only ones I did see was Nicobar and Andaman Islands (Indian islands).
Trip information:
- Travel period: 7th December till approx. 10th January
- Areas: Asia in general, but I would limit it to the tropical part.
- Countries I do need to visit: Thailand and Vietnam. Most likely staying in Hong Kong a couple nights at the end of December.
- Where do I end my trip: My trip will end in Singapore, where I will pick up my belongings and jump on the plane back home.
- Interests and "do wants": Beaches would be a great way to start. Possibly something secluded. As stated earlier, I do not need a ton of shops, hotels, bars, restaurants. As long as I'm able to somewhat relax. Quite frankly, I do not really need the most touristy stuff like temples, palaces and general attractions. I just feel that I've seen way to much of it already. What I do want on the other hand is nature. Lots and lots of nature. Sea, trees, animals, birds, mountains, rivers, etc. would be great.
- Places I've looked at: All of it. If I get the job I'm looking for, I'm most likely moving back to Asia to explore the rest (again impossible).
- What do I really want: A day or two in "luxury" on a tiny island.
- Where do I want to live: Bungalows, tents and hammocks is more than enough for me. A hotel every now and then to shower possibly.
So my question would be whether anyone had any tips as to places to see and possibly how long I should plan on staying in each area? If I need to provide more information, then don't hesitate in saying so. You do not need to make a full travel route, just give tips and advices on certain areas you would feel is "mandatory" to visit.
Sorry for the rather lengthy topic. I do know, after own experiences trying to help people, that the more information provided is often better.
Best regards
Alexander
1
So you have six weeks available, and are determined to see Thailand and Vietnam. That's it: you don't have enough time for those two countries, so leave all others for your next trip.Thailand has any number of options for luxury island breaks. It also has a great deal that is of historical and cultural interest: I still remember my delight at visiting the complex of ruined Temples and Palaces near Khorat.
Incidentally, Singapore does not allow dual nationality so you are very clever to have passports from there and another country. Do be discreet about the situation, or your Singaporean nationality might be removed.
2
From what you've said ("not interested in bars, nightclubs or general nightlife... Beaches would be a great way to start. Possibly something secluded... I do not need a ton of shops, hotels, bars, restaurants... I do not really need the most touristy stuff like temples, palaces and general attractions... What I do want on the other hand is nature. Lots and lots of nature. Sea, trees, animals, birds, mountains, rivers, etc. would be great...What do I really want: A day or two in "luxury" on a tiny island.), I'd suggest you research the unique island of PALAWAN in the Philippines.It's big enough (in a strangely elongated way) to have everything you've stated - including eye-popping luxury resorts. The geology and fauna (due to relative isolation) of Palawan are truly unique. The seas are beautiful. Palawan is less densely populated than the other major Philippines islands. Furthermore, the relatively inferior tourist infrastructure (and infrastructure for the general population too!) in the Philippines has meant fewer tourists to compete with for anyone choosing to come to the Philippines. And you've said that the quality of accommodation doesn't matter so much to you, so being generally disappointed by the accommodation you find in the Philippines should be fine for you.
"Sea, trees, animals, birds, mountains, rivers..." - do your research, see what others say, and you'll find how really unique Palawan is in these respects compared to other areas in Asia, and indeed the world.
3
Thanks for the help. Especially regarding Palawan! I will do some more research, and the plan I've set up currently fits perfectly with 6-7 days in Palawan.Best regards
Alexander
