DOWNTOWN BANGKOK FROM ATOP WAT ARUN, THAILAND
South East Asia with its proximity to India, abundance of blue waters, cultural heritage sites, unspoiled landscapes and deep rooted Buddhist culture makes for a perfect holiday for everyone — the low-budget backpacker, the family with two children or the luxury traveller.
Earlier this year, I took three weeks off from work and decided to backpack solo across Turkey, hitchhiking through half of the country and volunteering at an organic farm. The hefty load of work on coming back could not keep my newborn wandering soul motivated enough to continue labouring all day behind office walls and I decided to pursue my first love, travel. I didn’t anticipate the sheer beauty and warmth hidden in the countries of South East Asia when I embarked on a plane from Chennai to Colombo for a five month long sojourn in this backpacker-friendly land of cheap beer, inexpensive massage parlours and countless places to party on a budget.
Malaysia
The country has a wealth of culture and history embedded in its people if one ventures beyond the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, usually the only destination for most tourists travelling to Malaysia. The overly decorated and astonishingly loud rickshaws along the narrow streets lined up with numerous churches, temples and mosques paint a definitive yet incomplete picture of the culturally rich Unesco World Heritage town Melaka. Penang island is usually the favourite travellers’ destination in Malaysia and is known for its lip-smacking street food, well preserved colonial streets with fabulous street art and plentiful stilt houses of the original Chinese clans. Borneo is usually left out for its isolation from peninsular Malaysia, but its laidback tribal villages and dense rainforests were truly the highlight of my time in this multi-ethnic country of Malay, Chinese and Indian people.
The Philippines
Philippines is not yet a top-notch tourist destination, but is one of the most tranquil and friendly countries of Asia and probably the world. The immense natural beauty of this paradise of 7,107 islands gave rise to the popular saying “When God created the Philippine Island, he liked it so much that he created 7,000 more”. This country never ceases to surprise anyone, so be ready to get overwhelmed when the Filipinos greet you in the friendliest manner ever, to have your breath taken away at the first sight of its infinite emerald blue waters and to be enchanted with its surreal beauty and simple way of living.
The capital city of Manila is not for everyone, the chaos on its streets and the neverending traffic usually scare travellers away, but the long colourful jeepneys driving alongside the German sedans is definitely not a sight to miss. Bohol is an amazingly picturesque island recently devastated by a strong earthquake, but the spirit and warmth of its inhabitants keeps it going. Known for its chocolate hills, tarsier monkeys, man-made forest and various diving sites, it is the perfect place to sit down and relax. I spent two weeks on this island and riding a motorbike around the island and taking a dip in its calm waters were definitely the highlight of my travels through the Philippines.
Onuk islands in the far south of Palawan islands have one of the best preserved coral reefs in the entire world, with waters so clear and the sea so calm, the whole place looks like a big aquarium set on a big landmass. You can notice human sized turtles floating on the sea surface, star fish relaxing at the bottom and colourful corals; everything so clearly visible from your boat that you don’t even need to snorkel down the sea.
Vietnam
Vietnam has managed to preserve its culture and yet keep abreast with the ongoing development race despite the atrocities of war. To me, Vietnam brought a plethora of travel experiences; conservative yet modern society, friendly locals with unimaginable curiosity for other cultures, a long coastline with breathtaking views along the road, an extremely authentic taste of daily life and not to forget, the rich cuisine.
Be it the flower city of Da Lat, the historically rich city of Hue, or the crowded Hanoi, Vietnam has a contrast of its own. The sunsets on the Halong Bay or the beautifully preserved city of Hoi An will make you see why these are tagged Unesco World Heritage Sites.
Cambodia and Laos
Cambodia and Laos might be the most laidback countries you have seen in your life. Though the huge inflow of tourists from all across the world has stolen some charm and authenticity out of these countries, the small towns are not so affected.
Siem Reap in Cambodia is known for the marvellous temples of Angkor Wat, but has no feel of a Cambodian town owing to its tourist-centred night markets and pub streets. Similarly, Luang Prabang in Laos has changed itself according to the needs of tourists and all hostels and hotels are located in a part of the city with very few locals. Still you can venture out to towns like Munag Khoa in Laos or Kampot in Cambodia which are beautiful yet authentic.
If you’re stuck at home thinking about those extra bucks you need before your next trip to Europe or Australia, venture out to the backpacking hub of South East Asia. It will be a holiday no less exotic.
The writer is a passionate backpacker perennially seeking cheap travel options and rich travel experiences
