Arunika

Avoid a cultural shock while travelling to Southeast Asia! We’ve all been there, a moment where you realised that you just embarrassed yourself in the public, or perhaps innocently pointing to the sacred statue and everyone just shocked in silence! Well, understanding which gestures open doors and which accidentally slam them shut is vital. Therefore, learning a few essential social rules is the single best way to move beyond "tourist" status and unlock genuine warmth, ensuring your journey is filled with smiles, not apologies! Here’s the top 3 of the most fundamental and crucial rules to understand when traveling through Southeast Asia: 1. The Dirtiness of the Feet In many Southeast Asian cultures, the human body is viewed hierarchically: The Head is the highest part: spiritual, sacred, and closest to the heavens. The Feet are the lowest part: literally touching the ground, associated with dirt, and furthest from the spiritual realm.  Therefore, the feet are culturally deem...

If you’re a food lover that would like to try a new experience of roasted pork in VietNam , then you should try Bún Chả! More than just a vermicelli and grilled meat, Bún Chả holds an aromatic and tender smoky taste, but do you know what is inside this delicious meal? Bún Chả is a harmonious combination of textures and temperatures, typically served with four distinct elements: The Grilled Pork (Chả) : The heart of the dish, marinated and traditionally grilled over hot charcoal until beautifully caramelized and smoky. It usually consists of two kinds: Minced Pork Patties (Chả Băm) : Juicy, seasoned meatballs made from ground fatty pork. Pork Belly Slices (Thịt Ba Chỉ): Thin slices of fatty pork belly, charred and tender. The Dipping Sauce (Nước Chấm) : This is the soul of Bún Chả. It is a light, warm, and highly nuanced liquid that acts as both a dipping sauce and a light broth. It achieves a masterful balance of sweet, sour, salty, and savory (umami), made from fish sauce, sugar, vi...

Are you travelling somewhere in East Java? And... you're looking for a natural and quiet beach, with proper facilities for tourists, then you need to add this beach to your destination list! Entry Fee: Rp. 25.000(locals) - Rp. 50.000(Foreigners) [$1.52 - $3] Serit Beach - Blitar While Blitar boasts its share of beautiful coastlines, there exists a lesser-known jewel, whispered among locals and adventurous travelers: Pantai Serit (Serit Beach). Forget the bustling shores and crowded sun loungers, this beach offers black sand, mesmerizing waves, alongside with a long coastline. Serit offers a refreshing contrast to more commercialized destinations, truly earning its reputation as Blitar's most captivating hidden gem. How To Get Here You can rent a bike or a car from Blitar, then drive here for around 1 hour from the downtown area, the road were quite good with a little bit of bumps in some points, watch out for some holes in some areas, and expect to drive in the rural mountainou...

Are you tired of packed sunrise spot and want to have an easy yet amazing sunrise spot in Langkawi, Malaysia? Forget the crowds vying for sunrise views. If you're looking to capture the serene beauty of a new day dawning over Langkawi, set your alarm for the Teluk Baru Coastal Road. This scenic stretch offers an unparalleled perspective of the sunrise, a quiet spectacle where the sky ignites with color and the world awakens in peaceful harmony.  This Coastal Road is located 15 minutes drive from Pantai Cenang, Langkawi, with easy-to-no effort, this sunrise spot is perfect for you who seeks beauty in simplicity. How to Get Here? It’s pretty easy and reachable by private motorcycle and car, the road to this sunrise spot were quite big and accessible, unfortunately there’s no public transportation that can bring you here, hence either you ride your own bike or car, but there’s some Grab driver that you willing to negotiate to drive you here and waiting for you and send you back. Also,...

Vietnam , known as a paradise for rich aromatic food, the first whisper of dawn in Vietnam often brings with it an irresistible aroma, a rich, savory steam curling from countless street stalls. This isn't just an ordinary dish ; it's an irresistible scent of Phở, the national dish, a culinary masterpiece that defines Vietnamese gastronomy. The precise historical origins of Phở are somewhat debated among food historians. According to Wikipedia, Phở started to emerge around the 20th century, in Northern Vietnam, likely in or around Hanoi or the Nam Định Province. Before French colonial rule, cattle were primarily used as draft animals in Vietnam, not for their meat. The Vietnamese diet heavily relied on pork, chicken, fish, and seafood. While Vietnamese also influenced by Chinese in terms of using rice noodles and spices in their broth, however, with the arrival of the French, who had a strong preference for beef, the slaughter of cows became more common. This created a surplus...

 Sitting on the beach with a coconut drinks in your hand while enjoying the sunset? But, are you worried if the beach are not as expected? And only have a few hours in Bali ? If you’re in Bali and you want to have a nice beach + sunset experience? Have a short transit time? Well, this beach is perfect for you! Located only 20 minutes away from the airport, Legian Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Bali that is well known for it’s beauty! If Kuta were too crowded for you, then you need to move a bit further(not that much, like 1 minute driving or 5 minute walk). This beach is free to entry, you can park your motorbike or scooter alongside the beach for free and it’s exactly located next to the parking lot. This beach offer serenity view with a clean environment, it cleaner than Kuta and had a few stalls with bean bag along the coastline, they offer a various drinks, such as beer(Definitely the Bintang one! But also got some other brand), juices, tea, and their famous one is...

Vietnam is heaven for healthy food! Imagine a fresh vegetable wrapped in thin paper rice, fresh and not cooked! Vibrant, and utterly satisfying might be the right word to describe Vietnamese Springroll. Say hello to the Vietnamese Spring Roll -- Bali may have its Babi Guling , but for a lighter, equally iconic taste of Southeast Asia, this is your next culinary adventure. Forget what you think you know about 'spring rolls.' Unlike their fried cousins, the Vietnamese Spring Roll (Gỏi Cuốn) offers a refreshing symphony of textures and tastes, proving that sometimes, the most delicious things come wrapped in simplicity. These translucent parcels are a vibrant testament to the balance of flavors and fresh ingredients. Each roll is a meticulously crafted bite, beginning with delicate, chewy rice paper, which beautifully encases a medley of crisp lettuce, aromatic fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, tender vermicelli noodles, and your choice of succulent protein often perfectly coo...

Babi Guling Bali - Suckling Pig (English) Babi Guling Bali is widely available across Bali , from humble roadside eateries called "warungs" to more upscale restaurants. Some of the most famous and highly-rated places Babi Guling is one of the most famous dishes from Bali , the name itself literally means "roast pig" or "rolled pig." It's a whole suckling pig, typically a young pig, that is meticulously seasoned and spit-roasted over an open fire for several hours. The heart of Babi Guling's flavor lies in its intricate Balinese spice paste, known as "basa genep." This complex blend typically includes ingredients like shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal, turmeric, lemongrass, chili, kaffir lime leaves, and other herbs and spices. The pig is often stuffed with this paste, and sometimes its skin is also rubbed with turmeric for color and flavor. What you get on a plate: A typical serving of Babi Guling, often called "Nasi Babi Guling...

 Where to go when you’re in Malaysia? Tired of KL? Well, if you looking for a tranquil and nature places, but don’t want too extreme, then this Park in Ipoh is for you! Fee: Rm10 - 15 ($2 - $5) - International Tourist (depends on the season and if you want to do the boat tour) || RM 3 ($0.70) - Lokal Location: Ipoh, ( 2 hours drive from KL) Sign: Find “Taman Rekreasi Gunung Lang” in Maps, either drive or grab is available here. Tired of the KL’s buzz? Imagine gliding across a calm lake, surrounded by towering limestone peaks, before stepping into a lush paradise brimming with exotic wildlife. Welcome to Taman Rekreasi Gunung Lang, Ipoh's hidden gem of natural beauty and recreational fun! Generally, the park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. This park is located about 5 km from Ipoh city center, (or 2 hours drive from KL), the main icon of this amusement is Lang Mountain (Gunung Lang), which was formed from a former tin mining pond. To access the main park area, visitors need ...

  Where to go when you are in Bali ? If you happen to be around Canggu and need a good sunset spot, then this beach is for you! Fee: Only pay park Rp 2000 for motorcycle, Rp 5000 for car Location: In Canggu, in between Tanah Lot and Seseh Beach Sign: Write “Cemagi Beach” in Maps, there will be a rock sign in the entry of this beach Imagine a Bali where the only sounds are the waves and the amazing golden sunset. While Canggu pulses with energy, just a short drive away, Cemagi Beach offers a raw, authentic slice of Bali, a world away from the neon glow. Cemagi is generally less crowded than other popular Bali beaches, offering a more peaceful experience. What to Expect? Cemagi Beach is renowned for its breathtaking sunset views. The westward orientation provides spectacular displays of color as the sun dips below the horizon, often silhouetting the rocks and temple. Be aware that currents can be strong, making it less suitable for swimming in some areas. It's often more popular for ...

Where to go in Bali ? If you’re seeking a natural fresh air and a cultural experience, then this place is for you! Fee : Rp25.000(locals) - Rp 50.000(international)  (3 - 6 USD) Location: The highlands of the Bangli Regency in East Bali, Indonesia. Sign: Find “Penglipuran” in Maps Penglipuran sits at an altitude of around 500-700 meters above sea level, which contributes to its cooler and refreshing mountain atmosphere. The village itself covers an area of about 112 hectares and is surrounded by other traditional villages like Kayang to the north, Kubu to the east, and Gunaksa to the south, with the Sansang River bordering it to the west. What’s There? Penglipuran is renowned for its well-preserved traditional Balinese culture, architecture, and way of life. The village has a unique layout with a single main stone-paved street running through the center, lined with traditional houses that have similar architectural styles, featuring manicured gardens and unique entrance gates calle...

Where to go in Hanoi, Vietnam ? If you’re into art and musical theater, then this place is for you!  The Water Puppet Show Múa rối nước Fee : 50.000 - 300.000VND (1.5 - 8 USD) Location : The Long Water Puppet Show, Hanoi Vietnam Sign : In front of Hanoi’s lake Water puppetry is unique in Vietnam due to its distinctive blend of water, folklore, and traditional performance art that you won't find elsewhere. Here are the key elements that make it truly special: Stage on wate r: Unlike conventional puppetry, the stage is a pool of water. Puppets appear to “walk,” “swim,” and even perform stunts on the water’s surface, creating magical illusions. Hidden puppeteers : The artists stand waist-deep behind a screen, maneuvering puppets with long bamboo poles and string mechanisms beneath the water completely hidden from the audience. Cultural storytelling: Performances are deeply rooted in Vietnamese rural life, folklore, and legends, such as the story of the dragon king, rice planting, and...

 Where to go when you're in Java? Well, if you loved historical architectures, then this temple is for you! Fee : Free Location : South Blitar Sign : No specific sign, but the temple were listed on the map This temple is located in Kademangan District, Blitar, East Java. It’s super easy to get to just around 20 minutes from Blitar city center, heading toward Tambakrejo Beach or Bukit Bunda. Since it’s also close to a bunch of other attractions in Blitar, this temple is definitely worth a stop! If you're heading to Tambakrejo Beach, keep an eye out for a sign pointing to Simping Temple (turn left if you're coming from the city), or just use Google Maps it's already listed there. The temple might not look as grand as others like Penataran Temple, and since it’s tucked away in the southern part of Blitar, it doesn’t get as many visitors. About the Temple This Hindu-style temple was discovered by the Dutch in the 1800s, still in fairly good shape. After Indonesia’s indepe...

Diarrhea is one of the most common sicknesses that happen to travellers, and it's pretty annoying when you got it! Specially when your schedule were super tight. It may seem harmless, but diarrhea can be surprisingly dangerous and disruptive to your daily routine. It can affect anyone, anytime, and is often caused by everyday things like eating unhygienic food and consuming too much spicy or acidic food. But don’t worry diarrhea isn’t unbeatable! According to recommendations from Siloam Hospital and Healthline , you can fight back by eating these 3 simple, tummy-friendly foods: 1. Rice Porridge When dealing with diarrhea, it’s best to avoid high-fiber foods that may produce excess gas in your stomach. Instead, go for soft, easily digestible, low-fiber options like rice porridge or plain white rice. Their smooth texture is gentle on your digestive system and helps your tummy heal faster. 2. Boiled Eggs Eggs are everywhere — affordable, versatile, and packed with protein. What ...