Travel to my Country 1/4: Asia & Australia

Most visitors start in Sydney with its iconic Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, great restaurants and Taronga Park Zoo where the kangaroos have the best view in town. They then head either north to Queensland’s famous Great Barrier Reef or south to Melbourne to enjoy Australia’s cultural capital, famous cafes, hidden laneways and fabulous drives into the wine areas or along the Great Ocean Road. This, however, is only touching the surface.

The island of Tasmania to the south, is beautiful to visit for its mountains, streams, fabulous fresh produce and much cooler climatic conditions.

Don’t forget to head west to my home state of Western Australia but stop on the way for a visit to that big rock in the centre of the desert, Uluru.

As well as the wine growing region of Margaret River, one of my favourite areas in WA is the Kimberleys, in the north part of the state. Start in Broome to explore this amazing area, renowned for its wilderness, its red earth, deep gorges and truly spectacular scenery. Winter is the time to visit the north and whilst you are here you shouldn’t miss visiting the Northern Territory’s fabulous Kakadu National Park for even more unbelievable scenery.

Due to the influx of migrants from Europe and Asia, the cuisine of Australia is as varied as its origins. Each major city boasts fabulous restaurants ranging from Michelin starred dining to a cute cafes and cheap Asian eats. Try it all from traditional Aboriginal grubs at Uluru, to just caught fresh seafood all along the coast. Some of my favourite restaurants are Chin Chin in Melbourne, Fratelli Paradiso in Sydney and Gordon Street Garage and Il Lido in Perth.

Spend a month if you can but a couple of weeks is better than nothing. You’ll be back!

By Jenny from A Taste of Travel

Thailand

Karisa in Thailand

Compared to my native America, Thailand is an exotic land full of wonder! Every day is a new adventure filled with spicy food, golden temples, aquamarine beach water and smiling people. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a family or a group, you’ll love what you find in Thailand.

Urbanites will adore the colorful chaos of Bangkok. From the grungy backpacker’s hang-out Khao San Road to the cosmopolitan Vertigo Sky Bar Bangkok has it all. Those who prefer a slower pace will fall in love with Chiang Mai’s comfortable, old world beauty. If you’re like me and you can’t pass up a beach, you’re in luck! Thailand’s coasts are lined with beaches and islands such as the famous Phuket and the diver’s paradise, Koh Tao.

The Land of Smiles will also please trekkers and nature lovers. Thailand is blessed with many natural treasures such as Khao Yai National Park and Erawan Waterfalls. Foodies traveling in Thailand won’t be able to choose between night markets, gourmet restaurants, street food and cooking classes. Finally, families will delight in elephant rides and Chao Phraya River boat rides.

So, what are you waiting for?

By Karisa from My Hot Pink Passport

Singapore

Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay Singapore

If you want to catch the key highlights of a trip to Singapore in one afternoon, consider a leisurely stroll around waterfront promenade of the Marina Bay – do remember to bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water as the weather here can get quite hot!

You can start with a bird’s eye view of the city atop the 150-meter tall observation wheel – the Singapore Flyer. One rotation takes about 30 minutes and cost about 30 Singapore Dollars. If you are a guest at Marina Bay Sands hotel, you can take a dip at the infinity pool which looks out over Singapore’s Central Business District. Even if you are not a guest, you can also check out the view from the Sands SkyPark.

Next, walk over to Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay – Singapore’s equivalent of Sydney’s famous Opera House, except that the spiky Singaporean version deliberately bears a striking resemblance to the durian, a tropical fruit related to the jackfruit which is notorious for its sharp odour. Opera, dance and classical concerts is offered here daily. There are usually free productions on the outdoor riverside stage on weekends.

Don’t miss out Singapore’s icon – the Merlion – a mythical creative with the head of a lion and the body of a fish.

There is something for everyone to do around Marina Bay. Arts enthusiasts can visit major international touring exhibitions from the most renowned collections in the world at the lotus-inspired ArtScience Museum while the nature lover will definitely enjoy the Gardens by the Bay. Gardens by the Bay consists of three waterfront gardens with two domed conservatories that houses flora and fauna from different parts of the world. Also check out the giant artificial trees (also known as Supertrees) that glow in the night time.

If you are tired from all the walking around Marina Bay, hop onto a river taxi for an alternative way to take in the magnificent sights around the Bay.

By Zhiqiang from Passport Chop

Cambodia

Bamboo Train in Cambodia

Cambodia has a subtle charm that somehow creeps up on you, which is largely due to the friendliness of the Cambodian people. Cambodians enjoy passing the time of day and telling others about this country and its history.

Phnom Penh has plenty to keep you occupied, whether it’s finding a bargain in the markets, immersing yourself in Khmer history at the National museum or, watching the world go by with happy hour cocktail at the infamous FCC. At sunset, join the locals for a walk along the riverside and, if you’re feeling energetic, join an outdoor aerobics class – the cheapest you’ll find anywhere.

My favorite day trip from the capital is Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary. Most of the creatures here have been saved from poachers and NGOs are working hard to make sure the animals are well cared for. The rambling layout of the zoo makes it an adventure in itself.

If you want to get a real taste of Cambodia, head for Battambang. In the heart of Cambodia’s rice paddies, Battambang has retained it’s colonial charm. Visit the old train station, where time seems to have stood still. And then visit the ‘other’ railway, the Bamboo Train – kind of like a roller coaster, without the dips and bends, and a great way to get a glimpse of the rice paddies. In the evening, head out to the bat cave to see their spectacular evening exodus.

If you want to chill out, head to Koh Rong Samloem. Here you can unwind and escape from the bustle and the touts. Doze in a hammock, explore the sandy beaches or cool off and go for a snorkel. If you get tired of relaxing, hike through the jungle to the old lighthouse and check out the stunning views (but make sure you take lots of water).

By Annie from Top of the Phnom

Indonesia

Firsta at Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat: The Jewel of Indonesia

Raja Ampat is located in the western tip of Papua island and is one of the most picturesque and beautiful spots in Indonesia as well as offering world class diving. From climbs that offer jaw dropping views, to the chance to swim with basking sharks and even reef and hammerhead sharks this place has it all.

If I had to give advice on one thing that you should do while your in Raja Ampat, it would be to climb to the top of the highest peak on Wayag Island. As you can see from the photo, the panoramic view you get from the top of the turquoise waters and emerald green islands is something that will stay with you for a lifetime.

The view that you get from the top of Wayag is equaled by the underwater wonderland that you can explore below the waves. Surrounding the thousands of islands that make up Raja Ampat you will find unspoiled coral reefs, where thousands of fishes live in a thriving underwater ecosystem.

Accommodation in Raja Ampat is easy to find and ranges from basic budget home stays all the way through to five star luxury resorts. With so much on offer it is easy to find something that would work for you. There are also plenty of backpacker tour operators that offer unique and personalised tours.

By Firsta from Discover Your Indonesia

If you could take off right now to any of these places…

Where would you go and why?!

For further travel inspiration, read:
- Travel to my Country 2/4: Africa & The Middle East
- Travel to my Country 3/4: The Americas & Caribbean
- Travel to my Country 4/4: Europe