Archive for July 2011
Backpacking in the South Pacific
July 31, 2011 | 
Author Most backpackers head to the South Pacific for its islands and beaches, for diving, snorkelling and surfing, and to explore an area that is less well trodden than the Asian backpacker circuit. While the South Pacific Islands can be more expensive to backpack through than many parts of Asia, and costs of travelling here are closer to Australian and New Zealand, they are still very affordable, and many of the islands here are much less explored than most of South-East Asia. The area is generally safe to travel around, and there is a reasonable variety of backpacker accommodation including beach huts, local guesthouses and camping on some of the islands.
Fiji attracts many backpackers in the South Pacific with opportunities for island hopping, diving, snorkelling and surfing, and affordable backpacker accommodation that includes camping places and budget resorts. It is also easy to travel around, and there are both busier islands and less crowded beaches. But the political situation in Fiji is uncertain and can deteriorate fast in some areas, so check the current situation before travelling.
Quieter and less developed than Fiji, Samoa is becoming increasingly popular with backpackers in the South Pacific. Travel around Samoa is affordable, and there is plenty of cheap accommodation. Samoa offers beaches, surfing, mountains and nature, and is also known as safe travel destination.
The Cook Islands are another safe area to travel around and have very little crime, but there are less backpacker facilities here than on some other islands. Camping is not allowed on the Cook Islands. To explore the islands, the cheapest way to travel between islands is by boat; flying is expensive.
To explore a less touristy area, try Tonga. Although camping is not allowed in Tonga either, there are affordable local accommodation options on the islands.
For lone female travellers in the South Pacific, Samoa and the Cook Islands are usually recommended as safe destinations. As usual, get to know the local dos and don’ts before travelling, and make sure you know the proper dress code for the area you’re travelling to in order to avoid sexual harassment.
Backpackers in the South Pacific need to budget more for the trip than for instance in Asia. The busiest holiday months in the South Pacific are July and August, and accommodation can be more expensive during these months. The dry season from May to October is cooler than the summer from November to April, which is warmer and more humid as the wet season brings rain showers to the area.
Sources:
Helium.com
Written by SophieSSmith
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Travel Guide to Penang Malaysia – Food
Pulau Penang or sometimes referred to as Pulau Pinang (betel nut island in the Malay language), a busy island just of the North Western coast of Malaysia. Every island around the world lives of the surrounding seas, and Penang is no exception, it can call itself a gourmet paradise. The clear blue waters of the Malacca Straits deliver a fresh catch every single day, and over the years, many of the different cultures have brought plentiful signature dishes, which Penang now can call their own.
Food in Penang
When different kitchens meet on one island a mixture of dishes will develop through the years.
World famous Beef Rendang, beef stewed in coconut milk and spices was refined at this island. Penang Char Kway Teow a Chinese noodle dish comes in many different varieties, but is best consumed with fruits of the sea. Penang Asam Laksa, a tasty, hot spicy soup, eaten with thick yellow noodles. Nasi Kandar a variety of Indian style based servings brought to Penang by the Hindi population developed over the years to an extremely popular part of the daily cuisine. Penang Prawn Mee or Hokkien Mee another Chinese noodle dish with fresh seafood. Others would be, Sambal Udang, Daging Kicap, Burung Puyuh, Kacang Ice, Satay, Rojak and Pasembor.
In Penang the traveler will not go hungry, food is found 24 hours and all over the island. While roaming around the island taste buds and nostrils will be triggered by the many flavors and odors coming from food stalls, street vending hawkers and restaurants. Malaysians and aspecially people from the island of Penang, love supper, a late night evening snack or meal eaten with friends while having a late night Kopi Tarik (sweet coffee) or Teh Tarik (tea with milk) at a local coffee house called Kopitiam.
Chinese Food
The large Chinese community brings most probably the widest range of cooking styles to Penang, Cantonese, Szechuan, Hokkien, Teochew and Hainanese dishes are all on offer, serving guests with mouth-watering experiences. Try the Chinese hawker fare found at many food courts.
When the food culture is so rich, the variety of restaurants must be rich too. Penang offers it all from open air food courts to fine dining establishments. The most famous areas to start any evening would be Waterfront District, Gurney drive where one will enjoy the delightful seaside views, Historical Commercial Centre and the Heritage district, Penang Road, Upper Penang Road and Burmah Road in George Town.
The Unesco Heritage District
The Heritage District has become a bustling part of the town once UNESCO announced George Town a world heritage site. Around this area the visitor can pamper his palate with absolute certainty. Best landmarks to find this district are the Komtar tower to the South and the Cititel hotel to the North.
The two main beach towns Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah where travelers and locals cross each others culinary paths offer a wide variety of mouth watering opportunities, and absolute gorgeous sea food dishes. Both towns offer a more tourist like ensemble of restaurants and eateries.
Enjoying food in Penang is an experience by itself, an experience that will not be forgotten for a long time to come.
Also check the following website – www.malaysia.com
Credits:
Author: Frank Amptmeijer – www.frankamptmeijer.com
Research: Franklin-Paul Blake
Written by Dutchwriter
Freelance travel writer, copywriter and world traveler