ASIABUDGETGUIDE.COM: Discovering authentic travel experiences in Asia on a budget

$ 7 dollar rooms with free wifi? Tips to enjoy the colonial gem, Penang on a budget

By Keith Hockton

 

Located on the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia is Penang Island.

 

 

From 200-year-old forts to jaw droppingly beautiful stately homes to amazing jungle hill walks to fine white sandy beaches, Penang has it all. However, the main attraction for international visitors and Malaysians alike is the food.

 

Its world class, delicious and there is something for everyone. Hawker stalls in the main part of town are busy 24 hours a day (some of the best ones won’t open until 11pm) and offer the cheapest and most diverse fare.  Two people can easily eat their fill for about $10.

 

Things to do

George Town is an old English colony and consequently its infrastructure is amazingly good. Once you have strolled around the George Town and visited Fort Cornwallis, The Peranakan Mansion, The Straits Houses Collection, Little India, The Blue Mansion and Khoo Kongsi Mansion, but to name a few, jump on a bus to the bottom of Penang Hill and take a trip on the funicular train to the top. From there in the cool of the afternoon you can view the entire island and enjoy a cream tea in David Browns restaurant.

If hills aren’t your thing then take a number 101 bus to Teluk Bahang and walk through the national park to Monkey Beach. There are no hawkers here to bother you and if you make the trip during the week its unlikely that you will see anyone else on the beach either.

 

Where to stay in Penang

Accommodation in George Town is cheap and there are plenty of places to stay in the centre of town that will cost little more than $10 a night. One of the most popular guesthouses is the Old Penang Guesthouse where a double room with AC will set you back $$6.95 per person per night. This also includes free Wi-Fi, breakfast and complementary coffee and tea all day. Situated in the famous “Love Lane“, reservations can be made via their website, www.oldpenang.com.

 

 

Weekend Getaway from Delhi- Surajgarh Fort

  

 Anu Gulmohar

 

Surajgarh is an ideal option for travellers looking for a little quiet time.

While tourists often choose Rajasthan for its hospitality and rich spread of Indian culture, Surajgarh offers an authentic experience of an Indian small town, and if you choose to stay at the Surajgarh Fort, like I did, you will also experience the traditional music, dance and food of the land thanks to the management running the hotel within this 18^th century palace.  The architecture is charming, and as you sit on cane chairs and look out at the skyline of this small town, you will enjoy switching off from the world of the maddening cities.

 

What to do

 

Among the attractions in this little town are the colourful old havelis whose walls have been decorated by fine painting. Walking tours as well as tours on camel-back or on camel-drawn carts are organised by the Hotel. I was left considerably impressed by their guide Jawaharlal. If you’re into quirky yet delightful activities, then let the guide cajole you into dressing as a Rajasthani King/Queen. My partner and I considerably enjoyed the transformation!

 

 
 

 

How to reach

 

Situated in the Shekhawati area of Rajasthan, Surajgarh is 180 km by road. One can approach Surajgarh from New Rohtak Road or the Jaipur Highway. I took the one from Jaipur Highway – NH8 – and would advise everyone to take a loo and food break before leaving this road!

 

Budget

I was lucky to get a great deal from mydala.com where a room originally for Rs 4800 was offered for Rs 1999 by Sahib Salaam Holidays.

 

PS: Don’t expect this place to keep you entertained for more than 2 nights, tops!

Meet the team

 

Anu Gulmohar Feature Writer and Editor

 

 

Assistant Editor with Business & Economy magazine
Senior Correspondent for The Sunday Indian magazine
Correspondent for 4Ps Business and Magazine

Email: asiabudgetguide@gmail.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/AnuGulmohar 
 

I’ve been working for more than five years with Planman Media as a writer and an editor for the Lifestyle section of three of their magazines. Most of the stories in the past three years have been published in The Sunday Indian magazine. I have written several travelogues, health and lifestyle stories in the past five years.

The ones I believe to have been particular landmarks in my career are – 
 
A  one-on-one interview with the world-famous Spanish chef Ferran Adria, who at that time was judged to be the world’s best chef (http://anugulmohar.wordpress.com/2009/10/31/meet-the-worlds-best-chef/)

An obit on Michael Jackson, which was greatly appreciated - http://anugulmohar.wordpress.com/2009/09/21/26/

About child-free people - http://anugulmohar.wordpress.com/2009/09/10/17/

An article spun around an interview with Mithun Chakraborty – where the superstar himself was left teary-eyed by my article  http://anugulmohar.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/an-interview-with-mithun-chakraborty/

The inspirational story of cancer survivor Jothy Rosenberg - http://anugulmohar.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/the-amazing-story-of-cancer-survivor-jothy-rosenberg/

 

Kash Bhattacharya Feature Writer and Founder

Freelance Travel Writer. Contributor for GreenTraveller.co.uk

Founder and Editor: Europebudgetguide.com & Asiabudgetguide.com

Email: asiabudgetguide@gmail.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/budgettraveller

 

Wherever I go on holiday it’s always nice to meet and talk to the local people. They always let you into some magical secret that you feel is known only to you and a few privileged people.

 I was born in England, spent my schooldays in Calcutta and have lived in Scotland for the last 10 years. I don’t feel I belong anywhere in particular. Travel is not only a form of escapism but therapy for my confused sense of where I belong.

 After obsessively visiting exotic far flung destinations, in my maturing years, I have realised that I don’t have to go far to discover a new perspective of life. I love travelling locally in Scotland. The train station is just a 5 minute walk away from my flat. I jump on a train at Edinburgh Waverley and watch the world go by. In a matter of hours I can reach somewhere which is a world away from my sense of reality.

 Food is a big part of the holiday experience. I am lucky that Scotland has such a great natural larder. On a recent trip to the Isle of Arran, I sampled everything from smokey garlic and chilli cheese to the finest, flavourful tender lamb I have ever tasted to something altogether new: the local peat water and trying to figure how it adds different flavours to the local whisky.

 Besides pursuing a career as a freelance travel writer, I also run Ethical Venture: a platform for ‘little green’ ideas that are aimed at helping people in Edinburgh discover new ideas of becoming greener in their lifestyle . We’ve published the first ever green map of Edinburgh (www.littlegreenmap.com ) and also launched a green guide & website for women in Edinburgh called ‘Little Green Women.’ (www.littlegreenwomen.co.uk)

 

Keith Hockton Feature Writer 

 

I was born in England but spent my schooldays in Malaysia, Borneo and Singapore and I have just moved back to Malaysia after living in Sydney for the past 10 years. I have no idea where home actually is but I like that idea, and love the idea of just traveling and writing for the rest of my life.

Food is a large part of my travel experience and Malaysia has some of the best in the region. Penang, where I now live, has arguably some of the best fare in the country.

 Prior to pursuing a career in freelance writing, I wrote a SCUBA diving travel book for Australia, “Atlas of Australian Dive Sites, Travelers Edition”, published by Harper Collins, and I was in the investment banking industry for longer than I would like to remember. I’m a qualified Master Diver and a technical diving instructor, and I was actively involved in the clean up Australia campaign, where I organized teams of divers to help in the cleaning of Sydney’s beaches and waterways. Something I hope to emulate in Malaysia or at least help with.

 I have written articles for the New Straits Times and various other magazines in Asia.

 

Top tips for exploring East Timor on a budget

  

  

  

By Keith Hockton

  

  

  

  

East Timor, an ex-Portuguese colony, is a tropical island just one hour north of Darwin.

  

  

  

Getting there

 

Once you have overcome the initial panic of seeing the odd shell of a firebombed car by the side of the road, and one or two burned out villas on your ride in from the airport, is does get better, a lot better! A taxi from the airport to Dili, no matter where you are staying is US$5.

  

  

Standout features?

 

There are beautiful early 19^th century Portuguese villas scattered throughout the hills overlooking Dili, and the coffee everywhere in town is exceptionally good.

 

 

 

 

 

Where to sleep

 

I’d recommend staying at the La Esplanada Hotel on Beach Road. Its friendly, the AC works, and there is a great pool to relax by when you most need it. A double room will set you back USD$75 a night with breakfast. Bookings are best made via email at admin@hotelesplanada.com

 

 

 

 

Where to eat

 

 

 

Castaway Bar and Grill (Beach Road) is exceptional value and a fun, lively place to hang out. They serve mostly Asian fare and Jeffrey the owner, is one of Dili’s most enduring characters. An Australian, he arrived in Dili as a contractor in 1999, at the height of the conflict with Indonesia, and never left. Most of the meals at Castaway are between US$5-11.

 

 

 

Activities

 

 

The beaches in town are nothing to write home about but once you leave Dili they are simply gorgeous. There are no amenities so take everything that you will need for the day with you. Don’t leave anything of value in your car and make sure you leave the doors unlocked.

 

The SCUBA diving in Timor is world class and Dive Timor Lorasae, an Australian owned and managed organization; operate two of the fastest boats in town. Contact them at dive@divetimor.com

 

 

About the author: Keith Hockton

 

 

 

I was born in England but spent my schooldays in Malaysia, Borneo and Singapore and I have just moved back to Malaysia after living in Sydney for the past 10 years. I have no idea where home actually is but I like that idea, and love the idea of just traveling and writing for the rest of my life.

 

Food is a large part of my travel experience and Malaysia has some of the best in the region. Penang, where I now live, has arguably some of the best fare in the country.

 

Prior to pursuing a career in freelance writing, I wrote a SCUBA diving travel book for Australia, “Atlas of Australian Dive Sites, Travelers Edition”, published by Harper Collins, and I was in the investment banking industry for longer than I would like to remember. I’m a qualified Master Diver and a technical diving instructor, and I was actively involved in the clean up Australia campaign, where I organized teams of divers to help in the cleaning of Sydney’s beaches and waterways. Something I hope to emulate in Malaysia or at least help with.

 

I have written articles for the New Straits Times and various other magazines in Asia.

 

 

Delhi on a Budget: Stay in the New Tibetan Colony, Majnu Ka Tilla

  

By Julia Rampen

  

  

  

Amongst the rickshaws and crowds of Old Delhi, travellers might be forgiven for forgetting Delhi has a sky, let alone the Yamuna River. But go north, to the New Tibetan Colony, and you can stay by its very edge.

  

  

  

  

 

 

  

Accommodation here is not expensive. This writer stayed in a twin room at the Wongdhen with a river view for Rs. 375. The scope for bargaining, however, is lower than Pahar Ganj and there are far fewer hotels to choose from. Travellers should also be prepared for the narrow, twisting lanes of the settlement.

  

  

While the original purpose of the Colony was simply to house refugees, today it has become an outpost of Tibetan culture. Prayer flags dominate the skyline, and every second person seems to be a monk. In general, restaurants here retain a distinctly Tibetan menu and are clean, cheap and good. As well as chow mein, try momos (stuffed dumplings), thukpa (chow mein in soup), shabalay (spring roll cum Cornish pasty), fing (vermicelli) and tingmo (a steamed bun eaten with gravy). For the genuine Tibetan experience, it’s impossible to escape trying Tibetan tea (tea with yak butter).

  

  

  

  

  

  

The Colony is situated outside of the centre, and travellers should be aware that the Colony lacks some conveniences, not least an ATM (the nearest is at Delhi University). From personal experience, this writer ventures that monsoon is not the best time to stay: river flooding caused all Internet facilities to shut, and at one point part of the street was shut off due to the fact a stray wire had electrified the puddles.

  

  

  

Nevertheless, for more leisurely budget travellers the quieter atmosphere can be worth the journey. The area of Majnu Ka Tilla is not without charm: colonial buildings fester away in the undergrowth, boys play cricket on the road, and Delhi University is close by. Furthermore, a rickshaw to the nearest metro, Vidhan Sabha metro costs Rs 15 local price but it is also possible to walk.

 

55 days to India: Discovering the top 5 Spiritual Places to Visit in India: Haridwar

 

Many people recently have been asking us about spiritual places to stay and visit during their travels in India.

 

So I thought we'd kick off with our review of top 5 spiritual places to see and visit in India.

 

Here's our list-what do you think?  Please comment and leave us with your thoughts and ideas.

 

1. Hardiwar

2. Rishikesh

3. Varanasi

4. Dharamsala

5. Amritsar

 

Here's a little bit about Haridwar...

 

Haridwar ( means Gateway to God) is one of the holiest places of India that all devoted Hindus visit once in their life time.

Haridwar is considered to be the place where the river Ganga enters the plain.’

 

Har ki Pauri is the main spot where every evening gets turned to a land of lights with both the banks of the river being lit up and thousands of devotees gathering around, taking part in the evening prayers by either taking a dip to clean away all the sins or floating diyas (earthen lamps) on the river with all their prayers and wishes to the mighty Ganges.  

 

It’s a stunning sight as you can gather from the photograph below.

 

How to reach there: Best taking the train-its the way to see India! There is a regular train service between Haridwar and Delhi

 

Little bit more about us and this blog

 

55 days to India is a new daily feature we will be running on the blog to help launch Asiabudgetguide.com where me aka @budgettraveller and my other half @robinbela will be blogging about different ideas of places to see and visit in India.

 

We will be tweeting under a special pseudoynm @55daystoIndia on Twitter so please follow us.

 

To explain further the reason behind this feature....in 55 days: (18th September, 2010 to be precise!) we will starting our 2nd annual Spiritual India Retreat in the beautiful hilltown of Mussoorie which is in the foothills of the Himalayas.

 

Details: http://healingindiaretreat.com/

 

To help run down the clock till THE day..... we thought we'd start this feature and help give inspiration to people coming to our retreat and also for anyone planning to come to India soon.

 

We will be blogging about places to see, about the unique cuisine, the customs, the culture-so should be lots of exciting inspiration for everyone...

 

Meantime if you haven't entered already, we have a brilliant competition where we are offering you the chance to win copies of the Lonely Planet India Guide and also Alistair Sawdays Special Places to Stay in India. Good luck!

 

 

55 days to India.......and counting

Kasmanda Palace-In 55 days the Spiritual Retreat starts.....
 
 

55 days to India is a new daily feature we will be running on the blog to help launch Asiabudgetguide.com where me aka @budgettraveller and my other half @robinbela will be blogging about different ideas of places to see and visit in India.

 

We will be tweeting under a special pseudoynm @55daystoIndia on Twitter.

 

To explain further the reason behind this feature....in 55 days: (18th September, 2010 to be precise!) we will starting our 2nd annual Spiritual India Retreat in the beautiful hilltown of Mussoorie which is in the foothills of the Himalayas.

 

Details: http://healingindiaretreat.com/

 

To help run down the clock till THE day..... we thought we'd start this feature and help give inspiration to people coming to our retreat and also for anyone planning to come to India soon.

 

We will be blogging about places to see, about the unique cuisine, the customs, the culture-so should be lots of exciting inspiration for everyone...

 

Meantime if you haven't entered already, we have a brilliant competition where we are offering you the chance to win copies of the Lonely Planet India Guide and also Alistair Sawdays Special Places to Stay in India. Good luck!

 

Competition: Win copies of Alistair Sawdays Special Places to Stay in India and Lonely Planet Guide to India

 

 

To help celebrate the launch of Asiabudgetguide.com and upcoming Spiritual Retreat in India organised by RobinReiki.com we have a fantastic competition and giveaway courtesy of the wonderful guys from Alistair Sawdays and the Lonely Planet.

 

 

 

 

     
 

  

We have 1 of 5 copies to giveaway of Alistair Sawdays Special Places to Stay in India : a remarkable collection of over 200 special places to stay that will transform your experience of India and Sri Lanka.

The guides offer a rich and astonishing variety: you can choose from colonial hill stations,  safari camps to sprawling palaces on the edge of the desert. From budget to luxury, with many rooms for less than £40 a night there is something there for everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

Plus we are also very excited to offer you 1 of 3 copies of the Lonely Planet Guide to India.

 

 

With over 250 detailed maps, a new full colour section giving you the lowdown of different regions in India and best local food to check out plus the usual essentials of finding the best places to stay and see- this a is power packed guide to the world’s most diverse, exciting, multicultural country.

 

The 13th Edition of Lonely Planet India guide also features some of the best eco-cultural experiences, tips on minimising your environmental impact, and interviews with local green advocates, including Homestays in Ladakh plus tips for going green in Goa.

To be in a chance to win either of these fantastic guides please answer the following question

 

The Spiritual Retreat organised by RobinReiki.com will be held in which city in the Himalayas?

 

 

Is it

a)   Goa

b)   Dehradun

c)   Mussoorie

 

(Hint: Read below)

 

Answers on a postcard ( 43/4 New Street, Edinburgh EH88BH)

 

or email asiabudgetguide@gmail.com with subject header ‘Spiritual India Competition’ with your answer, name, address and telephone number

 

Deadline for entries is 15th August, 2010.

 

Good luck!

 

 

 

Robin Bela invites you to join her to rejuvenate your Spirit with her in the Himalayas at Mussoorie in India. September 21^st- 30^th, 2010

Exclusive Offer to readers- £50 off on course fees for anyone who joins by 31st August 2010 and while seats remain!

 

In the fresh energies of the hills, we will open-up to our Inner Spirit, connect with the Spiritual realm in the wonderful programs being organised at the Queen of the Hills that Mussoorie is fondly known as. Courses to connect with your Guides, Angels, Spirit and also to tap into your healing abilities to heal your self and others will be taught. You will find your Soul clearing and opening-up to inner most parts during the 12 day journey with me. Some of you may be going for 4 days work with just the Psychic Connection and Angel Healing Certification. It is a beautiful program that will nourish your soul by helping you recognise your innermost strength and connection your Spirit and the spiritual realm. The next 3 days of the program we concentrate on the Angels and you will learn to connect to Archangels, heal through the Angels and also do readings with Angel Cards. You will find out for yourself how life can be supported by these amazing beings.

You are also welcome to take part in the Reiki Beginner Course with Crystals after this. This will empower you as an energy healer to use energy through hands along with the energies of crystals for deeper healing. Reiki is an ancient healing form and is truly life changing. You may choose to just do this course for 2 days. This is a very deep healing course and experienced energetically physically and emotionally.

Reiki level 2 practitioner level can be done if you already have done level 1 alteast 1-3 months prior. And I recommend you join in the refresher with me for level 1 to cover information about crystals. A great deal of healing is experienced in the first level itself. In level 2 you are attuned to higher energies,symbols and receive more empowerment on your soul's path.

Reiki Master and teacher level can be joined if you are already level 1 and 2 certified and are practicing Reiki. You may need to offer 10 case studies of friends and family if you are not practising professionally at the moment. Please discuss this with me seperately. I would recommend doing level 1 and 2 with me as a refresher again to witness how level 1 and 2 is taught by me if you are learning Reiki for the first time with me.

Whatever courses you choose to take, I am sure it is meant to be for you at this moment. There is no right or wrong.

 

VENUE: KASMANDA PALACE

Featured in Sawdays Special Places to Stay in India, Kasmanda is a beautiful Traditional Hotel built in 1836 is the venue of the course. See more pictures & details about the venue at

http://www.kasmandapalace.com/photo-gallery.html

For  full details at http://www.spiritualindiaretreat.com

And please contact at mail@robinreiki.com or 07855614148 for any questions.

Namaste & Love,
Robin Bela

www.robinreiki.com

www.coursesinreiki.com

 

AsiaBudgetGuide.com: Writing opportunities available ! Contact us now

 

Its been a year since I launched Europebudgetguide.com and following its growing success I am excited to be launching a sister site called Asiabudgetguide.com

 

I am very interested to hear from any budding writers or simply any traveller who wants to get into writing and share their travel experiences: register your interest and simply a few lines about why you would like to writer for asiabudgetguide by dropping us an email: europebudgetguide AT gmail.com

 

I will consider article ideas that help give travellers the inside track of how you can travel in different countries within Asia on a budget plus more importantly discover an authentic travel experience.

 

Places where locals eat drink and party, reviewing upcoming budget hotels, places off the beaten track, reviews of low cost airlines and looking at new routes are some ideas of topics I am looking to cover.

 

Connect me with also on Twitter for all my latest updates and thoughts: twitter.com/budgetttraveller

 

Thank you for your interest in Asiabudgetguide.com, ciao!

Kash :)

I am very interested to hear from any budding writers or simply any traveller who wants to get into writing and share their travel experiences: register your interest and simply a few lines about why you would like to writer for asiabudgetguide by dropping us an email: europebudgetguide AT gmail.com

 

I will consider article ideas that help give travellers the inside track of how you can travel in different countries within Asia on a budget plus more importantly discover an authentic travel experience.

 

Places where locals eat drink and party, reviewing upcoming budget hotels, places off the beaten track, reviews of low cost airlines and looking at new routes are some ideas of topics I am looking to cover.

 

Connect me with also on Twitter for all my latest updates and thoughts: twitter.com/budgetttraveller

 

Thank you for your interest in Asiabudgetguide.com, ciao!

Kash :)