6. MalaysiaMalaysia is a travel experience that is much different from its neighbors. From the dense urban jungle of Kuala Lumpur to the pristine beaches of the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia is a beautiful and different racial culture country. And if you are love the people of nature, you will be willing spend the day with a traditional tribe or in a tea plantation in the Cameron Highlands or trek through the huge national parks of Gunung Mulu and Taman Negara, encountering incredible wildlife including tigers and orangutans. Make sure to head to Borneo and explore the jungle, and dive at Spidan, one of the best dive locations in the world.
Hostel cost between $7 - 13 USD per night, with larger cities being on the high end of that spectrum. A hotel room will cost around $20 - 40 USD per night. Free WiFi and free breakfast are quite common though most hostels do not have kitchens if you wanted to cook your own food. For some brand-name hotel, expect to pay closer to $50 - 60 USD per night. A street meal will start under $1.50 USD and rarely cost more than $4 USD. Expect to pay $5 USD in restaurants, however western meals will always cost more. For a meal at a mid-range restaurant expect to pay around $7 USD per person. Beer will be under $4 USD
Expect to pay around $1.50 - 4 USD per hour on a bus trip. Taxis can be expensive as the fare is charged per person and you’ll be charged four fares if you can’t find anyone to share with you. And many taxis have working meters and start by $0.80 USD once you sitting inside taxi. And suggested daily budget $30-40 USD per day.
7. TaiwanTaiwan is one of Asia's must-see destinations. Where ancient religious and cultural practices still thrive in an overwhelmingly modernist landscape. This juxtaposition is expressed most clearly in Taipei, where futuristic marvels like Taipei 101 – one of the tallest buildings in the world – share the city with incense-fogged temples and indigenous communities. This mix of different influences is wonderfully showcased by the island’s cuisine – a lip-smacking blend of Chinese, Japanese and aboriginal fare.
Nightlife is also an important part of experiencing the true quality of a place. In Taiwan, many places of entertainment stay open till midnight or even around the clock.
If you're going on a literal food trip, Taiwan is the perfect destination. Taiwan is foodie paradise; in every town and city you go, you're sure to find some really good eats you're not likely to find anywhere else, especially outside the country. Food is so respected and deeply ingrained in Taiwanese culture that when you meet a local, they're sure to greet you with the question, "Have you eaten already?" Of the many treats and eats you can find in Taiwan, here are the ten best eats you must never miss while you're there.
Hotels and hostels in Taipei are of reasonable value, Hostel level cost between $7 - 13 USD per night, with larger cities being on the high end of that spectrum. A hotel room will cost around $20 - 40 USD per night. Free WiFi and free breakfast are quite common. For some brand-name hotel, expect to pay closer to $50 - 80 USD per night. The main attractions are reasonably priced compared to similar offerings elsewhere, so it’s possible to get by on very little once you arrive if your budget is tight. Using public transportation also cuts way down on costs, so even backpackers can manage Taiwan if they can find a good hostel or cheap hotel.
Taiwan transportation system is modern. Taipei City is composed of three municipalities called Keelung, New Taipei, and Taipei that each have their own governmental administration. So transportation price is reasonable value. And suggested daily budget $30- 50 USD per day. 8. PhilippineThe Philippines has it all, rich history, night life, shopping, sporting activities, uninhabited tropical islands, unique wildlife and diverse culture and history which is around every corner, just waiting to be discovered. It is also one of the few English speaking Asian countries.
The budget-friendly Philippines attract visitors from throughout Asia and across the globe with its beautiful beaches and friendly, laid-back culture. Though some beaches, such as Boracay, have become veritable frat parties, the country is made up of 7,000 islands, so finding your own slice of paradise isn't difficult. The Philippines was ruled by the Spanish for 35 decades and is staunchly Catholic, which sets it apart from the rest of Southeast Asia, where Buddhism reigns supreme. Shiny malls and fast food chains are plentiful in the mega-cities, as are enormous colorful fiestas and colonial architecture.
Travel within the Philippines not difficult, if you don't mind riding the sometimes rickety public transportation. There are all kinds of transportation available to tourist and locals: Airplanes and ferries for inter-island transfers, buses & taxis ply in major cities all over the Philippines and the ubiquitous jitney can be found everywhere. In Metro Manila, modern light rail transit is available on main roads. To visit the provinces, there are several bus companies in Metro Manila that plies to all regions of the country (to the North e.g Ilocos region to the South e.g. Davao City). In tertiary roads & small rural towns the jeep & tricycle is the transport of choice.
Philippines becoming more popular among cultural travelers and those exploring Southeast Asia. It’s relatively cheap compared to most of Asia in general, though it’s generally more expensive than mainland countries like Vietnam and Cambodia. A street meal will start under $2 USD and rarely cost more than $3 USD. Expect to pay $3 - 7 USD in restaurants, however western meals will always cost more. Cheap and cold San Miguel beer is served all over, with imports costing quite a bit more, total go for $1 -2 USD
Hotels in Philippines run the gamut from very cheap to very expensive, with standards at the low end being more basic than many people might be prepared for. It’s quite possible to get a certain measure of luxury at one of the many mid-priced hotels however. Most of the attractions are free or cheap, and the transportation tends to be a bargain as well. Food prices are quite low by international standards, though most don’t find the cuisine itself to be too special. Rooms in hostels start at around $3.50 - 20 USD per night. Hotel rooms generally go for $25 -120 USD per night. For some brand-name hotel, expect to pay closer to 200-250 MYR per night. 9. LaosLaos used to be a popular destination for partying but, since the wild tubing days have been curtailed, it’s turned into a more relaxed, outdoor-oriented country. Here you’ll find a landlocked country steeped in nature, food, history, and Buddhism. Laos is going through growing pains as it finally enters the world community. It’s not the cheapest country in the region (everything is imported) but it is one of the best! I loved my time there and, while the country is no longer a “secret”, it’s still a lot less visited than it’s neighbors.
Accommodation in Laos is incredibly cheap. You can find dorm rooms for around 45,000-80,000 LAK / $ 4 -5 USD per night, while a private room with A/C will cost between 115,000-175,000 LAK / $ 14 - 21USD. Budgeting 80,000-165,000 LAK / $ 5 -10 USD per night for basic accommodation is pretty safe no matter where you go in Laos. Almost every city hostel offers free WiFi and most also include free breakfast.
Though food is expensive compared to its neighbors (everything is imported and they don’t have large scale farming), you can still eat relatively cheaply. In cities, street food is the most popular form of eating. These meals usually cost no more than 15,000-20,000 LAK / $ 2 - 4 USD per dish. Western meals will usually cost closer to 30,000 LAK. If you’re looking for a nicer, mid-range meal expect to pay closer to 100,000 LAK / $ 20 USD
Bus costs vary between 80,000-130,000 LAK / $ 4 - 7USD for a 5-6 hour journey. Overnight buses cost 150,000-200,000 LAK / $ 18 - 50USD depending on distance. A bus from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, for example, will cost between 100,000-150,000 LAK / / $ 12 - 18USD. Local public transportation starts around 2,000 LAK / $ 0.25USD and goes up from there based on distance. 10. CambodiaCambodia maybe a flawed and corrupt country, but it’s filled with some of the rich history, delicious food, beautiful coastlines, and a lively nightlife. "Siem Reap" Cambodia would be well up this list in the cheaper zone, it includes admission to the mind-blowing Angkor Wat temple complex just north of town. The temples are on par with the Great Pyramids of Giza or the lost city of Machu Picchu, so many people choose to spend 3 days or even a week exploring the massive attraction.
With Angkor Wat at the edge of town, you might expect Siem Reap itself to be a cheesy tourist dive, there are other things to see, something like local crafts, and even mellow bike paths between them. You’ve also got loads of great restaurants that serve cheap local dishes and happy-hour glasses of Angkor draft beer for US$0.50 each.
Rooms in hostels start at around $3.50 USD per night. Private rooms in hostels and guesthouses generally go for $5-10 USD per night, depending on where you are in the country. Free WiFi is the norm for hostels these days, and a few will also include free breakfast. if you want get comfortable guesthouse rooms, around $15-20 USD with air con, TV, and other amenities.
Food is very cheap in Cambodia. Local street vendors will cost you about $1-2 USD per meal, and basic restaurant meals will cost between $3-5 USD. Western meals at nice restaurants go between $5-15 USD per person.
Local city transportation is cheaper also, costing only a few dollars. Tuk-tuks can be found on every corner in the big cities, though be sure to negotiate a price in advance (usually not more than $5 USD depending on the distance). Renting a driver for the day will set you back between $15-20 USD, and most hostels can help you arrange finding one.
(Cambodia uses USD. There’s no real need to carry the local currency, Cambodian Riels (KHR), unless you paying for really small things on the street, but for the most part, use USD) << Back |
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