Adventure Coordinators: asia

Long shunned by travellers from the west, Myanmar is now open again to exploration. The best time to visit Myanmar is between November and February. Here are the highlights and some of the lesser known spots to discover in Burma.

The main attraction in Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon) is the Shwedagon Pagoda. It and its surrounding temples and shrines attract an interesting mix of monks, pilgrims and travellers from around the world. Being covered in gold leaf, the main pagoda is the perfect place to visit at sunset. During the day, markets, colonial architecture, a massive reclining Buddha and temples are sure to keep you busy in this bustling city.

The world's largest book is found at Mandalay, once the capital of Burma. Another great place to watch the sunset awaits you here at Mandalay Hill, where you get beautiful views across the river and over the city. An alternate spot for this is the two kilometre long 200 year old wooden bridge at U-Bein

Nearby is Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly known as Maymyo), an old colonial hill station where officers would escape the heat of the plains. A clock tower, a church, country mansions and the botanical gardens all are remeniscent of days gone by. These days it is a crossroads for traders from China, which is reflected in the colourful local market.

From Mandalay, cruise the Irrawaddy River to Mingun, where the world's largest (uncracked) bell, the world's largest (albeit unfinished) pagoda and ancient temples await exploration. Enroute along the river, witness how this is one of the major trading and communication routes in Myanmar.

Going south along the Irrawaddy you will pass idyllic fishing villages, before you reach ancient Bagan, a breathtaking plain studded with over 3000 temples. Shwezigon Pagoda, the 13th century frescoes and cave temple of Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi and the Ananda Pagoda, one of the best preserved monuments in the entire city. Explore the city by horsedrawn cart of by bicycle and enjoy another magical sunset from the lower terraces of one of the temples.

Atop nearby Mount Popa sits a shrine which can be climbed via the 777 steps for some wonderful views. For the less energetic, Bagan offers many options to purchase laquerware and sand paintings.

Flying to Heho, a drive through picturesque hills brings you to Inle Lake. Here you can take a canoe to Lin Kin village, famous for its floating garden in the lake. People around the lake live in simple stilted houses and live of the fish from the lake, or grow food in floating gardens. With luck you may visit one of the rotating markets but you will no doubt see the local fishermen employing their famous leg-rowing technique. The lake is home to abundant bird life as well as to many places of worship and it makes for a great base to visit some of the tribal villages in the hills surrounding Inle.

If trekking is your thing, consider visiting the northwest of the country where you will meet hill tribes lost in time and stay in monasteries and schools.

South of Yangon lies the famous Golden Rock, a beautiful place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Legend has it that the boulder is held in position by a strand of Buddha's hair. Spending a night here is one of Burma's most spiritual experiences. Enroute from Yangon you can visit Bago (Pegu), home to a massive pagoda and one of the largest reclining Buddhas in the world.

For the less active, the coast of Myanmar has some of the most pristine beaches in Asia - white sand beaches lined by tall swaying palms invite you to relax, explore the hinterland by bicycle, or go out on a boat trip.

Speaking of boat trips, if discovering remote places is your thing, a sailing trip through the islands off the Burmese coast does just that. This is a trip back to days gone past in an archipelago virtually left untouched by modern life.

Wherever you decide to go in Myanmar, you will discover tranquility, hospitality and ethnic diversity. Come and find out why this country is often called "The Golden Land".

Related posts:
Burma photo board on Pinterest
Why we do not ride elephants
Best time to visit SE Asia
Best cycling trips in Asia

Ballooning over the temples in Bagan - Myanmar, the Golden Land

Friday, August 22, 2014

Highlights of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is famous for its exquisite beaches, but behind the dazzling coastline there is a lush interior with thick jungles, vast palm and rice plantations, cut by spectacular waterfalls and wild rivers. In addition, there is a long and interesting history, ancient Buddhist temples, spectacular vistas, spice gardens and rich wildlife and above all, a laid-back atmosphere, friendly people and some wonderful food. The best time to go to Sri Lanka are from December to March for the west coast, the south coast and the Hill Country, and from April to September for the ancient cities region and the east coast. Read on to learn more about the highlights of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is affected by two monsoons. As the south and west coasts and the highlands are by far the wettest, the dry season here, December to March, is considered the best time to visit Sri Lanka. For the ancient city region and the east coast, April to September is the best. April and September offer the best odds for good weather across the country.

Most people start their journey through Sri Lanka in Negombo, an historically interesting town and a great place to get into the spirit of seaside of Sri Lanka by observing the fishermen at work, watch them auction off their catch and try some fresh seafood in a local restaurant. Around the town is a network of canals and you can get a good sense of rural Sri Lanka but venturing out by bicycle.

The ancient city of Anuradhapura, built in the 3rd century BC, was the capital of the Sinhalese people for 1000 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is still the most important historic site in Sri Lanka, with a treasure trove of palaces, temples and Buddhist monuments and statues. One of the most important pilgrimage sites for Bhuddists here is the Bodhi tree, said to be a direct descendant of the tree where Buddha gained enlightenment.

At Ritigala Mountain you will find the ruins of a monastic complex, lesser known but excellent nevertheless. Much of the site has been restored helping you imagine the grandeur of the place.

Trincomalee, a beautiful village on the east coast, is worth a sidetrip. Explore the Temple of a Thousand Pillars and Fort Frederick or mingle with pilgrims at the famous Hot Springs of Kanniya. The coast of Trincomalee is well known to be a migratory route for Blue Whales and Sperm Whales, while the countryside around town makes for a great place to get out by bike.

Before reaching Polonnaruwa, you may want to engage in a journey through authentic Sri Lankan villages, to spot wildlife, cross streams, meet villagers busy in their day-to-day life and perhaps sample a local meal. At Polonnaruwa itself there are some beautiful temples, palaces and stupas, but the highlights are the enormous stone Buddhas.

Next, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka's largest Rock Cave Temple located high up in a stone cliff face. It is home to magnificent Buddha images and rock paintings spread over five caves.

One of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka is the food. Although Sri Lankan cuisine has been being influenced by the traditions of India, Portugal, Arabia and Holland, it has a style uniquely its own. Enjoy complex, fragrant curries, indulge in seafood on the coast, discover street food like hoppers, paratha and roti, or discover Tamil cuisine in the Highlands.

Built as a royal citadel on top of a 200m high rock mass, Sigiriya is an impressive fortress. You climb to the top via a series of steps and walkways. Enjoy lovely water gardens and 5th-century frescoes and the remains of a summer palace.

Nearby Minneriya National Park is home to a variety of fauna, including purple-faced langur and toque macaque. Elephants use it regularly as a watering site and there is a huge variety of birdlife.

The royal city of Kandy is pleasantly set on the edge of a lake surrounded by hills. In the heart of town is the Temple of the Tooth, the most important shrine in Sri Lanka, which houses a relic of a tooth of Buddha taken from his funeral pyre. Each evening, the day's worship culminates with the casket containing the tooth relic being put on display to pilgrims from all over the Buddhist world. Be sure to visit the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, with their immense fig tree and exquisite orchid collection. Alternatively, go for a walk around town and enjoy the bazaars, visit monasteries or see an evening performance of the famed Kandyan dancers and fire-walkers.

In the highlands of Sri Lanka there are a range of things you can do. Go white water rafting or hike to waterfalls, visit a tea plantation or spice garden, swim in refreshing mountain streams, explore the quaint countryside town of Nuwara Eliya, go for a jeep safari at Uda Walawe National Park, visit World's End', one of the most stunning sights in Sri Lanka where the ground drops 1050m to the plains, or take a stunning train journey into the highlands disembarking at Bandarawela or Haputale.

Further south you reach Yala National Park, home to deer, elephants, bears, crocodiles, wild boars and birdlife. The park also has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world.

After having done this much travelling, it is time for some serious R&R. The beautiful south coast with long sandy beaches and lovely calm waters, is perfect for swimming. Base yourself in Marissa or Tangalle and if you feel like more exploring, go whale watching, visit Unawatuna with its famed stilt fishermen, check out a seafood market or try a drink made from palm tree sap (toddy) or coconut arrack.

Before heading back to Colombo, visit the colonial port town of Galle, home to an impressive World Heritage-listed Dutch fort with extensive walls and many interesting old buildings. Walk around the fort and watch the sunset from the ramparts, or while having dinner. Alternatively, explore the maze of backstreets and market stalls in town.

Related posts:
Sri Lanka Photo board on Pinterest
Why we do not ride elephants
Highlights of South India
Best Cycling trips in Asia

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Why we do not ride elephants

We are happy to share with you we will no longer offer elephant rides to travellers.

Seeing wild animals on holiday should be a once in a lifetime experience. But the demand for elephant rides, lion and tiger selfies and more is forcing iconic wild animals into a lifetime of misery. Sadly it is these iconic animals that often suffer the most at the hands of a cruel and relentless industry.

More than 2,000 elephants are trapped at cruel tourist attractions where they are undergoing great physical and mental trauma to be forced into interacting with people. Watch this animation and learn about their lives as entertainers.

Our decision is based on an extensive research project by experts from Canadian animal charity WSPA to assess the welfare of captive elephants (and other wildlife) at entertainment venues in Asia and Africa.

Asian elephants are highly endangered and tourism demand has led to the establishment of venues where elephants are forced to do unnatural performances. The demand from travellers is adding to the number of endangered elephants being poached from the wild.

In both Asia and Africa animals are taken from their mothers, their spirit is broken, and they endure cruel and stressful ‘training’ to make them tolerate being ridden.

Clearly this is not something anyone will want to be involved in.

With your help we can stop these cruel practices.

Elephants are best seen in the wild, like here in Periyar, India

Friday, February 7, 2014

Highlights of South India

South India is a land of temples, colonials towns, beautiful beaches, tea plantations and palm trees. More laid-back than the north of India, the south is a great place to get acquainted to India, or get some R&R. Here are all the highlights of South India. You can see images and a map on my Pinterest site.

Cycling is a great way to explore the country side, or join a small group tour to discover larger areas.

Set on the Malabar, or 'Pepper Coast', Cochin (Kochi) is one of South India's most interesting towns and is believed to have been the first European settlement in India. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is famous for its Chinese fishing nets. Discover the old Mattancherry Palace, the synagogue with its hand painted 18th century blue ceramic floor tiles and St Francis Church where Vasco de Gama died in 1524.

The journey up to Coonoor is one of the most scenic in South India with superb views of the plains below. Don't forget to take the narrow gauge steam Blue Mountain Railway from Coonoor to Ootacamund, a delightful one-hour train journey.

Ootacamund, or 'Snooty Ooty' was a refuge for British Officials and tea planters in Southern India as the climate this high up is much cooler. Views from peaks, pleasant forest walks and the beautiful botanical gardens are the highlights of this area.

On the beautiful drive down the hills towards Mysore you may spot deer, elephant and monkeys. Mysore, a former capital, is a city of royal palaces, sandalwood and the manufacture of incense sticks. Explore the beautifully restored City Palace, with its domes, arches and colonnades of carved pillars and shiny marble floors. Marvel at the stained glass, wall paintings, ivory inlaid doors and ornate golden throne.
Just outside of Mysore is Srirangapatnam, the capital of Haider Ali and his famous son, Tipu Sultan. Tipu's famous battles against colonization are depicted in the murals on the walls of his summer palace.

Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities, is known as 'the Golden City of a Thousand Temples'. There are still about 70 temples in the town, including the Ekambaresvara Temple with its Thousand Pillared Hall and the Kailasanatha Temple, considered to be the most beautiful of the town.

On the Coromandel Coast, visit the rock cut caves and temples at Mahabalipuram, occupying a stunning position on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. There are plenty of cave temples, rock-carved shrines and sculptured rock panels all dating back to the 7th century.

Pondicherry enjoys a hint of its French colonial atmosphere in the grid pattern streets, distinctive police uniforms and the occasional colonial building. But if colonial charm is what you are after, Cochin is the place you want to be.

Thanjavur is famous for the Thanjavur Brihadisvara Temple, one of the great monuments of southern India. It is built mainly from granite and has outstanding inscriptions and sculptures of Shiva, Vishnu and Durga. Here you can also visit a beautiful 16th century palace which houses a huge library as well as the Rajaraja Museum with a collection of magnificent Chola bronzes.

Life revolves around the Meenakshi Temple in the bustling city of Madurai. It is a hive of activity and the scene of an almost continuous religious festival. One of the most spectacular parts of the complex is the 16th century Thousand Pillared Hall with exquisitely carved columns and its sculptured ceiling,

Periyar National Park is known for its elephants, sambar, wild boar and barking deer. Don't expect wildlife sightings as you would in Africa, but you can enjoy a jungle walk or boat cruise or go on a tour of the spice gardens. Coffee, tea, rubber, cardamom and pepper are just some of the local produce.

Traditional wooden boats were the method of transport for hundreds of years in Kerala and a houseboat cruise in the Kerala Backwaters is the highlight of many a South India trip. As your boat meanders through canals and waterways lined with lush tropical vegetation you will enjoy the scenery, watch locals travel by boat or spot some of the prolific bird life. Don't forget to step ashore to get an insight into traditional village life.

A typical trip through South India will end in Kovalam or Varkala. Enjoy the idyllic soft sandy beaches, warm clear waters and wide views of the ocean horizon that these seaside has to offer. It makes for a great end to any highlights trip through South India!

Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

Friday, December 13, 2013

Best cycling trips in Asia

Cycling is one of the best ways to see a country. You are outside all day and can stop at will to explore a market or village, eat a local meal, visit a museum, castle or temple or admire a view. In many places in Asia the bicycle is the preferred mode of transport of many local people. So let's join them and explore Asia on two wheels!

The trips listed below are for people who enjoy a weekend riding on either trails or roads at home will enjoy these trips. You need to be in good health and reasonably fit. Ideal for occasional cyclists, or as a more relaxed trip for fitter riders. Distances on road trips rarely exceed 70 kms (43 miles) per day.

If you are looking for cycling trips which require a higher level of fitness, go to the blog post Challenging Bicycle Trips in Asia.

Cycle Indochina & Angkor: this journey takes us across three countries with contrasting recent histories and subtly different cultures. From the busy streets of Bangkok we make straight for the rolling limestone hills of Thailand's largest national park, Khao Yai.
Moving into Cambodia we head through shimmering paddy fields to Angkor, the magnificent temple and city complex at the centre of the former Khmer Empire and one of the world's great historic sites. We reach Phnom Penh, where we encounter stark reminders of Cambodia's more recent past.
Arriving in Vietnam, we enter the Mekong Delta, a criss-crossed patchwork of rice paddies and waterways, the so-called 'rice bowl of Vietnam'.
We complete our journey in the vibrant city of Saigon where the frenetic pace contrasts with some of the rural areas we have cycled through.

Cycling Vietnam: this superb trip combines some of the best cycling routes in Vietnam with time for rest and exploration. Travelling on two wheels gets us closer to life in Vietnam and to the outgoing and welcoming Vietnamese who share our love affair with the bicycle. Over-laden bicycles and motorbikes typify Vietnamese life and passing encounters with local cyclists may leave us with some of our strongest memories.
Vietnam is a beautiful country, with a long coastline of broad, sandy beaches, shimmering paddy fields and mountains cloaked in forests. Our route takes us from the vibrant streets of Saigon northwards to the more conservative capital Hanoi.
Out of the saddle we have time to relax in the lively beachside town of Nha Trang, enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and great shopping of Hoi An with its wooden merchant houses, pagodas, bustling market crowded with conical hats and women in the bright colours of their national dress, and also cruise around the incredible seascape of limestone towers in Halong Bay with its peaks rising directly from the sea.

Burma By Bike: in the words of Kipling: 'this is Burma and it is unlike any land you know about'.
This may be even truer today when we will arrive on two wheels in Bagan, one of Asia's holiest cities, giving you the chance to explore this cultural nerve centre of a country only now emerging from international isolation. Our route takes us through the Shan Highlands, crossing the central plains around Mandalay, and down a fabulous descent from Mt Popa. After all this riding we get a welcome respite, floating down the Irrwaddy River and exploring Inle Lake with its famous floating markets.

Cycling Through Rajasthan: Rajasthan has landscapes varying from green rolling hills to barren deserts. The whole state is dotted with dramatic fortresses, reminders of the Rajputs and their warrior past, while away from the desert the countryside is a patchwork of villages and small towns where we can see the timelessness of rural India.
Cycling is the perfect way to explore, offering a fascinating insight into the traditional way of life here. From Jodhpur our journey takes us first to the beautiful lakeside city of Udaipur, and on to the holy town of Pushkar.
Leaving the desert scenery behind we ride to Jaipur, a town overlooked by the splendid hilltop Amber Palace. We also visit Sariska National Park, beautifully located and home to an abundance of wildlife.
A fitting way to finish the trip is at the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Cycling The Empire Of Genghis Khan: Mongolia remains a mysterious presence in the heart of Central Asia, a traditional country where visitors are still an unusual sight. Nomads wander the grasslands, setting up their white gers (tents) where the pasture is lush for their horses.
The local people are warm and welcoming and we share their experience of life under a felt or canvas roof.
We follow good trails across wide, open steppe, into expansive mountain scenery and through larch and pine forests. Camping wild under the wide skies adds an adventurous edge to what is certainly one of our most intrepid cycle tours.
We end our riding at Mongolia's ancient capital Karakorum, once the centre of a vast empire. Its ruins and monasteries tell us about the fascinating history of this country and its glorious past.

Somewhat more involved are the following bicycle trips. For rides at this level, fitness is important. You must have confidence in your own ability and physical condition. They are equivalent to an extended period of cycling at home.

Cycling In Laos & Northern Vietnam: Laos, the land of a million elephants, is now the land of a million smiles, with stunning mountainous landscape and a laid back atmosphere, the result of a long isolation from its neighbours.
Our route takes us through some spectacular scenery, from narrow roads shaded by jungle vines to shimmering rice paddies and mountains which are home to a mix of ethnic groups.
Out of the saddle, we walk through villages and bamboo forest and visit Luang Prabang, one of Asia's most attractive towns, with colonial buildings, tree-lined avenues and colourful temples.
The Plain of Jars is one of Southeast Asia's most important archaeological sites, but one with more questions than answers. Located in one the most heavily bombed places on earth it is steeped in wartime history. We also visit the Vietnamese capital Hanoi and finish our trip in bustling Bangkok.
The cycling is demanding at times, but our reward is to have roads almost to ourselves in South East Asia's friendliest and least known country.

Cycle Southern India - Coast To Coast: The two southernmost states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala perfectly depict the contrasting nature of India. Seeing them on two wheels gives us an excellent opportunity to soak up the rich culture and appreciate the different landscapes as we cycle by.
Tamil Nadu sees far fewer visitors than other Indian states, but this is part of the attraction as we follow quiet backroads from the fertile coastal plains in the east to the remarkable hills of the Western Ghats which form the border with Kerala.
Our ride takes us past some of the most impressive sites of southern India, including the former French colony of Pondicherry and the magnificent Meenakshi Temple at Madurai.
After cycling through the cooler highlands and tea estates of the Western Ghats we reach the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, where a relaxing houseboat cruise offers the chance to unwind and reflect on a memorable journey.

Kerala & Tropical India: Southern India is a magical place: beautiful landscapes, fascinating towns and villages, long white beaches and superb food, an excellent place to explore by bike.
In the cool heights of the Western Ghats the sanctuaries at Bandipur and Mudumalai hide wild elephants, tigers and leopards in jungle and bamboo forests. We cycle round old forts and up to religious rock shrines as well as through colourful villages where rural life has remained little-changed for centuries.
Further south, in Kerala, Hinduism has produced some of India's most elaborately decorated temples. A relaxing boat trip on the quiet backwaters here offers a change of pace from the bicycles, before the final coastal ride to Varkala and a chance to laze on the beach and reflect on an unforgettable experience of rural India.

Cycle The Backroads Of Sri Lanka: Although a compact island, Sri Lanka is incredibly diverse. Exploring on two wheels is the best way to see this rural country and to experience the way of life of its friendly people.
Beginning our journey in its region of ancient cities, we travel along the old King's Route, created more than 1000 years ago. Here we stop to climb the impressive 'Lion's Rock' fortress at Sigiriya and explore the cave temples at Dambulla.
We visit Kandy before riding through the tea estates of Nuwara Eliya in the Central Highlands where the cooler temperatures and lush scenery make for a relaxing ride. In the south we visit Yala National Park where there are leopards, elephants and an abundance of colourful birdlife, before ending the trip on the beaches of Sri Lanka's beautiful south coast.
This trip covers a substantial part of the island, taking in as much as possible of the scenic and cultural variety that Sri Lanka has to offer. Most of the route is a continuous ride, and transfers are kept to a minimum.

Cycling in Mongolia - photo Exodus

Adventure Coordinators

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Taiwan travel articles

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Bangladesh and Pakistan travel articles

Singapore and Brunei articles

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Papua New Guinea and the Philippines articles

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

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Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Sri Lanka articles

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Myanmar (Burma) articles

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Friday, September 5, 2014

Highlights of Myanmar (Burma)