The Road Less Traveled: 7 Days in Myanmar (Part 1)

After a long excruciating pain of waiting for almost 3 months after we booked the tickets, we finally set out on our next adventure to the holy land: Myanmar.

To be honest, I didn’t get a good feeling since the start of the journey, mainly because I did not plan this trip. The bulk of the itinerary was provided for by a dear friend, who even helped us get cheap day tours for the various cities that we will be visiting. However, we were too underprepared for this unexpected trip.

To start with, we travelled on a budget airline – Jetstar to Yangon. Having booked the tickets way ahead of time, we got really cheap tickets. However, do to the lack of planning and incomplete information, our mini nightmare was about to start. We took an early flight departing Singapore and we arrived at Yangon near noon. To our horror, Myanmar do not allow visa on arrival for tourists.

Please take special note on this if you are ever travelling to Myanmar.

Myanmar DO NOT allow visa-on-arrival for tourists. This is only applicable for business travellers and require company registration as well as letter of invitation by the company.

And so the story goes.. We got deported.

It was a horrifying experience. We tried talking to the immigration officers as well as the airport staff. But we were only met with hostility. We were being shoved back onto the plane. Even back in Singapore, we were being escorted by staff after staff. We only managed to clear customs at almost 7pm. The whole ordeal took us more than 12 hours. Hungry and tired as we were, we were considering flying back the next morning (with our visas of course) or to change the whole itinerary and fly somewhere else instead. Rationality made us fly back, considering that we have already paid for our hotels, and some of the attractions we were so looking forward to.

And so, we spent the whole night sorting out the documents we need for the visas and we re-booked our air tickets, all ready to fly back the next morning.

Damages

Visa = USD 50 per pax (straight new notes only)

New air tickets = SGD$383 each (Note: We only paid SGD$243 per pax initially)

DAY 1

And finally, we cleared customs without hiccups and all ready for our first adventure of the year. We changed some local currencies at the airport (before you exit the airport) and took a cab from the airport to the hotel our friend will be hosting us for the day before we leave for Bagan that night.

Singapore doesn’t really have any currency exchange whom sells Myanmar Kyats (pronounced as charts) and I have confirmed with my Burmese friends that the exchange rates at the airport are pretty good. Just note that Burmese are a little concerned with straight new US notes. Meaning if your notes are old and crumple, they will reject your notes (as I have suffered later on).

1 thing that I like is that there is a taxi booking stand right after you clear the customs. There’s only 1 so there’s not much left to chances.  We were told that you could haggle for the price and the costs of a cab from the airport to Downtown usually costs MMK8,000 to MMK10,000. After the whole ordeal, we thought our whole luck has changed for the better since we got the lower of the range without even asking.

Damages

Taxi = MMK 8,000

Note: Exchange rate is approximately USD1 ~ MMK1000 (for easy reference)

We settled at a nearby place for lunch and it was fabulous!

It was near evening and we got a cab to the bus terminal for our night ride to the long awaited Bagan. Truth to be told, the 10 hours bus ride was none but torturous. I have no idea why I could bear with the previous 7 hours ride in a minivan to El Nido but this seemingly comfy ride was rather an agony. There was only 1 stopover for a quick bite and toilet break in between. And finally as we reached Bagan at near 5am, only the next horror struck us.

DAY 2

It was COLD. It was actually FREEZING COLD. BRRRRRR.

We were told that Bagan would get colder at night but we didn’t know it would be so cold. As a simple reference, it is colder than Genting at night. I have to wear 2 thick jackets and I am still freezing my butt off. Brrr. As I was saying, we got deported so our itinerary was all pushed back by a day. Our guide came to pick us up and we were ready to check in but our hotels made a mistake and told us that no room was available for us until later in the day at about 9am. What a joke. So anyways, we went to visit the renowned sunrise of Bagan.

Part I

We climbed the Pagoda bare footed in the darkness. It was almost horrifying. And then we waited…

Slowly, the sun came up.

It was beautiful. It was stunning.

But it’s also cold as hell. Barely fighting the cold, we left soon after the sun rises. Remember us saying climbing the pagoda in the dark was horrifying? Trust me, the climb down in broad daylight was worst. 

Way worst…

As we were told that the room will only be ready by 9am, we went for a local breakfast before we head back to the hotel.

It consists of "you cha quey", local bee hoon soup (it's not spicy, don't be deceived by it's looks), curry puff lookalike thingy and chinese tea!

And it only costs us 800kyats!!! We were finally checked in and the hotel was amazing!!!

Zfreeti Hotel

As Bagan is naturally cold due to its high altitude, the room was naturally cold and do not require air conditioning. They have an outdoor swimming pool which would be great during noon as the sun can be pretty harsh at that hour. We have told our guide to pick us up at around 1030 after we are rested and washed up. Since we have paid for the room for the day before, we also enjoy complimentary breakfast! They have a simple fare of western and local dishes for the breakfast. To be honest, it wasn’t fabulous but I thought it was good enough for the 2 of us. I love it that they serve eggs cooked on the spot. So you can have a choice of omelette, sunny side up or jus scrambled.

So our guide came and picked us up for the 2^nd part of the tour. Well, I am not going to bore you anymore.

Part II

One thing to note is that most of the operable temples and pagodas in the area require you to be barefoot, so bear in mind to wear slip-on footwear for simplicity sake. You can thank me later.

And we head for our lunch before we head back to the hotel for a short rest!

I love the guides in this area. They are so chillax, and so cool about everything. They'll go, "oh, it will be really hot in the afternoon, why not we start earlier in the morning so that it's more cooling and we can go back to the hotel for a short rest during 1-3pm when the weather is the hottest." AND I LOVE THE IDEA! Travelling is always meant to relax our mind, so I guess no point we stress ourselves over the hot weather. 

One more stop before we head back to our hotel for our afternoon nap.

Booking the hot air balloon tickets!! Actually, it was a concern for me for the entire time because I understood that the tickets are usually sold out way way before flying day. Hence, I have requested our dear friend whom assisted us in this trip to reserve ticket for us since she said she was able to get them at a cheaper rate and guess what? WE DIDN’T HAVE A TICKET!!! It was really nightmare after nightmare. So, we have to get our local guide to help us source for alternatives. Finally, we found the GOLDEN EAGLE hotair balloon ride simply because no other operators have vacancies anymore. It is really true that you have to book your hot air balloon way way way before your trip to secure a seat. Lucky for us, as Golden Eagle was only established slightly over a year ago, it was only known amongst the local tour operators. Meaning, it would be almost impossible to locate them over the web. However, they only provide the exclusive services, which means we have to pay more. SOBX. But since this was the main intent to Bagan anyway, we have decided to go for it.

Part III

After our brief nap in the room to compensate our lack of sleep this morning, we proceed for the 3rd part of the itinerary. 

Since we had sunrise for breakfast, it is necessary to complete the course with (i bet you guess it right) SUNSET!! We had chance to witness this beautiful sunset at another historical building (duh!). And it was pretty exciting as you have to climb through a steep stairway that i can barely fit through (bear in mind I'm pretty petite compared to the other travellers there). But the end result was a set of remarkable and cloudless sunset.

After the day long tour, we had dinner in our hotel, by the pool. It was very romantic, considering the dim lightings and dining under the stars. It was an incredible experience.

DAY 3

AND HERE COMES THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR TRIP!!!! We woke up at 4:30am to wait for our bus to come pick us up. It’s really really cold in the morning. But the anxiety kept us warm and hopping around.

My boy was really hilarious. We came out of our hotel all sleepy and we saw a bus for BALLOONS OVER BAGAN and guess what he did? He ran to the bus and told me to follow up. It was until I opened my eyes then I told him it was not our ride. I couldn’t stopped laughing since.

So we board the mini bus and we got to the place from the day before, the large open fields preparing for the taking off. We were then served bread and tea/coffee in the cold hard wind. The process was really delightful as the flow was smooth and things just happened one after another. Just as we finished the breakfast, we were told to observe the mini balloon sent up to determine wind speed and direction. Then they also tested the burners and the warmth of it felt so great!!

And then you get really excited because they started to give us a brief training on safety and they start to PUMP UP THE BALLOON!!! It was really exciting as it marks the start of the ride and I haven’t exactly seen a balloon this size being pumped up before.

We climbed in and up we go!!!

The view is breath-taking. And the ride was surprisingly stable. You almost didn’t feel like you are in a balloon. And we learned a few things about the hot air balloon. For instance, you cannot navigate a hot air balloon, you can only control the height of the balloon and “catching” different layers of wind going different directions. I thought this was pretty cool as it really gives you an idea of a really really primitive type of transportation and you are totally reliant on the experience of the pilot and nature forces.

The landing was rather similar to that of the taking off, we both had a dozen people “sending” us and “picking” us. The landing was surprising smooth, no huge bumps or “turbulence”. The pilot accredited this to his crew. He was joking how he flew in so many other countries and he only had 1 assistant to help him along the way, and how pampered he was flying in Bagan with a luxury of crew to assist him, thus causing him to be so reliant on them.

And so we landed and we were presented with champagne and a certificate (of course) for our completion of the ride of a lifetime with the backdrop of the crew packing up the huge balloon!! 

After which we were sent back to our hotel.  We checked out and get ready for our next journey. We hoped onto our pre-booked bus and off we go. I thought the service for the bus is pretty good as they sent our bus tickets to our hotel. Also, we were due to arrive in Mandalay bus station but they offered to drop us at our hotel in Mandalay!! I guess our luck is turning for the better. (or at least I thought)..

Till later......

28 Under Rated Destinations in Southeast Asia that will Change your life

Short getaways from Singapore might seem so mundane and boring considering places like Bali, Bangkok and Hanoi. As we take a step back look again at Southeast Asia, we might be able to find, what we like to call "a moment."

It's not an area of the world that tops everyone's bucket list, but Southeast Asia does have its fair share of packed-with-tourists sites, and of course, some hidden treasure.

1.       Cambodia, Kep

(Image Credit: Viet Vision Travel)

Reminaise in the memories of the colonial French (hip getaway for wealthy Frenchies) while indulging in Kep's tranquil beaches, where cute seafood spots on stilts serve some of the yummiest crab in the world. Alternatively, spend a day on in the Kep National Park or visit the once world renowned Kamot Pepper plantation at Phnom Voir mountain.

2.       Cambodia, Siem Reap, Angkor Thom

This largest religious monument in the world is surrounded by a wide open moat. Experience walking through the grand entrances of the different temples and pagodas including the infamous Ta Prohm with trees intertwining through the temples and Bayon with gigantic stone carved faces. Indulge in this never before lifetime experience and sink into the world of wonders.  (Read: Siem Reap:Adventure Land)

3.       Indonesia, Central Java, Borobudur

(Image Credit: Manohara Hotel Borobudur)

Only an hour away from Yogyakarta, Borobudur is not only another UNESCO heritage site, it is also the biggest Buddhist monument on Earth. Overlooking lush green fields and distant hills, be awed by the magnificence of human architecture.

4.       Indonesia, Mount Bromo Ijen

(Image Credit: Banjo Tours)

 Challenge this active volcano beginners’ peak for all to climb. Ascent this stunning mountain and there you will be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime.

5.       Indonesia, Solo (Surakarta)

(Image Credit: Soulnesia)

 Arguably the least westernized cities on the island, Solo has preserved much of the Javanese culture. Enjoy a laid back afternoon and visit the world best Batik museum at Danar Hadi and enjoy a city tour in a Jaladara steam train built in 1800s.

6.       Laos, Luang Prabang

(Image Credit: Eco Adventure)

Home to another UNESCO world heritage site for the fusion between Lao traditional architecture and European colonial style building, Luang Prabang has well preserved these landmarks from the 19^th and 20^th century. Indulge in the fusion of these architectures and have a four day mahout course where you can learn to expertly (and humanely) ride elephants as their keepers do. 

     7.       Malaysia, Cameron Highlands

(Image Credit: FullofTravel)

Tea plantations and strawberry farms – visit one of the Southeast Asia most popular hill stations and escape from the city heat. Indulge in the lush mountains and tour one of several authentic tea factories, or pick some strawberries before cozying up to a mug overlooking the rolling green hills.

8.       Malaysia, Port Dickson

(Image Credit: Flickr)

 Short drive from the renowned Malacca city, Port Dickson is a place for a short getaway from the bustling city life. Pamper yourself and enjoy the water villas, waking up to sea breeze, gazing at the sun rise and sunset over the horizon.

9.       Malaysia, Sabah

(Image Credit: Flight Center)

 Also home to over-water villas and the infamous Mount Kinabalu, Sabah is the last frontier of nature. Independent governance from the Malaysia Peninsula, Sabah embraces the splendor of nature in her economic development.

10.    Myanmar, Ngwe Saung

(Image Credit: Asean Vacation)

With unspoiled , uncrowded and some of the best beaches in Myanmar, weary travelers looking to literally escape it all should head down to Ngwe Saung Beach and immerse in the moment with an astonishing THIRTEEN MILES of beach that just recently opened to the public.

11.    Myanmar, Bagan

(Image Credit: Frequencies of Life)

 Imagine Angkor Wat before it bloomed with tourists, temples seem to be over the horizon in Bagan, which possess the highest concentration of Buddhist ruins the world. Take an e-bike (http://bit.ly/1aTq3vK) and ride through these magnificent pagodas, or think Cappadocia, enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the temples during the quiet dawn or sunset hours that will take your breath away. (PS. I'm travelling there in a few months time. Read: The Road Less Traveled: 7 Days in Myanmar - Part 1)

12.    Myanmar, Mergui Archipelago

(Image Credit: Mergui Archipelago)

 South of Myanmar, it comprises of more than 800 beautiful islands filled with amazing diversity of fauna and flora including very amazing underwater scenes and marine life. Kick-start your adventure here as you snorkel, dive or kayak around the uncharted blue waters and explore the island and chance upon a meeting with the local sea gypsies who, during the dry season of the year, live on boats while they dive for pearls. 

13.    Myanmar, Shan State, Inle Lake

(Image Credit: Travel Myanmar)

 Alike many lakes, this shallow lake is over 13 miles long and home to many local tribes who set up waterside "workshops" for intriguing traditional crafts. Despite the flocks of tourists, most agree Inle is unmissable because of its peaceful floating gardens and entire towns hoisted onto stilts including many magnificent structures like Buddhists temples. Of it all, don’t miss the unique Intha technique of leg rowing – the use of leg to wrap around the paddles used for rowing.

14.    Philippines, El Nido

Sandy white beaches, crystal clear blue water and the ever enduring sun. El Nido is far from tourist buzz and contain the ever simplicity of pure white beaches, dine in casual candlelight and swim in crystal clear lagoons with hidden entrance. Go before all the tourists flock to this next top destination. (Read: El Nido: Hidden Paradise)

15.    Philippines, Legaspi

Ever see a Volcano erupt with the deadly magnificence? Home to the live volcano, which undeniably destroyed a huge part of the city leaving behind the eerie beauty of the Cagsawa ruins, thousands of visitors would flock here to admire this lethal splendour. (Read: Time Travel: The story of Mt Mayon, Cagsawa Ruins and Daraga Church) Or else, take a quick dive into the ocean and find yourself surrounded by the magnificent whale sharks. (Read: Legaspi: The Town of Sleeping Beauty)

16.    Philippines, Palawan

Home to another one of UNESCO heritage sites, be marveled by the wonders of the underground subterranean river of Palawan and get soaked in the tranquility of this mesmerizing wonder of nature. (Read: Puerto Princesa: Home to the Natural Wonders of the World)

17.    Philippines, Coron

(Image Credit: Two Seasons Resort)

 Shipwreck dive haven. Yes, voted as one of the top ten dive sites in the world featuring magnificent ship wreck dive sites, not to mention, home to one of the most beautiful sea animal on the face of the planet – Dugong. Indulge in the  eerie mesmerising beauty of the shipwreck and discover, if you can, the devastating story behind the ghost of the past.

18.    Philippines, Vigan

(Image Credit: Jossie's View)

 Recognised as another UNESCO World heritage site, you cannot find another heritage site preserving their old colonial Spanish town as pure as Vigan does. Pamper your senses in this timeworn settlement that gives you a glimpse into the past.

19.    Thailand, Ayutthaya

(Image Credit: Telegraph)

 Serving as the Thai capital for an astonishing 417 years, the Ayutthaya Historical park listed as another of UNESCO world heritage sites houses many magnificent ruins, of which boasts the glamorous history as one of the most prosperous cities back in the glory times.

20.    Thailand, Pai

(Image Credit: India Travel Blog)

 Unlike most touristy places, Pai (read as “bye”) enjoys a large crowd of local Thais who visits during the cool seasons in December and January. Ride your motorbike a few hours into this mountain town for a chillaxing weekend of zenning out at Rasta bars, napping in woven hammocks, and exploring the waterfalls and hot springs if you can manage to leave your field hut in the nearly picture perfect setting in a mountain valley.

21.     Thailand, Chiang Dao

(Image Credit: Garvin Farrell)

 The rural nature of this lush, forested region is a Disneyland for nature junkies complete with waterfalls, hot springs, and incredible limestone cliffs. The highlights are the Chiang Dao Caves, consisting of roughly 100 caverns which extend out more than 40,000 feet into the mountains. You can explore the caves alone or engage a guide to navigate through narrow rocky hallways, hanging stalactites and hidden Buddha statues.

22.    Thailand, Chiang Rai, The White Temple

(Image Credit: Canuck Abroad)

It look so divine you may imagine it to be no man’s creation but the White Temple (technically named Wat Rong Khun) was actually designed by a Thai artist in the 1990s, and it's has only be recently completed. A tangle of gnarled statues and outstretched hands -- symbolizing the cycle of rebirth -- lead you into the temple, where you'll find many intricate (although haunting) murals and even many defining images of the pop culture including pop icon Michael Jackson and the unfortunate events of 9/11.

23.    Thailand, Ko Lanta

(Image Credit: Kilroy)

Ko Lanta, in spite of being the largest island amongst the hundreds of islands off Thailand's coast, backpackers normally head for the "big names" like Ko Tao (known for its scuba diving) or Ko Phangan (home of the famous full moon parties). These islands are awesome, but for a true Thai experience, try the blissfully empty and flat Ko Lanta, where the National Marine Park protects unpolluted oceans.

24.       Vietnam, Da Nang

(Image Credit: Furama Resort)

30km of pure white beaches and crystal clear water, it is a peninsula with a dazzling lagoon on one side and a beach on the other. It is easily accessible by daily flights and train. Forget crowded Bali and Phuket for now and think Da Nang.

25.       Vietnam, Hue

(Image Credit: All-Free-Photos)

Akin to a Disneyland for history buffs, be prepared to be astonished by the beauty and exquisite tombs and citadels that dwell in the distant memory of the vanished Vietnamese feudal empire. You can also indulge in the various mineral hot springs or scale the Bach Ma Mountain to experience 4 seasons in one place.

       26.       Vietnam, Mui Ne

(Image Credit: Vietnam Visa)

Frequent oceanic winds had sculpture the resident sand in Mui Ne into the beautiful Saharaesque formations. not far from Saigon, these sand dunes seem like they belong on another continent entirely. You can sled, bike, or just freely frolic down both the white and red mountains of bliss and the Fairy Stream, a magical river with a soft, sandy bottom that flows between dry rocks.

27.       Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island

(Image Credit: Talk Vietnam)

Phu Quoc is about to become Vietnam's next hot destination, but thankfully the perfect beaches are still mostly empty. You can rent a motorbike and zoom around the red dirt roads of this island paradise. Then enjoy a fresh cocktail by the beach or take a snorkeling or scuba dip. Hurry up, before other people discover the secret.

28.       Vietnam, Sapa

(Image Credit: Travel to Sapa)

Cascading rice terraces, tiers on tiers of bright-green rice fields are dotted with the colorful clothes of hill-tribe dwellers and roofs of French colonial villas, there’s no other place like Sapa. Also known as the Tonkinese Alps, sometimes the view gets clouded by a warm, jungle mist, but it will only make your day of hiking even more gorgeous.