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5 Magical Train Rides in Asia You Must Try, Under S$140

Train journeys offer more than just transportation as they invite you to relax and soak in the scenery, providing glimpses into local life that you can’t experience by air or road.

If you’re seeking a memorable adventure across Asia that won’t stretch your budget, here are 5 captivating train rides that are each under S$140.

#1: JAKARTA TO SURABAYA (INDONESIA)

Embark on a picturesque journey from Jakarta to Surabaya, a route stretching over 700 kilometers. This scenic 8-9 hour train ride costs around S$70–S$90 (approximately IDR 760,000), making it an affordable way to see the rich diversity of Indonesia’s landscapes. You’ll pass lush rice paddies, traditional villages, and imposing volcanic mountains, offering a true glimpse into the country’s natural beauty and local culture.

#2: MAGICAL JOURNEY SHINKANSEN (JAPAN)

Inspired by Tokyo DisneySea’s Fantasy Springs, the Magical Journey Shinkansen is a dream ride for Disney lovers. Operating between Tokyo and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, this themed bullet train features iconic characters and designs from Disney classics like Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan. For an enchanting Disney-inspired journey that blends fantasy and speed, this unique train ride is a magical experience for travelers of all ages.

The ticket prices align with regular Shinkansen fares, which typically range from S$110 to S$130 (about ¥11,000–¥12,000) for a one-way trip between Tokyo and Sendai. Plan ahead, as demand for these tickets is high.

#3: MUONG HOA MOUNTAINOUS TRAIN (VIETNAM)

For just S$11 (around 200,000 VND), this scenic train ride in Vietnam is an unbeatable bargain. The Muong Hoa Mountainous Train takes you through the rolling hills of Sapa, leading to the cable car station for Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina.

Image Credits: vietnamstay.com

Along the way, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning terraced rice fields, mist-shrouded valleys, and dramatic mountain views. It’s a short yet scenic trip that offers a peaceful escape into northern Vietnam’s rural beauty.

#4: MAEKLONG RAILWAY MARKET (THAILAND)

While not a traditional long-distance journey, the Maeklong Railway Market in Thailand offers a one-of-a-kind train experience. Known as the “umbrella pull-down market,” vendors line the tracks with their goods, quickly retracting their umbrellas and stalls as the train passes through for several times a day.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Though this is a short local ride, experiencing it costs only a few dollars (around S$2 to S$3), making it both affordable and unforgettable. Be sure to sample local delicacies at the market, where dishes like pad Thai and fresh seafood cost between S$3 to S$10.

#5: ALISHAN FOREST RAILWAY (TAIWAN)

The Alishan Forest Railway offers a captivating experience through Taiwan’s Alishan mountain range. A one-way ticket from Chiayi Station to Alishan is priced at approximately S$17 (around TWD 384). Shorter trips, such as the Zhaoping and Zhushan Lines, cost between S$6 and S$11 (about TWD 150 to 240), offering scenic rides to view the iconic Alishan sunrise and explore local sights.

IN A NUTSHELL

Whether you’re riding a Disney-themed Shinkansen in Japan, traversing Indonesia’s cultural landscape, or gliding through Vietnam’s serene rice terraces, these journeys show that some of the best travel experiences don’t need to come with a hefty price tag.

Image Credits: taiwaneverything.cc

Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in some of Asia’s most captivating destinations from the comfort of a train.

Sources: 1,2,3, 4, & 5

Be The Best Traveler You Can Be Without Spending A Cent

If you are a seasoned traveler, backpacker, or hiker, you must be aware of the saying: “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time.”

Sometimes, we get too engrossed with our desire to have a great time that we forget that we responsible for taking care of the environment for the future generations to come. The statement above simply encapsulates that responsibility.

You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to become good stewards of Mother Nature and have unforgettable experiences in return, all you have to do is follow these steps:

1. TAKING NOTHING BUT PICTURES

Bringing a piece of nature’s paradise from your trip may seem like a good idea at first. But it is not! Keeping a bottle of Boracay, Philippines’ glorious white sands would only tarnish its beauty. Commercial establishments had already taken up some of the island’s resources; do you want to continue what they started?

To ensure that untouched destinations such as Penghu Islands (Taiwan) and Yaeyama Islands (Japan) are maintained, it is important to take pictures and nothing else. Besides, getting “souvenirs” without permission can be punishable by the laws of that country. You would not want to pay a hefty fine!

2. LEAVING NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS

In 20 years, I picture a world filled with diverse species that are vividly scattered across the globe! I think you want to share the same vision too. I mean…would you rather see majestic birds fly through the air or birds covered with dirt due to an unfortunate oil spill?

Image Credits: Marine Photobank via Flickr (CC license)

It is our obligation to leave nothing but shoe (not carbon) footprints wherever we go. For instance, if you want to go snorkeling in Thailand’s Ko Lipe, do not forget to throw your trash in the rubbish bin and not in its beautiful waters. Do not carve your “couple name” on the walls either as vandalizing can ruin historical landmarks. Simply, do your best to contribute to the cleanliness of the place you are visiting.

3. KILLING NOTHING BUT TIME

Ambon (Indonesia) was an essential island during the heyday of the Dutch East India Company because it was used as a source of spices. Aside from spices, Ambon is famous for their eels. Imagine if people would pay to kill those eels? Fortunately, they do not!

However, that is not the case in Africa. People pay Africans to get the tusks of the helpless elephants in order to sell them internationally. Believe it or not, thousands of elephants are being killed each year for their tusks! When you purchase ivory necklaces, you may not be the one holding the knife but you just promoted the market for the illegal killings. Let us face it; do you really need that ivory tusk necklace or that tortoise-shell keychain?

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

So please, while enjoying your travels, kill nothing but negativity and time.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Is AirAsia Flying Private?

Budget airlines enabled people of all walks of life to travel at their convenience.

If I asked you to name five budget airlines in Asia, it is no surprise that AirAsia will come to mind. Since its inception in 2001, AirAsia has become one of the biggest budget airlines in Asia with over 170 airbus jets serving nearby countries such as India and Philippines.

Taking the feeble regional aviation market and the struggling Malaysian economy into consideration, Tony Fernandes may find it hard to take AirAsia private due to the large funding needs. According to the analysts they would need approximately US$800 Million to make the budget airlines into private based on the 25% premium.

It is important to note that AirAsia’s sales are immensely translated in local currencies while its costs are mostly in U.S. dollars. This poses a problem since the floundering Malaysian Ringgit led to the lost of 17% this year. Also, as of June 2015, AirAsia had a net debt of 10.5 Billion Ringgit (US$2.4 Billion). Nonetheless, there are some investors who are willing to bet on Malaysia’s recovery and cheaper oil prices.

Fernandes had reliably backed AirAsia’s finances ever since. Last June, he said that the airlines could simply raise a billion U.S. dollars by creating sales and lease back of aircrafts. Furthermore, AirAsia’s valuations are more affordable than its smaller competitions. According to Thomson Reuters data, the budget airlines is trading at less than six times its expected earnings for the next year, while Philippines’ Cebu Pacific Airlines is trading at more than seven times.

This brings us back to the viable question of whether or not AirAsia is flying fancy any time soon. Let me conclude with the statement released by an analyst named Jian Bo Gan:

“The founders may not have the financial muscle to launch a privatization bid on their own, so a consortium together with another airline or PE fund is more likely.”

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

Stay At Asia’s Most Beautiful Beaches For Less Than S$81 A Night

Whether you are having the an indulging weekend off or having an intimate beach wedding, the surest way to ensure that you get the most stunning moments on print is to have it taken at the beach! Not only will you get gorgeous pictures of the event but also the photographer will follow you along the romantic sandy shore aisle.

If your only concern now is to get the most breathtaking beach resorts at affordable prices, stay as long as you desire at Asia’s Most Beautiful Beaches For Less Than S$81 A Night (airfare not included)…

1. BORACAY, PHILIPPINES

Boracay at Dusk (Image credit: Chewy Chua, via Flickr)

Dubbed as the tropical paradise in Asia, Boracay has something for everyone, from luxurious spas to exhilarating water sports. Here in one of the most popular go-to island in the Philippines, you shall enjoy meals for less than S$10! Watch the sun set over the white sandy beach and sleep at its decent resorts costing as low as S$34 a night!

Here are the recommended places to stay at, courtesy of Agoda – a renowned online global hotel platform:

a. Boracay Holiday Resort

Rooms from S$66.70

Online Rating: 7.4/10

b. Levantin Boracay Resort

Rooms from S$33.88

Online Rating: 7.9/10

c. Hey Jude South Beach Resort

Rooms from S$56.55

Online Rating: 8.2/10

d. Shore Time Hotel

Rooms from S$77.71

Online Rating: 8.4/10

2. KOH PHANGAN, THAILAND

Koh Phangan (Image credit, soma-samui.com)

Thailand is a country full of amazing beaches. Nestled in its southeast region is Koh Phangan. Due to its monthly “full moon parties”, Koh Phangan is place mostly clamored by young travelers. Full moon parties are infamous for its night-long music, cheap drinks, and affordable food. Rest assured the crowd will go mad at this once in a blue moon experience!

Start the party at these recommended places:

a. Buri Beach Resort

Rooms from S$51.56

Online Rating: 7.4/10

b. Da Kanda Villa Beach Resor

Rooms from S$27.14

Online Rating: 7.4/10

c. Cookies Salad Hotel

Rooms from S$32.05

Online Rating: 8/10

d. Beyond The Blue Horizon Resort

Rooms from S$42.91

Online Rating: 9/10

3. BAC MY AN BEACH, DA NANG, VIETNAM

Da Nang Beach (Image Credit: http://danangbeaches.visitwonders.com)

One of the most impressive beaches in Da Nang city that tourists will enjoy is the Bac My An beach. It is a place filled with white sands, clear blue water, and quality resorts. Surprisingly, rooms at Da Nang are available for as low as S$13 a night! What’s more? The street vendors offer can satisfy your hunger for less than a dollar!

Rest after long demanding days at work in these recommended places:

a. Gold Coast Hotel

Rooms from S$73.74

Online Rating: 7.1/10

b. Fansipan Hotel Danang

Rooms from S$80.44

Online Rating: 7.8/10

c. Grand Mango Hotel Danang

Rooms from S$48.40

Online Rating: 8/10

Have an unforgettable trip! 🙂

Sources: 1 , 2, & 3

5 Wallet-Friendly Ways to Beat The Heat

The scorching hot weather is gracing at Singapore and other parts of Asia. Too much heat can cause exhaustion, cramps, or heat stroke. Luckily for you, you can beat the heat even without the access to air conditioning. Save on huge expenses by following these simple yet helpful tips…

1. USE FANS

Fans are less costly than air conditioners. It can help you feel fresh and breezy as you walk around your house. Make sure the fans are strategically placed to cool the entire area. While you are at it, close the curtains and the blinds to reduce the heat by approximately 45%.

2. DRESS DOWN

Wear loose and light fabrics (e.g., white cotton t-shirt) as these are more breathable. Invest in a few tank tops for only S$5 or less to keep you cooler for the entire day.

You can also consider Uniqlo’s range of AIRism tops, designed to provide extra comfort in humid Singapore. There is an ongoing promotion where you can get 2 piece of AIRism innerwear for just $24.90.

3. EAT COLD TREATS

Indulge in cold treats such as frozen fruits, ice-creams, or iced Milo. Homemade Popsicles made with simple ingredients such as a can of coconut juice for as low as S$1.10, can help you beat the heat for less. Simply put the juice in your ice-cream molds (available at Daiso for S$2) and freeze it for more than an hour. Or, you may make your own ice cream by following this tutorial.

4. GOOD HYDRATION

In order for your body to remain cooler, you need to keep it well hydrated. When plenty of ice is not enough to keep your water cool, try to freeze it inside the milk carton containers. This will enable you to preserve the coolness of your water due to its block-like figure. A cheaper solution indeed!

5. LEARN YOUR QUICK-COOLING SPOTS

Master your personal bodily temperature by focusing on your quick-cooling spots first. For instance, applying ice pack or cold water on your neck and wrists can make your body cool instantly. Know the other quick-cooling spots here.

Image Credits: Steven Depolo via Flickr

Sources: 1 & 2

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