Very OT: Holiday Destinations

[MickyD]

we went to Cambodia last year, and absolutely loved it. I'd go back there tomorrow given the chance. There's a guy at work who goes every 12 months or so, and there was a an undercurrent of innuendo about why he was going there (sex tourism is an issue over there), but having been there myself now, I can see why he does it. Turns out he's going over to help volunteer at orphanages and that sort of thing. Kudos to him.

[xa-coupe]

We did a tour this time from Intrepid travel. We got to see a little bit more than last time but more importantly we had a local guide and she was fantastic. We went to meet her mum in Siem Reap and saw the desperate poverty first hand. But, as poor as they were, they were so much happier than anyone in the tour group. The whole group spent a few days talking over that and how much better off we were but so unhappy.
I believe nearly all of us have changed jobs now.

[aus135i]

i will be 30 next yr.. planing a 1wk trip to "the ring" not sure if its ur thing tho.. =)

[d3syd]

Interesting tread.

Agree with Malaysia as a destination. LOVE the food there and you don't get hassled by vendors as much as Thailand. The East Coast islands are fantastic. Did Perhantian Island a couple of years ago and it was sooo relaxing. Want to do Redang Is. next time, also Taman Negara Nat Pk in the centre.

A SEA country no one has mentioned that is worth a look is Laos. It's a laid back unspoit backwater, full of beautiful temples, gentle people and colonial French buildings, The old Royal capital of Luang Prabang, set in the mountains is a UNESCO world heritage town... just gorgeous.

China is great, so much to see but the crowds start to get to you after a while. Ditto Japan IMO.

Personally I enjoy touring our own great country as much as any country. Love going on long road trips and getting into the great outdoors.

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by d3syd

Personally I enjoy touring our own great country as much as any country. Love going on long road trips and getting into the great outdoors.

Would love to see more of Australia but it is ridiculously expensive for what you get and the service (at least in WA) is mediocre at best. Ever phoned a pizza place in Dunsborough, WA and they had to ask the cook if he had enough time to whip up some pizzas for delivery????

We've hauled our three young kids off to Bali every year for the last 3 years and going again next year. We can spend 10 days in a 5 star resort at Nusa Dua, all inclusive of flights and food for $6,500 ex Perth. Four nights in Margaret River, WA, including food and sh*t service.....$4,000...last December.

[BBK]

Agreed about the value for money going to SEA vs Australia... I have seen most of Australia, and th Mrs prefers somewhere abroad. My wife also prefers somewhere reasonably modern, safe and with a decent hotel she can relax in.

I guess that's why a lot of smaller SEA asian places are probably something we won't visit any time soon. We aren't 'travellers' so to speak, but want to visit cities we see in movies/TV etc.

[amk2912]

Hotels on the Nusa Dua strip are world class. Service is excellent and the food good. We've been to Bali about 9 times so far and never been disappointed. For those of us here in WA, it's a choice of 3.5 hours to Bali or 4 hours to anywhere in Oz. Bali is in the same time zone...fly out after breakfast and we're lying by the pool for lunch.

[MickyD]

Originally Posted by xa-coupe

as poor as they were, they were so much happier than anyone in the tour group. The whole group spent a few days talking over that and how much better off we were but so unhappy.

can't agree with this more. It really is an eye opener.

this kid was with a bunch of his mates having more fun than I've seen kids having in a long time.... with a kite mate from an old plastic bag, and the string wrapped around a tin can.

[MissJess]

For something slightly different - I just got back from malaysian Borneo, specifically Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan then a stopover in KL and I had a ball. So many islands to visit, shopping and adventure activities. If you want some more info, just PM.

[BBK]

Originally Posted by MissJess

For something slightly different - I just got back from malaysian Borneo, specifically Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan then a stopover in KL and I had a ball. So many islands to visit, shopping and adventure activities. If you want some more info, just PM.

Hey Jess, yeah we were thinking of Kota Kinabalu, might have to quiz you a little more!

[sparoz]

Originally Posted by BBK

Hey Jess, yeah we were thinking of Kota Kinabalu, might have to quiz you a little more!

There are cannibals at Kota Kinabalu... my father told me while we were travelling there... I was six years old...

Sorry, can't resist.