Bali is different from practically everywhere else you will visit in Southeast Asia, and, indeed, the world. In order to understand and show your respect for the culture, plus minimize any breaches of etiquette, here’s an overview from our contributing editor, Johanna Read.
Bali’s religion is Hindu — in a form unique to Bali — while the rest of Indonesia is Muslim. Balinese Hinduism incorporates animism, the worship of ancestors, as well as some Buddhist elements. Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos are Buddhist countries, while Malaysia is a mix of Islam, Buddhism, Indian Hinduism and Christianity.
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You’ve come to Siem Reap to see the wonder that is Angkor Wat for yourself. Then you discover the sometimes overwhelming number of other temples you should visit. Small circuit, Grand circuit, will this temple be worth it, will it be enjoyable with crowds/midday heat/hunger pains. Just the thought of it can make you want to crawl back to bed. Every temple has something special and there are many that I haven’t yet visited. But here are just a few of the ‘other’ temples which shouldn’t be missed during your trip to Siem Reap (most of which I’ve made a return visit to). In fact, if you only went to these, you would leave Angkor feeling satisfied. They could be visited in one very long day, but it’s best to break it up over two or three.
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Hiking around the Angkor temples, just outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia, can really build up an appetite. After seeing such beauty and complex history, my palate craves some pretty special food too. Here’s an overview of some of the top places to eat in Siem Reap, including two cooking schools and a street food tour.
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Gili Trawangan has a reputation as a party island. But there are several boutique hotels that are upping the quality of what this tiny island just off Lombok has to offer.
This is good news. It would be a shame if Gili T was known only by the backpacker crowd. The scuba diving and snorkeling are simply too good and the views are simply too beautiful to be lost on those who would prefer to party all night and sleep on the beach all day.
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