"SOUTH EAST ASIA" Top 5 Page for this destination Asia by lmkluque

Asia Travel Guide: 302,692 reviews and 656,836 photos

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

Welcome to my Asian page,

My introduction to Asia began at Tokyo's Narita International airport. We disembarked from our plane and went into the airport structure, following the flow of passengers.

I had friends living in and around Tokyo and thought to call them if only for a short telephone chat to use up the time. The airport was full of people and everything seemed strange to me, a personal West meets East moment if you will. I imagined that this was the reverse of what my Japanese students felt on their initial arrival at the airport in Los Angeles, of course the difference being that they had me to greet them at the gate where no one stood patiently to welcome me.

I saw the telephones lined up along a wall and looked around to see where I might buy a phone card as I had no Japanese coins that might work the phones. Nothing popped into view to give me an idea of where to purchase a phone card, and I hadn't even the price of a drink in local currency.

The place was big--it seemed to me--and time slipped by. Better, I thought, to locate the gate I'd be departing from than to find myself lost and too far away to re-board.

The Singapore Airlines flight I took seemed to have few if any other Western passengers so I spent the remaining time observing everyone passing by.

More interesting information on this city can be found on VT Member, "o00o's" Tokyo page.

A brief stay at Taipei's Chiang Kai Shek airport in Taiwan seemed stranger still. The passengers were led into a large auditorium type room with rows and rows of chairs already filled with tired looking people surrounded by huddled children leaning on the luggage and bags of all description. It was late at night and our movements were extremely limited. Up a short flight of stairs we could walk out the door to a hallway with closed and shuttered shops on one side. The entrance to the main area of the airport was guarded and we saw nothing more than fellow passengers. We each were given a small card issued by a health department of the government, that warned of symptoms of an exotic illness that we should watch for within a month of our stay in Taiwan. The light dawned. As transient passengers we were quarantined.

More interesting information on this city can be found on keeweechick’s Taipei page

Other then the few hours spent in the above cities, I've been only to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Here is an over view of those places from my perspective. There are more details on my Singapore, Indonesia, Jakarta, Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur pages, if you are interested.

I hope you enjoy Asia,
Linda

School Boys in Malaysia

Taking A Break From Studies

Indonesia and Malaysia were similar in a few ways, both were predominately Muslim countries, the food was similar as was the language and some of the cultural attitude. However, there did seem to be a desire to express the distinct difference of each country by their citizens.

Unfortunately, my experience was too limited to be able to make that distinction, so if you notice this flaw in me, you will understand why.

Living amongst Muslims was an interesting and enlightening episode in my life and since the attitudes, in these countries, towards women were not much different than at home, these countries were the ideal introduction for me.

Lily Pond in Bogor, Indonesia

Exotic Flora And Fauna Everywhere!

Where ever I looked, the scenery was spectacular! Even the airports seemed to be little more than small breaks in the natural landscape!

Riding along the highways I was always impressed the way the plants seemed to grow neatly right up to the edge of the road, until one day I saw a guy with a weed-wacker trimming nature back! It was quite an illuminating revelation for me.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Exotic, Beautiful, Educational and Inspiring.
Cons:Too Hot and Humid for me.
In a nutshell:Full Of Wonderous Surprised!!

Last visit to Asia: Aug 1994
Intro Updated Feb 15, 2006
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Reviews (28)

A traveling convenience to be explored. - Asia

Changi International Airport Hotel! Hotels (4)

Until I arrived at Changi International Airport in Singapore, I didn't know they offered a Transit hotel. Also, by the... more travel advice

Modesty is the Key What to Pack (1)

The weather is hot and humid. Lightweight clothing will be more comfortable to wear. There seemed to be no strict... more travel advice

Western Style Nightlife Nightlife (1)

Singapore was more Western minded than Indonesia and Malaysia in regards nightlife and finding a typical Western way of... more travel advice

Tea Terraces in Mountians Off The Beaten Path (2)

It was just like being in a National Geographic documentary, driving up through the hills and mountains in Indonesia.... more travel advice

Things to Do (4)
See All Bogor Botanical Gardens
Favorites (1)
Information Center
Local Customs (2)
See All Boy's School
Tourist Traps (1)
The Odoriferous Durian

Transportation (4)
See All Singapore Airlines
Warnings Or Dangers (1)
Hot Spots
Restaurants (5)
See All Fruit Stands
Shopping (2)
See All Local Shopping

Comments (12)

TheTravelSlut Feb 18, 2007 at 7:17 AM Report Abuse

I may find myselfin Singapore this spring so the pages were helpful. Thanks! Ann
globetrott Aug 21, 2004 at 10:15 AM Report Abuse

a lovely page and great pics ! ... I have never heard of that Durian-fruit !
TomorrowsAngel Aug 17, 2004 at 11:37 AM Report Abuse

Intersting page with lots of handy tips. Happy travelling.
dsantosh Apr 29, 2004 at 9:58 PM Report Abuse

Great coverage and phtographs.
SirRichard Oct 27, 2003 at 8:31 AM Report Abuse

Nice page, Asia is one of my favourite destinations, still so much to see...
matcrazy1 Jun 27, 2003 at 8:40 PM Report Abuse

Great and very exotic (for me) destination! AMAZING pictures, I do hope to follow your camera someday! And try delicious food there! And Tea Terraces in Mountians look beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Imbi Apr 20, 2003 at 9:34 AM Report Abuse

some amazing pictures. i cant wait for commentry.........come on Linda .........hurry up
Waalewiener Apr 10, 2003 at 6:19 PM Report Abuse

Great page Linda So many nice pic's and tips Asia is onn our list and not to far away
mafootje Mar 24, 2003 at 9:31 AM Report Abuse

Like those lily's
alma_h Feb 22, 2003 at 11:03 AM Report Abuse

I am not surprised to see another excellent page here..:) Great job!