TripCanvas Editorial Team

Known for its spectacular sunset and laid-back vibes, the Tanjung Aru beach in Kota Kinabalu makes for a perfect getaway. You can spend your day sunbathing and swimming in the calm waters of the shallow sea. Named after the Casuarina trees that line the beach, Tanjung Aru beach is an urban oasis. Often flocked by the residents of Kota Kinabalu it calls for a quick escapade from the city.

Things to do at Tanjung Aru beach

Spend your day amidst the locals at Tanjung Aru beach and play a game of frisbee or football on the sandy beach. Or just sit down and observe the evening pass by. Said to own the best sunset spot in all of Malaysia, the beach forms a great place to sink your feet in the cool sand and soak up the warmth of the sun. Consequently, the calm waters of the beach make for perfect swimming and walking trails. You can also try walking on the reflexology track set in the path of the adjacent Prince Philip Park. Or work up an appetite at the exercise area. This park also acts as a perfect picnic spot if you happen to spend a day here.

The setting sun will leave you in awe of the multiple shades of orange and yellow melting into the horizon. You can enjoy the gorgeous sunset while munching on some local delicacies from the multiple food stalls. Relish the sea breeze which brings down the temperature as the day progresses. Moreover, the Tanjung Aru beach is well known for its food courts serving street-style satays, noodles and fresh seafood.

How to get there

Tanjung Aru is easily accessible from the city centre. Only about 15-20 minutes driving time away, you can hop on a bus or a cab to get there. However, if you run short of time then consult a local guide from Locaguide. The guide will help you plan a complete itinerary of Kota Kinabalu city and a quick visit to Tanjung Aru.

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Located a short ferry ride from Kota Kinabalu, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a group of five islands. They are situated off the coast of the Sabah state of Malaysia, in the South China Sea. The islands remain the perfect place to just spend a day eating, relaxing and enjoying the view. If you wish, you can spend all day on one of the white sandy beaches or go explore the islands. Known for their marine life, the islands constitute for some spectacular underwater life.

Out of the five islands, Gaya island is the largest and one of the more developed ones followed by Manukan and Sapi. These three islands attract all the tourists in the marine park, and for good reason(s). While Gaya holds some of the best resorts, Manukan and Sapi have world-class diving and snorkelling spots. You can choose to dive down and explore the coral reefs, or snorkel and watch the life underwater. Alternatively, activities like kayaking or parasailing are also popular ways to enjoy the marine park’s beauty.

How to get to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park?

To reach the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, try getting onto the first ferry from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. Why first? so that you get ample time to island hop or spend exploring the underwater world. The last ferry back to the mainland leaves around 5 pm, so you get enough time to explore the islands. However, if you feel extra adventurous, you can camp or stay in a resort on one of the islands, if the weather permits it.

To make the most of your island discovering day, it is a good idea to be accompanied by a local tour guide. The one who would know how to explore the marine park and help you take your mind off the logistics. Consult a guide from Locaguide to plan your whole day and help you select the best diving and snorkelling spots.

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Experience the local culture and get to haggle like an expert in the oldest street market in Jakarta — Pasar Baru. A pedestrian market, Pasar Baru must definitely feature in your places-to-visit list of central Jakarta. Get a glimpse of daily life and meanwhile also browse and eat to heart’s content at this one-stop marketplace.

History of Pesar Baru

Built in 1820, it remains one of the oldest pedestrian markets still functioning in Jakarta. Ironically, the name Pasar Baru means New Market. Often referred to as “Little India”, the market is filled to the brim with items you would end up bargaining for. Known for its massive selection of quality textile and fabric, this vibrant market will truly test your bargaining skills. If that’s not your forte then take help from your local travel guide to make purchases at a fair price. Antiques, art, footwear, spices and much more can be bought from the lanes of Pasar Baru lined with small stalls.

Take the help of your local guide to taste the soul of Jakarta’s culinary culture right at this market. Filled with hidden gems for a foodie, the market definitely classifies as food heaven for those who love exploring food. Meanwhile, the legendary noodle shops remain one of the best places to visit in Jakarta for anyone obsessed with food.

Not only a paradise for shopaholics and foodies but also for those who love to sightsee and enjoy religious history. The oldest temple in Jakarta, Sin Tek Bio temple constitutes a part of every Jakarta city tour. Located at the end of a narrow alley in Pasar Baru, the temple stands well-known for its candles lit for protection of individuals and families. Thus, the altars covered in candles placed in circles form a hidden gem of Pasar Baru.

We suggest you make up the craziest list of items you want to shop and taste beforehand. And therefore, set off to explore this buzzing market with a little help from a guide from Locaguide.

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Do you love experiencing the local culture when you visit a new country? If you do, then what better way to engage with the local community than through their food! Rest assured on your Indonesia tour because you get a wide variety of local food options to experience. The expansive food culture of Indonesia takes you on a gastronomic adventure. And Bintan Island stands no far behind in contributing to this experience. Ask your local guide for the meal everyone relishes and he/she remains bound to say ‘Nasi Padang’.

This Indonesian speciality is a style of steamed rice served with an array of pre-cooked dishes. True to its origin, these side dishes can vary from meat, fish, vegetables, and spicy sambals eaten with plain rice.

Experiencing Nasi Padang

A usual spread comprises of 12 dishes but you can also opt for a super lavish spread of 14 dishes. Defined through spices and a mix of local herbs, Nasi Padang remains one of the most flavourful and filling dishes. This seems as though Indonesia served to you on a plate. Most of the side dishes in Nasi Padang include curries but you get the option to add boiled dishes. The boiled dishes in a sambal base include deep fried seafood as well as grilled sides. Savour it best using hands and clean them with warm water and a slice of lime given at the end.

What better way to experience Indonesia than through its food along with the locals while discovering stories from the region. If you want to enjoy an authentic Nasi Padang during your stay, why not ask your local guide from Locaguide ? The guide will set it up for you. The unique flavour and assortment of dishes happen to leave you craving for more!

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If you plan on spending a whole day at a rustic Indonesian village, then Senggarang village remains the best choice. Do not miss the old-world charm of the Senggarang village. Located in Bintan island of Indonesia, this amazing village serves as a melting pot of various ethnic groups — Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay origins.

The stilt cottages, spicy seafood, and the quaint ancient village set up express the fundamental aspects of the Riau Archipelago.

Of the smallest villages in Bintan, the Senggarang village holds a very distinct population and culture, unlike elsewhere in Indonesia. The village remains home to an ethnic Chinese community that arrived about 1800 years ago. They settled here while on their route to India.

The villagers live in beautiful fishing hamlets facing the waters, and most of them follow the Buddhist religion. Apart from the beautiful cottages, the Senggarang village also holds a lot of other tourist destinations. Destinations in the form of Buddhist shrines and temples filled with Buddhist iconography and depictions of various Chinese legends. You can also see various forms of Buddha statues and sculptures dotting the entire village. Meanwhile, a local guide could come in handy for taking you to the best places around.

How to get at Senggarang Village

Do not miss the two most renowned temples — Tay Ti Kong Temple and Tian Shang Miao Temple(Banyan Tree Temple). To avoid all the hassle it is recommended to opt for a guided tour with a local guide from Locaguide. If you plan on travelling to Bintan Island from Bali or Jakarta, you can easily get a flight to Bintan Island. If you travel from Singapore, you may take a ferry or a flight to Jakarta and an onward flight to Bintan. The rustic ambience and the beautiful coast makes Senggarang Village one of the top places to visit in Indonesia with family.

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Practised for over 2,000 years in Indonesia, Batik Art forms a traditional art style. No one returns without buying Batik paintings, be it either in the form of art or clothes from Indonesia.

Batik painting originated in the Java island of Indonesia. It essentially makes use of a manual dyeing technique used to create patterns and designs on fabric. This also involves a lot of skill, patience and practice.

The process involved in Batik Art

The first step in the complicated dyeing process involves stretching a piece of fabric onto a frame. Then stamping the desired design using a mixture of beeswax and resin over it. Contemporary Batik art pieces often hold more intricate designs hand-drawn on the fabric. Using a pen-like instrument called “canting”, artists draw the hot wax onto the fabric. A copper tip and a wooden holder forms a canting. This to make sure the smooth flow of wax and so that the hot wax does not burn the hand.

Then comes the actual dyeing part where the slathering of colours on the fabric takes place. Once dried, the dye is locked through soaking the fabric in a tub of fixative. This process is repeated to add more colours to the fabric. 

If this kind of artform intrigues you, ask your travel guide from Locaguide to help. He/Shefind and register you for a hands-on Batik painting workshop. The workshop provides you with the chance to create your own Batik masterpiece. Learn this skilled artform and then sit back and listen to local stories as your Batik fabric gets ready.

Take help from your guide if you want to purchase a Batik painting souvenir. Your guide will show you how to identify weather or not it is a batik piece or just a one-sided screen painting. This unique local art makes sure to add another dimension to your Indonesia trip.

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Ancol Dreamland on the Jakarta Bay comprises of multiple amusement parks, making it a must-visit on a holiday to Indonesia. The largest of its kind in Southeast Asia,  one can visit it with friends and family. A place suitable for people of all age groups!

What does the Ancol Dreamland comprise 

The amusement park built in 1966 adheres to a combined concept of entertainment, art, and education. This recreational park stands perfect for a perfect family getaway. The park holds many interesting rides and activities not just for kids but adults as well. Thus, an international golf course, a hotel resort and a marine theme park, makes the Ancol Dreamland Park a complete package.

Given the vast size of this amusement park, it’s easy to lose track of which rides and sections should not be missed. Meanwhile, the visit becomes hassle free with a local travel guide from Locaguide. He/She will help you through the various parts and also suggest suitable activities for your family. But just for an overview, these below are the key sections of the park you should definitely check out.

Dunia Fantasy (Dufan); one of the largest outdoor entertainment centres in all of Indonesia. It contains more than 40 rides and activities, all divided into regional segments — Jakarta, Indonesia, Asia, Africa, America, Europe, and Fantasi Hikayat (Ancient Egypt and Greece)

Ocean Dream Samudra is a section of the theme park that showcases marine life through an aquarium. It hosts a dolphin and sea lion show.

Atlantis Water Adventure; a water park comprising of a wave pool, a flowing river pool, rainbow ball pool, waterfall pool and several slides.

Ancol Art Market, also known as the Pasar Seni Ancol, is the local open-air market in the theme park. It hosts hundreds of stalls with painters, souvenir shops and other artists selling their handcrafted goods. 

Thus a complete family entertainment park, the Ancol Dreamland Park stays a perfect place to visit for a fun-filled day.

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The Taman Sari Water Palace is the site of the royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. It dates back to the mid 18th century. Once used as a place to rest, work, meditate, hide and defend the Sultanate and his family from the yesteryears. Most of the buildings now serve as accommodation or commercial space for the local residents. Visit this royal palace during your trip to Yogyakarta to discover tales of the past from the locals. Tales as old as the days when Taman Sari belonged to the royalties of Yogyakarta.

How to get to The Taman Sari Water Palace

Undoubtedly one of the most popular places, you can reach the Taman Sari by cab or a short walk. Opt for a local travel guide from the Locaguide portal. Your guide will help you on the short walk to the palace from Kraton. Upon reaching walk around to explore the grounds and your guide will take you through the historical journey of the palace.

The water castle shows a unique infusion of eastern and western concepts of architecture. The unique garden of the Royals holds a mosque, a fort, a meditation space, and a man-made lake. A series of underground tunnels connect the structures on the islands in the lake. Each feature of the Taman Sari Water Palace comprehended a particular ritual and its use during the Sultanates rule. Learn the local names of each area, their use and stories surrounding them from the guide.

If history and architecture excite you, then make sure to soak in Indonesia’s royal past at the Taman Sari Royal Palace. Include a day-long trip to the perfumed gardens of the palace during your Yogyakarta tour for an exciting exploration. The place is also a spectacle for all the photography enthusiasts.

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Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in all of Indonesia, its name translates to “Fiery Mountain”! But unlike many volcanoes in other parts of the world, you can climb Mount Merapi. And this trek remains one of the most popular activities in Yogyakarta.  

The Trek to Mount Merapi

There exist multiple routes to get to Mount Merapi, but the most favoured route remains the northern access point from Selo. Starting at midnight the trek takes over nine hours long and includes a four-hour long hike uphill. With only the flashlight to guide you, the trek remains best experienced in the silence of the darkness. And all of this can be possible with assistance from a travel guide from Locaguide. As you trudge your way uphill, the knowledge that you are climbing an active volcano will give you the adrenaline rush you need to reach the summit before the first light of the day strikes.

Four hours into the climb you reach Pasar Baru, the base camp. Here, a short snack break prepares you for the final leg of the trek. Let your local guide take you through the next set of obstacles. He will tell you best how to navigate through the volcanic ash. Moreover, how to overcome the final hurdle, a steep rocky climb to the crater of Mount Merapi.

At the volcano summit, the temperature drops below 5 degrees Celsius but the view is spellbinding. As you watch the sunrise over the horizon, the landscape starts to awaken and everything the sun rays touch change colour. You are on top of a volcano with the world at your feet, the smoke of the volcano behind you and the clouds below you. You know it’s worth every minute of sacrificed sleep and every step during the uphill trek. If adventure is what you crave, definitely include Mount Merapi in your tour of Yogyakarta. 

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The two things you should keep in mind while planning a holiday in Malaysia are the food and the festivals. These two things truly define Malaysian culture in the best way possible. A melting pot of different religions and cultures, the Malaysians hold a lot of festivals to celebrate all year round. Irrespective of which festival, the interaction among the local Malaysians makes way for a special brew of culture. Also, along with the hospitable warmth that the country remains known for, giving birth to the concept of “open house”.

What is an “Open House”?

If you happen to stay in Malaysia during any festival, make sure to attend an “open house” or Rumah Terbuka(as locals call it). Common during Eid, Diwali, Chinese New Year and Christmas, it forms a perfect example of unity in diversity. This also goes to show how the diverse communities in Malaysia intermingle. Open house means that the host’s house is open to receive all well-wishers and guests. Everyone is invited to attend, regardless of their cultural or religious background. A practice unique to Malaysia, it is more than just a welcome to someone’s house. It is a way of life here where every race is mutually accepted and respected by all.

True to their hospitable self during “open house”, Malaysians welcome even tourist inside their homes. They give them a sneak peek along with giving them a chance to be a part of the festivities. Seen as the perfect practice to foster goodwill and renew social ties, the government too follows it. During major festivals, the government houses are open to the public for food and drinks. A local guide from Locaguide can help you experience the festivities. The guide will suggest the best open house options and share the dos and don’ts you need to keep in mind. You can also mingle and interact with the locals and other guests with the guide’s help.

Get a chance to sample the most authentic local homemade delicacies. Meanwhile, watch performances and cultural dances by the local artists and orchestras in a unique setting. At the Rumah Terbuka get yourself to experience a completely new culture.

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