Low Humidity August and safe for solo travel?
#1
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Low Humidity August and safe for solo travel?
Hi there!
I'm looking to book a couple of weeks in Asia in August but need somewhere with low-ish humidity (manageable, anyway). Also plan to be travelling alone so somewhere friendly to solo women?
Appreciate any ideas!
LJK
I'm looking to book a couple of weeks in Asia in August but need somewhere with low-ish humidity (manageable, anyway). Also plan to be travelling alone so somewhere friendly to solo women?
Appreciate any ideas!
LJK
#2
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Myanmar is very safe for solo women travelers. It will be hot in August - actually it's hot year round. You will get some rain in August, and parts of the country will be inaccessible because of the rain (the southern beaches and Mrauk U) www.weatherbase.com may give you more info.
Indonesia will have better weather, It would be a good time to visit Bali.
Indonesia will have better weather, It would be a good time to visit Bali.
#3
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Asia in general is safe for the lone lady traveler. You will be treated with respect by men, and petty theft rates are low.
If you tell us about your interests and budget, then we can help you better. However, a couple of thoughts come to mind.
Have you even been to China? We were there in August, and it was warm, but dry. We did the standard Beijing, Xi'An (including a hike around Hua Shan), Shanghai, Hong Kong trip, but you can spice it up with some visits to indigenous people in the south, or perhaps the silk road in the north.
Also, Malaysia would be a good choice. The weather is generally good year round. You could visit East Malaysia (Borneo), or Western Malaysia, or both.
Whatever you decide, carry a plastic poncho with you at all times for sudden rains.
If you tell us about your interests and budget, then we can help you better. However, a couple of thoughts come to mind.
Have you even been to China? We were there in August, and it was warm, but dry. We did the standard Beijing, Xi'An (including a hike around Hua Shan), Shanghai, Hong Kong trip, but you can spice it up with some visits to indigenous people in the south, or perhaps the silk road in the north.
Also, Malaysia would be a good choice. The weather is generally good year round. You could visit East Malaysia (Borneo), or Western Malaysia, or both.
Whatever you decide, carry a plastic poncho with you at all times for sudden rains.
#4
Original Poster
Kathie - thanks so much for your information and the useful website. I like the sound of Indonesia/Bali - any tips for avoiding the young backpacker scene??
CaliforniaLady - also thank you very much for your thoughts, really appreciated. I have already visited China and not desperate to return just yet, around Kuala Lumpur, too. So I was thinking of going to another place.
What I'd like to do is enjoy some natural beauty (I live in a European city year round), culture, art and history, and of course lovely food maybe even do some cooking courses?
I imagine I'd be staying in hotels - not exactly plush but comfortable. I'm quite happy to use public transport but could probably stretch to an internal flight or 2!
Got you on the poncho! Thanks for any further help!
Lesley
CaliforniaLady - also thank you very much for your thoughts, really appreciated. I have already visited China and not desperate to return just yet, around Kuala Lumpur, too. So I was thinking of going to another place.
What I'd like to do is enjoy some natural beauty (I live in a European city year round), culture, art and history, and of course lovely food maybe even do some cooking courses?
I imagine I'd be staying in hotels - not exactly plush but comfortable. I'm quite happy to use public transport but could probably stretch to an internal flight or 2!
Got you on the poncho! Thanks for any further help!
Lesley
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The one place to avoid in Bali if you want to stay away from the drunken Aussies is Kuta Beach. I'd also avoid Nusa Dua just because it is a sterile tourist enclave. Depending on how much time you have, you might want to consider a sop in central Java. Take a look at our photos from a couple of years ago: http://www.marlandc.com/Java-2012 You might want to consider staying some of your time in Bali in the Ubud area. There are plenty of cooking classes available.
Personally, I's recommend against a plastic rain poncho. It's so hot, you'd feel like you were in a steam bath. I do take along an umbrella. Not only will it keep the rain off, but it can be very helpful in keeping the sun off as well.
Personally, I's recommend against a plastic rain poncho. It's so hot, you'd feel like you were in a steam bath. I do take along an umbrella. Not only will it keep the rain off, but it can be very helpful in keeping the sun off as well.
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Lesley -- Let us know what you decide. You European ladies are so well-traveled and confident.
Kathie -- Try a $1.99 Coleman poncho from Target. It is made for sweaty hikers, so it breathes nicely, and it wads up into a tiny ball. I have been caught in monsoons where my trusty ShedRain umbrella (with wind shield) turns inside out from the winds, so it is nice to carry both.
Kathie -- Try a $1.99 Coleman poncho from Target. It is made for sweaty hikers, so it breathes nicely, and it wads up into a tiny ball. I have been caught in monsoons where my trusty ShedRain umbrella (with wind shield) turns inside out from the winds, so it is nice to carry both.
#7
Original Poster
Californialady and Kathie - thank you! This is really helpful. So kind of you to share your pics for some ideas. I have noted your thoughts on Java/Bali.
I'm now thinking of flying into Jakarta and out of Bali and pick a few places to base myself over a few weeks. Ubud looks amazing.
I'm now thinking of flying into Jakarta and out of Bali and pick a few places to base myself over a few weeks. Ubud looks amazing.
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If you opt to fly into Jakarta, fly on to Yogyakarta or Solo immediately. Jakarta itself is a huge, polluted, traffic-clogged city. As much as I love cities in general and Asian cities in particular, I'd avoid Jakarta.
Have a wonderful trip!
Have a wonderful trip!
#9
Original Poster
Hi Kathie and California Lady! Not sure if youll pick this up but I had a great holiday in Java and Bali in 2015 based on your recommendations!
Loved Yogjakarta and incredibly met up with a friend who works for a charity who was out there by chance. Much preferred Java to Bali - in fact would have preferred to stay longer there than in Bali.
But the internal flights checked out and stayed in some great places. Felt very at home and keen to go back to Indonesia!
Back on the forum looking for help to plan a trip in India now!
Warm regards,
Lesley
Loved Yogjakarta and incredibly met up with a friend who works for a charity who was out there by chance. Much preferred Java to Bali - in fact would have preferred to stay longer there than in Bali.
But the internal flights checked out and stayed in some great places. Felt very at home and keen to go back to Indonesia!
Back on the forum looking for help to plan a trip in India now!
Warm regards,
Lesley
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That's great that you enjoyed your trip, although Kathie helped with your planning, not me. I'm probably headed to the region next year, so if you can start a new thread with just a brief trip report, even a paragraph, then we would all appreciate it.
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