Month in Asia w/ 14 year olds, need active vacation
Aug 11th, 2011, 07:46 PM
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Month in Asia w/ 14 year olds, need active vacation
My husband has an 8 week sabbatical next summer, and we are thinking of spending a month in Asia with our twin boys who will be 14 at the time. At first glance, we are interested in Thailand and Vietnam, but are open to other countries as well. We like exploring the local culture, markets, the beach, but are particularly interested in learning about places where there would be some adventurous activities for the boys. Some of our favorite trips in the past have been to Costa Rica, where we have surfed, snorkeled, kayaked, rode horses, ziplines, jungle tours, rafted, etc. Any ideas for places to go or specfic activities?
Aug 11th, 2011, 11:59 PM
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fcfarmgirl, I would suggest that you take a look at Indonesia. First Bali and secondly one of the other islands like Sulawesi or Java.
In Bali you'd have access to a wide range of culture and adventure travel, all within a compact geographic area. You can swim, surf, sail, snorkle (or SCUBA), raft. Ride horses, bikes (or elephants -- though they are not native). Climb mountains, trek through rain forests, and explore volcanoes and caves. All of this is within the context of a dynamic local culture with a thriving tradition of performing arts, crafts and religious pagentry.
In Sulawesi, same as the above but more intense, especially Tanah Toraja for culture and North Sulawesi for marine life. In Java, more wild rainforests, more active volcanoes plus 8/9th century temples.
Having raised an Eagle Scout in Indonesia I can say from experience that it's a great place for active teens. Parents can recover at the spa!
In Bali you'd have access to a wide range of culture and adventure travel, all within a compact geographic area. You can swim, surf, sail, snorkle (or SCUBA), raft. Ride horses, bikes (or elephants -- though they are not native). Climb mountains, trek through rain forests, and explore volcanoes and caves. All of this is within the context of a dynamic local culture with a thriving tradition of performing arts, crafts and religious pagentry.
In Sulawesi, same as the above but more intense, especially Tanah Toraja for culture and North Sulawesi for marine life. In Java, more wild rainforests, more active volcanoes plus 8/9th century temples.
Having raised an Eagle Scout in Indonesia I can say from experience that it's a great place for active teens. Parents can recover at the spa!
Aug 12th, 2011, 06:34 AM
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Indonesia has a lot to offer, no question.
Let me also suggest a stop in Malaysian Borneo for a stay at the Borneo Rainforest lodge. You will have the opportunity to see orangutans in the wild, and just staying in the primary rainforest is quite an experience. I have an old trip report on this (just click on my name) and there have been a number of Fodorites who have visited the BRL in the last year, so look for their reports.
And perhaps your sons would like to climb Mt. Kinabalu while you are there - that will help them burn off some energy!
Maybe your sons would enjoy riding elephants and learning about them. There are a couple of excellent places to consider (as opposed to purely tourist venue "pony rides" type places). The Thai Elephant Conservation Center outside of Chaing Mai (Thailand) offers 3 day mahout training courses. Accommodation there is very basic. A less intensive one day course can be arranged at the Anantara at the Golden Triangle, as they have a small division of the TECC on the grounds. The Anantara is a lovely luxury resort, so you can stay in comfort while the boys get absolutely filthy riding and bathing elephants.
There are lots of options for beach activities SEA Asia. You might chose a beach based on proximity to your other destinations.
Let me also suggest a stop in Malaysian Borneo for a stay at the Borneo Rainforest lodge. You will have the opportunity to see orangutans in the wild, and just staying in the primary rainforest is quite an experience. I have an old trip report on this (just click on my name) and there have been a number of Fodorites who have visited the BRL in the last year, so look for their reports.
And perhaps your sons would like to climb Mt. Kinabalu while you are there - that will help them burn off some energy!
Maybe your sons would enjoy riding elephants and learning about them. There are a couple of excellent places to consider (as opposed to purely tourist venue "pony rides" type places). The Thai Elephant Conservation Center outside of Chaing Mai (Thailand) offers 3 day mahout training courses. Accommodation there is very basic. A less intensive one day course can be arranged at the Anantara at the Golden Triangle, as they have a small division of the TECC on the grounds. The Anantara is a lovely luxury resort, so you can stay in comfort while the boys get absolutely filthy riding and bathing elephants.
There are lots of options for beach activities SEA Asia. You might chose a beach based on proximity to your other destinations.
Aug 12th, 2011, 01:37 PM
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Kathie and Marmot, those are excellent recommendations. My husband went to Indonesia about 18 years ago and absolutely loved it. Kathie, I will check out your trip report. Love the ideas of Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Thai Elephant, and Anantara...exactly what I am looking for. I suppose I could check on this site, but what's the latest word on safety of travelling to the areas you have recommended in Indonesia?
Aug 12th, 2011, 04:27 PM
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I would have no security concerns about traveling in Indonesia, especially Bali, Java and Sulawesi. Indonesia is a big, complex and diverse country. Sectarian and extremist violence flares up on occasion, but the chance of being impacted by a unpleasant event while travelling is very, very low.
Basic precautions regarding health and belongings apply of course, but overall it's quite safe. The biggest menance in Bali right now are motor cycles, both for riders and pedestrians.
Basic precautions regarding health and belongings apply of course, but overall it's quite safe. The biggest menance in Bali right now are motor cycles, both for riders and pedestrians.
