Postcard Getaway

How I’m Planning a Southeast Asia Getaway and Balancing Adventure with Relaxation

written by Kaelie Piscitello

As Fulbright comes to a close, I have one thing on my mind (besides where on earth I can find a job): where should I go next? Fulbright allows me to come home anytime between the end of my grant in June and when my visa expires at the end of July, so I’m going on vacation!

I struggled with deciding where to go because I’m near so many places in the world I would usually have to travel a long time to, including Australia, Hawaii, and, of course, Asia. As much as I have always dreamed about Sydney, Australia (thanks, Dance Academy) and relaxing on Hawaii’s sandy beaches, I decided to stay in Asia because I feel like I still have more to learn and experience here.

Where am I Going?

Last summer, I traveled around the largest cities of Japan and South Korea. I loved every second, but the weather was too freaking hot! I loved our amazing trip and wouldn’t trade it for the world. However, I would travel to Japan and Korea in the spring or summer if I could do it all over again.

This summer, I expect temperatures to remain equally hot, and I want to avoid heat stroke this time around if I can. So, my boyfriend (who will join me on this trip) and I decided we wanted to hit the beach! When I think of tropical beaches in Asia, I think of Bali, and that first idea became our jumping-off point for a few weeks in Indonesia.

While I want to avoid hot city weather, we still planned a few short (around 2-3 days long) city visits. To get from Taiwan to Indonesia, we noticed many flights layover for a long time in Singapore.

It felt wrong to layover for eight hours and not look around, so we checked and learned that staying in Singapore for a few days on the way back to Taiwan does not cost extra. With this information, it seemed natural to do a few days in Singapore! We also decided to visit Hong Kong because I have not gone yet and would like to while I am so close. 

While in Hong Kong, I plan to go to Hong Kong Disneyland, and I’m excited! I have not visited Disney since I my family’s vacation in the Orlando parks thirteen years ago. I’ve never seen one of the international ones, and my boyfriend has never visited Disney at all. I think it will make a great addition to our trip.

Planning Singapore and Hong Kong

At this point, I have traveled to many cities and feel more than ready to navigate the public transportation systems in Hong Kong and Singapore. I particularly love cities because I can use public transportation to get around.

We booked our flights to Hong Kong and Singapore and then our hotels and considered our planning done. When I travel, I love wandering and exploring at my own pace. Cities make it easy to do that. Of course, I have a few general ideas of places I want to see (i.e., Little India, Chinatown, and Gardens by the Bay in Singapore). However, I will find these places by walking around the city center.

Planning Indonesia – the Most Difficult Part to Organize

Because I’m going to Indonesia for the beach and nature, the parts of Indonesia I plan to see will not have accessible public transport. I have only planned half of the trip because I struggled with determining out the best ways to get around. While I usually do not come into a trip with a day-by-day itinerary, I have a general one going so we can fit everything in.

My boyfriend and I started planning by identifying what parts of Indonesia we wanted to see. I wanted to see Bali, so we started there, researched some easy day trips, and discovered the Komodo Islands. 

The pink sand beach, stunning scenery, and chance to snorkel with manta rays looked unmissable, so we booked an hour long flight to Labuan Bajo and a day tour that will take us around the gorgeous island.

Once we planned our excursion away from the main island of Bali, we started to plan Bali itself. While we wanted to enjoy the beach, my boyfriend and I decided we could not miss out on the jungle, so we will do a mix. 

We plan to start in Uluwatu and explore on our scooter because it’s small. However, we also want to go spend time in Ubud for the jungle and the north and exploring temples on the eastern side.

I have never experienced a private tour or a private driver. However, after doing a lot of research, my boyfriend and I discovered hiring a driver or tour is one of the most practical ways to get around without an international driving license.

At this point, we still have not planned the last leg of our trip: Java., so stay tuned for the inevitable articles that will come out about my adventures in Southeast Asia this summer!