Category: Destinations

For more than 50 years Burma (Myanmar) has been ruled mainly by dictators, rebel groups, and by people connected to the drug trade. Because of this, democracy has had a tough time finding a foothold in its society; those who try to introduce it are often faced with brutality and harsh punishment from the government. Slave labor and other inhumane practices have been used in an effort to help Myanmar’s economy, but the country remains very poor.

In 2002 Aung San Suu Kyi–a Nobel Peace Prize winner and leader of Burma’s largest democratic political party, under house arrest through much of the ’80s and ’90s–was allowed to re-enter public life, and democracy is once again on the minds of the Burmese. The economic sanctions placed on the government by countries like the United States has caused the Burmese government to reconsider its politics, and although democracy is still a long way off in Myanmar, hopes of a society without oppression are growing.

As far as traveling in Myanmar, it is not for those who are looking for comfortable, easy (read: “first world”) travel. But the sites are incredible, and the people are generally friendly and nice. Myanmar has had little Western influence, which can make the country seem a bit forgotten compared to other southeast Asian countries, but if the government continues to loosen its reins on popular thought, don’t be surprised to see Myanmar start to catch on quickly.

Traveling in Myanmar
You need a visa to travel in Myanmar. Visas are valid for one month from the day you enter the country. Once you receive a visa you have to enter the country within three months.

Myanmar is still a military regime and any travel there should be done with caution. The democratic movement there favors a boycott of tourism in Myanmar, saying that the money spent by tourists only ends up supporting the military regime and human rights abuses.

Avoiding government-sponsored tourism is one way to help the populace while not supporting the government. Also, the cultural and political exchange you have with the local populace could do more to help the country than hurt it.

Easy ways to do this include staying at locally owned hotels; avoiding goverment-sponsored tours and transportation; not shopping at the government Myawadi shops; and trying to buy gifts, souvenirs, etc., directly from the local craftsman.

Rebel armies and refugees line the border between Thailand and Mynamar. It is best to avoid the borders areas, as there are occasional skirmishes. The northeastern part of the country near Mandalay is a particularly bad area where the drug trade has given local drug lords the power to build large private armies.

Some areas of travel do require a permit, although more and more are being opened by the government. But travel throughout the Myanmar can sometimes be hindered by the “local authorities” who might make certain sites off limits for no discernible reason, depending on their mood.

Weather in Myanmar
Myanmar only has three distinct seasons, winter, summer and monsoon season.

Winter falls between November to February, and is usually cool and dry. March until May is summer, which is quite hot, with temperatures routinely at or above 90 degrees. From May until October is the monsoon season, where the region can get upward of 25 inches of rain per month.

The optimal time to visit Myanmar is during the winter, when the days are a little cooler and the skies are clear.

Burma a.k.a. Myanmar Information
Population: 44,277,014 (est.1994)
Government: Military council
Square Miles: 261,789 sq mi (678,033 sq km)
Capitol: Yangon (Rangoon, pop 4 million)
Official Language: Burmese, but most ethnic minorities have languages of there own
People: 65% Burmese, 10% Shan, 7% Karen, 4% Rakhine and Chin, Kachin, Mon, Chinese, Indian, and Assamese minorities
Religion:87% Theravada Buddhist, 5% Christian, 4% Muslim, 3% animist
Major products/industries: teak, rice, jute, and illegal opium poppies

Since 2500 B.C., the cultures that grew into the modern state of India have been involved in a wild dance of religion and politics that make the India of today one of the most colorful, culturally rich, hyperintense, and interesting places in the world. The culture, politics, and economic effects can run to such extremes, in fact, that tourists have often been divided in to “love” and “hate” groups when it comes to appreciating all India has to offer, in relation to the trials one must at times undergo to enjoy it.

The history of the region that is now India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal has evolved based in large part on the tides of religious belief. Founded in the Indus River valley on the roots of Hinduism, the millenia that followed saw the rise of Buddhism, and Islam as prominent and politically charged practices. This, coupled with the forced influence of colonizing groups such as the early Aryans and, later, the Portuguese, French, Dutch, and English; as well as the great size of India and its multitude of people, makes this country on of the most interesting from a social standpoint. The cities are crowded and bustling while the countryside may at times seem spare. The economic divide is garish and unashamed, and, while no longer sanctioned by the government, the age-old caste system is still very much in place.

But these elements only make up part of the social fabric of India. Since the Partition of Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan in the 1940s, heated political tensions–and the occasional nuclear standoff–between these two countries over rights to the region of Kashmir have had a global effect. Further Hindu-Islam conflicts have flared up in other regions within India. The west plays an increasing role in Indian culture, from the tremendous British influence, which was responsible for building everything from an internal transportation system to a strong academic program; to America and its media and fashion obsession; and the former Soviet Union with its power and influence in that region (particularly before its fall). All of these things come together at times to feel counterpoised, and at time chaotic.

Traveling in India
International flights to India typically go to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Kerala. If coming from Europe or beyond, it’s a good idea to have your accommodations organized in advance, as these flights tend to arrive in the predawn hours. This way you can go straight to your hotel or otherwise, rather than wandering the streets until sunrise.

Overland, the most traveled routes between India and Nepal are the Birganj-Raxaul Bazaar, Sunauli-Bhairawa, and Kakarbhitta-Siliguri roads. The only crossing between India and Pakistan is between Lahore and Amritsar, which is accessible by train or road. Bus service runs between Lahore and Delhi, operating four times a week, but be cautious as it could be a potential target for nationalist violence.

The state-run domestic Indian Airlines flies throughout the country, as does the international carrier Air India. There is also a glut of smaller domestic airlines, including Sahara Indian Airlines and Jet Airways, that will take you throughout India.

The infamous Indian train travel can be a colossal ordeal, but is also essential if you want to see the “real” India. Knowing the rules of the game is important if you’re going to survive what could otherwise be a nightmarish experience. Stick to the express or mail trains, but experiment on all the different classes of travel to see every side of the culture. Patience is the key in all aspects of the train system, from booking fares to just about any other aspect of transportation beaurocracy. It can be frustrating to the uninitiated, but keep it together and you’ll find the confusing methods that make up the Indian rails actually add up to a working system.

Buses provide another option (or, in the cases of getting to Kashmir or Nepal, maybe the only option). They range in price and comfort depending on where you are, how busy your route is, whether you use a state-run line or a private carrier, and more. The less expesive lines tend to be overcrowded, loud, and uncomfortable; some of the pricier lines may provide some relief from that and will often get you where you’re going faster than the trains.

Weather in India
It bears repeating: India is a huge country. There are microclimates throughout India, and like any nation of its size, the best times of year to visit–climatologically speaking–vary depending on where you want to go. October to March tends to be the most pleasant period across the bulk of India, but monsoons, deserts, Alpine mountains, and more mean dramatic differences between localized areas. Before you go, check up on the climate of your specific destination and keep it in mind as you plan your itinerary.

Republic of India Information
Population: 1,014,003,817
Government: Federal Republic
Area: 1,229,737 sq mi (3,287,590 sq km)
Capitol: New Delhi
Official Language: Hindi
People: 72% Indo-Aryan, 25% Dravidian, 3% other
Religion: 80% Hindu, 14% Muslim, 2.4% Christian, 2% Sikh, 0.7% Buddhist, 0.5% Jains, 0.4% other
Major products/industries: Textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, agriculture, livestock

While Indonesia’s spectacular beaches, natural resources, and laid-back lifestyle have attracted tourists, missionaries, and businesses for generations, recent political and religiously motivated events make much of the archipelago dangerous for Western tourists.

Travelers should exercise reasonable caution in Jakarta and other metropolitan centers in Java and Sumatra. All travel should be avoided in West Timor; Maluku and North Maluku; remote parts of North, East, and Central Kalimantan; North, South and Central Sulawesi; Papua; and Aceh.

Still, there is much to do and see in Indonesia. The nation is composed of a vast number of islands, both large and small, making up an archipelago that stretches for thousands of miles. Java is the most developed island in Indonesia. While some of Indonesia’s famous pastoral lifestyle continues to exist on Java, it is also home to the country’s largest cities, churning out fumes and traffic, wealth and poverty, and the sort of social discord that typically accompanies rapid development.

To find the “paradise” that hordes of Aussie, European, and American tourists talk about so much, check out Bali. The beaches are beautiful, the volcanic hillsides are lush and brimming with life, and time moves slowly. However, particularly during the high tourist seasons, such as the Christmas season, Bali can be overrun with travelers. It becomes evident that much of what is appealing to tourists is itself manufactured by the tourists and a tourist-friendly society.

The flip side of this is the island of Lombok. Lombok embodies all of the potential of Bali, in terms of a rich and beautiful environment and pastoral lifestyle. With more to offer than Bali, for those who want to avoid the trappings of a tourist-centric society, Lombok is an appealing alternative. However, the people of Lombok are not nearly as open to tourists, often expressing resentment to those they see as intruding on their quiet lives.

Even further removed than Lombok is the island of Sumatra. With its thick forests, meandering rivers, and remote villages, Sumatra is well worth a visit, if only to know that such places still exist. But be wary of the political and religious conflicts, particularly in the northern section of Aceh.

Indonesia is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and orangutans. Sea turtles are found in the diverse waters around Bali and the world’s largest flowers grow in Sumatra. The islands of Papua, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Sumatra have national parks, while other parks protect special areas such as Komodo, home to the famed Komodo dragon. However, massive tracts of rainforest are logged on a constant basis, and the slash and burn method compounds the environmental tumult by pumping soot and particulates into the air, choking populations of people.

Traveling in Indonesia
The major airports in Indonesia are in Jakarta and Bali, serviced by Australian Airlines among others. A luxury high-speed ferry runs from Penang to Medan, and other slower boats arrive from southern Malaysia and the Riau Islands.

The Christmas season is a very popular time to visit Indonesia for Australians and Europeans. The main Indonesian holiday season is the last week of Ramadan.

Visiting Indonesia, particularly outside of the major tourist seasons, can be very affordable. Lodging typically ranges from US$2-$5 at the budget level up to US$20+ at the high end. Meals are between US$1-$2 (budget) to US$5+ (high end). Tipping is generally not necessary with a few exceptions: tour guides often expect a small tip, as do hotel porters; cab drivers expect you to round the fare up. Traveler’s checks are the best bet for carrying cash in Indonesia. Credit cards will be accepted by nicer hotels, shops, and restaurants, but there is not universal acceptance. ATMs are available in bigger cities.

Visa regulations have varied in recent years, as a tug of war between politics and tourism dollars progresses. As of December 2003, nationals of 20 countries–including Australia, the United States, and some European countries–were able to obtain a visa upon arrival. Citizens of eight other countries, mostly in Southeast Asia, did not require visas. All others needed to obtain visas before arriving.

Health risks in Indonesia include Dengue Fever, Giardiasis, Hepatitis, Japanese B Encephalitis, Malaria, Rabies, and Typhoid.

Weather in Indonesia
For the most hospitable traveling weather, go to Indonesia between May and October. Much of the rest of the year is considered the rainy season, when travel is possible, but may be less comfortable or interrupted in more rural areas. Indonesia’s climate is consistently hot. Temperatures climb to about 88°F (31°C) in coastal regions, dropping further inland.

Republic of Indonesia Information
Population: 234.89 million
Government: Republic
Area: 1.9 million sq km
Capitol: Jakarta (pop 9.3 million)
Languages: Indonesian, English, Javanese, Sundanese
People: Acehnese, Bataks, Minangkabaus (Sumatra); Javanese, Sundanese (Java); Balinese (Bali); Sasaks (Lombok); and Dani (Irian Jaya/West Papuan); among hundreds of other ethnic and tribal groups
Religion: 88% Muslim, 8% Christian, 2% Hindu
Major products/industries: Oil, gas, textiles, timber, coffee, rubber, coal, tin, copper, rice, pepper, palm oil

Mongolia is one of the world’s most untamed countries. This exotic land may be considered the last frontier in Asia, and despite a history that includes such all-powerful warlords and diplomats as Ghengis and Kublai Khan–roving horsemen who’s bands of warrior-statesmen were responsible for unifying the largest empire in history–it seems amazing this country has kept it’s independence, existing between such giants as China and Russia. But Mongolia survives, through harsh winters, a serious lack of infrastructure, and few natural resources… In Mongolia, you are nothing if not a survivor.

Many Mongolian people are nomads who depend on their herds of sheep, goat, cattle, horse, and yak. Most Mongolians live in gers–traditional white felt tents that can easily be broken down and moved (this is even true in the cities). A family’s ger will have many religious and superstitious rules associated with them, and it’s suggested that you gain an understanding of these rules if you’re ever invited inside.

Traveling in Mongolia
The easiest way to get to Mongolia is to fly through Beijing, Moscow, or Berlin. Mongolia’s international airline, called MIAT, will get you there, but there is no guarantee when that will be, as flights are routinely canceled due to poor weather conditions. You can also reach Mongolia by way of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, which links Moscow and Beijing, or by crossing the border from Russia or China in a car (though, technically, this is still illegal).

Once inside the country, getting around is usually done via MIAT flights to one of the over 80 rustic regional airports across Mongolia. But buying tickets can be complicated because of low-technology: the airline has no computerized reservation system, forcing passengers to depend on one-way flights wherever they go. Be aware that flight times change regularly, with little or no notice; foreigners typically pay more for their tickets than Mongolian residents; and the airports are often little more than a dirt tracks on which to land.

There is bus service throughout the country, but the journeys are slow, delays are common for a variety of reasons, and schedules change often. You can also rent a jeep, but it’s advised to do so only with a guide, as breakdowns and accidents are common, but gas and good roads are not.

Weather in Mongolia
With 260 clear-sky days a year, Mongolia sounds like a sun worshipper’s paradise (in fact, it’s commonly known as the “Land of Blue Sky”). But the extreme climate varies greatly. Mongolia’s long winters keep some lakes frozen until June with temperatures dropping down to -22°F. The rainy season is short–lasting only from July until September–and the showers tend to be brief and gentle. The interior is dominated by the sprawling Gobi Desert, which gets just enough precipitation to support scattered herds of livestock and wild horses. Mongolia’s high altitude makes for cool evenings in the summer, while the spring is accented by terrible dust storms.

Mongolia Information
Population: 2.6 million
Government: Communist Republic
Square Miles: 610,740 sq mi (1,566,000 sq km)
Capitol: N’Djamena (pop 700,000)
Official Language: Mongolian, Turkic, Russian, Chinese
People: Khalkh Mongols (86%), Kazaks (2%), Chinese (2%), Russian (2%), about a dozen other ethnic groups
Religion: Tibetan Buddhism, Muslim, Shamanism
Major products/industries: Copper, livestock, cashmere, wool