Why Every Woman Should Travel Solo: Makiko S | Blog | Sedunia Travel

12:30 AM ACTIVITIES, ASIA, AWEASIA, INSPIRATIONS, MALAYSIA, PROMOTION, THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS, TRAVEL 3 Comments

In conjunction with the Asian Women Empowerment 2013 (also known as #aweasia13), the Why Every Woman Should Travel blog series is done by Sedunia Travel. The blog series features amazing women who are living their dream - independent lifestyle. Almost all key speakers of this exciting event have had experience in solo traveling (just like me). I am actually honoured to be 'slotted' in this blog series alongside with these amazing ladies. To read more on my story, check out >> Why Every Woman Should Travel Solo: Makiko S | Blog | Sedunia Travel

One of the biggest advantage of traveling solo is the freedom to meet and start new friendship many other fellow travelers. I have met so many awesome traveler friends along the many solo journeys I have taken. Prior to my decision on going out to solo traveling, I have gone to numerous holidays - as a tourist. During those fine times, I have seen more people come and go as I roam around places, but never I get the chance to actually make friends that I could keep in touch. I supposed going for a fancy holiday provides little room for me to reach out to the people, mainly because the focus had always been rest and relax - rather than mix and interact.

As a traveler, catching up with fellow traveler friends means bumping into each other along the road as well. Although I know few travelers who are based in the same city as mine, often we will end up meeting at a random destination. I must say, with the help with the technology, it is easier to track fellow travelers and allow me to have a 30 minute coffee chat in Hanoi with them.

For the next couple of weeks, I won't have to travel outside the my home city because the awesome women travelers will be flying into Malaysia for #aweasia13. It will be an exciting gathering and I really hope that I could strike more new friendships during that event.

If you all are wondering why am I so excited about AWE Asia '13, check out the stories on the 'sure-come' speakers >> Do I need more reasons than these?

Runaway Juno

Nomadic Chic 

Hannah Pearson

Amalla Vesta

Lois Yasay

Anis Ibrahim

Nila Tanzil

So, if you are free from 8-10 November 2013 and happened to be in Kuala Lumpur, why not join us. Click on the link to the AWE conference (above) to register.

"It's never too late or too old to learn something.." 

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Empowering Women in Asia - AWE '13 is here for us!!!

12:30 AM ACTIVITIES, INSPIRATIONS, MALAYSIA, PROMOTION No Comments

Breaking away from the stereotypes of being an Asian woman is probably the hardest challenge of to date for me. Ever since I decided to drop everything that was so-called important in life, I have been constantly critiqued for that choice. 

I enjoy life in my own way nowadays - still single at this age and without employment commitment to worry much. Whenever I feel like exploring a new place, I would just pack and leave. Every moment I encounter will be an opportunity for me to write and tell. 

It is never easy to choose this kind of lifestyle, though. Over the past couple of years, painstakingly I have been searching for information and knowledge so I could supplement this so-called 'unconventional lifestyle of mine'. When I first stated out as a solo female traveler, I must admit that it was not an easy journey. Although Mr Google is there to provide, I could not find anything sufficient to help with the decision made. Of course, over the years I have met with few other female travelers from Asia who shares the same passion as mine.

So, when I was introduced to AWEAsia, I was happy. In less than a month, AWE '13 will take place in Kuala Lumpur. Not only I would like to be inspired, I wish that the event would be a platform for me to build a better network as well as to find people of same interest - I am looking for someone as a consolation to this challenging path.

If you are asking this question, "How could you choose to become an independent traveler?" then I would recommend you to come and join me (and many other successful women) in the quest to finding the right answer!!!

******

Are you a freelancer, world traveler, non-profit starter, blogger, creative mind,
and mostly, woman with a passion to make change in your world?

AWE ‘13 is here for you!

If you are seeking for inspiration, here’s your change. With the lead of fourteen inspiring speakers, AWE ’13 will help you to find the missing key in your life to happiness. 

Purpose of AWE conference

AWE ’13 is for empowering Asian women to follow their dreams and thrive in an independent lifestyle. Breaking the mold, and standing out is tougher for Asian women in a male-dominated society. We are restricted by culture, religion, and social convention. Many ambitious women have been going abroad, where it’s easier to follow their passions in an unconventional path. The world is changing, and Asia is slowly participating in the movement. While it is still difficult to choose your own path in Asian society, there are more inspirational Asian women who are impacting our global world. AWE Conference will present models of successful Asian women, and discuss participant’s current life goals through workshops while designing the roads to success. 

Who is this conference for

AWE Conference is designed for Asian women and expatriates in Asia who want to:

✦ Thrive with unconventional life choices
✦ Acquire ideas of diverse ways of success
✦ Belong to a community of inspiring women
✦ Seek more opportunities in life
✦ Get inspired to achieve their dreams 

How to join

     Save your seat at this link: Online Registration
Regular Registration: US$42  (Student discount is available)

a.      PayPal

b.     Bank Transfer (email info@aweasia.org for the bank detail)

  

What do you get from your ticket

✓ Two Meals and Beverages

✓ Pre-AWE KL Food Tour
✓ Attend All Sessions
✓ Keynotes
✓ AWE Organization Community Pass
✓ Official Party
✓ Access to AWE Members Profile

AWE ’13 Program

Conference Program & Session Schedule

What we want to achieve

To spark inspiration, initiate action. Ideas will simply remain ideas if not connected to action. Through the AWE Conference I want to not only spark inspiration from successful cases of Asian female trailblazers, but also initiate action by offering practical information. Support systems for Asian women who want to step aside from the common path do not always exist. Freelancers, world travelers, non-profit/ngo starters, and creatives are struggling with the lack of support. 

Furthermore, women from underprivileged backgrounds are not encouraged often enough to be involved in society’s hierarchical system. Against all these odds, there are women who have followed their passion, and have achieved enormous success. I have invited some of the most inspiring of these women to my conference. They will share their story of success with participants. They will share their stories of struggle and success with participants, providing real-world guidance and inspiration. They will also answer questions and offer practical information to participants so they can begin creating their own unconventional success stories.

Our speakers

Official sponsors

Silver Sponsor

Food Tour Malaysia

Giveaway Sponsor

Sedunia Travel

Batik Loetjoe

BOH Plantations Snd Bhd

EXPO Sponsor

Batik Loetjoe

Unconventional Guides   

Special thanks to:

AWE Benefactors & Honorary Member

✦ Official Website: http://conference.aweasia.org/

✦ Contact: info@aweasia.org

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[TIPS] How to travel and contribute something with Ecoteer?

3:12 AM ACTIVITIES, ECOTEER, PROMOTION, TIPS, TRAVEL No Comments

The year was 2002 and I had turned twenty of age. As soon as the calendar changed from 2001 to 2002, my life was upside down. Every day was a torture. Since then I vowed to myself that I would never be a weak person anymore.

“If you dream hard enough, it will eventually come true!”

As I was trying to get rid of the pain from being a sexual harassment victim, one of my dreams came true. It was the turning point of my life. I was to embark on a journey that will forever change my life. Just before 2002 ends, I had the most memorable journey of life. Travel means so much and little that I knew of how that voyage had redefined my current life.

SSEAYP – the Ship for Southeast Asia-Japan Youth Program was a God sent gift. Not only it gave me the opportunity to set foot overseas, it also brought me special friendships; during that said program. In addition to that, it completely changed the way I see travel and people all together.

Perhaps the biggest lesson of traveling on Nippon Maru, with over 300 youths around Southeast Asia, for me is ‘the realization’ of that giving back is better than receiving. Thus, upon returning from that meaningful journey, I promised myself that I would do my best to always give back. Hence, every time I embark on a travel expedition, my main intention has always been “to reach out and enjoy”.

**************

Since 2002, there have been numerous opportunities for me to contribute while I enjoy traveling. I cannot remember of when and what had I contributed, but it was certainly never money (unfortunately, I am just as average person like most of you). Nonetheless, each occasion that I spend time and energy often is rewarded with much satisfaction and a big smile on my face.

If your idea of traveling equals to luxurious hotel stays, service pampering as well as lazing around doing nothing, then travel with a cause is not your cup of tea. However, for those who wish to expand their travel experience to be something very special for you and (at least one) more person, then you should start considering to travel with a cause.

Like travel agents, do you know that there is an organization that helps travelers at finding opportunities for you to travel and volunteer at the same time?

When I heard about Ecoteer, I was ecstatic. Ecoteer allows you to travel with a cause. Choose any destination in Asia, Africa, Australia or even an exotic location you have in mind, you probably ends up paying so much less for an extended stay in your chosen location. The whole concept of ecoteer responsible travel is matching traveler to a meaningful volunteering project.

“Ecoteer is a unique volunteer opportunities agency - offering a directory of cheap volunteer work opportunities, volunteer jobs abroad and working holidays. Our volunteer opportunities are cheap because we have eliminated the middleman slashing the price to volunteer abroad for gapyears, careerbreaks and working holidays. Ecoteer is changing the volunteer and working holiday industry.”

As someone who loves to mess around with the locals while I explore a new place, a chance to be part of wildlife conservation would allow me to get up close with the animals rather than seeing them in the fancy cages; or a chance to participate in a community development activity will surely brought me closer to the people of a different culture and country.

Want to know more about what have I written above? Check out Ecoteer homepage for more info. Also, if you are looking for immediate travel volunteer opportunity in Asia, scroll down this page to see what’s available from Ecoteer responsible travel program.

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[EVENTS] Colours of 1Malaysia

12:48 AM ACTIVITIES, ASIA, MALAYSIA No Comments

For many years, Tourism Malaysia has been organizing this event in view to showcase the magnificent touch of the richness of cultures in Malaysia. Since I was in school, it is one of the most anticipated event for me to attend. Especially since I used to do traditional dance together with my friends, back in the days.

Picture source directly from Tourism Malaysia event page

For those who are in Kuala Lumpur, this weekend, mark you calendar. Come down to Dataran Merdeka to experience the sound, the sight, the colours and the excitement of Colours of 1Malaysia. 

Details of this event can be obtained straight from Tourism Malaysia website. Nonetheless, just ask any of the hotels in town, they would definitely know about this event.

Venue: Dataran Merdeka, Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 25 May 2013

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[Coming Soon] Content to be reorganized and updated

4:50 AM ACTIVITIES, QUICK NOTES No Comments

When I started this blog in 2008, it was meant for her personal opinions and ideas. My main focus was to have a space to share experience as well as general opinion about various topics; written in English. Although, occasionally there were entries in Malay and Japanese language, I had made more effort at pursuing writing in English.
As my writing development expands, this blog direction had also came to a single focus – travel. About less than a year ago, I have spent about two days changing and tweaking the blog design and content; making it easier for readers to browse through the content and stuff.

Upcoming streamlined content 
As I travel more in future, I wish to be able to continue sharing experience and information related to all those journeys. This includes numerous pending travel entries currently on my plate.
Travel contents shall be divided into several categories. If you are looking into informative article related to a specific place or events or travel-related product and services, you can look them up easily at the category section.
Of course since my entries are mainly inspired by my personal travel and journeys, there will be sections where I will be writing personalized travel stories.

Consistent content publication
It’s been several months since 2013 arrived, but the blog had only five entries. Starting from June 2013, I will be posting regularly with at least 4 articles per week. I would try to post entries consistently according to category every week.

My old and Non-travel related entries
So, what will happen to my old entries? They will still be available for browsing and reading in this blog. Of course, the old entries (except for travel related stories) would be stashed into a specific category (non-travel posts). Since I also have another blog now, selected few of the old entries would probably be reposted in that blog.

Check out my second blog - 

My Diamond Tears (http://my-diamond-tears.blogspot.com)


Searching for Makiko S online
I am also a guest writer at The Daily Roar, an international travel blog focusing on South East Asia (SEA) region.
Check out the blog at:
The Daily Roar (http://thedailyroar.com/about/) 

Surely, if you “google-d” Makiko S, there will be list of search items available. I am available on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube (links are below). Also, you can always click on the category tab above to head straight out to YT, G+ and FB.

Facebook (Makiko S & Thumbelina@KL)
https://www.facebook.com/MakikoS.and.ThumbelinaKL
Google+ (Makiko S)
https://plus.google.com/u/0/104389974626637182334/posts
Twitter (@MakikoSaba)
http://www.twitter.com/MakikoSaba
Youtube (Makiko S)
http://www.youtube.com/user/MakikoS
Instagram (@MakikoSaba)
http://www.instagram.com/makikosaba

Interact with Makiko S?
Leave a comment here on the blog or just follow any of the social media links to allow you have direct interaction with me. I am usually available for chat or even video chat on FB and Google+; come and say ‘Hi’ to me ^_^

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[NEWS] Bon Odori in December

4:31 PM ACTIVITIES, CULTURE, JAPAN, KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, TRAVEL No Comments

Bon Odori festival is commonly celebrated in Japan in summer. According to Wikipedia, the festival of Obon lasts for three days; however its starting date varies within different regions of Japan. When the lunar calendar was changed to the Gregorian calendar at the beginning of the Meiji era, the localities in Japan reacted differently and this resulted in three different times of Obon. "Shichigatsu Bon" (Bon in July) is based on the solar calendar and is celebrated around 15 July in eastern Japan (Kantō region such as Tokyo, Yokohama and the Tohoku region), coinciding with Chūgen. "Hachigatsu Bon" (Bon in August) is based on the lunar calendar, is celebrated around the 15th of August and is the most commonly celebrated time. "Kyu Bon" (Old Bon) is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, and so differs each year. "Kyu Bon" is celebrated in areas like the northern part of the Kantō region, Chūgoku region, Shikoku, and the Ryukyu Islands. These three days are not listed as public holidays but it is customary that people are given leave.

Several other countries than Japan have also adopted the spirit of Bon Odori in celebration to the unique Japanese culture and traditions. In Malaysia, annually the festivals are held in Shah Alam, Selangor and in Penang. This year, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Look East Policy in the country, University of Malaysia Sabah is proudly bringing the festival to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Perhaps the most interesting part of this event would be the date itself - 1 December 2012. Just as we start the countdown to mark the conclusion of 2012, the organizer aims bring the public closer to the Japanese cultural attributions.

Further details to the event, you may visit the organizer's facebook event page here. Tickets are sold at RM10 and believe me, this is cheap considering the activities and items prepared for everyone to have fun with. So, anyone who happened to be in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on the said date why not add this to your travel calendar? One thing that I know, I am a big fan of Japan and since I am in town...most definitely I will make my way to the venue.

皆さん、いっしょうに行きましょう。

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[Travel] Tanjung Lipat in Kota Kinabalu

5:18 PM ACTIVITIES, MALAYSIA, SABAH, TRAVEL No Comments

Kota Kinabalu is a famous city facing the sea. One no need to travel far to enjoy the sea breeze of Kota Kinabalu. About 20-25 minutes driving from the city center heading towards the biggest university in the state is Tanjung Lipat beach. I had the opportunity to join a barbecue party in early October 2012 there. 

Although the weather was unpredictable throughout the week, we were lucky that the rain stopped just in time when we all had arrived there. I didn't take any picture but had made a video instead to show the area of the open beach. The city council had made the open beach area beautiful and prepared basic necessities for families and groups to enjoy the sea while doing fun activities.

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Experience Asia – Exciting prizes with Hilton and CNNGo

2:32 AM ACTIVITIES, JUST FOR FUN, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY No Comments

UPDATED:
The video has been part of CNNGo channel. All of you are more than welcomed to view it.

It has been a quite month for this blog but worry not, dear readers; as I am gathering more exciting travel stories for everyone's to enjoy. In the meantime, help me grab an opportunity to win interesting travel prize from Hilton and CNNGo.

1. First, please visit this link ;
Experience Asia – Enter to win exciting prizes with Hilton and CNNGo.
(http://adfeature.cnn.com/stayhilton/experienceasia/video/gallery.php?orderby=likes)
2. Second, find my self-made video title "Love for Travel - A Story"

3. Third, click on the video and of course enjoy yourself watching the short clip
4. Lastly, click "LIKE" button below the video, or you can also tweet to share the video.

For more exciting stories, I wish to explore every possible opportunities. This is also part of a journey. Your attention and support is extremely appreciated.

See you soon!!!

Don't wait further. Just CLICK HERE to immediately view & vote..

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[Japan Travel] Experience Onsen in Hakone

3:10 AM ACTIVITIES, ASIA, CULTURE, HAKONE, JAPAN, TOKYO, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY 3 Comments

If you are looking for unique experience while visiting the land of the rising sun, Japan, brace yourself to have a dip in their interesting and beautiful hot spring pool - locally known as ONSEN.

Credit to Tenkai-Japan

My previous short trip to Tokyo in late April 2012 had allowed me to spend some cheerful time with fellow Japanese friends in Hakone. Situated in Kanagawa, it is about 1 1/2 hours of express train ride from Shinjuku. There are few options for travelers to discover the beauty and interesting sceneries in Hakone. Check out Odakyu official page for more information on sight seeing in Hakone. (Detailed story on my Hakone adventure entry)

After a whole day journey discovering Hakone, my girlfriends and I decided to find a place where I could experience outdoor onsen. It was not supposed to be difficult since Hakone area provides excellent choices of onsen for people to choose. A quick taxi ride brought us to a relatively medium sized building, squeezed in between ryokan and hotels, where I was informed that the outdoor onsen is quite nice. While my girlfriends were making inquiries at the reception, I noticed people walking to this building in their yukata. I believe they were from the nearby ryokans or hotels.

You can just walk in without bringing anything, as many onsen places provides basic stuffs for you to use or rent. I was advised to bring my own towel in order to save up a bit on the entrance fees, and if you must use any specific type of bath or shampoo, you may bring them together. Whether it is an indoor or outdoor onsen, they do split bathing area for male and female patrons. At the place we went, I also noticed area or rooms for family (which I believe is for the indoor bath).

Before anyone could jump into the water, please make sure that you have cleaned yourself thoroughly at the designated place. Nudity is common here, so brace yourself once you entered the changing and bathing areas. This was my first time going to an outdoor onsen, so I was a bit doubtful of what am I supposed to do or not. Lucky I had my friends to explain the onsen's etiquette.   

Since I came from a tropical country, taking a dip in hot water is not something easy - my body had to take some time to adjust to the water temperature. However, soon enough, I had found myself being pampered and comforted by the warmth of the hot water in one of the pools at the bathing area. Obviously onsen is one typical activity of Japanese people that involves interaction. You don't simply go to hot spring alone. Many of the patrons were in groups. While my girlfriends were explaining about the art and beauty of hot spring in Japan, I found myself engaged in few other casual conversations with them. 

Just like a sauna, please do not attempt to stay in hot water for long time. After about half an hour, and of course trying all sorts of different pools, we decided to leave the place and head down to grab a drink and snack. Compensating the heat is of course a dash of cool drinks (which includes beers - everyone else was having that on the table). 

I knew from my friends that not many people, especially those from muslim countries, are fond of trying onsen. Since Japan has so many beautiful onsen, I would highly recommend travelers to give it your best shot, for those who are adventurous. 

I would certainly do it again when I am in Japan, next time. If it was not because of the nudity, I would definitely snap few pictures to post it on this entry. Nonetheless, the picture is pretty much the same as what I have experienced recently.

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Finger food versus sago worms

1:28 AM ACTIVITIES, CULTURE, KOTA KINABALU, PRODUCT AND SERVICE REVIEW, SABAH 3 Comments

One of many things I learned, off my travelling passion, is the idiotic urge to try local delicacies - as much as the ones I could consume. I have been in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah for many years and still I often feel like I am here for vacation - when it comes to food hunting. Sabah and Sarawak are known for the uniqueness due to the hundreds aborigines who have been living for as long as anyone could remember; unlike the West Malaysia (aka Malaysian Peninsular) that sees the majority of Malay, Chinese and Indian residing.

KK is a big city. So, it is natural to easily find known Malaysian and international dishes. Out of all side dishes' outlets I have tried, there is one located in Lintas called "Luk Luk", that I particularly kinda like the ambiance. This small shop sells fried finger food - excellent for night snacks. Every piece sold in the shop is RM1 and you can select as much as your stomach could take, while enjoying the snacks with your friends.

I love trying new dishes or food. Ever since I walked the land of Borneo, I have always wanted to taste the 'sago worms'. I knew all along that the worms are a good source of protein and fairly famous among the aborigines in Sarawak and Sabah. So, for many years I scouted highs and lows and noticed that, unlike Sarawak, it is not easy to find a place who sell dish with sago worms here in Kota Kinabalu. However, the raw and living worms are sold in the fresh market.

My crazy urge of the sago worms has finally caught the attention of my housemate. Her father had bought the sago worms for me yesterday. So, this evening for the first time, I googled for recipe - can't help it because all the worms were pretty much squeamish and full of live in the plastic bag. Using a simple recipe from someone in Sarawak, I cleaned up the worms and tossed them into a frying pan.

The end result - a nicely done dish to be served with rice. Me and my housemate had a unique and fulfilling dinner. She always said to me that when she was small, her grandmother used to cook it for the family. I can understand why the sago worms can be one staple dish for the locals here. It tasted somewhere between chicken and prawn. I will definitely give it another go in the future especially if I can eat the dish the way it is originally made.

Either it is made from the factory or comes directly from the bark of a tree, it is an honour for me to have a piece of the local culture. Now I can proudly say to others, "I have eaten and tasted worms, have you ever tried it?"

*Fun fact: Sago worms are also known as Mulong worms; they lived in the sago trees' bark. 

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[Hotel Review] Beringgis Beach Resort and Spa

1:25 AM ACTIVITIES, ASIA, HOTEL REVIEW, MALAYSIA, SABAH, TRAVEL No Comments

At the end of March 2012, I had a chance to join an activity organized by aspiring students of International Business Club from UMS. It was a two days and one night 'rendezvous' session at one of the most beautiful resort that I have ever experience while I am in Sabah. 

Located in Papar, it is actually not so far from Kota Kinabalu. However, you would need to hire a transport in order to reach the place. It was my first time driving alone, so naturally I ended up going the wrong way. However, after making a u-turn and finally found the place, traveling time by car from the city center of Kota Kinabalu is estimated to be about half an hour to 45 minutes. Please take note to those who is driving, do not take the old road heading deeper to Papar. 

Resort Name
Beringgis Beach Resort and Spa

Website Address
http://www.beringgis.com

Facilities Review
There are several types of rooms available. The one I had was spacious and very comfortable. Each wing has several rooms on both levels. However, because the building materials are mostly wood, do take note that you may be mildly disturbed by sound either from outside or from your next door neighbours.

There is no internet or wireless available in rooms and other areas, but there is internet facilities provided in the lobby. Since I wanted a quiet time, no internet access is just what I needed ^_^. 

I am sure the restaurant served delicious foods. As I joined a group of people, we were served at the open deck area. From breakfast to dinner, the dishes served were tasty and just nice for my appetite. 

The swimming pool, which is located at the center where all the rooms are, is a nice place for you to do sun bathing and of course take a dive. However, please be aware of safety since there is no lifeguard stationed at the pool. 

...AND of course they have awesome beach. I could not swim in the water since the wind was strong and the waves were pretty rough. Nonetheless, there are small benches and huts for you to sit or lie down and relax while enjoying the sea.



Room Rates
Please refer to the website.

Personal Rating
4 stars

Pictures from the scene

(Photo Credit to UMS IB Club)

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