Malaysia Adventure: Planning An Active And Thrilling Getaway

BY  Sibashree Jan 22, 2026

Is Koh Tao safe? Now, this is the question everyone is asking about Koh Tao these days. The reason? This island of stunning beauty has suddenly become the “Death Island.” Since 2014, the news of foreign tourists dying or going missing on the island has been common. But this is not the season that makes Koh Tao famous. Let me share with you a fascinating story about how I felt when I visited Koh Tao for the first time. We really had our toes in the sand, and you have to be here to understand how this island is the crown jewel of the sustainable tourism and green economy initiatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. “What adds to Koh Tao’s success is the whole-of-society mindset shift that we have seen over the past few years. We’ve seen an evolution from just trying to raise profits and attract more tourists to creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious tourism experience that truly makes Koh Tao unique. I am thrilled to see the results of UNDP BIOFIN’s work that has contributed to this change and will continue to support local communities in working towards Thailand’s ambitious climate priorities.” - Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand. BIOFIN stands for Biodiversity Finance Initiative. It has played an active role in convincing the diving and fishing communities here about the importance of protecting the biodiversity and marine life. Nevertheless, this Turtle Island is gorgeous, and it is also pristine. So, along with celebrated locations such as Raja Ampat in Indonesia, Koh Tao is also emerging as a place to encounter stunning marine life and beautiful reefs. The First Impression At Koh Tao I don’t know whether it is the “Fortune favors the brave” trick or something else. But I visited Koh Tao in July with my girl gang and found a clear sky to our greatest surprise. However, the experience at Mae Haad Pier was not that pleasant. The crowd was endless when we were trying to get off the ferry. The men were bare-skinned, and they were hauling their backpacks. Furthermore, a few Thai men kept asking, “Where are you going?” It was very confusing whether to answer them first or jump off the ferry first! I am an introvert, and suddenly there was too much energy around me. So, it took me a while to get accustomed to the crowd. But after that, it was absolutely okay. Koh Tao Is Growing: And We Saw How The Infrastructure Is Changing Do you know that the first adventure travelers arrived at Koh Tao in 1977? They took the coconut and fish transport boats to reach this island for diving. Since then, infrastructure development on Koh Tao has been significant. The concrete streets are clean. Also, many shops, restaurants, and hotels looked new. Also, the shops' advertising was quite cool, and along with the pharmacies and cafes serving espresso, there were motorbike rental shops. Now, motorbikes are the best way if you want to explore this small town at your own pace. The rental price starts at around 150-200 THB per day. Another great thing was the availability of ATMs. It was such a relief! Moreover, the crowd buzz was just right as it was the rainy season. It was enough to soak in the local culture. However, we always got our spots at the cafes and restaurants. In addition, we were using the TrueMove connection, and the coverage was quite decent throughout the island. Getting Around Koh Tao The island is walkable. Furthermore, moving around was pretty easy with the motorbikes, taxis, and ferris being frequent. Also, Koh Tao is close to the Koh Samui Airport and the Chumphon Airport on the Thai mainland. So, since it does not have its own airport, the initial transit can be challenging.  What Are The Things To Do On Koh Tao?  Scuba diving, hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the beaches are the best things to do on Koh Tao. Here are more details. 1. Scuba Diving You can get your PADI certification, and there are as many as 84 dive schools on the island. “We produce around 100000 PADI certfied divers every year. This is an affordable place and the price you get here is matchless.”  • Kim, Big Blue Diving,  Other diving companies we got to know about there were Roctopus Dive, Goodtime Adventure, and Ban’s Diving Resort. However, diving here has seasonal specialties. For example, January to May is the best time for diving. Having said that, February is the month if you want to enjoy a swim with the whale sharks. 2. Hiking Koh Tao has many beautiful viewpoints, and you can easily hike along any of them. These viewpoints are:  Two View  John Suwan Viewpoint  Chalok Viewpoint  Mango Bay Viewpoint  Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint  Love @ Khao Tao Viewpoint  We started our day early so we could enjoy the fresh air and complete the walk before it got crowded.  3. Exploring The Koh Tao Beaches We were impressed to witness the initiatives to protect the beaches of the island. Stunning is an understatement for them. Also, for lazy travelers like us, these beaches are the best things about Koh Tao. Now, you will get many beaches with palm trees, white sands, and aqua blue water. However, I have seldom seen beaches being so sincere about the recycling programs and cleanups. We relaxed in our hammocks and allowed the sea breeze to caress our cheeks and hair. Furthermore, among the beaches we visited, Ao Chalok Ban Kao and Sai Daeng were my silent favorites. Those beaches were quiet. Also, as we visited Koh Tao in the monsoon, the more touristy ones, such as Tanote Beach, Sairee Beach, and Ao Luek, were not that crowded. These are usually full during the peak months. Pro Tip The sand is beautiful on Koh Tao beaches. But it is not smooth. So, you will need your flip flops. Chaloke Harbor was an exception. But most beaches have the remains of the bleached coral. So, make sure that you don’t cut your feet.  Moreover, these beaches offer amazing sunrise and sunset views. 4. Nightlife On Koh Tao We were on Koh Tao till around 9 PM, and by then the bars had come to life, and we could hear the rock and pop music they were playing. The quiet vibe of the island is gone after sundown. The groups of divers and young tourists here get busy with tropical cocktails and local beers. Also, the fire dancers were putting up their shows. One more thing I learned from a local pub owner. You can be a part of the Pub Crawl here three times a week. Friday, Wednesday, and Monday are the days. Along with all these activities, you can also try ocean kayaking and rock climbing. Furthermore, snorkeling at Hin Wong Reef is a lot of fun.  How Is Koh Tao Making A Successful Ecotourism Movement  It was fascinating to see how all the people and local businesses of Koh Tao came together to reduce the impact on the environment. With around 500000 visitors here every year, the small island gets a lot of waste. Most wastage comes from the packaging and construction work. Food waste and bathroom waste amounts are also quite high. Now, non-profit organizations such as Trash Hero Koh Tao are working to make the island clean. They encourage the locals and the visitors to get involved in the reef and beach clean-up drives. When you clean the waste with your own hands and see what the plastic bags, bottles, and straws do to the sea and the marine animals, you will never throw them carelessly. Furthermore, the hotels here play a proactive role. We chose Ban’s Diving Resort for our stay, and they have a separate section to make detergents and soaps from organic waste. Also, they compost the fruit scraps and vegetable waste and use the gray water, along with sorting the recyclables. Moreover, the food they serve at their restaurants has vegetables from their organic gardens. Is Koh Tao Safe To Visit?  Back to where I started this article. The recent cases of tourist deaths have been a bad patch for the reputation of Koh Tao. Though it has been years now, it felt weird seeing such a scarce presence of police here. I think I last saw some officers at Mae Haad Pier. Also, it was even more alarming here to know that most officers don’t understand or speak English. However, the local people here and business owners here are so committed to maintaining the sanctity of the place that we did not have any problem during our stay. We were a bunch of women, and we never even felt unsafe. Tips To Follow If You Want To Visit Koh Tao Safely  Are you renting a motorbike? You must click all the scratches on the vehicle, and your rental agency will need a photocopy of your passport.  Furthermore, keep the international driver's permit for motorcycle driving handy and wear your helmet. Moreover, don’t forget to get travel insurance. You cannot stroll at night alone. Be with a group, and even if you are going to the bay alone in the daytime, keep your hotel staff member informed. Be mindful of how much you are drinking. The buckets can seem fun, but they are traps, and sometimes they are drugged. When you are on the speedboats, you have to wear life jackets. It does not matter if you can swim or not. Koh Tao Is Beautiful But A Bit Overhyped  Koh Tao deserves all the accolades for its sustainable tourism initiatives. However, I think it is a bit overhyped if you are not diving. For a diver, it is an excellent place to get the PADI certification and explore the coral reefs. The beaches are good, but not something that you won’t find anywhere in Bangkok or anywhere else. So, it’s a 5/10 kind of experience for me. What’s your take on this? Read Also: What Is The Ultimate Luang Prabang Itinerary Planner For Solo Travelers? What Are The Best Restaurants In Cape Town? What Are The Best São Tomé Eco-Lodges?

BY  Sibashree Aug 8, 2024

Israel is not only a destination for fun, history, and cultural vibrancy. It is a place with a wide array of captivating places. With many options to choose from, your next family vacation in Israel can be overwhelming. From visiting the extraordinary city of Tel Aviv to seeing the World Heritage sites like Jerusalem, Israel has an abundance of attractive places.  In order to make your vacations a pact to remember forever, you need to include the best of what Israel offers. This guide will make sure your next family vacation in Israel is all about enjoyment, making memories, and living up to the fullest. Read out to find more. Exploring the Best Places in Israel Before you start your family trip, make sure to jolt down all the important and famous attractions. Get started with: Tel Aviv You can enjoy the beaches, which are the perfect spot for family outings. Tel Aviv is home to some famous beaches, where you can enjoy the clean sands, calm water, and nearby cafes.  A one-day trip isn’t enough for a big city like Tel Aviv. There are too many things to explore. You can start with the Camel Market. The bustling atmosphere of the city and the colorful market is attractive.  Rothschild Boulevard, one of the main thoroughfares of Tel Aviv, attracts tourists who want to walk alongside the beautifully lined Bauhaus buildings. Plus, there is the Independence Hall and, more importantly, the beach promenade.  The ancient city of Jaffa, the flea market, and the port area of Jaffa are great places for tourists to walk around. Aviv Museum of Art is a place harboring artworks from artists from around the world. You will absolutely love the classic Israeli artworks that are on display.  Jerusalem Witness the history unfolding with your family by visiting Jerusalem. You can explore the Old City, Museum, and Yad Vashem with your children. The city of Jerusalem holds great significance in the history of the world, its culture, and religion. You can start by visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. You will see the place for the crucifixion, resurrection, and the tomb of Jesus Christ.  There are also other biblical places like Mount Olive or Temple Mount, which is a great place for a family vacation in Israel. The Israel Museum is a must-visit place if you are taking a tour of Jerusalem. The Old City of Jerusalem, which has been announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place of devotion for Christians, Jews, and Muslims.  Dead Sea Make sure to traverse the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea with your family. The ancient fortress of Masada is an attraction in the Dead Sea. The ruins of King Herod’s palace are one of the most attractive sights to see in the Dead Sea.  Situated on the edge of the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi is the largest oasis of the Judean Desert. Plus, there are places like Kalia Beach and Ein Bokek, a resort town, which are the best, according to the opinions of many.  The nature reserve, called Nachal David Stream, is also a sight for special attraction in the Dead Sea. It’s a great place for hiking, and the natural waters of this place are also attractive. There are too many places and resorts for you to relax and spend your time.  Desert Adventure  If your family is enthusiastic about adventures, The Negev desert is your go-to place. You can enjoy family-friendly hikes and stargazing.  We would definitely recommend taking your time for a jeep tour with the Bedouins in the desert. They are open for these tours every day. Plus, you can do sandboarding in the desert.  The Negev dessert is the best for star gazing and night tours. Plus, there are desert buggies if you are in for some rough race.  Looking for Family-Friendly Hotels or Accommodations Finding the right place for your family is the first thing you do once you reach Israel. It is a place where you can get all types of accommodations based on your family's size and needs.  While your vacations in Israel largely depend on your budget, you can find the right place in the bustling city. You can easily find youth hostels, mansions, vacation rentals, and remote campsites. In Jerusalem, you can get to choose from a large number of hotels suitable for families. They are equipped with family rooms and kids' clubs. Tel Aviv hotels offer beach-front views, along with innate boutique facilities.  Similarly, accommodations in the Dead Sea are mostly spa-style hotels and resorts. You can easily get luxury space with popular small beds. If your family size is quite large, try renting a vacation home or apartment for comfort and flexibility. Pro Tips for a Family Vacation Planning and Preparing Ahead: Planning is the first step towards successive outcomes. When you are traveling with your family, plan beforehand about the places you will visit, along with budget requirements. Consider Safety: Israel is generally a safe and peaceful space for tourists. But stay updated with the situation of any place you are visiting with your family. Transportation: You can easily access the public transport system in Israel, which is quite excellent. However, you can also rent a car to ensure flexibility with your family. Food Availability and Other Amenities: You can easily find family-friendly cuisines in Israel. You can also try to look for places with free Wi-Fi connections and other activities. Conclusion You can create everlasting memories with your family the next time you visit Israel. With diverse places and adventurous offers, you can make your next family vacation in Israel a rich and unforgettable experience. There is too much to explore in Israel. The culture of southern Israel and the Negev food and wine leave all sorts of imprints in your senses. A red canyon shuttle from Eilat is just as memorable as the stargazing night safaris in the desert. Read more of our articles to find such amazing places to visit and build memories out of your tours. Thanks. Read More: Seamless Connectivity In Argentina: Exploring Esim Cards And Beyond For Travelers Find Hotels Near Rome’s Top Attractions And What Parts Of The City To Stay In Combining Travel Themes with Your Event Invitations

BY  Ankita Apr 25, 2024

Is Barcelona your next dream destination? Plan your trip so that you can gain the most positive experience from it. Here’s a list of the most assorted destinations you need to visit in Barcelona and activities you can enjoy in this 'City of Counts.'  Dive deep into this guide, as we have also provided you with the best time to travel to Barcelona. How To Reach Barcelona? You can get from the airport to the city center by metro. The train stops right at the terminal. The branch line connecting El Prat Airport to the center of Barcelona was opened in 2016. Only automatically operated trains run on it. Driverless trains follow a set route with a programmed speed, which depends on passenger traffic. You can buy a one-time ticket, but it is more profitable to take a card for ten trips. The Main Attraction One of the main attractions of the city is the statue of Jesus Christ, perched on top of the temple on Mount Tibidabo. It is Barcelona's highest point, located 512 meters above sea level. The slope can be approached by cable car, but many tourists prefer hiking routes. As legend says, the heart of a person who overcomes the path to the top of Tibidabo on foot will become open to boundless love. Another way to explore the Statue of Christ, the surroundings of Mount Tibidabo, and other sights of the capital of Catalonia is to take a helicopter trip of Barcelona. You will be able to enjoy stunning views with your loved one, take unique photos and videos, and have an unforgettable experience. When traveling to Barcelona, one of the best times to enjoy the majestic statue of Jesus Christ is during the spring and summer months. From April to June, you can visit the statue around 9 am to avoid crowds.  You can visit the statue any other time, but you might find it crowded. After all, it's a main attraction. Along with the statue view, enjoy the exceptional view of the 'City of Counts.' A City Of Contrast: Best Places to Visit In Barcelona Barcelona is a city of contrasts. Ancient cathedrals and temples here peacefully coexist with noisy bars full of young people. Such diversity attracts a lot of tourists. So, which places can you visit after visiting the main attraction of Jesus Christ in the 'City of Counts?' The Montjuic Mountain Are you a fan of unusual excursions? Then definitely give the Montjuic Mountain a visit. Here, you will find a park and cemetery on Montjuic Mountain. Montjuic Cemetery is called the city of the dead.  Here, you can rent a "dwelling" for a deceased relative for 15, 25, or 50 years. More than 150 thousand people are buried in the "city of the dead." Here, you can find the graves of great musicians and artists.  On Montjuic Mountain, you can also visit the castle built in the 17th century. It has several thematic expositions, cafes, and observation decks.  Admission is paid, but there is a 50% discount for young people. The best time to travel to Barcelona to get the best experience of The Montjuic Mountain is from April to July. You can also visit this place during the autumn months, from September to November. Parc del Laberint d’Horta The Labyrinth of Horta in Barcelona is the oldest park in Catalonia. In the center of the labyrinth, there is a small square where the statue of love is located. There are eight paths leading from it in different directions.  Wandering through the labyrinth, you can meet travelers from different countries. This place is very much loved by tourists. By the way, this is where the 2006 film "The Labyrinth of Faun" was shot.  The best time to travel to Barcelona to visit the Labyrinth of Horta is during the springtime or during the fall. The reason is the climate, which is much milder during these two seasons, so you can enjoy exploring the labyrinth. Basilica Of The Sagrada Familia Are you aware of the fact that the Basilica Of The Sagrada Familia has been listed on UNESCO's list of unconventional churches?It is among those places that will fill your heart with immense pleasure. The church has 18 colossal spindle towers encompassing it, thus crafting a gothic appeal.  You are bound to leave awestruck not only by the exteriors of the church but the interiors as well. The decorative ceiling and the Crucifix all tell you the story of Jesus Christ and his life of birth, death, and resurrection. The best time to travel to Barcelona to visit the Basilica of The Sagrada Familia is in the mornings or during sunsets. It's less crowded during the mornings, usually at 9 am. You will get the best sunset view reflected in the interiors of the church at 5 pm. Click the magical pictures of the church during this time. Palau De La Musica Catalana Palau De La Musica Catalana is a popular opera hall from the 19th century created by Lluis Domenech i Montaner. The latter is an infamous architect and artist.  This beautiful structure will mesmerize you with its intricate, detailed mosaic work. The opera hall boasts decorated columns and exteriors influenced by Catalan Modernism. The best time to travel to Barcelona to see the 19th century opera hall is from 10 am to 3 pm. Your entry fee will be around 16 Euros per head. Best Foods You Can Try In Barcelona Sweet lovers should definitely try the popular Catalan desserts: Crema Catalana, a delicate caramelized cream, and Turrón, a nut and honey nougat. The most popular drink in Barcelona is sangria. This is a low-alcohol fruit wine. It tastes very good, but it's better not to abuse it on a hot day. Jamon is a traditional snack in Barcelona. It consists of thin slices of dry-cured ham. Unexpectedly, Catalans prefer to serve jamon with slices of fresh melon. Conclusion Now that you are aware of all the things you can explore and visit in Barcelona, tell us which place you will start your tour from. Also, the best time to travel to Barcelona necessarily means you have to visit the city at that specific time.  You can also visit the 'City Of Counts' whenever you wish based on your preference. However, the traveler should be very careful. Pickpocketing is not uncommon in the city, especially in crowded areas for holidaymakers. Read Also: First-Time In Spain? Try These 5 Insider Tips To Enjoy The Experience Nature Escapes Near Bilbao: Mountains, Beaches, And Coastal Beauty Day Trips From Cleveland: Discovering Cuyahoga Valley National Park