International Travel
Indonesia
Bali - Reccomendations
Jimbaran Beach Cafe - Jimbaran Beach Cafe is a nice spot for enjoying dinner on the beach. The fresh seafood coupled with sambal, an Indonesian hot sauce, will be a fulfilling meal after a long day of excursions.
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple - The Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is a temple that was built in the 1600's for Hindu Gods, Brajma, Vishnu, and Shima, as well as the Balinese lake Goddess Dewi Danu. As you enter the area, you can see three tiered shrines, each associated with one of the Hindu Gods. The area also has a beautiful garden for you to see. The temples lie on the coast of Lake Beratan.
Tegenungan Waterfall - Located in Ubud, it is an easy waterfall to visit. There is no entrance fee, and it is a quick walk down to the waterfall from the parking spot. It has a great swimming spot, if you are looking for a place to cool down.
Bali - Tips
Be mindful of the food you eat and the water you drink. Because tap water is not as closely regulated in Bali as it is in the U.S., the water used for cooking or served as regular water or in drinks might not be thoroughly filtered. As a result, you might end up with food poisoning, which will dramatically change your abilities to participate in the rest of your planned trip.
As you walk around the island, you might notice little baskets on the ground filled with different offerings. These are known to be Canang sari, which are offerings made by Balinese Hindus to welcome their gods. So remember to be on the lookout for these and avoid stepping on them or moving them around.
When traveling to Bali, if possible, go with someone who is familiar with the island. If not, then do your research. It is easy to fall into tourist traps and pay a lot more than what is necessary if you are evidently a tourist who has not done their research on the island. Bartering is also common, so don’t be afraid to barter!
Bali - Overall thoughts
I visited Bali in 2018, so it has been a while since I've been there, but Bali is a destination that will never leave anyone disappointed. From the gorgeous beaches to the breath-taking waterfalls, there is so much to explore on the island. Because the U.S. dollar is much stronger than the Indonesian rupiah, it is easy to vacation in Bali on a budget. The only huge expense will be the flight to get there, as for Americans it is on the other side of the world.
Jakarta - Reccomendations
Grand Indonesia - When it comes to shopping malls, Jakarta, Indonesia knows how to do it right. If you are a shopping fiend, you must visit Grand Indonesia in Central Jakarta. It is a mall consisting of 8 floors, with stores that'll capture everyone in the family's attention. It may be overwhelming at first due to its massive size, but it is a fun place to explore if you are looking to spend some time indoors.
Mountains in Bandung - If you travel just two hours outside of Jakarta, you can make it to Bandung. Bandung is a large city in West Java, surrounded by many mountains. I haven't had the opportunity to hike the mountains around Bandung, but that is something I hope to do in the near future. Along many of the hikes, you'll come across waterfalls showcasing Indonesia's natural beauty.
Yogyakarta - Yogyakarta, more commonly known as “Jogja”, is a city located in East Java. It is filled with traditional arts and a cultural heritage. There are many temples to visit and lots of traditional foods to try. Although not known for its gelato, I went to a Tempo Gelato, which had delicious gelato, so I highly recommend going there!
Jakarta Tips
When going on hikes in Bandung, be aware of the monkeys. Although characterized as sweet, friendly animals in many cartoons, these stealthy animals will catch you off guard and possibly snatch a pair of sunglasses or jewelry off you.
Getting around Jakarta can be exhausting due to the insane traffic. A drive that would normally take 15 minutes in a car can take over an hour due to the traffic. To spend less time on the road, I recommend downloading the Gojek app. With Gojek, you can ride on the back of a motorcyclist's bike. The costs are low, and it is a speedy way to get around the city.
Jakarta - Overall thoughts
I have visited the island of Java three times. The majority of my family lives in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, located in West Java . Without a doubt, my favorite part about visiting Java, aside from seeing my family of course, is being able to try all of the authentic Indonesian dishes there. The dishes are bombarded with a variety of spices, the complete opposite from American cuisine.
Canada
Montreal - Reccomendations
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts - If you are an art enthusiast, you can't miss out on the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. My favorite exhibit was the Basquiat and Music exhibit, which showcases a handful of the hundreds of art pieces Basquiat has worked on in his short life. The entrance fee for those under the age of 21 is free, so definitely stop by here if you get the chance.
La Date Karaoke Bar - This was a fun spot for enjoying a couple of drinks before heading out to the clubs. If you're not a professional singer but would still like to sing up on a stage, I highly recommend going here. The people are fun and will cheer you on, or if you would rather just listen to the different groups singing up on the stage that is okay too! My friends and I sang Taylor Swift's You Belong WIth Me, which was evidently a crowd favorite.
Matcha Zanmai - If you love matcha, you absolutely need to go here. Their soft serve matcha ice cream is a treat to indulge after a long day of exploring the city. It is the perfect amount of sweet and refreshing. I haven't tried their other items on the menu, but because they all include high quality matcha, I am sure they are all just as good.
Montreal - Tips
Plan your meals!!! Montreal has the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America. Once you arrive in the city, you will be overwhelmed with the number of food options and all the different cuisines offered. To save time, do research ahead of time and figure out where you want to eat, because the city offers lots of potential.
I found it difficult looking for parking. There were many time restrictions with the street parking, so I recommend just keeping your car at a garage and plan on getting around the city by walking, taking public transportation, or ubering. Ubering was relatively cheap due to the currency exchange.
I also recommend going during the warmer seasons, because Montreal can get pretty cold, considering how far up north it is.
Montreal - Overall thoughts
Montreal is a gorgeous city to visit. It is only two hours away from my university. The nightlife offered is an upgrade from the nightlife scene in downtown Burlington. There are many fun shops to explore, foods to eat, and sites to see.
Quebec City - Reccomendations
Montmorency Falls - Montmorency Falls is not too far from downtown Quebec City. It is a massive waterfall that is about 83 meters high. There are parks near the waterfalls, which make for perfect spots for picnics.
Old Quebec City - Old Quebec City is a fascinating place to explore for those who are interested in architecture. The architecture of the buildings definitely give a bit of a European feel in the Western hemisphere.
Quebec City Tips
I didn't visit Quebec City during the festive months, but Quebec City is a beautiful city to explore during the winter months. Quebec City has the only ice hotel in all of North America, Hotel de Glace, which you won't be able to visit during the summer time. So if you get the chance to visit in the winter time, I highly recommend it!
Quebec City - Overall thoughts
I didn't spend too much time in Quebec City, but it was a good place to travel to for a quick weekend road trip. The food and drinks were a delight.
Table
| City | Currency | Population | Language Spoken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandung | Indonesian Rupiah | 2.6 million | Indonesian and English |
| Jakarta | Indonesian Rupiah | 10.6 million | Indonesian and English |
| Ubud | Indonesian Rupiah | 74800 | Indonesian and English |
| Montreal | Canadian Dollar | 1.78 million | French and English |
| Quebec City | Canadian Dollar | 705103 | French and English |
| Source 1 | |||
| Source 2 | |||