Lesbian Singapore – Once Upon a Journey

Lesbian Singapore

Singapore is a modern city that has much to offer. It’s Southeast Asia’s smallest state, a global financial centre, and shopping paradise. It is divers as a blend of Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and English cultures and religions: Singapore is interesting for everyone! We planned on staying for a weekend, but end up staying for an entire week. We wander around the city and see so much!

Initially we were scared to go to The Most Expensive City in the world. But as soon as we arrive in Singapore, we love it. It amazes us how this high-tech city offers so much free things to do! We enjoy every second!

By Roxanne & Maartje – Full Story and Video at Once Upon a Journey

Malaysia: Wonderful Kuching and Bako National Park – Once Upon a Journey

Bako National Park

We’re welcoming a new lesbian travel blogger this week – Once Upon a Journey.

By bus we travel from Brunei to Miri, but we only stay there overnight. The next morning we catch the early bus to Kuching. It is a long bus ride of 716 kilometres (445 miles) in total. We leave Miri at 7am and we arrive in Kuching at 10:30pm, how crazy? We have lots of rain during the day, so it took longer than expected. We’ll stay in Kuching for almost a week before travelling further to Singapore. We find Kuching is a lovely city and Bako National Park, close to Kuching, is one of the highlights of our world trip so far!

ANOTHER COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Our new couchsurfing host Hamady arranges our pick-up at the bus station. He’s a Senegalese professor who lives in Malaysia. Upon arrival at his home we are welcomed open-armed and with pizza! After the long day we can definitely use some pizza. He lives relatively far away from the city centre, but he tells us we don’t need to worry about transportation: he will fix it for us whenever we need.

The next day we go with him to the University where he works. He researches mosquitos at the University of Kuching and we check out his laboratory. We wander around the University and see his work. Together with a friend of Hamady we go to the supermarket to do groceries, for the BBQ at night. Soon we notice we are used to the Dutch way of BBQ with lots of baquette, vegetables, fruit and different kinds of meat. Still we enjoy the BBQ very much – with lots of meat – and have a fun night together.

By Roxanne Weijer – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Malaysia Gay Travel Resources

Gay India – The Nomadic Boys

Gay India - The Nomadic Boys

We spent several months travelling in India as a gay couple, from North to South, and absolutely loved it.

We visited world famous monuments like the Taj Mahal and stunning palaces across Rajasthan. We were in awe at the intense spirituality in Varanasi, chilled in the popular backwaters of Kerala, and loved all the delicious Indian food we tried. But our absolute highlight was the people. The Indians stole our heart. As well as being full of charm and character, they were very hospitable and never disrespectful to us. We found them to be welcoming, curious, very friendly, and eager to show off their country to these two foreigners.

On the face of it, India does not appear to be very gay friendly, particularly as the Supreme Court ruled in 2013 to uphold the colonial laws dating back to 1861 banning sex between two consenting men. Whilst this law was decriminalised by the High Court of Delhi in 2009, it was subsequently overturned by the Supreme Court because the judges concluded that such an amendment should be left to parliament to decide, and not the judiciary. The law is thankfully being reviewed again in the Supreme Court – a testament to how strong the LGTBQ community is in India.

In practice, gay relationships do of course exist and thrive in India, as they do in any other country. However, social norms in India tend to discourage public display of affection no matter sexual orientation.

But do the maths – this is a country with a population of over 1.3 billion people, which means statistically there are around 130 million gay boys waiting to welcome you.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

India Gay Travel Resources

Tips for Gay Chinese Travelers Visiting the USA – The Nomadic Boys

Gay Chinese Travelers - United States - The Nomadic Boys

The USA has some of the best gay destinations in the world. Despite the bad press it has received recently, there are many pink havens here ranging from San Francisco, New York, Key West and Fire Island. We always love visiting the States and always feel very comfortable travelling here as a gay couple.

Chinese travellers visiting the US has increased exponentially over the past few years, with more and more gay Chinese travellers also choosing the US for their vacation, with companies like Cuke Travel and Blue Ribbon servicing the Chinese LGBTQ travel community.

These are our 5 tips for gay Chinese travelers visiting the USA to make their travel easier and more enjoyable.

Getting A USA Visa for Gay Chinese Travelers

Chinese travellers heading to the US will need to complete the EVUS application form beforehand. If travelling to the US as a “visitor”, you will be eligible for a tourist visa. Tourist visas are the ideal category to apply for because they are processed much quicker than other visa types – around 24 hours, and no more than 72 hours. You’re visa is then emailed to you, which saves time.

To qualify for a tourist visa, you need to state that the reason for travelling to the US is tourism, you have Chinese citizenship, and all supporting documents requested in the application form are included.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Queer Ho Chi Minh – Passport Magazine

Ho Chi Minh - pixabay

Ho Chi Minh City has the country’s biggest LGBT population. Vietnam has never had any anti-gay laws, and is relaxed and tolerant of gay and lesbian visitors.

For a generation of Americans, Vietnam is synonymous with the brutal war that raged here just a few decades ago. The first wave of US combat troops arrived in Vietnam in 1965, and remained until the signing of the Paris Peace Accords in 1973 that brought America’s military involvement in the war to an end. The war itself continued until 30 April 1975, when the People’s Army of Vietnam and the Vietcong liberated the southern Vietnamese capital, Saigon.

Veterans who returned played a role in improving ties between the two countries. Their presence also helped Vietnam to develop as a tourist destination, and today Vietnam boasts all the accoutrements that international travelers demand. Although veterans have reliably returned for decades, this generation is aging, but fortunately for Vietnam’s ongoing tourism economy, a whole new generation has begun to appreciate the country’s diverse offerings: including charming old cities like Hanoi and Hoi An, pristine beaches, and the vibrant and colorful metropolis formerly known as Saigon.

Saigon became Ho Chi Minh City (abbreviated HCMC) in 1976 in honor of North Vietnam’s first leader, the communist revolutionary Ho Chi Minh. Although the city’s top-ranking sites relate to the Vietnam War, there’s now a much broader range of cultural attractions competing for the top spots on Tripadvisor, including boat cruises, foodie tours, and spa experiences.

By Stuart Haggas – Full Story at Passport Magazine

Vietnam Gay Travel Resources

 

Galle Fort in Sri Lanka – Keep Calm and Wander

Galle Fort in Sri Lanka - Keep Calm and Wander

On my walking tour around Galle Fort, I was accompanied by Swiss friend I’ve never seen in a long time. We met and started our walking tour at the Clock Tower and ended it there, too. But before we burned calories and hardened our calves, we had our lunch first at the former Dutch Hospital. And we talked everything that happened in our lives since the last time we saw each other.

Galle Fort. It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century but heavily fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site in 1988 for it shows a unique fusion of local and Dutch architectural traditions – that are still visible until today.

Multi-religious Community. You’d be surprise to know that people of all faiths live inside the fortress. You’ll see a mosque, a church and a temple within distance from each other.

Free Admission. I have been to may forts in my travels and this is the very first one that is open to the public and tourists – for free. Yay!

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Sri Lanka Gay Travel Resources

On The Road From Kandy to Nuwara Eliya – Keep Calm and Wander

On The Road From Kandy to Nuwara Eliya - Keep Calm and Wander

The scenic ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is one I’d never forget too soon. We meandered on a narrow highway that goes nowhere but up. As we ascend, the views down the valleys and hills are getting better and more splendid. I had to open the car window to feel the cool mountain breeze so pure it sent my spine tingling.

We had a couple of stops, too – either for more fresh coconut juice or for panoramic views. We stopped for an hour at Blue Field Tea Plantation and Factory for a quick tour and photoshoot. On our way, we passed by so many tea plantations that I lost count.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Sri Lanka Gay Travel Resources

The Pedro Tea Estate in Nuwara Eliya – Keep Calm and Wander

Pedro Tea Estate - Keep Calm and Wander

Nuwara Eliya is known for its Pedro Tea Estate. Lucky me, the House of Leisure where I stayed is overlooking the tea plantation. The views were stunning from my vantage point – the balcony. We arrived at the accommodation just in time for the sunset. After admiring the stunning scenery below, I asked the receptionist which way I could go down to the tea estate. I grabbed my jacket and explored the emerald field – alone. I didn’t see anyone there. The tea pickers must have resigned for the day already. Down the valley and across the field, three kids waved at me and I waved back. I sat down on a huge rock and enjoyed the golden sun hiding behind the mountains.

Tea Factory Tour

Pedro Tea Estate Factory offers a 20-minute tour during the day. However, I was told that there’s not much going on inside because the factory does their production at night – when the temperature is low. And oh, while on tour, you’ll get to wear their green uniforms!

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

LOCATION Gay Travel Resources

Sandakphu on a Budget – Seattle Lesbian

India - Pixabay

A trek in the hills is the perfect getaway from the dull city life. The crisp mountain air and the thrill of scaling summits – such is the magnetism of trekking in the hills. If you are an adventure-seeker keen on experiencing the outdoors, Sandakphu is close by. Easy to reach from the eastern part of India, it features on the bucket-list of many eager travelers.

Trains ply to the New Jalpaiguri Junction, the railway station nearest to Sandakphu. From New Jalpaiguri, you will find buses and cars to take you to the charming hill station of Darjeeling. Plan your trek from there. It does not have to cost the earth. With careful planning and prior bookings, you can trek to Sandakphu on a budget and also squeeze in a mini-vacation in Darjeeling. Here is how you complete a trek to Sandakphu on a humble budget.

THE SONG OF SINGALILA

Sandakphu is the highest summit of the Singalila Range. This trek is also called the Singalila Trek as it will take you along the Singalila Range. Visitors flock to Sandakphu for panoramic views of the Himalayas – Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.

By Samantha Martin – Full Story at Seattle Lesbian

India Gay Travel Resources

The Lion Rock of Sigiriya – Keep Calm and Wander

Lion Rock of Sigiriya - Keep Calm and Wander

The Lion Rock of Sigiriya is touted by Sri Lanka’s Tourism Board as the Eight Natural Wonder of the World. In its tourism campaigns, Sigiriya Rock (its other name) is a ubiquitous poster attraction – to the extent it’s almost becoming synonymous to the country itself. Ask anyone who had been to Sri Lanka about what to see – the usual response would be: climb the Sigiriya Rock. Google Sri Lanka – and guess what image pops up first? That’s right – Sigiriya Rock! There’s no doubt that this is the country’s most-visited tourist destination.

A Massive Rock. The Lion Rock of Sigiriya is an enormous rock that sprang out in the middle of a jungle. You would really wonder why and how on earth this happened in a middle of a forested flatland. The other towering natural formation you could find in the area is the Pidurangala Rock that stands less than a kilometre away. These two gigantic rocks are the only “skyscrapers” you could find, surrounded by endless plains shielded in tropical trees and vegetation.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Sri Lanka Gay Travel Resources