Asia

Lesbian Kerala: God’s Own Country – Once Upon a Journey

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Lesbian Kerala: God's Own Country - Once Upon a Journey

It isn’t without reason that Kerala, India, is known as God’s Own Country. This green state in southwest India has beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes. But foremost, it’s the people that make your trip here so special. The people have created a different kind of life than the rest of the country. A life that revolves around nature. In Kerala, every human act is a way of connecting with nature. 

You will probably travel to southern India because you’ve seen the most beautiful landscape pictures, and you will fall in love with the state because of its people. People that are hospitable, loving, and kind. People that live in the present and make you appreciate moments while they last. 

While traveling, it’s important to feel at home, and in “lesbian Kerala” we certainly do. Yes, you certainly need to get used to those spicy curries (who doesn’t?) but it’s a region in India you MUST explore. There’s so much to do and discover here. We will give you our best tips for your Kerala trip in this short Kerala travel guide.

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

Lesbian India Travel Resources

Indonesia’s Floating Temple – Keep Calm and Wander

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Indonesia's Floating Temple - Keep Calm and Wander

Indonesia’s Floating Temple

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in Bedugul, in the highlands of Bali, gains its monicker as Indonesia’s Floating Temple as it is on the edge of Lake Beratan. However, the structure is not literally floating on the lake. It depends on where you stand, the temple, at a far distance, looks like it is buoyed up. 

On the day I visited it, the water was so low that it didn’t really look like I expected it to be. It was disappointing to me because I already knew how/where I want my photos taken. Backdropped with a gorgeous mountain, the complex reveals its beauty on a sunny day. As it is on the highlands, the weather changes from time to time.

I was lucky that on the day I visited it, the sun cooperated. But as soon as I was done, a thick cloud revealed, and rain came.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Indonesia Gay Travel Resources

Finding Gay China – The Nomadic Boys

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Gay China - The Nomadic Boys

Picking out the best vacation destination is a challenge, which is why we’re here to give you a simple word of advice: don’t be sleeping on the Sleeping Giant!

It seems a common misconception that China only represents oppression and a loss of freedom. We definitely understand concerns from the LGBTQ community regarding discrimination, but allow us to assure you that most Chinese citizens are respectful, kind, and almost too eager to receive visitors from all walks of life. Welcome to gay China!

As one of the world’s first civilizations, there has been more than enough time for specific Chinese cultures to steep like an exquisite cup of tea. Seemingly every region of China offers its own distinctive cuisine, architectural wonders, and natural sights. The country provides boundless opportunities for exciting travel from the countless pagodas and temples to the towering mountains and shining bodies of water. And that’s not even mentioning the gay bars, clubs, and saunas that can be found in some of gay China’s more progressive cities.

As daunting a task vacation planning can be, just follow our comprehensive guide to gay travel in China, and you will surely leave the country with a smile on your face.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Gay China Travel Resources

Indonesia’s “Broken Beach” – Keep Calm and Wander

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Broken Beach - Keep Calm and Wander

The Broken Beach in Nusa Penida is one of the most-visited tourist attractions on the small island, next to Bali. But is it really broken? When I saw it personally, I couldn’t figure out why they call it as such. Nothing there is broken.

Broken Beach Views

As you can see in these photos, there is a natural bridge with a natural arched tunnel under it. The water passes through the tunnel and smashes to the small beach below.

Of course, there’s no way going down to the beach, except taking a boat tour – as we were told. You see, the area is circular, and the hole in the middle forms a 50-200 meters high cliff. It is a unique rock formation and truly one of the island’s natural wonders.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Indonesia Gay Travel Resources

Indonesia’s Jatiluwih Rice Terraces – Keep Calm and Wander

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Indponesia's Jatiluwih Rice Terraces - Keep Calm and Wander

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is really beautiful. I mean, it won’t be called Jatiluwih if it’s not really stunning, right? I was told that “jati” means real, and “luwih” translates as beautiful or good. You see, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You might wonder why but when you are standing there, you’d understand why.

Its five rice terraces are interconnected with a brilliant water irrigation system, known as subak, that goes through canals and low head dams. These water management systems mirror the philosophical belief of Tri Hita Karana, which brings all together with the balance of nature, of the spirit, and the human world.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Indonesia Gay Travel Resources

Indonesia’s Kelingking Beach – Keep Calm and Wander

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Indonesia's Kelingking Beach - Keep Calm and Wander

Yes, Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida is your ultimate hiking trail down to the white seashore. That is, I assume, if you are into a treacherous hike and reward yourself by frolicking in the white sandy beach and the turquoise salty water.

Perhaps you’ve seen this area on many tourism promotions for Bali and Indonesia.

Pantai Kelingking in Nusa Penida, according to the Traveler’s Choice Awards in 2019, grabbed the 19th spot of the best beaches in the world.

Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Indonesia Gay Travel Resources

Ba Vi National Park – Keep Calm and Wander

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Ba Vi National Park - Keep Calm and Wander

Ba Vi National Park is a protected park just outside Hanoi. In what supposed to be an hour drive, it took us almost two and a half hours because of the unpredictable weather. It was a fight between the sun, clouds, and fog.

On our way up to the mountain, we would see the sun for a while, then the clouds covered it up – and suddenly a fog would envelop us. We didn’t really plan on what to do there. And worse, we even had no idea what to do and see up there. We just followed our GPS and stopped at a few places that caught our attention.

The road to the mountaintop was not an easy one. You’ve got to drive carefully because of its narrow zigzag-y road where one side is a dangerous cliff. Adding to that is a foggy road that we had to turn on the headlights a few times. As we got closer to the main attraction of Ba Vi National Park, the temperature also changed.

Putrajaya Walking Tour – Keep Calm and Wander

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Putrajaya Walking Tour - Keep Calm and Wander

This short Putrajaya walking tour is not really the kind of tour you’d like to join. I did it without a tour guide nor a map on hand. I did it because I like walking and I want to see what’s beyond the Putra Masjid, a landmark you shouldn’t miss. When I got out of the Pink Mosque, I walked across the street and onto the huge square.

From the square, I walked closer to the country’s impressive Legislative Building. There must be no session that day because the surrounding areas were so quiet. Aside from its well-manicured gardens, you’ll also see a huge sculpture of a hand. I tried to get closer to find its description but didn’t find one.

Near the Legislative Building is a long bridge. I walked across it, enjoying the lake views.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Gay Osaka – The Nomadic Boys

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Gay Osaka - The Nomadic Boys

Do you want to know why they really call Osaka the Kitchen of Japan? It’s because once you see all of those scrumptious boys wandering about the city, you will be left hungry for more!

Of course… We’re sure the delicious cuisine helps to bring the point home! As the foodie capital of the entire country, you will find the best of the best in terms of classic Japanese dishes such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki. But, among the bustling food stalls and restaurants, you will also be introduced to stunning, modern architecture and a gay nightlife culture supported by kindhearted, welcoming locals.

Since it is located alongside the ports of Honshu, Osaka essentially functions as the primary commercial center for Japan. However, the city is still a close neighbor of Kyoto and Tokyo, which means that it tends to fly under the radar of travelers seeking a grand Asian adventure. But today, we’re here to plead on behalf of Osaka. We want to highlight exactly why gay travelers should be calling this fantastic destination their next hot vacation spot.

With the second-largest LGBTQ+ scene in Japan and a friendly atmosphere that promotes total self-expression, gay Osaka will surely provide you with enough pleasant memories to last a lifetime. With the help of our comprehensive guide, we can ensure you an Osaka trip packed full of only the-can’t-miss stops for LGBTQ travelers. Prepare to be enveloped in a city that offers the comforts of both a metropolitan area and a natural, historical getaway!

Is Gay Osaka Safe for Travelers?

We found Japan to be very safe for gay travelers, including Osaka. Whilst LGBTQ rights still have far to go in Japan, by Asian standards the country easily ranks as one of the most gay friendly Asian countries.

The Japanese are very conservative people and even straight couples limit public displays of affection, so it would pay to respect this. Having said that, the Japanese are extremely respectful people, particularly to foreigners. As an openly gay couple, we found people in gay Osaka to be super sweet. At no stage did we ever have any problems checking into a hotel or requesting a double bed in any of the places we stayed at. Osaka is even home to the first government district in the country to officially support LGBT human rights.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Gay Osaka Travel Resources

Thailand’s Cheow Lan Lake – Our Taste for Life

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Thailand's Cheow Lan Lake - Our Taste for Life

Cheow Lan Lake is one of Thailand’s most beautiful wonders and the highlight of Khao Sok National Park. We recently took a tour to the famous Khao Sok Floating Bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake, and this article aims to provide all the information you’ll need to plan your own Cheow Lan Lake tour. I include the prices of a floating bungalow in Khao Sok National Park, what you can expect from a Cheow Lan Lake Tour, as well as how to book and what you’ll need to prepare.

Khao Sok National Park is one of the most underrated destinations in all of Thailand. The relatively untouched region is a dream for nature lovers, where limestone karsts and dense jungle adorn the landscape – queue Jurassic Park theme tune. It’s also where an amalgamation of wildlife including Gibbons, Malaysian Sun Bears, Asian Elephants and 300 species of birds have found sanctuary in the arms of the ancient rainforest.

Cheow Lan Lake

Then, of course, there is Cheow Lan Lake – A magnificent man-made lake covering approximately 185 square km. This captivating area is a sight to behold, where limestone karsts immerge from the emerald-blue waters, and you sail along blissfully to your Khao Sok floating bungalow. That said, you don’t need to stay overnight on a Cheow Lan Lake tour. You can opt for a day trip instead, which ensures you’ll be back to the comfort of your hotel by evening. Psst! If you would rather stay closer to Khao Sok town, we recommend Silver Cliff Resort, located in the heart of the jungle surrounded by elephants. It’s a gem!

By Charlotte & Natalie – Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Thailand Lesbian Travel Resources