lifeismeantforexploring-blog

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

What is Tirta Empul?

Pura Tirta Empul is built around a sacred spring with inscriptions dating the holy grounds back to 926 AD. The temple and two sacred bathing pools have been used by the Balinese for over a thousand years for religious ceremonies.

Holy water, or Tirta as the Balinese call it has three important purposes.

The first is Tirta Gering for cleansing evil spirits

Second is Tirta Merta which brings prosperity

Third is Tirta Sudhamala for the purification of mind, body, and soul

Photo Credit: Discover Your Indonesia

How to pray at Tirta Empul?

Both locals and visitors are welcome to take part in this self-cleaning process, though you should make sure to abide by the rules and do your best to perform the ritual correctly.

Unfortunately, we did witness a number of tourists who did not and it was cringe worthy to say the least.

We recommend hiring a guide when you arrive to walk you through the steps. It is an incredible experience and most are donation based. We found our guide once we had arrived.

What to wear to Tirta Empul?

Both men and women are required to wear a sarong which can be rented from the Temple staff for a small fee.

There are also lockers and a changing area available. Women should wear a shirt, preferably one that covers the shoulders and is not see through when wet.

Where is Tirta Empul?

Tirta Empul is located near the small village of Tampak Siring located approximately 15 KM (~9 miles) outside of Ubud.

How to get to Tirta Empul?

Hire a driver

From Ubud, you can hire a driver to take you to the Temple. We recommend contacting our friend Wayan (Remy) who actually lives in Tampak Siring and can give you a truly local experience.

He speaks English very well and is an excellent guide and friendly dude to hang out with. He may even offer to take you to his family home!

We stayed with Remy and his family for 5 days and had a wonderful experience.

Remy Teaching How To Tie His Sarong Correctly Before Our Temple Visits

Hail a Grab

Hailing a Grab is another (and far cheaper option) for getting to the temple, but you may want to arrange for the same driver to wait and take you back.

Arrange a visit Through a Tour Agency

There are also countless tour agencies that can arrange to take you to the temple as part of a group or private tour. Simply ask around at the tour agencies in Ubud Center to ensure you get the best price!

While you are in Tampak Siring we recommend you also check out the villages second sacred temple site, Gunung Kawi. This one is our personal favorite and is a perfect place to explore after your self-cleaning ritual. There are several places to eat nearby as well 😉

TJ Exploring Gunung Kawi

Have more time to explore the area? Check out the smaller and less touristy Mengening Temple. When we visited we were the only people there and it was one of the coolest temple visits we have ever had!

Pura Mengening a Temple You Should Not Skip

Share this: use the sharing icons below to share this with your friends! And be sure to share your adventures with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (tag @LifeIsMeantForExploring to make sure we see it 🙂 ). Pinterest fan? Pin one of the images below!

This major temple in Bali is home to a sacred spring that has attracted Hindu worshippers for thousands of years to bath in its purifying waters. We were fortunate to take part in the experience while staying in Tampak Siring. What is Tirta Empul? Pura Tirta Empul is built around a sacred spring with inscriptions dating the holy grounds back to 926 AD.

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

 What do you consider to be a big wedding?

100 People?

300 People?

Well, in Myanmar, at least for those living in villages outside of the cities, a traditional wedding will typically include an average of 1,500 people… A “large” wedding can attract upwards of 3,000.

Can you imagine inviting 1,500 of your closest family members, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to celebrate with you for a day? Even more baffling, can you imagine trying to feed this many people!?

Our Burmese Wedding Story

While trekking through rural villages in Central Myanmar we were able to learn about this tradition first hand. While passing through a village, on the first day of our trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake, we were lured to a monastery that was emanating mouth-watering smells.

Unsure of where exactly these delicious smells were coming from, our guide shared that a group of men was making preparations for a wedding. He told us about the incredible amount of work that goes into preparing for a wedding. A group of at least ten men will spend several days butchering meat and prepping food for the big day. Which came as no surprise when we learned that they have to at least 1,500 mouths to feed!

The following day we passed through another village and our guide became very excited when he spotted a large gathering up ahead. “There’s a wedding! I’m hungry, let’s go!” he said to us as he visibly hopped up and down with excitement. Unsure of the customs or expectations for attendance, we followed him apprehensively as we weaved through the crowd and were handled bushels of flowers by young children whose faces sported decorative Thanaka designs.

 As soon as we arrived, our guide showed us how to make a communal donation (one of the ways the family offsets the costs of such high attendance). We were then quickly ushered into a large tented area and had a feast laid before us.

The men serving would laugh as they presented exotic spicy dishes and were impressed when we proceeded to finish bowl after bowl of the spiciest of the foods. As we sat, hundreds of people came and went from the feast. Typically, a wedding will last from morning until well into the night with guests arriving astray pleased to eat together and honor the bride and groom.

 We were honored (and our tummies quite pleased), that we were able to attend such a grand ceremony. The most shocking part of all was watching the army of men whose job it was to prepare the food all day long and ensure that everyone’s plates were always full.

Behind the dining area, large fires were kept billowing to heat the massive pots of curries, slabs of pork, and cauldrons of tea that were constantly being replenished to feed the guests. And one of our favorites, the mortar, and pestle so large they must have weighed a ton, constantly crushing fresh chilies to give each dish the perfect dose of spice. 

 Experiences like these are not hard to come by when traveling, but you never know when they will arise. One of our favorite aspects of traveling is learning about the cultures of the places we visit and stumbling into surprising experiences like a Burmese wedding.

The trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake is a cultural experience that we cannot recommend enough to anyone interested in visiting Myanmar. For anyone that wants more information please check out our friends at EverSmile Trekking or shoot us a message, we would love to chat 🙂

Share this: use the sharing icons below to share this with your friends! And be sure to share your adventures with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (tag @LifeIsMeantForExploring to make sure we see it 🙂 ). Pinterest fan? Pin one of the images below!

Ever wondered what weddings are like in different countries? We can help answer a bit of that question! Click through to learn about our experience attending a Burmese wedding.  What do you consider to be a big wedding? 100 People? 300 People? Well, in Myanmar, at least for those living in villages outside of the cities, a traditional wedding will typically include an average of 1,500 people… A “large” wedding can attract upwards of 3,000.

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

Nong Khiaw, Laos Destination Guide

Get ready to pack your bags! Nong Khiaw, Laos is a terrific travel destination for any explorer.

Nong Khiaw, will forever hold a special place in our hearts. In 14 months of continuous travel, this quaint, quiet town was one of our absolute favorites.

Why?

Well, you’ll just have to keep reading our Nong Khiaw destination guide to find out 🙂

And, if you’re thinking of traveling with your partner, check out how to travel together and still love each other after!

Nong Khiaw, Laos

Nong Khiaw is…

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

Trekking In Nepal? Prepare To Eat A Lot Of...

Ultimately we climbed to 17,769 feet and covered over 100 miles on the Annapurna Circuit. We like to say that this (दालभात) is was what got us to the top 🤣

Are you wondering what Nepalese food is like?  What you can expect to eat while trekking in Nepal?

Good News: the answer is lots of yummy and healthy food.

Nepalese food is some of the most comforting food in the world. From the mouth watering mo mo’s to piping hot plates of endless Dal, Bhat and Tarkari Nepal proved to be home to some incredible flavors. This 3 part meal became our staple diet…

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Check out these drool-worthy spots & awesome things to do!

Thinking of Visiting Sri Lanka?

Let us just start by saying, you can’t go wrong 🙂 Settled beautifully in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a wonderful destination for virtually any traveler. If you’re looking to relax by soaking up some rays and dipping your toes in the sand, Sri Lanka is perfect.

Perhaps you’re more interested in waking up at the crack of dawn to watch the jungle come to life as you roam around in a safari jeep? Sri Lanka is for you.

Maybe you want to check out the hustle and bustle of different cities or see what it’s like to ride through amazing scenery on a jam-packed train… head over to Sri Lanka!

If you’re an avid hiker keen on checking out remote places, amazing scenery, and trying your hand at speaking Sinhalese or Tamil.

Perhaps you’re interested in experiencing what local culture is like, staying in a homestay, or visiting museums and workshops, hop on a plane to Sri Lanka! What are you waiting for?

20 Photos of Sri Lanka To Inspire Your Next Travel Adventure

1). Coconuts

When you think of beaches, tropical climates, and vacations coconuts are bound to come to mind. Sri Lanka is full of these delicious hydrating fruits. You can pick them up virtually anywhere in the country for a refreshing drink!

2). Relaxing Days & Beautiful Beaches

With 832 miles (1,340 km) of coastline, it’s no surprise that the tropical island of Sri Lanka is home to some amazing beaches! From Galle to Unawatuna and Mirissa to Arugam Bay (and plenty others) you’ll find the perfect beach for you.

Sri Lanka is home to beaches that are remote and others that are built up. Home to beaches with strong currents where you wouldn’t want to swim and ones with smaller waves. There are also beautiful beaches for lounging or beaches that are better explored via boat rides.

3). Murals

Across cities and towns, you’ll find artwork that makes you stop in your tracks and say “wow”. Some of our favorites, like this peacock, are found in Arugam Bay. Spend a day “mural hunting” and see how many amazing works of art you can find.

4). Mother Nature

You can simply sit on a beach… or you can get in on the action. We sat in small pools of water and watched waves crash over us (keeping safety in mind) one day. It was a fun way to marvel at the mist floating above our heads and take in the beauty of Mother Nature.

It also produced some great moments of laughter as we got soaked time and time again!

5). Safari Adventures

When one first thinks of safaris, perhaps a list of African countries comes to mind. And they should – they’re on our bucket list!

That said, Sri Lanka has some safari adventures of its own that you won’t want to miss. They are also usually a fraction of the price- great for getting started 🙂

6). Tuk Tuk Adventures

Many Asian countries have Tuk Tuks or something similar – and Sri Lanka’s no different. When we weren’t galavanting around on the sprawling train system we had fun adventures in these decked out carts on wheels.

Hop in the back and get ready for an adventure as you drive past rolling waves and through beautiful jungly hills.

7). School’s Out For The Day

Take a visit to the former Dutch Fort Town, Galle. You can spend an entire day, or days, walking the Fort walls, and the cute streets and alleyways. Galle’s historic architecture is beautiful.

Plus, you’ll come across hundreds of students in white uniforms headed to the beach to swim at the end of the day. Prepare to smile and wave! Ayubowan is the term used for greetings if you want to say something other than “hello” while you’re here.

8). Waterfalls: Lovers Leap

Talk about breathtaking beauty! Sri Lanka is home to some amazing beaches… but also some magnificent waterfalls.

Heading inland to Nuwara Eliya – which was not on our original itinerary – was the best decision we could have made. We spent hours walking to this waterfall and enjoying it once we arrived. (You could also opt for a Tuk Tuk to take you part way and make the walk much shorter).

9). Tea Factories

Sri Lanka is well known in the tea world for its amazing teas. In fact, tea production happens to be one of the main sources of foreign exchange for the country!

There are a variety of tea factories scattered among the highlands. We spent an afternoon touring Halpe Tea in Ella learning all about the tea making process. No photos allowed inside the factory… so we took this one outside!

10). Surf

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a newbie just learning, Sri Lanka has beaches and waves for everyone!

We’re definitely on the newbie end of the scale but had a blast learning and taking a class with Excellent Surf School at “Peanut Farm” just outside of Arugam Bay.

Fun Fact…  wild elephants occasionally walk onto this beach and dip their toes in the sand! Talk about a fascinating sight to see.

11). Fitness Outdoors

TJ swears his legs were up straight in this headstand… but we have photo proof that says otherwise!

Whether you’re a fitness fan of yoga, HIIT, running, circuit training or another kind, Sri Lanka has plenty of beautiful places to get your sweat on outside. Our favorite was the beach!

Just make sure to protect your skin and slather on some sunscreen 😉

12). Sunrise Over The Jungle

Picture this: sunrise over the quite jungle as the sun pokes up above the horizon, birds begin to chirp, and the entire sky is illuminated.

We opted to go on safari in the less crowded Udawalawe National Park (as opposed to Yala) and had an amazing time. Watching sunrise over the jungle is a site we’ll never forget. You can hire a private safari jeep for the day from your guesthouse and set off on a grand adventure!

13). Beautiful Boats

While staying in Arugam Bay we ventured down the beach on multiple occasions and marveled at the sheer number of fishing boats that line the shore.

They head out very early in the morning and return before most travelers are even out of bed. They’re often painted bright colors and look beautiful against the sand.

14). Hanging Out Of Moving Trains

If you research some of the most famous train rides in the world – particularly in Asia – Sri Lanka is bound to come up.

Most famous is the ride from Kandy to Ella… but it is packed with people. And, unless you buy tickets well in advance you may be standing for the entire 8-hour journey. It can get tiring!

Even so, if you’re on a less crowded train and can reach the doors you can spend your entire ride hanging out of the train as the landscape zooms by! One of the most eventful train rides we’ve ever had!

15). Island Adventures

As if being on a beautiful tropical island weren’t enough… you can walk from mainland Miriss Beach, across a sandbar, to a tiny island jutting out of the surf. How beautiful!

It’s a great place to watch the tide change, waves crash, and life take place on Mirissa beach.

16). Take In The View

We love taking in the scenery on beautiful beaches but sometimes it’s even more fun to admire them from a different vantage point.

Find a hill, check out a viewpoint on Maps.me and see what beauty is in store for you when you reach the top!

17). Marvel At Tea Fields

We already mentioned tea above, but check out these tea plants in the bottom left of the photo! They’re beautiful, especially when surrounded by other fields and a mountain landscape 🙂 We’re outdoor nature junkies and Sri Lanka took our breath away.

18). Sri Lanka’s Delicious Breakfast Trio

As foodies, meal preppers, and cooking fanatics we’re always thrilled to get to a new country. Why? Because we get to try new food!

Breakfasts in Sri Lanka are one of our favorites. Delicious roti paired with coconut sambal and dahl are the perfect way to start the day. Check out this favorite food and many of our other favorites! 

19). Nine Arch Bridge

One of the most popular things to see while visiting Ella – the Nine Arch Bridge – will not disappoint.

Walk the railway from the train station, or take a jungle hike to arrive. We opted for the hike and were greeted with this magnificent view upon arrival.

An engineering wonder, this bridge was built with stone bricks and cement, but without steel!

20). Swing Off Into The Distance

There’s no doubt about it. Instagram has had a huge rise in popularity in the last few years. And, with this rise, has come the famous “Instagram worthy ” or “Most Instagramamble Places” for every traveler to find.

Look no further than beach swings in Sri Lanka. They dot beaches across the island and provide a great way to stay cool as you swing through the breeze. Just be prepared to pay a fee to hop on someone’s swing!

Share this: use the sharing icons below to share this with your friends! And be sure to share your adventures with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (tag @LifeIsMeantForExploring to make sure we see it 🙂 ). Pinterest fan? Pin one of the images below!

Get Skyscanner ready, you'll be wanting to book a flight to Sri Lanka in no time! Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Check out these drool-worthy spots & awesome things to do!

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

8 Ways To Save Money In Bali

The sky's the limit when it comes to how much money you can spend on a vacation in Bali. These are the 8 tips that allowed us to live there for 3 months for less than $35 per day.

So many people travel to Bali for it’s affordable luxury and beauty, and though it can be affordable (we spent a 3 months there for less than $35 per day), the sky is the limit when it comes to how lux you want to live. Luckily, there are some very easy ways to save money in Bali.

Having spent over 3 months on the island, we have learned the ins and outs of making our money last so that we can…

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

Cost Of Living In Bali For Couples

So many people ask us what it costs to live in Bali. Here's what it cost us.

If you have read our Ultimate Bali Guide then you probably have a good sense of the places you would like to visit during your adventures through the island of smiles. The idea of traveling to such an awesome place is so exciting, but what about the cost of living in Bali?

We have spent three months living in various areas around the island and wanted to put together a breakdown of how much it…

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

Bali On A Budget: Top Things To See And Do

Trips to beautiful places don't have to be expensive. This roundup of things to do in Bali will ensure that you leave feeling happy and fulfilled without spending too much money!

Good news for all of you like us who want to travel to Bali on a budget.

Attractions around Bali are not overly expensive!

For example, You will typically pay a small entrance fee of 10,000-15,000 IDR ($1) to visit temples and waterfalls (at least those on the tourist radar).

Hiring an all-day tour guide to take you around to a selection of major sites will cost around 1,000,000 IDR ($70). We…

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

Best Places to Visit in Bali: The Ultimate Bali Itinerary

Ever wondered why so many people go to Bali? So did we until we found out for ourselves ;) Find out our favorite places (plus a few of our not so favorites) around the island fo the gods.

Bali is undoubtedly the most popular island to visit in Indonesia attracting over 5 million foreign tourists each year. From the bustling party beaches of Kuta and Seminyak to the cultural center of Ubud to the surf breaks of Uluwatu, Bali has something to offer all visitors.

This island is home to some of the worlds friendliest and most welcoming people and it is hard to walk down the street…

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

Thinking of Visiting the Philippines?

With more than 7,000 islands, this tropical destination has something for everyone. While the Philippines is best known for its pristine blue waters, outdoor adventure activities, and world-famous island hopping tours there’s so much more to explore.

Lush, lime green colored rice terraces wind in and out of valleys. Enormous cities and modern skylines stretch across different islands.

Graffiti decorated Jeepneys and tuk-tuks dot the streets. Wide-eyed tarsiers, schools of shimmery sardines, and fluffy water buffalo call the Philippines their home.

And small, off the grid locations run by generators or no power at all, are full of the friendliest people.

Check out the photos below and you’ll quickly have the urge to pack your bag!

10 Philippines Photos To Inspire Your Next Travel Adventure

After arriving in the country after a long day of travel you’ll undoubtedly be hungry. Why not start the journey off with a plate of Lechón, the Philippines’ famous roasted, suckling pig?

Vegetarian? Try other staples such as Eggplant Sisig or Sinigang Soup!

Snorkeling is a wonderful experience, but witnessing Moalboal’s Sardine Run is out of this world.

Simply rent a snorkel, walk into the water, and in mere minutes you’ll be swimming amongst hundreds of thousands of sardines.

Yes – all those little dots and lines in the photo are fish!

It may look like Alli is simply walking in the shallows of the beach, but she’s not. Walking along sandbars far out in the ocean, early in the morning, feels a bit like having a private island with the most beautiful backyard. Even better, this one came full of stunning starfish lurking just below the water.

Even if you’re not a surfer or a huge fan of swimming. Thre are countless watersports you can enjoy. Heading to El Nido meals you can hop in a Kayak and explore to your heart’s content.

Another favorite place of ours to Kayak? The Perhentian Islands in Malaysia 🙂

Filipinos are some of the friendliest people we’ve met on our trip through Asia, and the kids are no different.

Full of smiles and laughs you’ll have a great time playing with and sharing a few words back and forth.

The most fun we had was playing basketball and volleyball with a group of 50 or so kids in the hills in the middle of Siquijor island.

The chocolate hills are a strange sight for anyone who hasn’t seen them before! Bohol’s famous hills get their chocolate name from the brown color they turn in the dry season.

Not only are the hills beautiful, but so too is the drive to get to them. What are you waiting for?

These beautiful double outrigger boats, called banca are a wonderful way to explore different islands and their surroundings. We took one on our first island hopping tour in Port Barton and had a blast spending a day on this traditional boat.

Love to read? Especially when you travel? There are plenty of places to post up with a good book. We loved reading on the beach on cloudy days.

Are you an adrenaline junky? A fan of heights and cliff jumping?

Well, you’re in luck here. Across the different islands there are plenty of places to cliff jump on your own… or join a canyoneering trip!

Just because there are hundreds upon hundreds of beautiful beaches doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore the interior of the islands too.

We found the most beautiful mountains, lakes, and waterfalls after heading inland. This one was just outside of Port Barton, Palawan, probably our favorite place in the Philippines.

Share this: use the sharing icons below to share this with your friends! And be sure to share your adventures with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (tag @LifeIsMeantForExploring to make sure we see it 🙂 ). Pinterest fan? Pin one of the images below!

    They say a picture speaks 1000 words... so we'll let these photos of the Philippines do the talking. You'll be packing your bags in no time! Thinking of Visiting the Philippines? With more than 7,000 islands, this tropical destination has something for everyone. 

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

What is Tirta Empul?

Pura Tirta Empul is built around a sacred spring with inscriptions dating the holy grounds back to 926 AD. The temple and two sacred bathing pools have been used by the Balinese for over a thousand years for religious ceremonies.

Holy water, or Tirta as the Balinese call it has three important purposes.

The first is Tirta Gering for cleansing evil spirits

Second is Tirta Merta which brings prosperity

Third is Tirta Sudhamala for the purification of mind, body, and soul

Photo Credit: Discover Your Indonesia

How to pray at Tirta Empul?

Both locals and visitors are welcome to take part in this self-cleaning process, though you should make sure to abide by the rules and do your best to perform the ritual correctly.

Unfortunately, we did witness a number of tourists who did not and it was cringe worthy to say the least.

We recommend hiring a guide when you arrive to walk you through the steps. It is an incredible experience and most are donation based. We found our guide once we had arrived.

What to wear to Tirta Empul?

Both men and women are required to wear a sarong which can be rented from the Temple staff for a small fee.

There are also lockers and a changing area available. Women should wear a shirt, preferably one that covers the shoulders and is not see through when wet.

Where is Tirta Empul?

Tirta Empul is located near the small village of Tampak Siring located approximately 15 KM (~9 miles) outside of Ubud.

How to get to Tirta Empul?

Hire a driver

From Ubud, you can hire a driver to take you to the Temple. We recommend contacting our friend Wayan (Remy) who actually lives in Tampak Siring and can give you a truly local experience.

He speaks English very well and is an excellent guide and friendly dude to hang out with. He may even offer to take you to his family home!

We stayed with Remy and his family for 5 days and had a wonderful experience.

Remy Teaching How To Tie His Sarong Correctly Before Our Temple Visits

Hail a Grab

Hailing a Grab is another (and far cheaper option) for getting to the temple, but you may want to arrange for the same driver to wait and take you back.

Arrange a visit Through a Tour Agency

There are also countless tour agencies that can arrange to take you to the temple as part of a group or private tour. Simply ask around at the tour agencies in Ubud Center to ensure you get the best price!

While you are in Tampak Siring we recommend you also check out the villages second sacred temple site, Gunung Kawi. This one is our personal favorite and is a perfect place to explore after your self-cleaning ritual. There are several places to eat nearby as well 😉

TJ Exploring Gunung Kawi

Have more time to explore the area? Check out the smaller and less touristy Mengening Temple. When we visited we were the only people there and it was one of the coolest temple visits we have ever had!

Pura Mengening a Temple You Should Not Skip

Share this: use the sharing icons below to share this with your friends! And be sure to share your adventures with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (tag @LifeIsMeantForExploring to make sure we see it 🙂 ). Pinterest fan? Pin one of the images below!

This major temple in Bali is home to a sacred spring that has attracted Hindu worshippers for thousands of years to bath in its purifying waters. We were fortunate to take part in the experience while staying in Tampak Siring. What is Tirta Empul? Pura Tirta Empul is built around a sacred spring with inscriptions dating the holy grounds back to 926 AD.

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

 What do you consider to be a big wedding?

100 People?

300 People?

Well, in Myanmar, at least for those living in villages outside of the cities, a traditional wedding will typically include an average of 1,500 people… A “large” wedding can attract upwards of 3,000.

Can you imagine inviting 1,500 of your closest family members, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to celebrate with you for a day? Even more baffling, can you imagine trying to feed this many people!?

Our Burmese Wedding Story

While trekking through rural villages in Central Myanmar we were able to learn about this tradition first hand. While passing through a village, on the first day of our trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake, we were lured to a monastery that was emanating mouth-watering smells.

Unsure of where exactly these delicious smells were coming from, our guide shared that a group of men was making preparations for a wedding. He told us about the incredible amount of work that goes into preparing for a wedding. A group of at least ten men will spend several days butchering meat and prepping food for the big day. Which came as no surprise when we learned that they have to at least 1,500 mouths to feed!

Attending A Wedding

The following day we passed through another village and our guide became very excited when he spotted a large gathering up ahead. “There’s a wedding! I’m hungry, let’s go!” he said to us as he visibly hopped up and down with excitement. Unsure of the customs or expectations for attendance, we followed him apprehensively as we weaved through the crowd and were handled bushels of flowers by young children whose faces sported decorative Thanaka designs.

 As soon as we arrived, our guide showed us how to make a communal donation (one of the ways the family offsets the costs of such high attendance). We were then quickly ushered into a large tented area and had a feast laid before us.

The men serving would laugh as they presented exotic spicy dishes and were impressed when our trekking group proceeded to finish bowl after bowl of the spiciest of the foods. As we sat, hundreds of people came and went from the feast. Typically, a wedding will last from morning until well into the night with guests arriving astray pleased to eat together and honor the bride and groom.

Behind The Scenes – Cooking For A Burmese Wedding

We were honored (and our tummies quite pleased), that we were able to attend such a grand ceremony. The most shocking part of all was watching the army of men whose job it was to prepare the food all day long and ensure that everyone’s plates were always full.

Behind the dining area, large fires were kept billowing to heat the massive pots of curries, slabs of pork, and cauldrons of tea that were constantly being replenished to feed the guests. And one of our favorites, the mortar, and pestle so large they must have weighed a ton, constantly crushing fresh chilies to give each dish the perfect dose of spice. 

 Experiences like these are not hard to come by when traveling, but you never know when they will arise. One of our favorite aspects of traveling is learning about the cultures of the places we visit and stumbling into surprising experiences like a Burmese wedding.

The trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake is a cultural experience that we cannot recommend enough to anyone interested in visiting Myanmar. For anyone that wants more information please check out our friends at EverSmile Trekking or shoot us a message, we would love to chat 🙂

Share this: use the sharing icons below to share this with your friends! And be sure to share your adventures with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (tag @LifeIsMeantForExploring to make sure we see it 🙂 ). Pinterest fan? Pin one of the images below!

Ever wondered what weddings are like in different countries? We can help answer a bit of that question! Click through to learn about our experience attending a Burmese wedding.  What do you consider to be a big wedding? 100 People? 300 People? Well, in Myanmar, at least for those living in villages outside of the cities, a traditional wedding will typically include an average of 1,500 people… A “large” wedding can attract upwards of 3,000.

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

Finding Beauty In Power Outages

Power outages provide the perfect opportunity to unplug. Find out what we like to do when the lights go out in this new post!

From rolling blackouts in Kathmandu, Nepal to power outages from storms in Laos. From islands powered by generators for only a few hours a day (like Perhentian Kecil in Malaysia and Port Barton in the Philippines) to villages with no power at all… traveling exposes you to all different kinds of infrastructure and will challenge you to have a good time in all of them.

Just because you have no…

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

One of Bali’s best-kept secrets, Mengening temple is a natural wonderland that every traveler to Bali should explore.

The Most Serene Temple in Bali

Located just down the road from the more popular Gunung Kawi temple, Mengening is not really on many tourists radar.

When we visited in 2018, we were the only people there.

A Gentle Breeze Guided Us as We Explored the Temple

Pilgrims from around the island and Indonesia visit Mengening to collect its holy water and cleanse themselves in the sacred pools.

Where is Mengening Temple?

Mengening Temple is located just outside the village of Tampak Siring 15 KM from Ubud.

Tampak Siring is also home to two of the most popular temples to visit in Bali: Pura Tirta Empul and Pura Gunung Kawi.

For those willing to get some exercise, once you arrive in Tampak Siring it is actually very easy to walk from temple site to temple site which could save you some money on hiring a taxi for the whole day.

What to Wear to Mengening Temple?

When visiting any temple complex in Bali it is appropriate and often strictly enforced that both men and women wear a sarong. Women should also wear a modest shirt that completely covers their shoulders.

Some temples have sarongs you can rent, but Mengening does not so remember to pack your own.

How to Get to Mengening Temple?

Hail a Grab

The Uber of SE Asia, Grab is by far the cheapest way to get anywhere on the island!

Just download the app, input your destination, and “SNAP” you will have a car heading your way in no time… assuming your not in one of the Taxi mafia areas like Canggu and Uluwatu where the community only allows them to drop you off.

Hire a Traditional Taxi

Long Taxi rides anywhere on the island can be quite expensive.

If you have a group traveling with you for the day and plan on stopping at the other major temples in the area (Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi) then hiring a taxi for the day can be a good option.

Traditional Offering You Will See All over Bali

Hire a Personal Tour Guide

Regardless of where you are staying on the island, you can hire a driver to take you to the Temple.

Our friend Wayan (Remy) lives just down the road from Mengening Temple in Tampak Siring and will give you the local experience at all of the temples in the area.

We Would Never Have Known About Mengening Temple Without Remy’s Local Tip

He is fluent in English and a very fun guy to hang out with. Do yourself a favor and reach out to him on Facebook.

We stayed with Remy and his family for 5 days and had a wonderful experience.

Don’t forget to check out the other two amazing temples around Tampak Siring: Gunung Kawi and Tirta Empul.

Ancient Statues at Pura Gunung Kawi Dating Back to the 11th Century

Tirta Empul – Photo Credit: Discover Your Indonesia

Share this: use the sharing icons below to share this with your friends! And be sure to share your adventures with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (tag @LifeIsMeantForExploring to make sure we see it 🙂 ). Pinterest fan? Pin one of the images below!

  Bali's temples are some of the greatest wonders of the world, but with so many eager eyes trying to see them it can be a bit stressful wading through the crowds. That is why we were so excited to learn about this "secret temple". One of Bali's best-kept secrets, Mengening temple is a natural wonderland that every traveler to Bali should explore.

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

Why should you travel to Singapore?

Traveling to Singapore feels a bit like blasting off, in an awesome spaceship, to a futuristic world where modern cities meld perfectly with nature and jungles are found right outside technologic, plant inhabited skyscrapers!

Sound too good to be true? Well, it’s not 🙂

In the 4 days we spent exploring this magical country, we walked some 35 odd miles and marveled at everything we saw. We loved simply using our feet to get around so that we wouldn’t miss anything, but Singapore also has a great MRT and a bike-sharing system where you can scan and borrow a bicycle anywhere you find it.

We’re not totally sure city living is for us…. but Singapore is definitely one city we could see ourselves living in!

Who’s Ready To Ride?

11 Photos To Inspire You To Visit Singapore

Speaking of greenery, and jungles growing out of skyscrapers… walking around the city feels like walking through living buildings. Plants grow out of balconies, off of parking garages, and in every median and planter you come across.

Since we’ve blasted off in a futuristic spaceship, the buildings couldn’t very well be boring skyscrapers, could they? Well, they’re not. Many of Singapore’s buildings look like futuristic fortresses – like this one which houses restaurants and a grocery store on the ground floor.

If you feel like traveling somewhere a little different, you don’t have to venture too far. Singapore’s Sentosa island lies at the South of the country and is accessible by a boardwalk (how we arrived), cable car, monorail, and of course by car. The island is chocked full of most everything you could ask for from pristine beaches and fine dining to extreme activities like iFly to relaxation at fancy spas.

Fun fact: it’s also home to some beautiful peacocks!

If you’re in search of even more greenery than the city jungle-scape offers, head over to MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Soak up some rays by the water, play a round of golf, take a hike, and climb over this famous TreeTop Walk suspension bridge.

Just be mindful of any food you might have on you… the monkies may want it to be theirs!

Google “Singapore” and photos of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel will undoubtedly come up. This three-pillar skyscraper topped with what looks like a ship is unlike anything we had ever seen before. As a hotel guest, you can enjoy the observation deck and rooftop pool whenever you like. Otherwise, visitors can visit the observation deck for $23 SGD.

Gardens By The Bay is a beautiful escape from the city. From the two conservatories to the enormous Ferris Wheel and Super Tree Grove this park is a must-see. Spend an afternoon, or an entire day exploring the park, eating some delicious food, and people watching as locals and travelers exercise and smile about their day.

Bonus: if you stay into the evening there’s a light show at the Super Tree Grove!

Speaking of the Super Tree Grove, did you know you can walk among these enormous, artistic “trees” (the tallest of which is 16 stories tall!) on a 420-foot long Skyway that rests 72 feet up in the air? Talk about a great view of the bay and surrounding park 🙂 Admission into the grove is free, but if you’d like to walk amongst the clouds you’ll need to spend $8 SGD for adults and $5 SGD for children.

As nature lovers and waterfall enthusiasts, we were sold on visiting this magical, indoor waterfall before we’d even landed in Singapore. Found inside the Cloud Forest Conservatory – the world’s tallest indoor waterfall reaches an impressive 115 feet in height. Even better? You can walk inside it and get cooled off by its mist 🙂

The Cloud Forest Conservatory boasts not only the world’s largest indoor waterfall but also an impressive walkway that provides panoramic views of the conservatory and the Garden’s surroundings. Interested in visiting as a foreigner? Tickets to both conservatories (Cloud Forest & Flower Dome) will cost you $28 SGD.

  After all that walking and exploring you might be in need of a little rest and a delicious treat. Don’t you think? Head on over to Tiong Bahru one of the “hippest spots in town” to treat yourself at the Tiong Bahru Bakery. We had a wonderful time unwinding here and being “transported home”.

There’s something fascinating about the way a city can light up at night and come to life in a completely new way. Singapore is no different as it’s skyscrapers dot the horizon and lights illuminate the entire sky. You may not be able to see the stars with so much ambient light, but the sight is beautiful in its own way. Plus, if you’re interested in light shows, Singapore’s famous (and free!) Spectra Light & Water Show at the Event Plaza along the promenade is one for the books. Check out the latest times here!

Share this: use the sharing icons below to share this with your friends! And be sure to share your adventures with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (tag @LifeIsMeantForExploring to make sure we see it 🙂 ). Pinterest fan? Pin one of the images below!

Traveling to Singapore is like traveling into the future. It's what we imagine cities will look like on Mars when we get around to colonizing it, but A LOT more green! Why should you travel to Singapore? Traveling to Singapore feels a bit like blasting off, in an awesome spaceship, to a futuristic world where modern cities meld perfectly with nature and jungles are found right outside technologic, plant inhabited skyscrapers!

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

When traveling the world, you find a myriad of different tastes, textures, and smells. Some you’ll love, some maybe you could do without… but you’ll never struggle to find something new to try! When trying something new we have a tip we like to follow so we don’t miss out on any amazing dishes. Trying one of Sri Lanka’s breakfast staples was no different!

Sri Lanka’s Famous 9 Arch Bridge

What To Order For A Sri Lankan Breakfast

The trio of Coconut Sambol, Dhal, and Roti are a breakfast staple and are mouth-wateringly delicious. Curious what the strange, fluffy, orange concoction was that was placed on our table our first day in Negombo, we dove right in without asking questions.

Coconut Sambol (the strange fluffy thing) is freshly grated coconut mixed with tomato, onion, chili, salt, and chili powder. It was delicious! Familiar with Dhal from other culinary adventures, we dove right into this bowl too. Roti was a bit different than the “Roti” we’d experienced in Malaysia.

This one is a rustic flatbread and we quickly learned that it was fun to place the Sambol and Dhal on top making a quasi-pizza out of it. Absolutely phenomenal! Even better if the juices begin to run down your arm and you make a mess 😉

If this food trio sounds good, but Roti isn’t your favorite – order it with String Hopers, known as Idiyappam, instead. They’re a form of rice flour noodle squeezed through a press and resemble a beautiful birds nest.

Sri Lankan String Hopers Photo Credit: Tasty.lk

These three foods are must try’s when visiting Sri Lanka. We loved them so much we took a cooking class while in Ella and plan on trying to recreate these delectable treats when we venture home. Our families are certainly in for a treat 🙂 Have you tried these delightful foods? Let us know what you think! And if you’ve made them at home, feel free to share your recipes!

Share this: use the sharing icons below to share this with your friends! And be sure to share your adventures with us on Facebook and Instagram (tag @LifeIsMeantForExploring to make sure we see it 🙂 ).

Pinterest fan? Pin one of the images below!

Who loves breakfast? Traveling through Sri Lanka gave us a taste of a delicious meal! This is one breakfast staple you will not want to pass up. When traveling the world, you find a myriad of different tastes, textures, and smells. Some you'll love, some maybe you could do without...

[lifeismeantforexploring-blog]

Flying in somewhere new always leaves us with a sense of awe and excitement. We find ourselves wondering what our first stop looks like. What delightful foods we might devour first. How many fellow travelers and amazing locals we will meet. And, of course, what things will surprise us most.

As we sit down after a morning of meandering around Hoan Kiem Lake enjoying the early morning breeze and watching people practice Tai Chi, we thought we’d share our first impressions with you! So, here’s a little bit about what to expect when traveling to Hanoi.

Hanoi At First Glance

1). Beautiful Nhat Tan Bridge

Photo Credit: Hanoi Times

Flying into Hanoi’s airport you’ll most likely cross this impressive bridge on the way into town as it connects the city to the main airport. If you fly in at night, this cable-style bridge will be lit up in 5 colorful spans (each one represents the five ancient gates to the city) that dance around as you drive through them. Quite the welcome to Vietnam!

2). Flowers Tower Over Motorbikes And Bicycles

As you drive, or walk, around the city and peer to your left and right you’re guaranteed to see motorbikes and bicycles laden with massive assortments of flowers. In many cases, you may even wonder how they see or change lanes.

The majority of these are headed to, or from, Quang Ba Flower Market which is worth an exploration if you have the time. Flowers here are sold by the motorbike & bicycle full and it’s fascinating to watch them load and unload these magnificent towers of blossoms.

3). Multitude Of Ankle-High To Calf-High Stools And Tables

If you’re looking for a delicious bite look no further than the tiny restaurant or food cart boasting tons of miniature tables and short stools filled with locals. Unlike many other Asian countries with full-sized tables and chairs, prepare to squat and sit as you enjoy delicious meals.

You’ll find delicacies like Green Papaya Salad (Nom Bo Kho), Vietnamese Sizzling Cake (Bahn Xeo), Beef Noodle Soup (Bun Bo Hue), Fried Spring Rolls (Nem Ran), Grilled Pork with Lemongrass ( New Lui), and countless other delicacies. Vietnamese food is one of our all-time favorites and sitting on these fun stools only enhances the culinary experience.

4). Streets As Super-Store Aisles

When you walk through Costco, Walmart, Albertsons, Fred Meyer, and Ikea everything is laid out in a methodical way to help you navigate the store as easily as possible. You have the electronics aisle, crafts aisle, food aisle (ok, aisles), hardware aisle, and so on and so forth. It all makes sense and it’s pretty easy to find what you need.

Well, Hanoi’s streets are set up like the superstore you visit. Each street/alleyway has a specialty and virtually every establishment on it sells that particular item/items. There’s the glass street, electronics street, wood street, art gallery street, metal fabrication street, etc. Each trade and good is separated into distinct streets (or aisles) and it’s a blast walking around from one to another and seeing where you end up.

5). Traditional Selling

Sales aren’t reserved solely for shops, restaurants, and hawker stalls. Instead, Hanoi is full of women (yep, mostly women) in traditional conical hats pushing enormous carts full of clothing, walking bicycles covered in flowers and fruit, and carrying a bamboo yolk full of food.

It was fascinating to see such a bustling (and modern in many ways) city with such rich cultural traditions. Day to day life continues as tourists visit.

Wake up early and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as you watch local life pass by in front of you. Marvel at it, learn from it, and appreciate it. Things change rapidly as tourism enters and who knows what each place you visit will look like 5-10 years from now.

6). Sheer Density Of Streets And Tall, Skinny Buildings

Hanoi is a large city squashed into a beautifully small area that holds so much charm. The Old Quarter, where most travelers stay, is full of tall, narrow buildings and an enormous number of them. Coming from the West Coast of the US, and the large open space we have, this was a huge difference.

The builds here are beautiful in their own right and are typically narrow and very tall which comes from years ago when taxes on homes and properties were determined by the width of the building! You’d probably build up too if you were taxed for building out!

7). All Of The “Viet-NOMS” 

As foodies, culinary whizes (at least we like to think so), and meal-preppers… delicious foods hold a special place in our hearts. Vietnamese food (at least the version we could get at home) was a favorite of ours before we ever started our epic SE Asian Journey. And now, it’s even more of a favorite!

From sampling Bahn Xeo (sizzling moon crepes) to Banana flower salad and from Bun Cha (vermicelli noodle with grilled pork) to Ca phe trung (egg coffee)… and everything in between, we’ve found ourselves wanting to lick each plate, cup, and bowl clean! If you’re traveling to Hanoi, or any part of Vietnam, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure you’ll never forget.

Share this: use the sharing icons below to share this with your friends! And be sure to share your adventures with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (tag @LifeIsMeantForExploring to make sure we see it 🙂 ). Pinterest fan? Pin one of the images below!

Traveling somewhere new, even if you think you know what you're getting yourself into, will always blow your mind. Check out our first impressions of bustling Hanoi, Vietnam! Flying in somewhere new always leaves us with a sense of awe and excitement. We find ourselves wondering what our first stop looks like.