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My first day in Cairo, Egypt

by VV
written by VV



This video is based on the experiences I had on my first day in Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. I went to the Ramses railway station to buy tickets to Luxor. There are a lot of trains to Luxor from Cairo. Though getting a train ticket in Egypt is a task. This is what I experienced, and hence I decided to go by bus.

Cairo to Luxor: Bus or Train!

A local Egyptian helped me to understand the basics of Egyptian railways. I also tried to get a train ticket from the ticket vending machine at the Ramses train station, but it was not working. Thereafter, the local friend took me to the nearby bus station operated by Superjet bus. I bought a bus ticket to Luxor. Cairo to Luxor bus ticket costs 140 LE.

Khane Khalili market

Thereafter, I went to Khane Khalili market. Saw the local art and crafts. Relished Pancakes. While coming back to my hostel, I also visited the Zakariya Ahmed street which is near Ataba metro station, another happening place in Cairo.

Travel apps

In this video, I have shared tips to use Google Maps and Google trips, two very helpful mobile applications for travellers. I searched for a restaurant and things to do in Cairo by using Google Trips app.

My experience at Giza Pyramids

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dubai trip
Travelogue

My Dubai Trip: A journey to the city of dreams

by VV
written by VV

Author: Unmesh Rajput

I went on a 7-day trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman in October 2017. Based on my experiences, I have shared few tips which may be helpful for anyone planning a Dubai trip.

Best time to visit Dubai

Dubai is ‘hot’! I suggest a trip to Dubai in the months of October/November so that weather is not unpleasant. Else you will not be able to explore the outdoors and beaches, which should not be missed.

Most important: Before you take your flight to Dubai

Ensure your Visa Agent confirms they will get an “OTB = OK To Board” from Dubai embassy. Unless you have an OTB, you will not be able to board a flight to Dubai even though you have a valid Visa and Ticket. OTB is done 24-48 hours before the flight.

Getting there

Visa is easy but requires flight and hotel bookings in advance. Indigo offers 30+7kg luggage for onward and return flights to Dubai. Make full use of this capacity and shop till you drop!!

Hotels in Dubai

All hotels or other stay options in Dubai are expensive. So just book and forget. Don’t think much. I stayed at Marriott Harbour Hotel and Suites, Dubai Marina. The view from its 51st floor is just fantabulous.


Booking.com

Getting around Dubai

Buy ‘NOL card’ right at the airport. Use Red/Green lines metro or the Bus system to get into the city. Do check metro and bus operational hours beforehand as they can change. Taxis are an expensive affair unless 2-4 people are ride sharing.

  • Do read all rules before you travel, e.g. sleeping in Metro and seat sharing is not allowed.
  • Trams are operational only in Dubai Marina area. Police are not everywhere, but cameras are! So be mindful.
  • Don’t jaywalk, cross the roads only at Zebra Crossings when the light turns Green.
  • Hop-on Hop-off tourist buses are also available at a cost.
  • Do take the boat ride in old Dubai, it costs only 1 Dirham.

Dressing code in Dubai

Conservative for man/woman, a fellow male tourist was caught by police as his shorts were way below his waist. You are only expected to cover yourself adequately when you visit a place of worship. Makes sense, right! However, bikinis and swim shorts are allowed on beaches. Surprised!

Must see-Must do in Dubai

There is so much to do in Dubai. Covering even in one month is difficult. I have listed a few, but you should research thoroughly before. Certainly not to be missed are star attractions like:

  • Desert Safari with BBQ dinner and entertainment
  • Burj Al Arab and its beach
  • Top of Burj Khalifa
  • Dubai Mall and its Fountain Show
  • Atlantis and Palm Jumeirah
  • Old Dubai and Dubai Creek
  • Watersports and Speedboat cruise in Dubai Marina
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise
  • Gold Souq
  • Temple of Shiva and Krishna in Old Dubai (only Hindu temple in Dubai),
  • Dubai Sky Dive
  • Aquaventure Waterpark
  • Ski Dubai
  • Miracle Garden
  • Bur Dubai
  • Deira markets
  • Electronics Shopping

Food & Alcohol

Wow! Heres the interesting part. Local food is fantastic and cheap. A meal can usually cost between 15-20 Dirhams without compromise on taste. Restaurants can be costly. Do try the white as well as red shawarma. You will get exposure to excellent Arabic, Pakistani and Indian food. I loved the Pakistani cuisine on offer, and it was damn cheap, only around 10-15 dirhams/meal. Public sale of Alcohol is not allowed, you can buy only in Hotels/Pubs/Restaurants/Clubs or through a local friend (Indian jugaad! lol).

Travel Guide – Dubai’s visa, flights, tips for Indians

Tips for Dubai trip

  • Read “Time Out Dubai” before you go. Check for events and programmes. The weekend is Friday and Saturday. So plan accordingly.
  • There are not as many Emiratis as there are travellers and expatriates. Don’t be surprised. Also, everyone speaks English.
  • Dubai is ridiculously safe. You will almost never lose your valuables. Police and Authorities keep making surprise checks on everyone. So carry Passport and Visa everywhere, even I was asked to produce it twice along with all the other local people.
  • Never plan Dubai on a budget. Dubai has to be seen to be believed. Explore it completely, and you will never regret it. Plan it as per your budget, and it will never leave unimpressed.
  • Everything here is massive, beautiful and beautifully planned. Do carry your best cameras and don’t miss any opportunity to Click.
  • Electronics in Malls/ Stores like Saraf DG/Jumbo are expensive. I bought iPhone 7 Plus 256GB in a market shop for 46,000 Rupees in October 2017 from Al Fahidi Street. One option is to shop electronics online and have them delivered to your hotel in Dubai. Yes! Or shop in markets like Bur Dubai Mankhool Road, Al Ain centre or Computer Plaza. Good deals are also at GITEX exhibition, but it is only once a year in September/October.
  • The variety and beauty of ornaments on offer in Gold Souq are simply mind-boggling. Do your homework on the Indian gold prices very well. Prices of 22k and 24k gold biscuits vary according to the certification body. (Swiss/Middle East etc.) Even ornaments are accredited. Buy gold on Saturday/Sunday as international markets are closed, and the price will be stable. Bargaining is the key to getting a good price. Don’t stress and politely walk away if you do not like the price. That’s ok. This is one place your wife or girlfriend is going to love. Don’t miss the biggest gold ring – 63kg on display in Gold Souq and displayed in Hindi movie “Welcome Back”!
  • Cost cutting options: Buy food at Supermarkets like Carrefour. Travel by Tram, Metro, Bus. Try and explore free possibilities as far as possible. Shop only at a discount. Some exceptional shopping deals are during Ramadan, National Day or Christmas.
  • The Dubai Mall fountain show is every 30 mins, different each time with Arabic, Chinese and Indian music. Do watch all three shows. Don’t miss the free aquarium view in Dubai Mall and you can also pay to get inside the aquarium with the Sharks and Stingrays in full view of the public.
  • Try water taxi. Take the RTA water taxi from Old Dubai to Dubai Marina. The views are fantastic and entirely paisa vasool. The RTA water taxi maps and info is available at RTA offices.
  • Flights/Hotel are at least twice as expensive in peak season as during offseason. So discounts at Dubai Shopping Festival will be set off. Be wise and visit in offseason. Book Flights and hotels two months in advance. Check the weather in advance.
  • Shamelessly admire cars and click pictures. Luxury cars are extremely common. Go to all the car showrooms and see all the luxury cars for free. You can rent any supercar, yes even a Lamborghini on an International Driving License. But please study all the traffic rules and regulations online as punishment in case of violation is very strict. Else you can plan to be taken around in one of the luxury cars, even the stretch Limo or stretch Hummer.

Useful travel websites in Dubai

  • Metro information: https://www.dubai-online.com/transport/metro/ & http://www.dubaimetro.eu/
  • Water Taxi – https://www.rta.ae/links/marine/en/dubai-water-taxi.html
  • Tour tickets – www.headout.com
  • Rules for Indians – https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/dubai/11-things-indians-must-never-do-in-dubai
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Travel GuideVideos

GO KL BUS : Free bus service in Kuala Lumpur

by Tourist Helpline
written by Tourist Helpline






Go KL Bus is a free bus service which serves the city centre of Kuala Lumpur. There are 4 bus routes by the names of Green, Purple, Red and Blue line. It is open to both residents and tourists. The services can be used at the Go KL City Bus official bus stops only. Most bus stops are in close proximity to tourist attractions, major shopping centres and easy way to connect through rail transit services such as KTM Komuter, Rapid KL and ERL. Read further to find out about the best way to explore the city of Kuala Lumpur!

GO KL Bus Routes

Green Line

It runs from KLCC to Bukit Bintang. If you are in the mood for shopping then taking the Green Line is preferred.  The very famous Petronas Twin Towers lie on the Green Line.

Purple Line

It runs from Pasar Seni to Bukit Bintang. The Purple Line is often more preferred when one wishes to check out places for sightseeing. The KL Tower lies on the Purple Line.

Blue Line

It runs from Titiwangsa Bus Terminal to Bukit Bintang. Blue Line is mainly used by people for work as it’s route covers the major workplaces of Kuala Lumpur.

Red Line

It runs from Titiwangsa Bus Terminal to KL Sentral. Use the Red Line if you’re out for leisure activities in the city.

Also check: Rapid KL buses in Kuala Lumpur

GO KL Bus Interchange

  • Bus Terminal Jalan Tun Razak, Medan MARA and Maju Junction for Blue and Red lines.
  • Concorde Hotel and Life Centre for Blue and Green lines.
  • Wisma MPL, Menara ING and The Weld for Purple and Blue lines.
  • Pavillion, Starhill Gallery and Bukit Bintang for Purple, Green and Blue lines.

GO KL Bus Schedule

Go KL bus Operating Hours
  • Working Day: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Weekends and Holidays: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Go KL bus Frequency
  • Working Day – Peak Hours (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM) : Every 5 minutes
  • Others: Every 10 minutes

Go KL Bus features

  • For people with disabilities, each bus has a wheelchair access ramp
  • Wi-Fi is also available in some buses for the convenience of passengers.
  • There are separate (reserved) seats for differently abled people, women and the elderly.

Prominent tourist places on GO KL route

  • Petronas Twin Towers – Green Line
  • KL Tower – Purple Line
  • Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) – Red Line
  • National Mosque of Malaysia (Masjid Negara) – Red Line
  • Pavilion Kuala Lumpur – Green Line
  • Plaza Low Yat – Purple Line

GO KL bus Route Map

Go KL bus route map

Go KL bus route map

 

Click : Official website of Go KL bus
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VideosTravelogue

Bali bike taxi, mobile sim & Kuta beach

by VV
written by VV





Bali bike taxi is called Ojek, the cheapest way to travel in Bali. Generally, their rates are fixed. I got to know about this crucial information on the last day of my Bali trip. More details about Ojek are available in Bali travel guide. In this video, I have also shared my experience on Kuta beach which is another happening place of Bali.

In this video, you will get to know about –
  • Kuta beach activities
  • Cheapest way to travel in Bali
  • Mobile sim in Bali
  • Bali Malls and market
  • Discovery mall, Bali
  • Art Market, Kuta
Check my 5-day Bali itinerary

My other travel video series

Hitchhiking in Russia – 2017

Hitchhiking in Malaysia – 2017

A trip to the offbeat Himalayas:  Spiti – India – 2017

Hitchhiking in Thailand – 2017

Hitchhiking in Austria- 2016

Hitchhiking in Czechia- 2016

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bali travel guide
Travel Guide

Bali travel guide

by VV
written by VV

Bali travel guide is based on my travel experiences I had in Bali in late 2017. You can read about them and my Bali itinerary in this report.

Bali: an overview

  • Capital of Bali – Denpasar
  • Bali Airport – Denpasar (Ngurah Rai International Airport)
  • Flights from India to Bali – Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Thai Airways, Malindo air
  • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah – IDR (1 INR = 210 IDR)
  • Must do activities in Bali – Snorkelling trip in Nusa Penida, Balinese massage and spa, Relax at Kuta beach
  • Must visit places in Bali – Ubud, Kelingking beach, Uluwatu, Tanah lot temple, Nusa Lembongan, Kuta, Seminyak

How to get visa for Bali

Indonesia provides a visa-free entry to most of the nationals who wish to visit Indonesia for tourism purpose. This visa is available for 30 days and can’t be extended further. So, Indian citizens do not require a visa to visit Bali. Many people have asked about the documents needed to get Bali visa in the facebook group of TouristHelpline. To answer them, just arrive at the Bali airport and show your passport to the immigration officer. You will get the entry. Although its recommended to have documents like return flight tickets & hotel bookings or other accommodation proof. The visa-free movement in Bali for Indians is similar to visa-free access to Nepal and Bhutan. The only difference is, Indians don’t require a passport to visit Nepal & Bhutan, whereas you need a passport to enter Bali, Indonesia.

Flights for Bali


Hostels and budget hotels in Bali

budget hotels in Bali

Budget stay in Bali

Bali is a perfect place for budget travellers. Hostels in Bali are generally available for 250 Rupees (approx.) for one person/night. However, while writing this report I saw a few hostels were available for as low as 120 Indian Rupees. (Click this link – Bali Budget hostels). These hostels, guest houses are readily available in all over Bali. However, Ubud is a paradise for budget travellers. That is the reason lot of budget hostels are available in Ubud. You can also get cheap hostels in the most happening area of Bali, i.e. Kuta and even Denpasar, the capital of Bali.

Budget hotels in Bali

Many people have asked how to get budget hotels or hostels in Bali in the TouristHelpline facebook group. The best way is to choose the area first and then go the online travel agencies like Booking.com, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, etc… and check the ratings given by the users, not the agency. I would advise using the filters to on such portal. For eg., you can filter the results on the basis of budget, ratings, facilities, etc.

Where did I stay in Bali? - Check my 5-day Bali itinerary

Vegetarian food in Bali

Being a vegetarian is not a problem in Bali. I am also a vegetarian and found a lot of options to eat and drink. There are a lot of local vegetarian dishes like Tipa cantok, Daluman, Veg Nasi Goreng (fried rice), etc. Check my videos and Instagram for more details and their pictures.  Getting Indian food in Bali is also not a problem. As the number of Indians tourists in Bali is quite huge, there are a lot of Indian restaurants in Bali. Google will help you to find them.



Tourist sim in Bali

Getting a prepaid sim card in Bali is very easy. Just pay the cost and get the pre-activated sim from any sim card dealer. You don’t need to give any documents to get the sim as no registration is required for taking a prepaid Sim card in Bali. I used Telkomsel and I was pretty satisfied with its performance. It worked well even in Nusa Penida (island). Another popular network is ‘XL’. Generally, a prepaid sim/tourist sim will cost 200,000 IDR in Bali. One of the sim vendors was selling a Telkomsel sim for 200,000 IDR with 7GB of internet data and no talk time. One Indian Rupee (INR) equals 210 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), as on 31 December 2017.

Internet and free WiFi in Bali

Free WiFi is available in most of the restaurants, cafes & hotels in Bali. The speed is good for sending a WhatsApp message or uploading a picture on your Instagram. So, probably you won’t even need to purchase a sim. Although, your prepaid sim can be uploaded with various Internet data packs. While booking your hotel/hostel make sure they offer WiFi range up to your bed because many of them offer free WiFi only in their lobby or dining area.

My Bali travel videos - Click here 

Local transportation in Bali

Bali does not have a good public transport system. You won’t find public buses in all the areas. Bemo, the local minibuses are available on limited routes. Your hotel staff can guide you to use a Bemo.

The worst thing I experienced in Bali was the traffic jams. As it was an organised group trip, we were given a bus for the whole trip. We actually wasted a lot of time getting stuck in the traffic jams. Only two-wheeler users were at the advantage. I suggest hiring a two-wheeler to explore Bali. This way, not only you will be able to dodge the traffic jams but also experience the independence to explore places on your own.

Local transportation in Bali
  • Bemo, the minibuses
  • Rental cars
  • Rental Bikes
Also check: Online booking of Ferry, Bus & Cars in Bali

How to rent a bike in Bali

A motorcycle or scooter is available for rent for 70,000 IDR for 24 hours. You just need to show your Indian driving licence, passport and pay the rent in advance. They will note down the passport and driving licence details and handover the motorbike’s key to you. Watch this video for more details.

Bike rental in Bali - 70,000 IDR for 24 hours
Do we need an International driving license to rent a bike?

Yes, a valid International driving license is recommended to hire a bike or scooter in Bali. Actually, it is mandatory to have an international driving license for driving a motor vehicle outside of your country. Some countries enforce this law very strictly whereas some don’t. According to Mr Arpan, a member of Tourist Helpline group who has spent a significant time in Bali – it is advisable not to hire a bike without a proper International driving licence or permit. There is a hefty penalty for this as per local laws. “I have seen many people made to spend hours in the police station “negotiating” their release and made to pay 200 USD because they didn’t have the International driving license.”

Bike taxis in Bali

Bike taxi is called Ojek in Bali. Ojek is probably the cheapest way to travel in Bali. They are like auto rickshaw or tuk-tuk, where anyone can approach them to travel from one place to another. There are on-demand Ojek services offered by Grab and Gojek. Both the operators have their mobile app. Download them to book a bike taxi, just like you do to call an Ola or Uber taxi in India. In this video, I have shared information about Ojek.

Hotels in Bali



Booking.com

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