Hot Take: Away from it all, Gili Air rewards beach seeking visitors…even as the tourism industry destroys this once pristine island. (3.0 stars)
Pro Tip: Book ahead of time as the best accommodations are small and all tend to sell out.
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hot take: Tulamben was a delightful underwater experience, but not much else is going on in this sleepy part of Bali. (3.0 stars)
pro tip: Plan ahead (especially with flights) to maximize your time in the water.
Hot Take: Ubud gets under your skin and makes you understand what the hype about Bali is all about. (4.5 stars)
Pro Tip: Not a place for partying, open yourself to the experience of moving with deliberate intention.
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Hot Take: Even if you don’t love temples, staring into the sunset at Tanah Lot will stir your soul (or you are dead inside). (4.5 stars)
Pro Tip: Go at high tide to get the island effect or at low tide for a cool land bridge to the temple.
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Hot Take: For those with plenty of budget, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel is a must-do experience in Singapore that will leave lasting memories for years (and super jealous Instagram followers)…for those on a tighter budget, you should still check out the laser show (free), the window shopping (free), and the SkyPark Observation Deck ($20 each).
Pro Tip: You will get the pool to yourself for about 1 minute after the end of the once pool daily cleaning break…that is the time for the perfect shot no matter how crowded it gets.
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Hot Take: Blending mankind’s ingenuity with nature’s wonder, the Gardens by the Bay are a worthy (if a bit spendy) place to spend an afternoon or whole day. (4 stars)
Pro Tip: Go during on a weekday to avoid the crowds and make sure you don’t skip the elevated walk from the Marina Bay Sands.
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Hot Take: The gardens are simply stunning and a great free-ish place to spend time in otherwise expensive Singapore (4.5 stars)
Pro Tip: Go in the morning for cooler weather and lesser crowds (this is especially true for the National Orchid Garden) and bring water to stay hydrated.
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Hot Take: Bohol’s interior was a taste of natural beauty and life in the country, well worth your time if you are in the area but nothing life-changing (3.5 stars)
Pro Tip: Rent a car (or leaving driving to the professionals) if you are an under-experienced motorcycle rider…things happen fast when there are no rules to the road.
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Hot Take: Cebu’s aquatic attractions are worth the (significant) energy it takes to experience them (4 stars)
Pro Tip: Try to go in a private tour (or your own self-guided tour via the bus system if you are on budget) to experience private moments away from the tour buses of Chinese tourists.
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