Glamping – the glamour of an influencer’s Instagram post coupled with the recharging contact with nature. Sign me up.
Don’t listen to purists who insist that you haul your own small tent and sleep on the roots for that true camping experience. Comfortable, and indeed beautiful, mobile dwelling has been with us for centuries. From Ghengis Khan to Ottomans and king Henry VIIII, people have been taking care to make their extensive travels and stays as beautiful, safe, and comfortable as possible.
Bring a ball, snorkel, an instrument – whatever you like really – and relax, because we’re not going to allow anything to disturb our peace. Here are three great places to go glamping.
Bali, Indonesia
It’s all about untamed nature and natural materials. The way people have been living there since time immemorial. If you haven’t felt the supple materials of a bamboo house in Bali, then you absolutely must give this one a try.
One great thing about Bali is that it’s relatively small, so you could follow a 2 week Bali itinerary and visit many places. Because you may mingle with locals outside popular tourist locations it’s helpful to keep a few things in mind to avoid confusion.
Source: piqsels.com
Don’t keep your hands on your hips when talking to someone, it’s considered aggressive. Don’t point at people if you can help it. Try not to show soles of your feet when sitting. None of these are likely to cause any incidents but go the extra length when interacting with people and see just how lovely they are.
Ninh Thuan, Vietnam
This is a mountainous region with a few good sandy beaches. There’s something for everybody here. Treehouse rentals, outdoor camps with Mongolian tents, dense forests, and the seaside. Go and see for yourself – charlie do surf and you can too.
Vietnam is a huge country with a troubled past but its people are kind and you will have a lovely time. Just make sure to face your palm downwards when calling someone over, otherwise, you’d be making a rude gesture in Vietnam.
The Vietnamese are also humble and they try to avoid shows of public affection, so that’s something to keep in mind when you try to fit in. If someone happens to invite you into their home, shoes absolutely have to go. Remember these and the locals will go out of their way to make you feel at home.
Bukit Patoi, Brunei
Brunei’s rainforests are some of the oldest in the world. If you are looking to experience a jungle sans the Bear Grills experience, this is your best bet. Brunei is a tiny country so you will be able to experience all it has to offer easily.
There are glamping sites in the middle of the jungle that will amaze you with the comforts they provide. Be mindful, however, that Brunei is different than the other recommendations in that it’s a small, traditional, Muslim country.
Source: pixabay.com
All that really means is that a simple etiquette of respect and modesty applies. Other than that, immerse yourself in the wilderness to your heart’s content because this is a safe place to do that.
In conclusion
Glamping is a perfectly legitimate way to reconnect with wild nature and Southeast Asia is a great place for that not just for its beauty and wealth of opportunity in this regard, but also for its people who are humble, kind, and welcoming.
Whether you like to visit many different places with different activities or have a single base from which to take excursions, there is something for everyone here. Rivers, jungles, and mountains await to host you in warm beds with fireplaces and spas.
