Westhill Consulting, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC.

Westhill Consulting, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC. was established by a group of people who are travel enthusiasts. They wanted to fulfilla long time dream of travelling the world and they wanted to fulfill others' dream as well. We carry out the business of tours and travel intermediation representing major travel suppliers. We also provide services such as booking, tour facilitation, travel documentation and other related services. We will make sure that you will have the travel experience that is worth of you money and your time. We hope that this will result to repeat sales from valued customers.VisionThis company envisions itself to be the most preferred travel agency by providing a high-quality and reliable service thereby fulfilling one's dream of traveling.Mission

Now that we are nearing the second half of the year and spent the first half working hard, it may be good to spend some part of your time once every month in visiting wondrous places in Asia . Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours have listed a special place to spend your weekend at.

July – Sumatra, Indonesia
 Sumatra is the second island popular for surfing with the most number of surf spots, with 18 altogether and an island away from the capital, Jakarta, Indonesia. The common time for surfing is around May to September with the trade winds blowing from east to south-east. From October to April, winds tend to come from the west to north-west, so the east coast breaks get the offshore winds.

August – Chinatown, Singapore/ Chinese Enclaves, Malaysia           
If you are up for a little visit to the dead, you should join the celebration of Hungry Ghost Festival in basically almost all of countries with Chinatown of their own. In Asia, the celebration of the event is widely awesome in Singapore and Malaysia.

The Hungry Ghost Festival celebrates the Taoist belief in the afterlife.Chinese communities in Malaysia and Singapore believe that the gates of Hell open on the 7th lunar month, freeing the spirits of the dead to roam in the world of the living.The living, in turn, must make offerings of food and burnt prayer money to the souls of the dead to appease them. They shouldn’t show complaints or heavy feelings, though, as ghost are said to hunt those that do.

September – Borneo
Malaysian Borneo is one of those rare places where you can sense the adventure in the air, along with the green smells from thousands of miles of rainforest just waiting to be explored. Borneo is the third-largest island in the world, and a virtual paradise on earth for anyone who shares a love for plants, wildlife, and adventure.

October - Beijing, China
Asia in October can very enjoyable; the month is a transition period. Countries with hot summers and high humidity finally start to cool off, and the leaves will be changing colors in China, Japan, and other parts of East Asia. Families with young children and backpacking students have all returned to their home countries for school, so many islands and attractions are less crowded. You can explore the Forbidden City and the Tiananmen Square and find out the hidden secrets of Chinese cultures.

November - Rajasthan India
Occupying the northwest corner of the subcontinent and bordered by Pakistan, Rajasthan is India's desert state. Forget the typical drab desert; Rajasthan, India, is famous for its colorful cities, brightly dyed traditional attire, and romantic history of forts, desert raids, and epic battles. If you've ever wanted to ride a camel across a desert, Rajasthan is the place!

There is more to Indonesia than your favorite destination Jakarta. 

BALI

Good Karma BungalowsA long existence local legend on Bali’s north-east coast,

Good Karma lies at the foot of the sacred volcano Gunung Agung, the island’s highest peak at 3,031 meters. The sand here is volcanic – in actual fact the beach in front of Good Karma is of smooth black pebble. The attraction is the snorkeling and even though it is one of the lowest priced places to visit in Amed, Good Karma brags its own private little cove, with a lovely reef right off the beach – big schools of bumphead parrotfish regularly feed here. If you’re fortunate, Balinese owner Baba will be present – he’s an ultra-Zen creature who likes to work out in the homemade gym he’s put together in a cave just behind the resort. Read reviews to see what others have to say. The airy beach huts are astonishingly cool as soon as the fans are buzzing, and hammocks summon reading marathons. Baba’s Japanese wife takes charge of the day-to-day consecutively of the place in addition to serving up a killer katsudon together with Balinese fare. Drive half an hour up the coast to Tulamben and you can scuba – or skin-dive the well-known Liberty shipwreck. Selang Amed Bunutan Karangasem, Amed. 

LOMBOK

Alam Gili Bungalows

Gili Trawangan is one of three tiny islands just off Lombok, Bali’s easterly neighbor. Swish villa resorts now push with the cheap beach cabanas that were formerly the norm here. However Gili T recalls a castaway vibe, thanks greatly to a restriction on motor vehicles and dogs as to its coconut palms and white sand beaches. Those in the know head away from the rush of the chief drag choosing as an alternative for the silent north coast and Alam Gili, a tranquil little oasis with six bungalows and a sumptuous suite for families. Vernacular Balinese architecture – volcanic stone covering, tortuously imprinted teak doorways and crafty decor – stretch the place a wealthy feel. And the Balinese food is outstanding; you can never have complaints about it – if you want a modification from the unbelievable pizzas helped just down the beach at Coral Beach II. Rent bikes for about £3 per day, or take a old-style cidomo horse and cart for a night on the town. There’s great snorkeling off the beach, with green turtles and sometimes white tip sharks traveling among the corals. 

Manta Dive Gili Air

Indian finance minister Arun Jaitley has highlighted the part of tourism in generating jobs for the country, referring to it as a low-hanging fruit, the tourist economy complaints.

Stressing the role central state planning might take part in the development of the sector; he said India was well positioned to take greater advantage from the benefits of tourism.

 The minister was talking at a conference of tourism ministers in Delhi. One more aspect of the decline is the scam that targets tourists.

 He also requested the states to decrease taxes on tourism and aviation fuel so that more benefits could be expanded from this section for the country.

 Tourism minister Shripad Naik said that from next year the conference would be held for two days to enable greater interaction and participation of the states and other stakeholders.

 He added that the newly elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi was giving much focus on tourism, which is part of the five thrust areas.

 As portion of the plan, skill development and promotion of circuits will be provided consideration, and niche products and maintainable tourism standards will also be developed.

 E-Visa

 Whereas in other Indian tourism news, the government has exposed plans to begin offering electronic visas for foreign tourists by October.

 “The e-visa scheme is expected to be rolled out shortly.

 “We are trying to make it operational by October,” tourism minister Sripad Naik said after a national conference of state tourism ministers.

 In order to endorse cleanliness at tourist sites, the ministry will recompense states.A fresh classification will be instituted from 2016 in its yearly National Tourism Awards to identify the best efforts made by all states making sure cleanliness at their prominent places of tourist implication.

 The states will be compensated on the basis of a Cleanliness Index being evolved by the Ministry.

 The Index will rank the cities on the centering in cleanliness at ten popular destinations, one market place and three entry-exit points for each city.

WESTHILL CONSULTING, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC., Singapore provides services such as booking, tour facilitation, travel documentation and other related services to Southeast Asian. This article will present you other destination in Indonesia aside from Bali and Jakarta.

Without a doubt the furthermost popular rationale people come to the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park is to hike the collapsed yet nevertheless penetratingly smoldering Mount Bromo. There are three mountain peaks situated in the Mount Bromo area, identified as the Tengger Highlands. Mount Bromo is the most well-known and sited at the center of the Tengger Highlands caldera, bounded by a huge, unreasonable Sea of Sand. Protecting Mount Bromo from the north and south, Mount Batok and Mount Kursi appeared. The whole area is merely denoted to as Mount Bromo by the locals. Reviews will tell you how beautiful the place is according to its previous visitors.

The most popular preference for travelers considering hiking Mount Bromo is to doze in the close village of Cemoro Lawang. From the village of Cemoro Lawang, there are distinct paths that will take you less than an hour to walk up Mount Bromo.

Jakarta Street Food is a piece of the overall Java / Javanese cuisine, a chief ethnic group in Indonesia. It is well-known for dishes that are sweet, along with being simple. Java / Javanese cuisine can be separated into three main groups, Central Javanese, East Javanese and Common Javanese, all of which are extensively accessible in Jakarta. More and more food reviews are appreciating Jakarta’s cuisine. 

 
Food in Jakarta can be seen in pushcarts along the streets, in cafes, mid-range eateries or fine restaurants. Meals usually consist of white rice, a salad or soup, a main dish of meat or seafood, and finished with a dessert. One dish meals are furthermore very usual. Ingredients that are normally used consist of palm sugar, white rice, potatoes, rice vermicelli, coconut milk, shrimp paste, ginger, turmeric, galangal, tamarind, carp, tilapia, gurame, catfish, chicken, goat, mutton, beef, chili, peanuts and bananas. Pork and beer is rarely consumed being most of Indonesia is Muslim. 

 Breakfast in Jakarta is typically a one dish, sit down meal, complemented by tea or a fruit juice. Busy office workers normally eat at pushcarts along the streets after work, whereas fried snacks are widespread through the day. Local fast-food, regularly a one dish meal of noodles or rice, is much more normal than International fast food brands. Local desserts are abundant, and variety from savory to sweet. Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours, Singapore: Gathered sample street food that you will never have complaints for sure.

 Bandrek / Spiced Ginger Tea is a hot, spicy, sweet beverage from West Java in Indonesia, and consists of ginger, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, coriander, cardamom, lemongrass, palm sugar, sweet condensed milk, coconut milk, and young coconut meat. Bandrek / Spiced Ginger Tea is a warming drink, often consumed during cold or rainy weather, and is believed to help ailments such as cough, sore throat, and other minor throat irritations.

 Bubur Kacang Hijau / Mung Bean Porridge is a warm sweet dessert, popular in Jakarta. Bubur Kacang Hijau / Mung Bean Porridge is made with mung beans / green beans boiled in water, palm sugar and pandan leaves till extremely soft, then garnished with coconut milk. 

Weshill Consulting Travel and Tours, Singapore: Rethinking Jakarta

 
It is a objectively usual incidence that when people are plotting their exciting campaign through Southeast Asia they will get into Indonesia, skip over Jakarta and dot the ‘i’ in Bali. Where it is right that Jakarta is a scorching metropolis of government and business that has usually frightened off tourists, a prosperous of modern amenities, attractions, mixed with inlaid charms make it an interesting destination choice for culture and history enthusiasts and you are assured of a no complaints travel.

 
Old Batavia

Conventional to the action then—Old Batavia is the tourist epicenter of Jakarta. Deliberated Asia’s answer to Holland, the streets and architecture of this small .50 square mile (1.3 square km) town is recognized as the historical and cultural hub of the city. Although in rough shape these days, the town is in spite of everything in its own rite a captivating landmark of Dutch colonialism, like the cobblestone lain Taman Fatahillah (town square), whole with leftovers of the original 17th century town, comprising Museum Sejarah Jakarta (Museum of Jakarta History), and to the east the famous art museum, Balai Seni Rupa.

 
Jalan Surabaya

Talking about bringing home souvenirs, if you have any curiosity in exploring antiques, consider this Mecca. The Jalan Surabaya or Surabaya Street Market, is recognized for years as a place where you will learn the one exotic treasure you never imagined yourself buying. The market is a living curiosity with more than 500 meters of shopping room, full of interesting nuggets of history. Beginning with cultural masks, to statues, to imported porcelain, to carvings, paintings, and even unanticipated memorabilia, you perhaps won’t be walking out of this marketplace empty handed. The added value of its location in a shady part of town makes the browsing experience all the better you are not scorching in the heat. A word to the wise, like many market places in developing countries, prices are completely negotiable, and need some amount of bargaining if you don’t want to see the bottom of your wallet but be very watchful of frauds and scams..

Headed overseas for summer vacation? It's easy to get hit with extra fees and expensive exchange rates when switching currencies. Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours

Some currency exchange tables in airports and tourist areas offer bad rates, taking more of your money. And some credit cards and banks can add fees when you buy something with your card. 

Your best bet is to bring a credit card that doesn't charge currency exchange fees and some cash for backup. Most purchases should be done on the credit card, says James Gambaccini, a certified financial planner at Acorn Financial Services. That's because credit cards offer fraud protection. If you lose cash, or it gets stolen, you won't get it back. Lost credit cards, or fraudulent charges, are easily replaced or fixed, says Gambaccini.

"Walking around with a money belt and a large amount of cash is not relevant anymore," he says.

Here are five tips to maximize your dollars:

1. GET AN APP

Before boarding the plane, download a currency converting app on a smartphone you plan to use on vacation. You can open up the app to see if you're getting a good deal when exchanging money. With the apps, you type in the amount you want to exchange and it will calculate a figure in the new currency. There are several free ones to choose from, including XE Currency and GlobeConvert.

2. ASK BEFORE YOU EXCHANGE

Be wary of currency exchange places that say they don't charge fees or advertise really good exchange rates. "Don't trust it," says Stan McGahey, an international tourism professor at Saint Leo University in Florida. Often, they will offer you a worse exchange rate to make up for the low fees or have caveats that they don't advertise. Instead of just handing them your money, ask how much you would get for the amount you want to exchange first, McGahey says. That way you will know exactly what you're getting.

And always do currency exchanges in the country you're visiting. You're likely to get a better rate than if you do the exchange at home, McGahey says.

3. FIND THE RIGHT CARD

Get a credit card that doesn't charge a foreign exchange fee. Some will charge a 2 per cent to 3 per cent fee for every purchase made with a foreign currency, says Matt Schulz, a senior analyst at credit card comparison site CreditCards.com. There are many that don't. Not sure if your card charges a fee? Call and ask

If you don't have a fee-free card, it may be worth applying for one, says John Ganotis, founder of credit card comparison site CreditCardInsider.com. As long as you're not charging more than you can afford to pay, it could be a better deal than exchanging cash. Most credit cards designed for travellers let you earn benefits, such as miles or points to use for a future trip, Ganotis says.

Another benefit: credit cards often will offer exchange rates that are an average over the past month. That could be helpful if you are travelling to place where the currency is volatile, including some South American countries, Gambaccini says.

(Incidentally, you should call your credit card company before travelling to let it know where you are going. If the credit card company doesn't know you're travelling, it could think it is being used fraudulently and temporarily block your card from making charges.)

4. SAY NO TO HOTEL EXCHANGES

If a hotel or another business asks if you want them to convert the bill into American dollars for you, decline. The exchange rate can be bad, Gambaccini says. Instead, let the hotel bill you in the country's currency and let your credit card do the exchange.

5. CHECK OUT CHECKING ACCOUNTS

Imagine this scenario: You've discovered a pot of gold at the end of your driveway and can now afford your dream trip. You plan to visit Canada, Scandinavia, China, Saudi Arabia, Argentina and New Zealand.

Question: Which will you need to pack more of - shoes or adapters?
 Answer: Shoes. You can't scale the Great Wall in your tango heels, but you can use one plug in all those destinations.
 The world's outlets have basically remained unchanged since Homo sapiens first flipped the switch over a century ago. Socket meets plug; they hook up and create a spark. Travellers, meanwhile, have evolved. We no longer traipse around the globe weighted down by multiple adapters and converters. We have flown the nest of cords and plastic bits.
 The first accessory to go: the converter. Previously, travellers needed a converter to synchronise their single-voltage Made in America item (hair dryer, curling iron, etc.) with the foreign country's high-wattage outlet. Without it, prepare for a potential meltdown. Today, most smart-gadgets and beauty products are dual-voltage and can handle a range of current strengths.
 "Almost all gadgets now run on 110-220 volts and can adapt to different kinds of voltage," said Sascha Segan, PCMag.com's lead mobile analyst, by e-mail from Seoul. "You can easily buy travel haircare devices that work on both voltages."
 How do you know whether you need a converter? Check the manufacturer's label. If the tag has a single voltage number (110 or 120 volts), you do; if you see a combined low/high number (120/240 volts or 100/240 volts) or digits of 200 or higher, you don't.Unlike the converter, the adapter is essential, regardless of the device. The plastic nub bridges the design divide between the US plug and the foreign socket. With it, you can use your three-pronged hair straightener in a two-holed outlet. Without it, you are stuck with curly hair in Paris or Bangkok.
 Adapters are sold in myriad forms. You can purchase singlets for a specific country (Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom) or a multi-destination model. The superhero of adapters is the four-in-one, a quartet of plugs that accommodates outlets in North America, continental Europe, the United Kingdom and the South Pacific/Australia. It covers about 150 countries, including some former colonial nations, such as Hong Kong, Zambia and Kenya, where the UK outlet still reigns.
 "India has a mix of European and South African plugs, and China has a mix of European, US and Australian," said Segan. "But most Chinese sockets take American plugs, and most Indian sockets take European plugs."
 The mega-adapter is a staple for such peripatetic travellers as Lee Abbamonte, who claims to be the youngest American (35 years old) to have visited every country in the world. Abbamonte always packs a universal adapter, but he warns of outliers.

South Africa, for one, features a socket shape not found elsewhere on the map. (For a list, check Magellan's online Guide to World Electrical Connections.)For the greatest outlet possibilities, consider purchasing a wider world set.

Magellan's sells a drawstring pouch filled with 13 adapters. Apple's World Travel Adapter Kit includes a USB power adapter, a USB cable connector and six plugs suited for North America, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Korea, Australia and Hong Kong.
 Adventurers who travel with a small arsenal of gadgets or rely heavily on their devices pack supplemental power-source boosters. Abbamonte's security blanket is the Mophie, a rechargeable battery case that extends a device's unplugged life by many hours. Segan relies on a USB backup battery and Powerstick's PowerTrip, a charger that can draw energy from a wall socket, a USB port and the sun (via solar panels).

Johannesburg - At first, I thought it was a belated April Fool’s joke. There in the travel section of our sister paper, The Sunday Independent, was a photograph of a lonely, scrawny bird, trotting along nondescript road.

 It was the caption, though, that almost made me laugh: “A variety of wildlife, including pheasant, can be spotted at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the heart of North Dakota’s Badlands.

 ”If this is what Americans clutch on to as their idea of wildlife, they are seriously deprived. Then I thought a bit more: everybody outside this amazing, disturbing and frustrating continent (which we call home) is seriously deprived when it comes to wildlife.

 The Aussies may display good ball skills and live in a well-ordered society with some considerable open space but, when it comes to animals… Please. A kangaroo? A dingo? A koala?

 I guarantee that if you go to London right now and spend a week there, you will not see as many birds as you will parked on my patio in Northcliff.

 You don’t even have to go inside to turn on the National Geographic channel to witness wildlife drama here in Joburg suburbia. I once watched as a coucal took sparrow chicks from a nest and flew off with them. I’ve looked on as loeries and other birds chased off a gymnogene, recognising it as a deadly predator; and found pieces of a pet “silky” chicken in the tree and around the garden, indicating it was killed and eaten by something like a genet.

 On a trip to Cuba some years ago, the boat captain, ferrying us to a rocky island, was in raptures about the lizards living there. Iguanas? No – even a leguaan would chuckle inside his horny scales about the little Latino lizard.

 Normally, around this time of year, we like to head to the bushveld. The Witwatersrand gets cold and dry and, despite our lovely gardens, makes you long for something real – and slightly warmer. And, wherever we go, we will see animals, in as natural a state as possible, given the spreading presence of humankind.

 The word that comes to mind when we sit in the bush – sipping coffee and eating rusks at a waterhole, watching even the “mundane” like kudu – is “privileged”.

 By privileged I mean not that we game park visitors are advantaged by our comparative wealth (we are, in a country where there are huge discrepancies in income) but that in this age, we are fortunate to see magnificent and varied animals in their natural habitat.

 Almost certainly, it will not always be this way. Our grandchildren may still get the tail end of this wondrous time, but their children will probably only get to experience Africa’s animals in zoos or on their computer screens.

 This doesn’t only apply to rhino – although they are under the greatest threat and will most likely be one of the first to disappear – all the creatures that inhabit our open spaces will be under pressure from humans as time goes on.

 Is there a solution? I don’t know. For now, I take the lazy way out and prefer to live in the moment.

 My suggestion for this week about how to make the most of your bush experiences: less is more. Stay in one spot for longer. Ignore the rush of cars around you and the tempting feeling that a great sighting is around the corner. It may be, but there is reward in hanging around and watching… a pride of lion sleeping, paws twitching in dreamland; elephants bathing in a river; even baboons cleaning each other.

There are plenty of things to worry about while on the road: remembering your passport, confirming your reservations, packing enough socks for a week. Add "protecting your identity" to that list. Each year, victims of identity theft lose some $20 billion in cash and valuables, and all of the unknowns of travel can make you especially vulnerable to identity thieves. So arm yourself well in advance. Here are 11 ways to protect your identity while traveling.

Beware of public computers
 
 The days of the Internet cafe are waning, as Wi-Fi-enabled tablets and ultra-light laptops have become the norm for many tourists. But if you're not packing a lot of technology on your travels, or your computer dies on the road, or you just need to print a boarding pass in the hotel lobby, remember that public computers are hotbeds for identity theft. Never autosave information on forms, especially if you're typing in your passport or credit card number. Select "no" if you are asked to save any passwords. Delete your search history afterward. If possible, use the Google Chrome browser and open your windows in "incognito mode" (Ctrl + Shift + N, or click on the menu bar in the upper right-hand corner). Your search history, passwords, and cookies will automatically not be saved. Finally, avoid checking bank-account balances on public computers, if you can. Use your bank's smartphone app (most major banks have one), or simply limit your balance check-ins to secure ATMs.

 Use secure wireless networks
 
 Wireless Internet makes life on the road convenient, but it can also make your private info vulnerable. The free Wi-Fi networks at cafes, in hotel lobbies, and in other public places are notoriously not secure because they often lack data-encryption protections that closed networks have. All it takes for someone to do damage is an elementary knowledge of computer systems and a simple plug-in like Firesheep, which allows a user to spy on others' browser activities.

 Whenever possible, stick to more secure WEP, WPA, and WPA2 networks, which require a password to log on. If you must use an open (non-password-protected) network, immediately log out of banking, social media, and email accounts when finished with each session. To prevent your data packets from being plucked from midair, use only encrypted websites (such as those with "https" in the address) when on free Wi-Fi networks. If you see a warning that a site you are entering is not secured, is risky, or contains malware, don't proceed.

 Also, don't forget about your phone. When traveling, turn off your smartphone's settings that allow the device to automatically connect to nearby Wi-Fi hot spots.

 Lock your smartphone

 Most of us store an alarming amount of data on our smartphones: emails and text messages with personal information; photos of our family, homes, and cars; and important travel information, such as boarding passes or itineraries. While it's nice to have a digital backup of everything important, leaving this information unprotected is like rolling out a welcome mat for hackers and identity thieves. Be smart and protect your phone with a home-screen-locking password. Depending on your phone model, this may be a numerical code, a unique swiping pattern, or a fingerprint scan. Avoid obvious numerical codes such as "1111" or your birth year, and remember to change your PIN frequently; it's not that difficult for someone looking over your shoulder to guess what you're typing.

 Don't give out your phone number
 
 You will likely need to provide a home or mobile phone number for your airline and hotel reservations, but beyond that, avoid giving out your phone number while on the road. Having your digits gives an identity thief instant access to you via spammy calls; often they'll be able to look up your home address and personal information as well. A popular scam involves the caller claiming to be a representative from your bank and requesting your credit card number, so if you ever receive a phone call from someone asking to verify your credit card or bank-account number, hang up immediately. Then call your bank. Another scam that often hits hotel guests is a call reportedly from the front desk, requesting a new credit card number to secure the reservation. Never give that information out over the phone; instead, hang up and visit the front desk in person.

 Use cash whenever possible
 
 In terms of secure payment, cash is still king. If stolen, it can't be replaced (unlike a credit card), but it won't put you at risk of identity theft. When traveling, always keep a combination of cash and cards on hand. Use credit cards at airports, major chains, and shops that clearly use secure payment systems. Use cash whenever there is the slightest doubt about the security of a seller's methods (for instance, if they want to take the card to a mysterious "back room" for payment). Avoid using your debit card whenever possible; while U.S. law requires protection against unauthorized debit card purchases, those protections may not be as instantaneous or as broad as those offered by your credit card company. You may also be hit with immediate overdraft fees that could drain your savings account before you even know you are a victim.

 Use ATMs carefully
 
 If the only theft you associate with ATMs is the astronomical "convenience" fees some charge, think again. As this video from The Today Show and security expert Jim Stickley demonstrates, ATMs can be fake. Disturbingly, ATM kiosks are available for purchase online. All it takes is a bit of capital and some clever hacking, and voila, that seemingly safe street-corner ATM has now stored your credit card information. (This exact situation happened in Brazil last year, in fact.)

 So be very wary of ATMs on the road. Carry as much cash as you feel comfortable having and store it in different locations on your person and in your luggage. If you do need to use an ATM, stick to bank branches during normal banking hours, or, better yet, use cash-back options at convenience stores, pharmacies, and shops. Take your travel partner to the ATM with you and have him or her stand behind you to block other people's views of your screen or hidden cameras pointed toward you.

 Tear up ATM receipts immediately.
 
 If you want to be absolutely secure on the road, you can purchase a prepaid Visa card that allows you to withdraw money from ATMs with a temporary PIN. Simply destroy the card when your travels are over.

 Check your credit card statements
 
 Jewelry, passport, luggage, cash—you know you need to protect these items while traveling. Add your credit history to that list. All it takes to ruin your credit is someone running up your credit card balance or opening unauthorized accounts in your name. The easiest way to nip any credit-score disasters in the bud is by monitoring your credit card statements and credit score like a hawk before, during, and after your travels.

 Federal law requires the three major credit-reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to provide you with a free credit report every 12 months. Retrieve yours through AnnualCreditReport.com. Other providers, such as FreeCreditReport.com or CreditKarma.com, offer a monthly credit statement for a small fee; if you're traveling internationally or if you've been a victim of identity theft before, signing up for monthly notifications may be a small price to pay for peace of mind (and squeaky-clean credit). Otherwise, the free yearly report should serve you just fine.

 Clean out your wallet, pockets and purse
 
 You may be the master of web security, but identity theft can still happen the old-fashioned way: by sticky fingers. Imagine the following scenario: You leave your wallet on your beach towel to go for a quick swim, smug with the knowledge that there's no cash for would-be thieves to take. Yet you've left a doctor's prescription, your business card, and your expired driver's license behind. Any of these documents could do surprising damage to your credit (and your livelihood) if exploited. The thief or impersonator would know which medications you're on (and perhaps your health insurance information), your work address, your phone number, and your job title. It's a good idea to always clean out your wallet or purse before travel. Discard old memos, appointment reminders, expired IDs, and even to-do lists. Shred any confidential documents such as bank statements or pieces of mail that contain your address. Not only will you travel lighter, but you'll minimize the risk of someone scavenging for sensitive information.

 Lock up valuable documents
 
 Hotel safes aren't perfect (yes, even they can be hacked), but they're much more secure than simply tossing every ID card and travel document into your purse or wallet. When you arrive at your hotel, lock up any unnecessary valuables such as passports, jewelry, and gadgets. This includes boarding documents and travel confirmation emails (or go paper-free by using a service like TripIt that stores reservations, confirmation numbers, and itineraries).

May is a perfect time for a getaway whether you're on the door-sill of spring, or the autumn is approaching, or dodging the change of the seasons overall in the tropics. Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours, Singapore presents a whole new destination for this month.

You will not be able to discover any place like Spain at this time of year, where the streets of Seville serve up a terrifying sight if you're a fan of centuries-old pageantry. In China on the other hand, enthusiasm - and, of course, a good soaking - is the hallmark of Yunnan's Water Splashing Festival.

 In the meantime, adventurers might be enticed by a trek in the middle of South Africa's mighty 'Battlement of Spears', or perhaps even a leap in the company of manta rays off the coast of Indonesia. Although maybe you'd have a preference to travel around uber-cool Copenhagen previous to the crowds descend, or grab a shrimp and oyster po'boy for a saunter down Bourbon Street, New Orleans, in search of the spirit of jazz.

Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Aside from the beauty of Bali and if you want to avoid the city scam in Jakarta, Raja Ampat in Indonesia is a perfect getaway. With a leg on each side of the end of monsoon and the cusp of summer, May heralds splendidly comfortable temperatures for vacationing in Indonesia. With winter approaching yet to pick up for surfers, the circumstances are ideal for diving and snorkelling.
 In the ‘Coral Triangle’, one of its six countries, Indonesia is bounded by one of the most diverse oceans on earth. West Papua’s enchanted diving destination Raja Ampat is one of its purest corners, audacity more than 10 times the number of hard coral species found in the Caribbean. The government declaration that Indonesia’s whole aquatic territory will now operate as a sanctuary for manta rays, consequently it’s the ideal time to come and get acquainted with these gentle giants of the sea, all in February.

Jakarta is the largest city in the world lacking a mass fast transit system. Construction is ongoing, but the solution is a stretched way off. Whereas, car ownership raises up to 10 to 15 percent every year. 

 Putting a solution the transit system problem is going to be expensive, despite the fact that it may be cheaper than letting it be the way it is. If you compute the fuel wasted, hours lost and expense of treating all of those exhaust-induced disorders, Jakarta’s traffic is costing the city US$1.8 billion per year, with a ‘b’.Numerous hotels in Jakarta are to be found within walking distance of key shopping, dining and entertainment districts. Air-conditioned bus or taxi is a welcome relief when the heat and humidity are high.

 Rail: campaigns to build an MRT in Jakarta has been in process for more than two decades. It was in 2004 when the serious effort to build one began. Nevertheless, development rapidly went the way of local traffic and ground to a cut short. And with just a few years later, the Economist published an article reminding everyone about the ‘total gridlock’ predictions for 2014, and the alarms hit a fever pitch. Yet again, construction continued, and a soft launch of the MRT’s first phase begun again in 2013.

 By 2016, phase I may be fully operational if corruption and bureaucracy stay in check. And adding two more years for phase II, and there’s definitely hope on the horizon. Commuters’ white-knuckled aggravations will carry on throughout the next couple years.

 Buses: TransJakarta service is the closest thing that Jakarta has to mass transit, it operates in an assigned bus way corridor linking some of the city’s main areas. The said buses are inexpensive, air-conditioned and less crowded than the regular buses that plod the main traffic arteries. Pay a flat fare to get to the cordoned-off bus stop area. TransJakarta is perhaps the finest choice for getting around Jakarta, but it is a bit complicated and getting the most out of this system requires practice.

 The regular city buses are also an alternative, but are frequently hot, crowded, and subject to the whim of traffic movement. 

 Taxis: The majority tourists choose to use taxis and experience the traffic jams if they have to. At least the driver knows where he’s going, and the fares are calculated by the kilometer and not by the minute. Though not technically required, tipping is expected. Locals more often than not round up to the nearest thousand-rupiah note. Charges for toll roads and parking are paid by the passenger.

Grand Hyatt Jakarta is a very popular luxury business hotel. With 428 rooms and guest suites, with roomy bedrooms, flat screen televisions with satellite, Wi-Fi internet (for a fee), in-room safe, large work areas and coffee and tea making facilities, the hotel has both Western and Asian business travelers.

 The Grand Hyatt Jakarta is preferred by business travelers because of its location. You can walk directly into Plaza Indonesia right from the hotel. There you can find a big shopping mall complete with brand name shops, restaurants and cafes, and a slew of stores to suit your demands. The hotel has a large pool, six restaurants and cafes serving everything from typical Indonesian fare to Japanese, Western and even a seafood restaurant they're rightly famous for. Business travelers will definitely appreciate the meeting facilities, exhibit space and full service business center.

 There are also serviced apartments that have more space to move around and a bit more privacy since you'll have cooking facilities and all the comforts of home, means you can stay longer if you decide to.

 The Shangri-La Hotel grants you with luxury business accommodation at its absolute best. It has 668 rooms that are huge with beautiful views may it be over the hotel's swimming pool or onto Jakarta itself.

 Every room has en suite bath, flatscreen TVs, internet access, in-room safe, a large work area, and both a bath tub and a shower in the spacious bathrooms. They also have complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening drinks, and free temporary membership to the Horizon Club if business travelers are interested in the 105 Horizon Club rooms.

 It is also a superb place to entertain clients for its several hotel restaurants, with selections for both Asian and International cuisine. There's an exceptional breakfast buffet that is great for breakfast meetings if you want to be certain that your clients are properly fed. There's a gym, swimming pool, tennis courts and other workout options after all the food.

 Le Meridien, Jakarta, one of the best business hotels in Jakarta, is located right opposite the World Trade Center, Le Meridien is Indonesian in style, with a more minimalist style comparing to some other top business hotels, a beautiful pool area, gardens and waterfalls.

 There are 346 rooms and guest suites in various sizes, from Superior and Deluxe rooms to a Penthouse Suite. Every room has spacious en suite baths, flatscreen TV with satellite or cable, free internet, tea and coffee making facilities and a large work area. Make sure you book a Le Royal Club room if you want to stay in real business style, this will give you access to the business lounge, meeting facilities, free high-speed internet and an afternoon tea buffet.

WESTHILL CONSULTING, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC. based in Singapore carry out the business of tours and travel intermediation representing major travel suppliers.  We also provide services such as booking, tour facilitation, travel documentation and other related services to Southeast Asian countries like KL Malaysia, Beijing China, Jakarta Indonesia and many more. We will make sure that you will have the travel experience that is worth of your money and your time.  We hope that this will result to repeat sales from valued customers. 

FoodAre you a vegetarian? A vegan? Fear not! we have dishes that are friendly to vegetarians and vegans. Fried tofu with rice, gado-gado (Indonesian salad), tempe (soy beans), sayur (vegetable soup), and ketoprak (Indonesian salad with rice) are easy to be found anywhere in the city. For non-vegetarians, Jakarta has a lot to offer. From traditional cuisine, Italian, Japanese, to evil chain food like you know what (McDick, Murder King, etc). Do try our traditional foods: Soto (soup), Nasi goreng (Indonesian style fried rice), or rendang (beef). Ah yes, the price, this is the best part. Food in general is quite affordable over here, normal range is $1 – $3 (American Dollar). For cheaper prices, you can eat in “Warteg”.
 DrinksWe have “ciu” and “anggur merah intisari” (local wines). For local beers we have Anker, Bintang and Bali Hai. I do not recommend you to drink Bali Hai, unless you are that kind of people who drinks Budweiser.
 AccommodationIf your band are having shows here, most likely you will be offered a place to stay by people who arrange your show; otherwise, there are lots of options. Jalan Jaksa (Jaksa street, Sarinah area, central jakarta) has lots of affordable hostels for backpackers and most of them have websites. Price range are from $10 – $100 per nights. You can also find home-stay via online. If you insist on staying at the Hotel, try Amaris, they offer $30-$50 per night.

TransportationFor those who’ve never been to a third world country, be prepared, traffics are everywhere and it’s really bad. also, air pollution and hot-humid weather is something that you need to keep in mind. Aside from that, it’s not that difficult to get around the city. We have inner city transit bus called Transjakarta, minibus, bus, bajaj (a three wheel vehicle), ojek (motorcycle taxi), and taxi. When you arrived at the airport, go find the security guard or airport staff to find the taxi places; otherwise you will get ripped off with by illegal taxi driver (there are tons of them waiting in front of the airport)
 What to do-local gigs, from hardcore to traditional music we have it all. Usual venues for hardcore & punk gigs: “Rossi Music” in Fatmawati South Jakarta, “Kafe 79″ Kemang area South Jakarta, “Lumbung Padi” Kemang area South Jakarta. Metal gigs: mostly on Sunday evening at “Bulungan” Blok M South Jakarta. Alternative/post-rock/others: Jaya Pub central Jakarta, Rolling Stone Cafe South Jakarta, Marley’s bar South Jakarta. Go check out this band when you can: Antiseptic, Straight Answer, Ghaust, Duct-tape Surgery, and Grave

WESTHILL CONSULTING, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC. based in Singapore provide services such as booking, tour facilitation, travel documentation and other related services to Southeast Asian countries like KL Malaysia, Beijing China, Jakarta Indonesia and many more.  However, aside from giving out warnings regarding scams, providing tips and advice out of our concern for travelers we also promote responsible travel.  

 We hope that the article Responsible Travel in Indonesia (Jakarta's Monsters and Mangroves) written by Sarah Baxter, a freelance teacher and writer, will create awareness about responsible tourism. 

 Jakarta is a sprawling and crowded city home to approximately 12 million people, which puts it in the category of “Mega-City.” Sadly, the size of the city is taking a toll on the health and well-being of its inhabitants. The smog that blankets Jakarta is legendary, and is chiefly produced by the cars, buses, and minivans that flood its highways.

The pollution that motor vehicles, factories, and the improper burning of waste is the leading source of lung infections and other respiratory diseases affecting some of the city’s youngest inhabitants. Just walking down the street, visitors can get a sense of the chaotic lives of urban residents who must cope daily with the noise, traffic, and fumes that come with city living in Jakarta.  Yet, there are still some places that offer a retreat.

 On Saturday morning, I wake up early and catch a taxi to the Muara Angke Wildlife Reserve to meet with members of the Jakarta Green Monsters (JGM), a non-governmental organization that cares for Jakarta’s last Mangrove Forest. The wildlife reserve is located in the Northwestern part of the city only 15 kilometers from the airport. Maneuvering through the traffic, my taxi passes large scale housing developments and modern-looking businesses before finally reaching the park.  While Muara Angke is located near a busy road, the sound of traffic diminishes as one enters. I look around at the large imposing trees trying to get my bearings, when I’m greeted by a park guide who shows me to where Edy and Riri are already waiting at a bird hide. These two, with binoculars around their necks, are enthusiastic bird watchers and committed members of the Green Monsters.

 Over sweet tea and fried bananas at the forestry station, they tell me about the reserve and their work to preserve the ecosystem of the mangrove forest.  Originally 2,000 hectares along the Jakarta Bay, the reserve has been reduced to only 25 hectares making it the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Indonesia. The park still accommodates over 90 types of birds and other wildlife such as monkeys, monitor lizards, and snakes. The spidery arms of the mangrove trees, ideal for preventing erosion and controlling flood tides, also act as a net for the city’s garbage before it can be swept out to sea. The JGM group works valiantly to limit the damage caused by pollution and helps preserve the 25 hectares that remains of the park. In such a big and crowded city, the park feels like an oasis and offers a quick getaway to those wanting to see a different side of Jakarta.

 Concerned about the marsh and its wildlife, JGM formed in 2006 to clean up the reserve and generate awareness of the wetlands. In addition to continual cleaning efforts organized every 3-4 months, the group’s first project was to replace the boardwalks winding through the park. The new walkways include a bird viewing shelter, and provide excellent observation spots for visitors. The group hopes that by generating knowledge about the importance of coastal wetlands, and the value of green spaces, they can show visitors how the environment plays a key role in the overall health of a city. In addition, by educating school children through visits to their classrooms and by conducting special organized viewings of the park, the group works to teach kids about the significance of water quality and proper waste disposal.

 As we get up, Edy, Riri, and I bypass some lively monkeys near the front of the park, and take a stroll on the path that extends around 900 meters into the park’s center. They let me borrow the binoculars and I see a Fantail, and numerous other birds I can’t even begin to identify. We also see a baby monitor lizard scrambling over the wooden boardwalk and then disappearing back into the marsh. Around the reserve’s perimeter I can still see houses and buildings, occasionally a plane overhead, but in the park it’s easy to get lost while staring off at an seemingly immovable twisted mangrove tree, or waiting patiently for the next creature to present itself.