Towada, Japan

“Joanne-san, Joanne-san..” Certain I had heard my name being called, I looked up and scanned my surroundings for a familiar face. I was in a cramp changing room, surrounded by women of different ages in various states of undress. Seeing no one I knew - and really, who was I expecting to meet in a remote mountainous hot spring - I went back to undressing.

“Joanne-san…” Whipping my head up quicker this time, I traced the voice to a young female attendant who was searching the crowd. Hesitantly, I approached her. Running through the five Japanese sentences I knew, I gave a tentative “Hai? Watashi wa Joanne-desu.” (Translation: “Yes? I am Joanne.”)

Relieved, the attendant broke into rapid Japanese. My eyes widened and quickly glazed over. Praying for a miracle, I used the only other sentence I knew. “Nihongo wakarimasen. Eigo?” (Translation: “I don’t speak Japanese. English?”) Noting the panic on my face and high-pitch squeak, the attendant searched her vocabulary. Pointing to the door and using her fingers to encircle her eyes in the universally understood sign for spectacles, she said “boyfriend?”

As it turned out, I had forgotten to take a towel to the onsen and if not for Zhaowei’s intervention, would probably have had to shake the water off my body.

Nikko, Japan

With my eyes fixed intently on a spot on the wall, I repeated over and over in my head that I would not stare. But my eyes took a life of their own and before I knew it, I caught a glimpse of the vigorous scrubbing activity happening next to me. I told myself that I wasn’t being creepy, and instead, was taking notes on the proper procedure for bathing in an onsen, or hot spring. Except, I was breaking the number one rule: do not stare at others.

My initiation into the world of onsen bathing took place in the beautiful town of Nikko, less than two hours train ride from Tokyo. Boasting waterfalls, serene lakes and ancient temples, Nikko is a lovely and quick getaway for frazzled Tokyo residents eager to leave the urban jungle behind.

The male onsen

Hong Kong

“Don’t waste that, let me get you a paper bag". Despite my protests in halting Cantonese, the affable old man disappeared into the crowd, only to reappear a minute later, triumphant paper bag in hand. After thanking him profusely, I pocketed the sweet, sticky pastry and showed off the finished product to him with a grin.

I met this kind stranger at a shockingly crowded dim sum cafe along Wellington Street, where sharing tables is the norm. After staring at me throughout my meal, wondering why this Chinese girl speaks neither Mandarin nor Cantonese, but shared a language closer to the gwei los (foreigners), he must have decided that I was simply a clueless tourist, overwhelmed by the madness that is Lin Heung and needed help navigating this old establishment. He was right.

It’s first come, first serve at Lin Heung, where locals battle it out with tourists

Bali, Indonesia

A heady blend of ancient temples, 5-star hotels and tantalizing cuisine, Bali is the quintessential romantic getaway. Take a stroll among jade green rice fields, sink your feet into powder soft sand, visit a crumbling temple where incense floats lazily towards the heavens, or lounge by a gorgeous pool under the clear blue sky with cocktail in hand.

Many tourists rave about the gentle and impeccable service provided by the Balinese. While this is very true – we received flawless service everywhere – the Balinese are also incredibly wily businessmen. All services outside of hotels are paid on a “negotiation” basis. The Balinese hate putting a dollar to their service, be it a taxi or tour operator, and would ask you to pay “what you think is right”. But under-quote and their attitude switches in an instance.

Still, don’t let that spoil your holiday. Do your research and always keep your cool. The Balinese hate loud, confrontational people.

This trip, we concentrated on Ubud, which is the mountainous area in Bali known for its resorts and artists’ villages.

Batam, Indonesia

A hop, skip and 45-minute boat ride from Singapore, Batam has become a well-known spa and seafood paradise for bargain hunters and city dwellers looking for a quick getaway.

 

While some may still associate this island with less than desirable activities - prostitution, dubious massage parlours, secret second wives of Singaporean men who have received their pensions - and that may indeed be the case... stick to the well-established tourist routes and you'd be safe.

 

Wrapped up in our busy corporate lives, Batam represents a relatively painless retreat for the girls and I to get pampered, scrubbed from head to toe, massaged till our sore muscles are soothed and to prepare us for another week ahead.