Indie Guide Indonesia: Volcano Trekking Rinjani

7 Things to Know Before Kicking Mount Rinjani's Ass

I'm basically Jon Snow. The Wildling mount of THE WALL was analogous to my 2640 metre vertical hike up Mount Rinjani, which was fraught with humid air (!) , jungle (!) , volcanic rock (!)  and a speckle of monkeys (!) . I may not have averted death by ice boulders, but my fat legs felt like they were injected with wildfire!! I was in pain, but it has been conquered!  And despite being stinky, prickly and rockin' a sock tan climbing Indonesia's second highest volcano we were  gods on an island of clouds contained only by the endless ceiling of stars above us.

Okay, gloat-o-clock is over.  I definitely need to share what was damn helpful to make this trek  the best ever that my bestie, imported from Canada, and I did. Please feel free to add or share your experiences too, eh!

My oldest and best friend comes the Orient to visit me in Jakarta. Great thing about getting older is that your friends have real jobs with real money. They can finally afford to visit me in the corners of the world!

1. Which tour? Pick the 3Day 2Night package
Why would you bother submitting your body and time to only go most of the way up a mountain? You're never going to do this again so buck up and go up to the top. We actually did not though, choosing the 1night 2day package instead which just took us to the crater.

Good Morning! Breakfast with a view at 6:30 am. While we were warm and comfortable, it definitely wasn't easy sleeping. The wind raging around the tent the whole night made us think we would fly off the mountain side.


It's still awesome, camped out on a crater overlooking the most pristine lake I've ever seen, and sleeping above the clouds. But with the larger package you actually get to go TO the lake and swim + do some hot springs + summit at over 3000 metres. Mild regret, but we were pressed for time / I was scared..

 2. Price. Don't be an Absolute Cheapass
Basically you get what you pay for. For our 2D1N we paid 1.25 million IDR with Rudy Trekker, which included pick-up and drop off to port, all meals, 1 night free stay before trek, equipment, and porters. Most packages include this stuff, but ours was seriously good quality. They made delicious vegan/vegetarian friendly meals on request, consisting of tofu and tempe curries, the guide was young, strong and spoke english (Dika!), our equipment was warm and the accommodation was beautiful and nice.


You can get the same thing for around 800k IDR but you get instant noodles, old guides and less good equip. Also, I've heard of some guide packages using small children to porter the heavy equipment up the mountain. Do not be a dickbag just so you can have more money for beers! Make sure they don't use children.

3. Packing. Don't Stress About Bringing too Much 
 No books, no snacks, no sleeping bag or even flashlight. In our tour everything was included. Plus, you most likely have to carry your own backpack. Do whatever you can to lessen the load. As for books, they may seem like a good idea in theory, you know, reading The Unbearable Lightness of Being while climbing into the sky, but just don't. Your back will be the physical representation of all of Thereza's heart burdens!


 4. What you should pack. Gloves, Spare T-shirts, and Fleece
While climbing, you lose your weight in sweat. Extra t-shirts are key so you don't get cold the higher up you get. Once at the top, make sure you are warm and snug. Fleece and gloves were key for this. ESPECIALLY GLOVES.


5. So yea..You have to carry your own bag
 I know it sounds silly, but I didn't know we had to. When I heard we had porters, I thought it was for them to carry everything. They don't generally. However, you can discuss with them to do it. BUT MAKE SURE YOU GIVE THEM AN EXTRA TIP FOR THEIR TROUBLES. I gave my champion porter an extra 100k.


6. Even if you are a fat ass, you can probably do it
We saw mom's, old men do it and yes, my own big booty was able to trudge up to the top. It's a small challenge if you're not fit, but it's not the type of hard that will make you cry blood or anything. Don't be scared and just give'r. If you can, train your cardio before hand.

Pain face check-in. Not the worst pain face. See the facebook album.

7. Benefit from Lombok's Beauty. Waterfalls!
Before or after hike, do some of the nature stuff. Saw the second most beautiful waterfall of my life. The first is in Thailand, but I never thought anything could match this beauty. It made a perfect and massive ampitheatre of green tropical jungle with powerful bursts of water thundering to earth. It's the mythical kind of place you dream of as a child.

Warning though, it's quite a trek to get there in Senaru. There is one waterfall that is easy and down a path, the other one you have to trek across treacherous bridges with no rails or through an hour of river and rock! Worth it though. Definitely.

Death bridge. WHAT'S THE POINT OF HAVING SPACES FOR PEOPLE TO PLUNGE TO THEIR WATERY GRAVES?? Indonesia's infrastructure confuses the heck out of me sometimes. 


8. Reward yourself with island partying in Gili T. 
BEST PLACE EVER.

Have any more advice? Share it, yo!

Also, guess what?! I got an iPhone, like an adult!! Follow volcano, snakeblood and other cray cray adventures on instagram!

 www.instagram.com/lilfelrockstheworld

Until the next two weeks of adult friendship!

Grade 12 Fel and Ans. Editors of the School paper, bonafide dweebs. Friends4Lyfe. 

Indie Guide Jakarta: Vintage Shopping Pasar Senen

Shitty Blogger Apology + Vintage Threads in Jakarta Town 

How about we just pretend that it hasn't been SIX MONTHS since my blog post? I feel like a deadbeat dad, a runaway lover, a sad excuse for the person you used to know (somebody!) ! Clues to my infidelity may be found in my last post. (Did you check it? Good.)

Basically, I've gained enough weight to drown a diver, so I'll settle with talented artist depictions of me until I can finally fit on a screen again. Slash, I lost my camera. Check out Basith Ibrahim. A young whipper snapper I'm working with for some awesome clients! 


Well well. Who would have guessed that launching your own entrepreneurial venture in Indonesia would be insuperably time-consuming? But more than time consuming, my soul is tied in an infinite dance of love with my job. I thought I maxed out my professional happiness credit card when MTV scouted myself and this blog, but turns out I AM MORE THAN A WRITER. I am a business biatch, ho scums! I mean, my blog has always been an outlet for me. A place to fulfil creativity I didn't get in my IR degree and UN life. But now.. there are no need for outlets! Whoah. I love working to build the Indonesian art scene. It's the best of all worlds: creative, business, communications (pretty sure my brain is divided into these 3 sections).

Anyways, let's get back to being a baller' when living outside of your home hood. If you haven't been convinced by this, and this, then I will show you the best round of booty I have ever scoured from the best and biggest vintage market in Jakarta, PASAR SENEN. The best part is that normal Indonesian people think they are too cool for it or can't find crap there, so it is very raw and untapped!

If you are on a budget because you're a UN intern (like I was) or simply just have become stupidly revolted by the ubiquity of mall culture here (*sidekick a mannequin's head off body), then seriously go here.

I would have paid top dollar for all this at Top Shop, but in the end spent less than ___ bucks for this. Hold up. 

 Let's play the Price is Right. 

How much did these cost? 

 a) Blue Blazer with double breast goldish buttons

b) Green purse

c) Purple leather loafers with gold coloured buckles. 

b) Fake leather green bag.

c) real leather loafers

Answers:
a) Jacket: 20k IDR or 2 euros. At Pasar Senen there is a guy who sells blazers for super cheap!! He is near an exit. Try to find him!

b) Purse: 40k IDR or 4 euros.

c) Shoes: 80k IDR or 8 euros. And the most expensive thing I bought that day.

Alright, I feel like I'm learning the meaning of "growing up". Did you know that sometimes I don't go out, like to an actual party because I'd rather stay in and WORK? I know, that whole sentence is basically the antithesis to my life. I will try to blog more often but right now I need some shut eye, aye? I have some AWESOME things to say about Singapore, which vary a whole hell ton from my first impression of Singapore. Hold tight.

Musical Apology: MOST BEAUTIFUL SONG OF YOUR LIFE
Do you ever feel as dumb as a mute when trying to convey feelings of overwhelming joy?  You will when you listen to this song. Imagine strapping your heart to rockets that shoot from the earth and explode into a shower of sparkly rainbows that fill the naked blue sky. You start to cry from the sheer number of colours.. colours and variance you never knew existed until this rocket heart rainbow.

La Llorna (pronounced Girona, as my Spaniard amigo told me) is the original of the Beirut version. I HAD NO IDEA THERE WAS AN ORIGINAL. Anyways. I am sorry for the absence, I hope with sparkles in your ears, you can forgive me and keep reading.



Read more Jakarta Shopping Stuff

(The Ultimate) Anti-Mall Guide to Jakarta 

There's a Goat in My Alley..or the Best Vintage in Jakarta

That Time I was on TV..Start Something Big

On Having Your Blog on Television, Getting Your Heart Ripped out of Your Chest and Working That Artsy Dream Job

Oh god, I've been so embarrassed to post this (that's why it's taken me a year). Hell, I'm a writer/thinker/mastermind not meant to be in front of the camera! Oh well, here's my big interview for Lil'Fel Rocks the World on Canadian television for the show Start Something Big, a show about young people going big with their dreams. Woo go blog! Boom!

The birth of this show is an amazing feat in itself so I have to give some Scarborough flavoured gunshots for this. When travelling or just old fashioned living, I'm drawn to inspirational young people doing crazy shiz with their lives, and Gwen Elliot, the host, is the boss queen of them all. She's MY AGE (25) and went from working at MTV in California to producing and hosting HER OWN SHOW. Don't tell me to shut up. I know, right? Yo, Gwen sauce,  can you dish out your magic dust of energy and motivation? Watching her show is badass because she and the other folks she interviews are living proof that if you work hard you can GETTER DONE.

Anyways, keep on inspiring us, Gwen, and thanks for believing in my blog (but friends please ignore me speaking, "I'm sort of obsessed" and sound like a turd...!!!).




Music
If you can't tell from my obsession with new music, I'm all about indie artists and discovery. Here's a shout out to the amazing music that got used in this. Frackin' hell so much talent out there. Even if you can't hear it well, check them out.

TMCN-Get Drugs. Rock band with an electro vibe from Paris. You know how my heart beats for French electro. @weareTMCN

Bodega Girls- Ain't That Cold. These guys are from Boston and have a rugged soulful electro sound that makes me want to fly by night. @Bodegagirls

(Not in the show, but contacted them anyway) Birdy Hunt: Truth. I listen to this French indie band on the reg.' My lovely Parisian friend and photographer of The Concubines introduced me to her BF's band. I aurally fell for them and have them on my main playlist since. @Birdyhunt

Ps. My Big French Heartbreak 

Paris with Big P before I left for Toronto, never to return!

I sort of left out a part of the story. The reason I took so long to post this is because I was heart broken. Like, serious kicked in my chest agony that accompanies losing the love of your life. And I did lose my love. I lost Paris. That job in Paris I spoke about didn't end up happening (ha, bet you thought it was about Big P? This hurts worse..trust me). Even to this day bitterness wells up in me and I want to punch a wall. What happened? Well the work permit was taking a while to get, damn France administration in the summer(why I was back in Toronto at all) and the  company just went and hired someone else...while I was waiting! The same day they told me that they were rescinding their offer, I got an email from the consulate telling me I got the Visa. I called the company back in joy to tell them, but they didn't pay attention. The damage was done. Hell, you know I turned down another offer for a job IN PARIS to take this one, eh? It sucks to feel kicked to the curb, but I guess in the end things work out for the better. A company that treats people like that is not one I would ever want to work for, hmph!  Lesson kids: Have reasonable expectations for obtaining your international work permits and protect yourselves in the contract for this! I made the mistake of not attending to that, being too young and excited to think things through. ANYWAYS.

Everything heals with time..and better love
 I'm launching a wicked project at the moment in Indonesia, mapping out the indie art scene, making an online space for it and working to connect these badass underground artists with brands who want to tap into their cool vibes.  So like, PR + the goal of my blog in one sweet job. It's called +sixtwo (the country code for Indonesia) and it's the most challenging and fun thing I've ever taken on. Starting a company from scratch! ME. WHAT. I'm doing this with a partner of course. BUT STILL. AHH! Where will this take me next? It's a new chapter in my life. The best part about this is having the chance to get to know a different side of Indo, one I've never dove too far into. Finding the art and talent out of this country is giving me a chubby. More about professional chubbies in my next post.

Hanging out with one of Indonesia's most famous indie bands, The White Shoes and the Couples Company. LOVE MY LIFE.

Anyways, for +sixtwo, think of the Chinese version, Neo Cha or the French one Elegangz, but for Indonesia. It will be a creative consultancy rather than an agency though. I mean whatever, I'm interviewing and writing about awesome people daily, and helping artists find work. No matter what, this is a great experience and I'm hella excited to share it with you all. More Asia! It's scary to think that this could be the next big path of my nomadic life..Don't worry, Paris, I'll pick you up another time.

And the icing on the cake, LFRW got 1400 BIG LIKES on Facebook today. Woo! Thanks everyone for the support through my lost days, partying in Thailand, skype advice and blog love and comments. I hope I haven't bored the electrolytes out of you, you need those!

The world's our oyster! When you are feeling unmotivated, there's always Andy Samberg. 


SNL- Great Day. Ps. I do not condone cocaine, silly fools! Seriously not cool. But Andy is.

For Josephine: South East Asia 101

"I want to look back on this trip and think it was the best initiation I could get"- Josephine 

French Stereotypes Party, Paris (I'm politically incorrect or..a Racaille)

When you're a serial nomad, you become all of your friends' travel spirit guide. The constant flood of Facebook messages asking about cheap flights to Turkey, best party spots in Asia, decent hotels in Bali etc etc gets me super excited, because my friends are doing the best thing ever.  So, every once in a while I'm going to dedicate a posting to a friend. Cuz like, if one person is wondering these things before travelling, isn't everyone?

Anyways, here's one message from my lovely and beautiful Parisian friend Josephine who just booked her flight to Thailand and has no idea beyond that. No worries, girl. We got this.  Jo and I studied together at SciencesPo, travelled together in Patmos and she is one of the people that have made my life in France a better place. Some people say French girls are bitches, this girl is just ol' bitchin'.  And while it seems she's freaking out a bit about travelling to South East Asia for the first time (justifiably), she asks some important questions that is advice I'd like to share with all my Asian virgin friends.  Uh..

Felfel!!Please let me know all the places I shouldn't miss if I want to look back on this trip and think it was the best initiation I could get! I planned everything last minute, just bought the tickets to Bangkok and have no plans there. Should I get a backpack and a camera (do you think it's worth buying a new nice camera btw?). Let me know about survival skills, like what to bring with me if I'm gonna be backpacking like a hippie for 2 months but still want to look proper if I visit friends in Hong Kong or Singapore for a weekend (you never know, is this expensive?)GUIDE ME!!!! Also, should we go to BALI together??? xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Star gazing on the pier, Patmos Greece

Having interned in Bangkok, travelled Thailand and South East Asia several times and now working in Jakarta here's what I had to say.


Coucou Jo!
Sorry for the delay, been trying to bash some order into my life!!

Nice New Camera: 

• It's a pain in the ass to carry around. iPhone 4 works amazinglingling. I'd buy a shockproof waterproof one because it's bite sized and convenient and you can pretend you're Kevin Costner in Waterworld. 

Packing List

• One pair of versatile heals for HK, BKK, JAKARTA WHEN YOU VISIT ME; 
• Black tights. Covers you up in muslim countries, keeps you warm on cold bus rides, and it's light weight in your backpack). BEST THING EVER;
• Travel Blanket. Steal the wooly blanket from the plane or have your own small fleece number. For me this is my secret travel weapon. Don't go anywhere without my Dog Blanket (its name. Lame). 
• AVOID JEANS: They're heavy in your backpack and you'll never wear them. I'd pack one pair of pants and lots of summery dresses (great for beach bum and HK swag). 
• Don't overpack. You'll be scared of getting cold so you'll probalby bring sweaters and jackets. Just bring one cool sweater! Shopping in Asia is amazing anyway, so you'll buy whatever you lack. 

Key Places

1) Vang Vien, Laos: Tubing on a river with bars and debauchery. Partying with Paulsen is NOTHING COMPARED TO THIS.

2) Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan: Read my blog postings about it. Second most insane thing I've done in my life.

3) Koh Phi Phi: Fun Partying in Thailand

4) Pai, Thailand: Chill out, rent motobikes, check out the mountains.

5) Hong Kong: BEST SHOPPING EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER in Shen Zhen.

6) Bangkok: Chatachak Weekend Market is second fav' shopping place in the world. Indie designers, vintage, cheap things, souvenirs, everything.


7) Gili T, Indonesia: Fun parties, cheap drinking, good crowd.

8) Yogyakarta, Indonesia: Chill out, best art scene in the country. It's wonderful.

9) Jakarta, Indonesia: I'M HERE. COME STAY WITH ME. I WILL SHOW YOU THE MOST MIND BLOWING TIME EVERRRRR. Party till we die.

Flights

• HK is expensive from South East Asia, Singapore is so cheap. Let's go together! 

Don't worry about planning everything last minute. It's better that way.  Everything is possible. Can't wait to see you and Caro!!! Asia won't know what hit them, two Aryans and a lil'Brown!

Je te kiffe grave, meuf!!!

Ps. Didn't write this in the Facebook msg, but yes, let's plan Bali and Singapore with Kro!! When is good?

Jo and Caro. IT WILL BE A PARTY

Friends of the World! Am I missing any key advice for the lovely Jo? What do you tell your friends who are going to South East Asia for the first time? 


PPS. If you enjoy this blog a little bit, please take a second to LIKE the Facebook Page and share with your friends! Enjoi! 

Indie Guide Thailand: Koh Phangan and Full Moon Party

Koh Phangan: The Non-Douchebag's Guide to the Land of Vice

Thanks to Leo and Tilda Swinton, Koh Phangan was seriously ruined for a good 10 years of my life.  Richard's hate-fille assessment of the island in The Beach had me convinced that the island was infested exclusively with scum o' earth  like this guy

 Because of my barfbag man fear I avoided Phangan like I do second-hand smoke. I didn't need chubby Legend up there crampin' my styles! Only when I found out my friend from Bangkok, Coran, was DJing at the Full Moon Party did I decide to try give it a shot. Since then I've been four times. And not that there aren't a fair amount of said d-bags, they do not outweigh the sheer awesomeness you get from being here.  If you love party, adventure, and beauty this island has it all. Believe it or not, when you know where to look you'll find chill vibes, wonderful beaches and secret rave jungle parties. Best to go for about 4 days but it can easily be done in 2 nights or 3 weeks. Do not go here for a relaxed romantic trip. Your sleep count will average 2 hours a night.

Through my guide I try to point you in the direction of cheapest accommodation, what beaches to stay on, how not to pay too much for alcohol and what are the best parties to get to that aren't just the epic Full Moon Party. It has become one of my favourite islands in Thailand, after Koh Chang, and hope this guide helps you discover the best of the devil's playground.

1. Which Beach to Stay On

Haad Rin Beach: The area that is the most lively and fun is called Haad Rin beach. It's where all the party-goers head for good time central. You have bars playing movies all day, every type of restaurant around and most importantly the Full Moon Party Beach. I personally think it's one of the best beaches in all of Thailand, with sports and beach volleyball everyday, beautiful soft white sand around your toes and a stunning scenery. Nightly parties happen here so it's best to stay in this area so not to risk riding a motorbike in the tricky mountains while even slightly inebriated. The downside is that it's not very quiet and romantic so perhaps not the best place to go in a couple, but a huge group of friends is a must. Taxi is 100 Baht from the Tongsala pier. 

Bantai: This is the beach area right next to Haad Rin. It's super developed and where all the dive instructors, bar owners etc live. There are good bars and nice hotels. It's a good compromise between partying and peace and quiet.  Personally, not sure why you would go to Koh Phangan for the peace and quiet. If you are going to this island, experience it in full. Downside is that you have to take a motorbike through the tricky mountain stretch to get the main area. Upside? Everything is slightly cheaper. 

Mae Haad: Do not stay here unless you are a) doing diving courses b) with your family or partner c) are an old grandpa . Don't get me wrong, it's extremely beautiful and there is wonderful snorkelling here. But it is far from everything fun and you will be spending more than an hour on motorbikes to get into the central area. It's perfect if you are in a couple trying to escape reality, but that's all there is- quiet pretty beach... how long can than entertain anyone? My recommendation is to rent a bike from Haad Rin and do day trips here for snorkelling.

Motorbike daytrip impromptu stop to watch amazing sunset with the boys. 

2. Cheap Accommodation in Haad Rin

• Sunset Bungalows: Simple and quaint bungalows on the hill are the cheapest accomodation you can find in Haad Rin. The best part about it is that, unlike other places where the price rises come Full Moon Party, here stays the same. It has a wonderful view of Sunset Beach, a skip away from the action and the magical Reggae Bar and the management is amazing. Stayed there many a night. Tip: If you are staying more than 4 days you can bargain a cheaper price. This is true for many places. 

Directions: Next to Neptune Villa on Sunset Beach
300 Baht/night

• Moonstone Hostel: Looks like the Playboy mansion on crack. Everything is pink and flashing but don't let that deter you. The facilities are new, air condition very cold, bathrooms are clean and they make an effort with the small things like blowdryers, hair straighteners, hot water, shampoo, personal fans, individual electricity outlets and lots of mirrors. Perfect for girls getting ready but not limited to the female sex. Also, there are speakers in the room that make it the ultimate spot for pre-partying! Bad sides? The beds are super close together and narrow and most importantly THE STAFF IS HORRIBLE. They don't speak a word of English and are quite rude. While I loved the accommodation I found somewhere else to stay, they were so unbearable and frustrating. Plus, lots of my clothing went missing. I wasn't willing to risk it again, but make your own risk assessments. 

Directions: Across from Siam Bank (Purple Bank) 2 minutes from the Haad Rin Pier
200 Baht/night away from full moon
600 Baht/night during Full Moon Party

Looks like hell for some, but really is some of the most fun you'll have in your life

• Yan's Dormitory: If you are looking for a dorm, good vibe and good people I cannot recommend this place highly enough. Along with Sunset Bungalows this is my top recommendation. Yan, the owner, is a spiritual massouse and one of the most interesting characters you'll encounter in your life. Be prepared for live Buddha demonstrations in his special Buddha room, impromptu "organ massages" and homecooked meals that are included in staying there. The facilities are basic: Bunk beds, air condition dorms and two bathrooms, but staying with Yan is an experience worth much more than all that. He is a bit quirky but his honesty and good nature makes Yan's the best place to pre-party at. We put our own music on, got the paint and Hong Thong out and went nuts. During the day enjoy movies and a comfortable lounge vibe. I stayed for 5 nights and was depressed to leave. The people you meet there are amazing too. 

Directions: Centre strip of Haad Rin hostel area near Dancing Elephant Hostel
200 Baht/night

• Fubar: Probably the hippest of dorm accomodation in Haad Rin. A young hot British brother and sistah own the joint and give it its groovy vibe. Jo is a DJ and belts out great music especially on Monday night. The bar is comfortable and full of lounge cushions and the people there are the best part. It's an oasis away from the tween ditsy backpacker vomit inducing types. Here, the guys and girls have good in taste in music and are just more interesting. While I've never stayed there myself, I've met so many cool people here and spent many nights drinking and dancing that I'm not sure why I haven't stayed yet. I have seen the place though: clean, cool, solid beds and clean bathrooms. Also, extremely close to Sunset Beach!

Directions: Sunrise Beach
200 Baht/night

DJ and Owner Jo at Fubar for Monday Sessions

3. Best Parties and Bars 

• Full Moon Party. Hands down of the CRAZIEST PARTIES OF MY LIFE. I do not say this lightly, it is top three. Imagine a kilometre of beach lined with 40,000 people, everyone covered in neon paint, ridiculous headbands and pumped to have the best night of their lives. It's not for everyone, like grandmas. Something you need to experience once in your life. 

• Tip: The afterparties, as you see in the video below are wayy cooler than the party itself. Drink Thai Redbull and prepare yourself for a big one (Do: Mellow Mountain for sunrise and Fubar after). The other thing I have to say is that there is so much more to Koh Phangan than the Full Moon Party. Word on the street is that the parties leading up to and after FMP are the best. Below I've listed them. 

• Scam alert: Sometimes they try to charge you to enter. Don't pay, find another way in. 

Lil'Fel Rocks the Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan from Felicia Moursalien on Vimeo.

• Monday: Monday Sessions at Fubar. If you're sick of One Direction, head here for cute DJs bustin' out badass house and electro every Monday night. One of my fav' nights in Koh Phangan. Check the video above to see Jo and Fubar at the end. 

• Friday: Guy's Bar is a rave in the jungle. You have to take a boat from Sunrise beach to get there, which costs 150 Baht there and about 200 Baht back. Don't pay more than that and go with a big group of people. This is a party full of house and trans music. It's a neat experience to dance in a jungle but beware! It's a very special scene there with most people dancing with water bottles in their hands and buying very few drinks. Everything is available over the bar and one reason this party is sought after. While this may seem risky in Thailand, the bars that decide to sell anything besides alcohol take special precautions to pay off the police to stay away. 

• Saturday and Thursday: Eden Jungle party. Saturday is a daytime party and Thursday is in the night. It's near where the Yoga retreat is so you get lots of hippie, ali baba pant types dancing here, but also the locals of the island. 

• Reggae Bar: A little hidden gem of a bar away from the main action on Sunset beach. This bar has fluo writing all over the walls full of inspirational messages written by people on magical trips and a view overlooking the water. Go here to chill out Rasta or magical styles or for a nice beer along the sea! Good people, vibe and music but don't come here to dance. 

Dancing on a table at Half Moon Party, NBD. 

• Half Moon Party. This party is amazing. I went to one before FMP and after and I must say the one after was much epic. The music is house/jungle and it takes place in the jungle, cool! Downside is that it's 500 Baht entrance and a 100 baht minimum taxi ride to go. People get painted up and go all out since they're compensating for missing the Big poppa of parties. Some people prefer it over FMP. If you can, do both.

• Mellow Mountain: Same as Reggae bar for what you can buy over the bar and same prices too. Difference being that it is on the main party beach and with a mega wicked view over the ocean and up high. This place is a bit more popular and touristy but still stunning and fun. If you are looking to be closer to the action than this is your best bet. Come here on a night where you don't plan to get wasted off your face, say a few days before or after Full Moon Party.

• Tip: The two bars on the hill are famous for magic shakes. It's been said that closer to the Full Moon Party that it gets, the more watered down the shakes' potency becomes (More demand, fixed supply = makes sense). So if this is something you want to try, best to do it before or after when it's not too busy. 

• Warning: Don't leave the mountain with any illicit substance. While the bars pay off the police from coming up to the top and busting people, you will not enjoy the same immunity if you stupidly stumble on the beach with something on you. 

4. Cost of Living/ Drinking

Cheapest day is around 700 Baht. Accommodation is around 200 + (2) 50 Baht for fried rice/pad thai + 40 Baht for fruit shakes + 2 buckets for 150 Baht each. The only way you can do cheaper than that is if you eat instant noodles from 7/11 and cut out alcohol. Most likely you are not a mini girl and you will actually need to drink way more than that. Also, a lot of the parties beyond Full Moon Party require you to pay taxis and/or entrance fees.

Where to eat? The shacks are on a street with Greenpeace restaurant. They are local food stalls with deliciousness and authenticity for a cheap price. 

Motorbikes are 150 Baht/day. This is very cheap but be careful, they charge through the sky if you have even the slightest scratches on it. My German friend paid 4000 baht extra just from a few extra scratches when she dropped it. Be careful. The mountains are a bit tricky but anyone with a brain can do it. Seriously, it's so fun.

Buckets are 200-300 Baht for local alcohol. Any cheaper than that than you are probably getting less than other buckets.

Alcohol in the store 150 Baht. Get a giant bottle for 5 dollars, buy your own mixers and even throw it in a bucket for good measure.

Warning: If you think you are getting a good deal they are probably ripping you off. Buckets for 100 Baht mean they are using local vodka or whiskey that they're hiding behind their bar and sometimes it's not even the real deal. Be careful to see if the seal of the alcohol is broken.  One bartender told me the vodka is usually fake. Thai whiskey is the best way to go.

5. Things to Do

Rent Motorbikes. It's scary but get over it. They're super easy to learn and as long as you're not a moron you should be okay. You don't need a license. Go slow, get used to it and rent your ticket to freedom in Asia!! Be careful, as I note above.

Hunt Waterfalls. Go with the mates in a giant biker crew and check out waterfalls. Sometimes they're dry and they are more like water puddles. Still amazing and fun to get in nature.

Don't go chasing waterpuddles. Bathing in dried out waterfalls still a blast. woo. 

Snorkel in Mae Haad. On your motorbike trip go snorkeling. The coral is pretty cool, the beach is beautiful and calm. Provides a wicked reprieve from perennial waste-case feelings of sleeping till 2 pm and lounging on Sunset Beach.

Go to Mellow Mountain During the Day. Best time to be there is when you can see the view. Whatever you buy up there is best done then too.

Beach Volleyball. The reason sunset beach is my favourite beach is because of how active people are during the day there. The sand is soft and white, the beach is clean and everyone is either tanning or playing sports. Beach volleyball is pretty serious on Sunset Beach Haad Rin. There are usually multiple games for different levels. This is how I spent 3 weeks of my life. Enjoy.

Follow on Facebook and Twitter for more secret parties, baller cheap hostels etc etc in Thailand and the WORLD


*Thanks Shan, Grain and Ashlie for letting me use their pictures!