Self drive Freedom in Southeast Asia

Feb. 26, 2015 - PRLog -- The thought of driving in foreign countries can be daunting and, whilst chauffeur driven cars are practical and the best way to go in certain destinations, they can increase the price of a holiday and limit one’s flexibility.

Bamboo Travel knows Southeast Asia inside out and has created some new itineraries that include self-drive options in some of the quieter, rural parts of Taiwan, Malaysia and Japan, which its experts have deemed as safe and suitable for car hire and the independence that comes with it.

Roads in all of these countries are good and driving laws and practices are more akin to what you may be used to in Europe and North America.

The Bamboo team on the ground will always be on hand to offer full support if needed and will also ensure that guests are provided with suitable maps and a Satellite Navigation System (GPS) with all destinations (hotels and optional sightseeing stops) pre-loaded.

Here is an example of one of the new self-drive trips…

Self-drive Taiwan: 12 nights from £2195 pp

This two-week tour includes eight days of self-drive in a hire car in the south of the Island, exploring the stunning natural beauty and cultural delights independently.

Driving conditions around Taipei and in the Taroko National Park are not as suitable for western visitors as the quiet roads in the south, so the first week is spent exploring with a driver-guide, who will show you the charms of the capital, Taipei, and the stunning natural gorges of the Taroko National Park.

Highlights of the self-drive part of the itinerary in the south of the island will include the rugged east coast around Taitung, the beautiful beaches around Kenting and a night in the Maolin National Scenic Area (known for its aboriginal villages), where there will also be a chance for a trek to spot the plethora of birdlife and butterflies.

There will also be a guided tour around the Fo Guan Shan monastery, before ending the holiday with a couple of nights in the atmospheric old colonial city of Tainan with its important cultural sights.

The holiday can depart any day of the week and costs from £2195 pp (two sharing).

This includes international flights, 12 nights’ B&B (plus two dinners), road transfers and tours on a private basis, private English-speaking guide/driver and car hire.

Other self-drive options are available from Bamboo Travel in Malaysia and Japan.

Call +44 (0)20 7720 9285 or visit www.bambootravel.co.uk.

Bamboo Travel offers holidays to Tibet, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Indonesia, Borneo, Malaysia, Japan, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Bhutan.