5 Best Cultural Encounters for the Month of May

Get tattoos hammered-in by headhunters in Borneo (that's me)

May brings warmth to the world, and the highest elevations in the Andes, Himalayas, and more begin to thaw, allowing travelers access to their beauty before the height of tourist season (June-August). After an unprecedented wet season, South America dries out and animals emerge to be seen in the lush and colorful jungles. Comfortable temperatures and moderate weather grace much of North America and Europe, making both ripe for exploring before the swell of summer.

Below are the myWanderlist best cultural encounters for the month of May:

Kuching Malaysia: Get a Traditional Tattoo from Headhunters

The Iban are a tribe of headhunters who use tattoos for protection and connection to the world of spirit. Their tattoos, hammered in by hand, are also symbols of success and accomplishment in one’s field. Borneo Headhunter Tattoo is revitalizing this tradition by offering hand-hammered tattoos to travelers. Personally, I recommend Ernesto for his artistry and professionalism.

Israel: Travel to Both Sides

May in Israel boasts beautiful weather and few crowds, offering the perfect opportunity to tour Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank, where residents live on both sides of politics. Experience day-to-day life and come to understand Israel through the eyes of the locals. While you are there, be sure to check out religious celebrations of the season.

Potosi, Bolivia: Visit the Mountain ‘Made of Silver’

The Cerro Rico mountain has been mined throughout history and its silver was used to support the Spanish Inquisition. In May, travelers can take advantage of the start of the dry season, preempt summer tourist crowds, and visit Cerro Rico. Recent studies demonstrate that after years of excavation, the mountain is hollowed out and extremely unstable. Visit the miners who work in this dangerous space and bring some coco leaves to share.

Lhasa, China: The Last of Tibet

Tibet, the historic home of the Tibetan people, was absorbed by the Chinese Government. Over the years, many Tibetans have fled and were displaced, yet their capitol still stands. Visit this place of cultural significance before it is demolished in the name of modernization. This month bring perfect traveling weather to visit Tibet and the beautiful landscapes in surrounding areas.

Vanuatu: Witness the Land Diving Ritual

With the start of the yam crop season in May comes the start of land diving in Vanuatu. This ritual resembles bungee jumping, only with man-made stilt structures and vines. Tourists are welcome to join a tour and see the culturally significant ceremony first-hand. Vanuatu also boasts the world’s only underwater post office, which requires waterproof cards, and some of the world’s most active volcanoes.

This is only one section of the best travel experiences focused on the independent traveler. You can see the complete list of the Best May Travel Experiences here: Best May Travel

A part of the myWanderlist adventure travel blog, named Best New Travel Blog in 2014.

Living with the Last Sea Gypsies in Indonesia

Generations of living underwater have endowed the Bajau tribe of Sea Gypsies with mysterious abilities to see clearly without goggles and reduce oxygen consumption to a tiny fraction of normal levels. Brad abandons all of his possessions to live as a gypsy and witness their secrets.

He must learn their ways to survive.

I wake before dawn, my cheekbone smashed against the bare floorboards where I slept. As my eyes focus, I see my drool drip through a gap in the floor, piercing the black, mercurial ocean water below me. Hunger pangs from days of malnourishment remind me that the key to surviving this day lies under that water and I must try again. Stumbling to my feet, my hips and knees throb as my blood circulates again.
A faint blue light filters up through the floor, dancing on a rusted clock that has never worked and a doorway that has never held a door. Barefoot, I stumble outside over a pile of fish bones. I sit on the edge of the weathered porch where fish parts are dried, the only way of preservation on the fringes of the known world.

See the rest of this award-winning story here: Living with Sea Gypsies

See the rest of the myWanderlist travel blog that was named: Best New Travel Blog

The 50 Best May Travel Experiences

May brings a thawing to the world’s highest places, allowing travel to the roof of the world in the Himalayas, Andes and more. South America begins to dry out after the longest rainy season with lush and vibrant jungles and animals coming out of hiding. Ideal temperatures return to much of America and Europe just ahead of the summer crowds providing an opportunity to experience the best parks and attractions in a more intimate setting.

Manali to Leh, India – Ride to Leh: Cross the Himalayas on a motorcycle to Kashmir on the highest passes in the world from Manali to Leh. You will be reminded of the difficulty when you cross, Rohtang La meaning ‘pile of corpses‘ in the local language. The snow must melt before the trip is attempted (typically mid to late-April) and the best information can only be collected on the ground.

Potosi, Bolivia – Work in a Silver Mine: Cerro Rico, a mountain “made of silver” funded much of the Spanish new world. Today, the mountain is hollowed-out and unstable, but you can visit traditional miners who work in some of the harshest conditions. Bring coca leaves and other gifts for the miners. How to visit the Cerro Rico Silver Mine in Potosi

Ivato, Madagascar – Track the Indri: This elusive species of Lemur haunt the forests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. With their eery chorus of cries, it is no surprise that they have attained a certain mythological status in tradtitional Malagasy culture. No indri has ever been successfully transplanted into a zoo despite many attempts.

Nova Scotia, Canada: Tidal Bore Rafting: Extreme tides here create massive tidal waves that shoot down the rivers. Climb on board a Zodiac to enjoy a truly unique rafting experiences on the planet. The experience is even more ferocious near the full moon.

Kauai, Hawaii, USA – The Rugged Napali Coast: America’s most picturesque coastline is stunning from all angles- boat, helicopter and snorkel this Hawaiian island. The month of May brings calmer seas ahead of the Summer tourist rush.

Kansas City, MO, USA – Slide Down the World’s Tallest Waterslide: Opening day for the world’s highest waterslide is in May at Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City. At 17 stories, this ride is taller than Niagara Falls.

and many more....

See the whole list with insider info from the best travel blogs: Best May Travel

Check out the myWanderlist travel blog to see why it was named: Best New Travel Blog

Hitchhiking Through Saudi Arabia to Petra's twin City

Nobody visits Petra’s twin city of Madain Saleh in Saudi Arabia. Outsiders think they can’t get a visa and locals believe the entire site is cursed. Madain Saleh is perhaps the most spectacularly preserved ancient city in the world as it’s only seen a few drops of rain in the last thousand years. Since I was working on The King’s number one priority special project with unprecedented access to the forbidden country, I had to see it....

See the rest of the article here