Traveling solo as a woman is something that is still dangerous and you always have to be alert of your safety. I am glad now we can travel solo, it is magic but I just wanted to share about the other side.
Before traveling to Asia people told me this is such a safe continent to go to. Now I did visit this time only Nepal, Malaysia and Indonesia. I have been before to Japan, Taiwan and other places where I did not experience this.
I started my travel in Asia in Nepal and wow, having naked knees was something really special for the men here. They would stare at you. Covering up was a must. Also men would not understand politeness and friendliness, it automatically meant that you were interested in spending time with them sexually or romantically. The word no was really hard to understand for many men here.
In Indonesia the response I would often get to saying I am from the Netherlands: O Amsterdam, red light district. Straight away they would talk about prostitution and sex. In Bali my experience at night was very unsafe, I heard a lot of very scary stories. There is lots of drugs and mafia. Rape, men always trying to push themselves on woman and girls.
Additionally in the country side the men would constantly touch their genitals through their clothes when talking to you, inviting you to their homes and very creepily stare at you.
In Malaysia I was a bit more aware, angry and I decided to cover up a lot, still in KL it was very unsafe. The men would stare at me and follow me around. The rest of Malaysia was quite ok but I also stayed in very touristy areas.
I heard crazy stories of India and Sri Lanka. Not everywhere it happens. Not always happens to you. But whenever girls meet this is the topic of conversation. We all have stories to share. Sadly.
I am not saying in other parts of the world it is not like this, currently I travel in South America and it is also of course not the safest. You have to be alert everywhere. Especially as a woman. Especially alone.
This blogpost I just wanted to share that also in Asia it can be creepy and weird.
miracles of the moon ☽ 