Living in Southeast Asia, we might be wise to pursue activities, pleasures, and hobbies that this part of the world is known for, in the interest of maximising our money. For example, a Singaporean whose idea of a great holiday is snowboarding among fluffy white mountains or exploring wineries and vineyards will not find great joy within a budget. She will either have to be fairly wealthy, or limit herself to the occasional trip.
Southeast Asia is a great place for considerable number of passionate pastimes. Unfortunately, some of them are terrible: sex tourism is a thriving trade in this part of the world, causing untold harm to hundreds of thousands of women and children.
Others we can and should consider participating in. Our northern neighbour, for instance, is known as one of the best motorcycling destinations in the world. Motorcycle touring is something I hope to enjoy in the near future.
Another activity is scuba diving. Southeast Asia is home to some of the world's best dive sites. I once expressed an array of irrational concerns about scuba diving when the proposition was tentatively put forth by Nicole. Perhaps I am ready to consider it again. It would be a waste not to explore easily available opportunities, when people from further afield go to some length to take them.