In november 2014 I started my adventure, traveling around in mainly Asia and Australia. I had one of my best and worst experiences, when I visited the beautiful African islands 'the Seychelles'.
I decided to book my ticket to the Seychelles when I was enjoying my time in Sri Lanka. On skyscanner I found a return ticket for 300 euro to Mahe on the Seychelles. This was a one in a lifetime chance I really did not want to miss. I searched for a guesthouse and found one for 35 euro per night. I booked the trip for 5 days. This was one of the best deals i could have made.
On the day I went to the Seychelles I left my big backpack in my hostel in Colombo. I only took a small rucksack with me. What did I have to bring more with me besides my passport, creditcards, a towel, 2 tshirts, 2 shorts and my swimming trunks? I took the plane and landed on Mahe airport.
Mahe airport is a small airport and all I could see were happy couples who were very in love with eachother. I, as a solo budget traveler, was an eye catcher for the immigration service. They would really not let me in easily that was for sure. The strangest questions were asked: Why are you alone? When are you returning back home? Why do you have a suitcase with you? Why don't you have a ticket back to the Netherlands? All my answers made me more and more suspicious. I told them that i was a backpacker who was traveling around the world and that my backpack was still in Sri Lanka. I did not have a return ticket back to the Netherlands, because i did not know when i would return back home. One of the ladies over there was telling me that my passport was fake and asked me where my real passport was. I felt very uncomfortable on that moment. Then I had to prove that I was carying enough money with me. They took me to an ATM outside on the airport. Because it was impossible to prove them I had enough money I took 500 euros in rupees. That was enough prove for them, but still they did not let me enter the country. They asked me where i would stay on the Island and contacted both adresses where i planned to stay. Both confirmed that i made a reservation. After 2 hours I was finally allowed to enter the country. But before they let me in they took my passport. They told me that i would get my passport back on the day i would leave the Seychelles.
After this experience it was difficult to enjoy my first day on Mahe. The taxidriver who brought me to my first adress was angry at the immigration service. He really did not understand why they had treated me that way. I was happy that the first person on this island was a nice understanding person, because of him my hope of loving the Seychelles started to grow.
After 4 days on the island La Digue, I took the plane back to Sri Lanka. I was full of joy that I chose to visit the Seychelles. All the people were so lovely and kind. The nature was really dazzling. I fell in love with the Seychelles. I went to the beach before all the crowds were coming and walked around Anse source d'Argent, having the beach for myself. Because I was allowed to enter 15 minutes before the entrance hours. The employer gave me permission for this. This was one of the best experiences I had during my backpack trip.
I recommend you all to visit the Seychelles.
What are your worst and best travel experiences?
Here some pictures of the Seychelles i made.
My view on my first accomodation in Mahe
The bike i used on la digue. There are almost no cars on the island.
all alone on the beach before the crowds were coming