2014 is not my year. Failures here and there. Just because the Universe isn’t in favour of the things I desire doesn’t mean I am ungrateful. I am always thankful for my adventures. It seems like traveling is the only thing that keeps me going. The rest of my life’s department is a mess. Experienced some bad luck especially in the love arena. Anyway, Here’s a recap of my 2014 Journeys.
Ist Quarter: Malaysia, Laos & Nepal
I started the year with a bang at Ipoh, one of Perak’s overlooked town. Surprisingly the quiet place offer a lot of adventures and sightseeing from old rail trains, to old castle hunted as they say, cave exploration, Chinese Temples, Theme Parks, food and a lot of food that you only find in this state of Malaysia.
And oh yes, coffee! Don’t you know that Malaysian’s old town coffee origin was Ipoh? Ipoh’s coffee really nailed it.
The sunset over Mekong River is just so perfect. I didn’t expect the river to be so dry however I find it so relaxing despite the Night Market in the area. Vientiane, a city so laid back, walkable and so many things to do. Embracing it’s culture to it’s best. No fast food chains like mcdonald’s, burger king or whatnot.
Vang Vieng is Vientiane’s opposite. Loud, fun and exciting. The backpacker’s party hub. It’s not only tubing that makes Vang Vieng worthwhile, there is also spelunking and hiking which apparently is a knock off too. I hate to say this but I should have try the Hot Air Balloon over Nam Song River. Maybe next time if given a chance. So much to do, so little time.
I booked myself a ticket to Kathmandu. Nepal is one of my favourite countries. I am in love with the Himalayas. The sunrise and the sunset over the Himalayan range was one of the great things I’ve ever seen. So dramatic and dazzling I only wish to go back. That trip was really memorable. I met a lot of people on the road. Although my flight to Mt. Everest was cancelled due to the bad weather, I’m happy that I was able to take a glimpse of it from the plane and in Nagarkot’s tower. Maybe I missed that flight so I’ll have a reason to go back. There is so much to tell about my trip to Nepal, it would take me forever to enumerate how I am so in love with the country.
I went solo on this trip,it could’ve have been more awesome with a partner or a friend doing nothing but staring blankly at the gorgeous Himalayas.
2nd Quarter: Indonesia, Brunei & Singapore
I don’t know but I find Bali so overrated. (I’m sorry if you like Bali) I’m not really amazed with their beaches. I expected it to be so pristine, white sandy beaches, paradise, postcard worthy but I was disappointed.
The temples are not the typical ones but the only temple that looks striking to me is Uluwatu. The rice paddies are just ordinary in my eyes. Nothing special. Ketut is so expensive too, he just told me exactly what he told Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love. “See you later alligator!”
There is one thing that I love in Bali though and it’s Babi Guling. You should try it. It’s really delicious.
Not that I hate Bali. It’s just that I really find it so hard to like a beach since I have high expectations when it comes to beaches. It’s not Bali, it’s just me.
Jolibee in Brunei. No, I didn’t go all the way to Brunei just to eat chicken joy but seriously 12 outlets and not a single one in Malaysia? So how ah?!
They say there’s nothing much to do in Brunei. Well, they’re right. Except the canals aka venice of the east, temples, museums, pasar malam, jungle hiking and whatnot. No drinking of Alcohol and only selected area to puff that cigarette of yours if you’re a smoker like me. Brunei seems like a boring country but it’s just so easy to go around. There’s one thing I appreciate in Brunei, when you cross the street, the vehicle, be it motorbikes, truck or even limo will stop and make you, ladies and gentlemen, the king and queen of the road. Cross like a boss!
Is there any country like that in the world? You tell me, I want to go there!
I know there’s nothing much in Singapore but every time I visit the country, it’s a whole new experience because of the people I am with, this time with my sister. I love Haji Lane and it’s wonderful street arts and It’s only in Singapore that I appreciate Laksa. I don’t know why but my taste buds love their Laksa. Penang Laksa is nice but in imo Singapore’s Laksa is a thumbs up.
I don’t really like going back but I know for sure I will, probably next year again perhaps to visit friends, chill out in Haji Lane, and maybe another bowl of Laksa.
3rd Quarter: The Maldives & Sri Lanka
Unexpected trip to the Indian ocean – The Maldives. All this time I thought Maldives is an expensive country to visit. I didn’t know its possible to backpack until I set foot in the Islands. It is only in The Maldives that I’ve seen different shades of blue. I love their beaches but not as much as I love the beaches in the Philippines. Errrr Biased!
Seriously, Maldives has it’s own charm too. The beaches are so inviting you can’t resist to dip. That trip was my temporary escape to my monotonous 9-5 job and just loosen-up. You know when you’re so stress with the workload you just want to go somewhere, leave for the time being, just forget everything and enjoy once in your life. I did that and it was just so awesome.
Ughhh, Sri Lanka’s a ripped off. From Elephant Sanctuary, tuktuks to the world’s chaotic Market. I didn’t find the Galle Face interesting. Their food is worth the taste just be brave enough , take it easy and slow so your stomach wont blow up. I like how they prepare the Paratha, so cool the sound is like you’re in Ati Atihan Festival. 😀
I am not a fan of their beaches too.
The Sigiriya is worth the climb though. Thought it’s a ripped off too but it’s not. I even have a guide for free. It is expensive but the experience is just so different and amazing. Worth knowing such history. They wouldn’t call it the Wonders of the world for nothing.
4th Quarter: Malaysia & The Philippines
Since I am based in Malaysia, why not explore the rest of it’s states? I’ve been to Malacca a few times and it is just getting nicer and nicer each time I visit. Found something new around the area – the sand dunes. Surprised? Me too. Never thought there is sand dunes in Melaka. People call it Sand dunes but it is actually a sand from the beach, there’s like a construction going there of some sort, I think it’ll be gone soon but I find it really nice. It is just so hot in there and the down part is that there is no public transport.
But playing around with friends was really fun.
Also found a new hang out in KL, the Heli Lounge Bar. A typical landing for helicopters turned bar. I like that their staffs are wearing Pilot and flight attendants uniform. I think one of the best reason to go there is for the 360 view of the KL’s skyline including Menara (KL tower) and of course the Petronas.
I am currently back to my home country and it’s good to be back in the City of Smiles. My family trip to Boracay to celebrate New Year in the beach was cancelled because of typhoon Seniang, so disappointing and frustrating but that doesn’t stop me of having a blast this New Year.
Happy New Year! I can’t wait for 2015. Bring it on!
More travels and adventures await for us. Cheers!
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