The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a great spot for pictures for sure. But with the amount of people in that place, it will take some luck, skills, plus lots of patience to get a clear shot. There are too many tourist, so be prepared for that.
Before setting foot upon the tracks leading to the Bamboo Grove, the river bank near the Togetsukyo Bridge is a nice place to just hang around and relax. You'll see kids playing around the river bank, family or friends snacking while seated on the slope next to it, couples sitting on the benches. The thing about Japan is, regardless where you go you will witness many scene that hits you in the feels and stays in your mind.
The village which you will see at the opposite end of the bridge is very vibrant with many shops selling food and Japanese goods. Unknowingly, we spent hours there thanks to the food and shopping. Therefore, it will be best to leave entering the village last since you will reach the other end each of the village once stepping out of the Bamboo Grove anyway.
Jeju Island, South Korea
Whenever I travel, hiking is something I look forward to. The landscapes my eyes feast on as I move forward and higher with each step I take, seeing how nature is beautiful itself, and how well man-made features blends in at times. Being able to see these simply makes me happy, and thankful to be alive.
To hike at Sunrise Peak, you should start before dawn while the sky is still dark. As you progress, you will see the transition into twilight as light seeps into the sky, and eventually catching sunrise as you reach the peak.
Hiking this time round was honestly quite tough for me. The slope is quite steep and there seems to be never ending amount of stairs to climb. I should really start working out and get fit, but procrastination is my biggest enemy.
Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Sunrise Peak)
284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Jeju Island, South Korea
There's something about sunsets, they just hit a certain point in me all the time. It makes me feel happy, peaceful and sort-of-emotional in a good way.
Add a beautiful ocean with huge black rocks separating it from land, people chilling around in the open with steel chairs and tables placed on sandy ground, mirrored cafe reflecting the breathtaking sunset, and cool wind flowing in the air, it gives an indescribable feeling that simply leave you in awe.
The drinks and desserts Monsant Cafe serves complement the scenic view right outside, a cup of Caramel Macchiato will always be my preferred choice.
My favourite go-to place for sunsets, I will be back.
Monsant Cafe
2546 Aewol-ri, Aewol-eup, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea
Monday - Sunday, 9am - 8pm
Late last year, I was lucky enough to join my company on their trip to Sri Lanka. The only reason I was so excited was because it's not a place that will ever pop into my mind when planning my own trips, and we were guided by a Sinhalese and Singaporean photographer who travels there often, therefore I was sure the trip was bound to be interesting with amazing views.
True enough, every single day I get to see breathtaking views and gain new experiences. Such as sleeping on the bus through the first night upon arrival, which was quite scary as the road was dark with no street lights and the road was so narrow, you must really sway your vehicle to the side to give way to oncoming vehicles.
Our very first destination, Yala National Park. We spent an unforgettable night camping outside the park, surrounded by tall trees and bushes. It was definitely a test for me, pushing me way out of my comfort zone as I was also surrounded by ants, worms, frogs and all sorts of flies which I'm terrified of. I remember freaking out in my tent when I found a huge black butterfly and frog, as well as lots of flying insects stuck on the curtains and mosquito net surrounding my bed. When I was bathing using water they extracted from underground (it taste salty by the way), I couldn't keep my eyes off the worms that were right in front of me. However once I jump into the net, lying on my bed believing I was safe from everything I was terrified of, lights off, immediately a sense of tranquility dawned upon me. The silhouette of tress in the moonlight and the cool air surrounding me put me to sleep real quick, and it was one of the best sleep I ever had. Sleeping and waking up among nature brings on a special feeling (as long as I don't think about the insects). We drove into Yala National Park on a jeep, finding all the wild animals we hope to see. Wild animals are entirely different from those that we see being locked up in zoos, they look much healthier, much more alive. The best part of the safari? Seeing deers almost everywhere, my favorite animal!
Next part of the trip started with hours long of driving up the mountains in Ella. With the cool air surrounding us, Ella Mount Heaven was such a wonderful place to stay at as we get a panoramic view of what you expect to see on postcards. Mountains among mountains, the view is even more amazing while catching sunrise. We went hiking up one of the mountains in Ella, and life seems so amazing when I reached the top. The feeling brewing inside me and the view I captured deep into my memories was indescribable.
When we were leaving, we walked through a village and a group of children came running to us happily. With their hopeful smiles and beautiful eyes looking at us, all of them extended their hand hoping we brought things for them. I wish I knew in advance and I would have prepared lots of snacks and games for them, however all I had with me were a few packets of crackers and chocolates. However it was more than enough for them to smile brightly upon receiving it, some of them held on to it tightly, while some tore the wrapper apart and ate it immediately. A huge wave of emotions drowned me immediately. I felt really happy yet sad and thankful all at the same time. Another thing I will bring for sure on such a trip in the future, is my polaroid. Simple things like camera which we all have and take for granted, there are people who don't have it. The children and grandmas in the village were so happy and amazed when they saw their faces appearing on the screen of my camera. Pictures of themselves is something they don't have.
Towards the end of our trip, we drove up and down mountains again to get to the Hatton. By this point in time, I thought I've sort of got over my fear for bugs and any creepy crawlies. That is until we visited the tea plantations which was filled with leeches. When the people around me started to scream and run as leeches were on them, I immediately flew into a state of panic. I ran up the slippery hill which I was trying to balance myself on while strolling down just moments before, took off my jacket and shoes to check, and became paranoid for quite a long while. Thankfully, I didn't became one of the victims. You couldn't tell the tea plantation site was filled with leeches as the ladies working there were so quiet and calm as they pick the tea leaves.
Our very last night in Sri Lanka was the most luxurious out of all. We stayed in a bungalow filled with staffs whom take care of the place, cook and bring food to our plates. I've never seen such a beautiful house that carries old English style in every single corner, to even spent a single night there was unthinkable.
This trip to Sri Lanka was definitely beyond amazing, unforgettable and an eye-opener for me.It reminds me exactly why I love travelling. The things you see, the experience you get is something not within your grab if you stay within your comfort zone.
