Showing posts with label Zen Journeys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zen Journeys. Show all posts

Monday, November 17, 2025

Famous Temples in Thailand

Two tiled pagodas at the courtyard of Wat Pho Temple, Bangkok, Thailand.
Religion and spirituality are deeply embedded in Thai culture. Whether or not it is a religious day, Thais can often be seen in temples, praying and offering gratitude and homage to the gods. This devotion truly stands out in Thailand,  as their heritage and cultural identity (AYUTTHAYA TEMPLES, THAILAND). 

Even Bangkok’s main international airport, Suvarnabhumi, carries a touch of spirituality. The name Suvarnabhumi comes from Sanskrit, where “Suvarna” means gold and “Bhumi” means land, together meaning “Golden Land.” The name holds deep meaning for Thailand, reflecting its culture, tradition, and spiritual faith 

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia -Things to Do

Boats moving in the waters of Langkawi Island, against the mountain backdrop, Kedah, Malaysia.
Langkawi is home to a wide variety of sightseeing spots, from natural wonders and beaches to popular attractions. How much you can explore depends on the number of days you spend on the island and the travel time between each destination.

Some travelers prefer a back-to-back schedule, visiting multiple attractions each day, while others take a slower, free-and-easy approach, allowing time to relax and explore each location (BEST THINGS TO DO IN PENANG). 


Among the tourist spots in Langkawi, certain attractions stand out, you’ll see why once you visit.  Whether it’s a short trip or a longer stay, planning your Langkawi itinerary carefully will help you make the most of your visit and discover the top things to do in Langkawi.

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Langkawi Island: Ultimate Travel Guide - Kedah, Malaysia

Overview of Langkawi Island from a hilltop view, with the sea, nature and mountains.
Situated off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands scattered across the Andaman Sea. Within the state of Kedah and close to the border of Thailand, its location is truly distinctive. On clear days, the nearest Thai island, Ko Tarutao, can be seen from Langkawi, a rare sight highlighting the island’s notable position. The main island, Pulau Langkawi, is the largest and most developed, while many smaller surrounding islands remain untouched.

Langkawi History

Langkawi and Mahsuri’s story are closely linked. Over 200 years ago, Mahsuri, a young woman wrongfully accused of an affair, was sentenced to death. Before she died, she placed a seven-generation curse on the island.

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Cambodian Food Guide

Sliced cabbage, and Asian herbs, topped with chilly flakes and roasted peanuts, seasoned with soy sauce and light dressing.
What’s not to love about Cambodian food? It’s a vibrant mix of spiciness, sourness, sweetness, and a hint of salt. While it shares some similarities with Thai, Vietnamese, or Malaysian cuisine, Cambodian dishes stand out with local, made-in-Cambodia ingredients and distinct cooking techniques.

Fresh produce is at the heart of Cambodian cuisine, especially in crisp, simple salads. The flavors are clean, often with minimal dressing, letting the ingredients shine. Beyond salads, there are unique Khmer dishes and must-try Cambodian specialties (ANGKOR WAT, SIEM REAP). 

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Top Attractions in South India

Lalbagh Botanical Garden in nature setting, with colorful potted flowers, against the fenced area, India.
Spending 7 days touring India is a choice, though some itineraries stretch to 14 or even 20 days. It really depends on preference, but longer trips can easily lead to burnout, with tourists rushing from one famous place in India to another just to “tick off” the top attractions in India (TEMPLES IN SOUTH INDIA). 

For those who prefer quality time in India, a 7-day trip is ideal, balancing both time and budget. In the vast expanse of South India, the smart choice is to focus on the top attractions in South India. After all, travelers don’t want to miss the famous top spots that are widely recommended. South India has iconic destinations that are truly worth experiencing.

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Temples in South India

Night prayers in Shivalom Shiva Temple, Bengaluru, India.
It goes without saying, India is the country of religion and spirituality, reflected in the countless number of temples. From North to South India, from urban centres to rural areas, temples are everywhere. Some in remote regions, each holds deep significance in India’s ancient history and religious culture. Every temple, without a doubt, stands strong in faith, devotion, and tradition, also as the sacred places in India that continue as the country’s living heritage (HARYANA SACRED SITES, INDIA).
 

It cannot be discounted that to know India is to know the temples of India, whether as a pilgrimage or part of touring the country. However, it is impossible to cover all the temples in India in one go, which is why people keep returning again and again.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

What to See and Eat in Perak, Malaysia

Ipoh street with colonial buildings and cars passing by.
Ipoh Town is a heritage trail on its own. The old colonial shops say it all, reflecting how culture and legendary stories are still alive. Walking through the town along the Ipoh Heritage Trail is like stepping back in time. Whether to view the interiors or just the exteriors of the significant sites in Ipoh, every step reveals the stories of the past. Days can pass easily here, with quick stops or lingering at spots that simply draw attention (PERAK MALAYSIA ATTRACTIONS).

And it’s not just history. Perak is full of food heritage too. From unassuming local eateries to modern cafes, traditional flavours are everywhere, waiting to be tasted.

Saturday, April 26, 2025

What to Do in Perak: Travel Guide

Center view of Victoria Bridge black iron structure, with pebbles, Malaysia.
The heart of Perak is Ipoh, reachable within 30 minutes from Batu Gajah. Ipoh itself holds significant tourist attractions, spanning historic landmarks, temples, and natural sites. Yet, a stop at Kuala Kangsar, the royal town (Bandar Diraja) of Perak, is certainly worthy. After all, Kuala Kangsar is home to legendary landmarks tied to Malaysia’s British colonial period, which began in the late 18th century and lasted until independence in 1957 (DISCOVER PERAK YEAR).
 

Landmarks in Kuala Kangsar, Perak
Victoria Bridge:  Kuala Kangsar
Within the small town of Karai lies a hidden gem from the British colonial period. Built in 1900 during the tin mining boom, Victoria Bridge stands as one of Malaysia’s oldest railway bridges and a lasting piece of colonial engineering.

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Discover Perak: Must-See Attractions & Hidden Gems

The ancient outside stone and remnants facade of Kellie's Castle, Perak, Malaysia.
Visit Perak year should be every year. This state in Malaysia holds countless significant sites that can take a few days to cover. Perak is located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, facing the Straits of Malacca. Its capital city, Ipoh, is the heart of the state. Perak has 12 districts and three main cities - Ipoh, Taiping, and Teluk Intan, along with towns such as Sitiawan, Kampar, Kuala Kangsar, and Tanjung Malim.

As attractions are spread across the districts, sightseeing in Perak forms a steady trail of discovery. The state holds years of history, seen through its long-standing landmarks and heritage sites. Where to begin depends on which part of Malaysia one is coming from (WHAT TO DO IN BENTONG, PAHANG). 

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Cameron Highlands, Pahang

Clusters of black butterflies, flying and seated within a net area, in Butterfly Farm, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.
There is no other mode of transport to Cameron Highlands except by driving, regardless of the departure point in Malaysia. The drive is worthwhile for those heading to one of Malaysia’s most popular hill stations, located in the central part of Peninsular Malaysia, within the state of Pahang (FRASER'S HILL THINGS TO DO), bordering Perak.

Over the years, the list of things to do in Cameron Highlands has expanded so widely that even the main tourist attractions can take at least two days to cover. They are spread beyond the main town of Tanah Rata, extending further into Brinchang and Ringlet.

Friday, January 3, 2025

A Day Trip To Sekinchan, Selangor

Vast view of paddy field, with yellowish greenish paddies, Sekinchan, Malaysia.
Paddy fields obviously dominate Sekinchan, a town in the Sabak Bernam District of Selangor, Malaysia. The town is known for rice cultivation. Its Sekinchan rice fields stretch across the land, shifting from vibrant green in early growth to golden at harvest. Sekinchan began as a small fishing village in the 1920s around the Bagan area (WHAT TO DO IN BENTONG, PAHANG).
 

Its flat coastal land and abundant water made it ideal for rice farming. The name ‘Sekinchan’ even means “village suitable for plantation.”

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Things to Do in Kuala Kubu Bharu

Open air space, with grass against the backdrop of mountains, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Malaysia.
Over the years, city folks have been heading to Kuala Kubu Bharu not just for its lush nature, but also for the luxury villas and resorts tucked amid greenery. Yet a short and meaningful break in this town, located in Selangor at the foothills of the Titiwangsa Range (WHAT TO DO IN RAUB), does not have to cost much.

With simple spending on food and budget stays, a day trip or an overnight stay in nature is still possible. As the pressures of fast-paced city life have grown, Kuala Kubu Bharu has become one of Malaysia’s top getaways - a place where time seems to stand still (FRASERS HILL PAHANG). Wandering through the town feels like stepping back into Malaysia’s heritage, beautifully preserved.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Fraser's Hill, Pahang: Things to Do

Entrance to heart of Fraser's Hill, with colonial houses and nature, Malaysia.
Ancient colonial bungalows line the slopes, surrounded by nature. Cool climate, quiet, fresh air, and sunlight. A hill station in Pahang, Malaysia - Fraser’s Hill. Simple, yet it brings a smile.

Named after Louis James Fraser, a Scottish trader who ran a tin ore business here in the late 1800s. Fraser vanished mysteriously in the early 1900s, leaving the area abandoned for years. In 1917, British official J. Ferguson-Davie rediscovered it. Gradually, Fraser’s Hill grew into a highland retreat for British officers as a nature escape, away from the lowland heat (RAUB PAHANG GUIDE). 

Thursday, November 21, 2024

What to Do in Raub, Pahang (Malaysia)

Nature with trees at the mountain range in Raub, Malaysia.
Step into Raub, Pahang, a town nestled in the mountains of western Pahang, about 110 kilometers northeast of Kuala Lumpur. Along the drive, lush landscapes and rolling hills unfold as the town sits on the western edge of the Titiwangsa Range, the main mountain range of Peninsular Malaysia (BENTONG PAHANG SITES). 

Once a sleepy town, Raub comes alive on weekends and public holidays, attracting urbanites seeking a quiet weekend getaway from the city’s hustle. Even during weekdays, its rural riverside scenery maintains a calm, slow-paced vibe, making it a memorable Raub travel destination (PULAU KETAM SELANGOR TRIP). 

Saturday, November 16, 2024

What to do in Bentong, Pahang (Malaysia)

Mountains, valleys and unspoiled nature in Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia.
Located in the western part of Pahang, Bentong is a small, compact semi-urban town. Weekdays are generally calm and quiet, while weekends and public holidays bring a lively buzz. Over the years, Bentong has become a popular short getaway for locals and is already recognized among foreign tourists.

 

Nestled near the Titiwangsa mountain range, the town is surrounded by lush greenery and gentle hills, making it a nature lover’s favorite destination in Malaysia (BETONG THAILAND THINGS TO DO). 

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Top Things to Do in Betong, Thailand

In nature setting Piyamit Tunnel Bentong, with a bridge & red shrine.
There is only so much to do within Betong Town itself. A small town in southern Thailand known for its abundance of food and for simply walking around. As the miles stretch further away, Betong turns into a nature paradise, where the weather is cooler and the breeze feels refreshing.

Surrounded by hills and forest-covered mountains, it is no surprise that parts of Betong already sit at a higher elevation. Further away, nature becomes even more prominent (BETONG THAILAND SITES).

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Betong, Thailand: What to See and Do

Cutting through mountain ancient Betong Mongkollit Tunnel, Thailand.
Not the sleepy town it once was, Betong has grown into one of Thailand’s popular tourist destinations. The town is lively, especially on weekends and public holidays, attracting foreign visitors, including Malaysians. Even on weekdays, Betong is not short of visitors, from all walks of life (PULAU KETAM/CRAM ISLAND SELANGOR). 

Located in Yala Province, southern Thailand, right on the Malaysian border, Betong is easy to reach for Malaysians. Unlike famous Thai destinations like Phuket or Krabi, known for their beaches, Betong attracts visitors for strolling through town, tasting authentic Thai street food, shopping, and relaxing with traditional Thai massages.

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Dubai Attractions

Burj Al Arab Building, sail-shaped design and blue and white glass wall, Jumeirah, Dubai. s
Modern, trendy, and stylish, with towering skyscrapers, six-lane highways, and constant movement - that’s Dubai. A cosmopolitan city in the United Arab Emirates, it is made up of various ethnicities and a fast-paced lifestyle. Amongst the locals are those from other countries working in Dubai, as well as tourists visiting for a holiday.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the busiest airports in the world and a major transit hub. For those stopping in Dubai for a short time, there are options to include sightseeing while in transit. It is convenient to visit a few top Dubai attractions and see parts of the city within limited time (TURKEY TRAVEL). 

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Turkey Travel

Long and wide Ceremony Road, lined with stone structures, and people walking up and down, Antkabir, Ankara, Turkey.
In Turkey, the roads seem to stretch endlessly from one end of the country to the other. The days can fly by, especially with sightseeing. The list of places to visit in Turkey can easily spill over. In fact, 10 days and 8 nights can pass in what feels like just a few hours (TURKEY ATTRACTIONS). 

From historical sites and temples to nature, hills, and mountains, even simple pleasures like seeing rows of orange and olive trees along the roads are fulfilling. The long rides between cities may not always showcase Turkey’s top attractions, but there is always something to catch the eye out of the window. Comfort breaks in quiet rural areas for sitting back and having a drink, as the silence away from the bustling top attractions.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Turkey Attractions

Ancient stone structure on both sides, with a walkway in the center, Acropolis of Pergamum, Turkey.
The journey starts in Istanbul and loops through some of Turkey’s top cities. In each city, it’s best to focus on the main attractions, as time is limited and budgets need to be considered. Traveling between cities is mostly by road and can take significant time (ISTANBUL TURKEY). 

One of the easiest ways to see Turkey is by joining a tour. Most tours include arrangements for accommodation, meals, and transportation. A local guide adds value by explaining the history and highlights of each city and attraction, making the experience smoother and more informative.

Famous Temples in Thailand

Religion and spirituality are deeply embedded in Thai culture. Whether or not it is a religious day, Thais can often be seen in temples, pra...