After a 7-hour drive, we finally arrived in Bengaluru, only to face the infamous city traffic. The constant honking, chaotic driving, and maze-like streets made for quite a spectacle. Every driver seemed like a hero of the road, weaving in and out of lanes. It wasn’t the smoothest introduction to the city (MYANMAR ACROSS MAE SAI), but soon we reached our destination: Lalbagh Botanical Garden.
The van arrived with my new travel buddies and our Thai lady guide, a humble and amazing soul. Thrilled to explore (HOKKAIDO WANDERLUST), we headed to Mae Sai. After our guide handled the permits at the border, the real adventure began. The sun was blazing, but I didn’t care - I was too pumped. Crossing the border, I was hit by the raw energy of everyday life. People hustled about, street vendors manned their stalls, and no one gave us a second glance. Our guide filled us in on Tachileik and our stops (KOCHI KALEISCOPE).
Kumbalangi Chinese Fishing Village
Kumbalangi, known as India’s first model tourism village, is famous for its “cheena vala” - Chinese fishing nets. Introduced by Chinese traders centuries ago, these nets still stand as a symbol of traditional fishing methods in Kerala. The area is calm, surrounded by backwaters, and gives a feel of how the local fishing community lives. We saw coir making and crab farming demonstrations. Most of the time, we were just standing around observing. Street vendors were around too, selling snacks and small items on the roadside (ALLEPPEY BOAT CRUISE).
Dutch Palace/Mattancherry Palace
We started in Mattancherry. The area is a mix of old buildings, shops, and narrow streets. It’s a place for browsing - clothes, souvenirs, local snacks, and spices are available in small stores. One main attraction here is the Dutch Palace, also called Mattancherry Palace. It was built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch before being handed over to the local ruler.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
One of the most iconic landmarks in Kerala, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a must-visit in Thiruvananthapuram. This temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is famous for its ancient Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance. Built in the 18th century by Travancore Maharaja Marthanda Varma, the temple houses the deity in the unique "Anantha Shayanam" posture - reclining on the serpent Anantha.
No trip or any trip to Kerala, India, is complete without experiencing their houseboat cruise. It’s a must. Those who’ve done it will vouch it's one of the best things Kerala offers for your things to do in Kerala list or sightseeing in Kerala (COLOMBO SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING).
As for the three of us, this backwater tour in Kerala was already part of our Kerala travel itinerary, all necessary payment included. We opted for an overnight stay in a houseboat, which also included all meals. Ours was a two-room private houseboat, just for the three of us.
The greatest disappointment was the cancellation of our visit to the Okurayama Viewing Point, the 1972 Winter Olympic Games ski jumping venue. As someone who relishes visiting iconic spots, this news hit hard, like a sharp arrow piercing my heart. Also cancelled was the panoramic view of Sapporo city from the mountain peak and the visit to the serene Sapporo Shrine in Maruyama Park. No sightseeing at all. It felt like an explosion in my head, shattering my excitement.
It's a familiar feeling that always accompanies the end of my travels, a longing for more adventures instead of returning to the grind. But reality bites; I need to work and save before planning the next holiday. Given the choice, I'd travel 365 days a year. As I showered, I mentally calculated how long it would take to save for my next trip. Once dressed, I joined the group for the buffet breakfast.
Breakfast at Hotel Maharoba (NOBORIBETSU WINTER TIME) was a revelation. While my tour buddies raved about the dinner, I found the buffet breakfast to be an absolute delight. Those Japanese-style dishes, especially the ones featuring tofu, seaweed, fresh seafood, and a variety of vegetables, were simply amazing. And when I saw congee and bacon- my all-time favorite - my excitement soared.
The varieties of egg dishes were equally impressive, cooked in the soft and fluffy Japanese style. And let's not forget the Japanese desserts, which were an absolute treat - soft, melt-in-your-mouth perfection that added a sweet start to my day.
Winter is the season that draws travellers to
Hokkaido, Japan - and for good reason. While destinations like Kyoto, Osaka,
Nagano, Yuzawa, and Nozawaonsen also boast winter charm, Hokkaido stands out as
one of the top spots for snow-filled adventures. From thrilling snow activities
to comforting local cuisine, here’s a closer look at what makes a Hokkaido
winter experience truly special.
Snow Activities
in Hokkaido
Winter in Hokkaido is synonymous with snow adventures. While skiing is a popular choice among visitors, snowmobiling offers an equally exciting alternative. Near Hilton Niseko Village, a designated area offers snowmobile rides suitable for beginners and thrill-seekers alike.
Hokkaido, located at the northernmost tip of Japan, is one of the most popular destinations among Malaysians (KERALA INDIA TOURIST SPOTS). Particularly during winter, Hokkaido becomes a magnet for travellers thanks to its soft powder snow, ski resorts, snow festivals, hot springs, and comforting local food. A winter holiday in Hokkaido for Malaysians is truly an unforgettable experience. We were amongst the thousands enjoying winter in Hokkaido - and there’s more to do and explore beyond the snow.
Finally, here I come - Colombo, Sri Lanka (THINGS TO DO IN GALLE). Two days before flying back to Malaysia. Without a fixed itinerary, I just went with the flow - exploring places to visit, see, and do. Thankfully, I still had my travel guide, who doubled as my driver, to point out the sightseeing highlights. And yes, even before reaching Colombo from Galle, there were stopovers worth mentioning.
Tsunami
Honganji Vihara Memorial
I paused briefly at the Tsunami Honganji Vihara Memorial - built in
remembrance of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami victims. A somber moment. Ten
quiet minutes, standing in silence, paying respect before resuming my road
trip (PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA).
Honestly, I knew nothing about Galle when I left KATARAGAMA SRI LANKA. It was a blank slate - no expectations, no images in my mind. But once I arrived and explored, I understood why this city draws thousands of visitors year-round. Galle is a blend of cultures shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. From colonial buildings and forts to churches and quaint streets, it’s where East meets West - yet still proudly Sri Lankan at heart (PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA).
Always a favorite, don’t you agree? Fried Banana Chips are a staple in my home - whether as a crispy snack or a crunchy side dish for vegeta...
