Jeju Island Through My Lens

Our day began with a different kind of start, skipping the usual hotel buffet breakfast for a meal across the harbor in a small restaurant. Ah! The challenge of figuring out the names of eateries in South Korea when everything is in Korean (SEOUL TO JEJU), including this one. Breakfast commenced with toast, butter, jam, and a soft-boiled egg, with the highlight being the abalone porridge. Or at least, it was supposed to be. Noticing the absence of abalone in the porridge and informing the guide, he got worked up as if I was pulling his leg, until the rest echoed. Soon enough, we were served additional bowls of porridge, this time with discernible pieces of abalone. The porridge paired with the soft-boiled egg was an appreciated start to the rainy day.

From Seoul to Jeju: A Solo Traveler's Korean Venture

A complete package tour to South Korea, yet another solo adventure for me, this time with 14 strangers. Without a local Malaysian guide, the tour company representative met me at the airport for a quick check-in and briefing before we took to the skies (OSAKA SUNSETS & KYOTO ONSEN BARENESS) , arriving at Incheon International Airport by 9:00am. Our Korean guide was already there, and I was the first to greet him. Mysteriously, the remaining 13 took an additional 45 minutes.

Our journey commenced at Gyeongbokgung Palace, a magnificent symbol of Korean history and culture located in northern Seoul. Built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, this grand palace, whose name translates to "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven," showcases Korea's rich architectural heritage and royal lifestyle. The sprawling grounds are adorned with meticulously restored halls, pavilions, and gardens. Highlights include the imposing Geunjeongjeon Hall, used for royal ceremonies, and the National Palace Museum of Korea, displaying artifacts that narrate the country's royal history (NEW DELHI REVELATION & RAJASTHAN MAGIC).

Taj Mahal, Agra, India Travel Guide

Speak about India as a whole, especially North India (THINGS TO DO IN JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN) and the city of Agra will immediately stand out for one reason: the world-famed Taj Mahal. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal sits on the southern bank of the Yamuna River.

This monument holds two prestigious recognitions. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for its cultural and architectural brilliance. It also remains one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, a title awarded in 2007 through a global poll.

Taj Mahal History

Commissioned in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of love and loss. It took over 20 years to complete and involved thousands of skilled artisans and craftsmen from across the empire and beyond. The structure is known for its white marble finish, detailed stone inlays, and precise symmetry.

 

The charbagh-style gardens, the long water channels, and the central dome form a layout that reflects balance and order. From every angle, the monument presents a different visual - shaped by light, shadow, and sky (TOURIST SPOTS IN KERALA, INDIA).

How It Begins at the Taj Mahal

A visit begins with purchasing a ticket. If you’re with a tour group, it’s handled for you. Otherwise, tickets are available at the counters or online. Queues are long, especially during peak hours.

 

Security checks are strict. Bags, personal items, and even water bottles are screened. Large bags and food items aren’t allowed. It’s best to keep your belongings minimal.

 

Once you’re cleared, you can choose to walk or ride a battery-operated cart toward the main entrance. Either way, there’s more walking ahead (HOKKAIDO JAPAN WINTER SIGHTSEEING).

(Visitors walking through the Darwaza-i-Rauza (Great Gate) toward the Taj Mahal in Agra, India)

Tour Guide Reality

As soon as you step through the entrance and face the Taj Mahal, your guide’s voice may get drowned out, not literally, but by the rush of people aiming for photos and better views. It’s a moment where visitors want to get their shot before the crowds swell.

 

Once the photo rush settles, the guide usually resumes with historical background and facts. Whether you listen or not depends on how much you want to know beyond what you see.

Taj Mahal Experience
There it is, plain and grand at the same time. The white marble seems to glow, even under harsh sun. The entire structure stands tall, quiet, and complete. No matter how many pictures you’ve seen before, the real view stays in the mind.

Some visitors focus on the architecture, others on the story behind it. Most just move from one spot to another, snapping photos, reading the expressions of fellow travelers, and walking the paths around the monument and gardens.

 

Inside the mausoleum, photography is restricted. The mood changes. It’s quieter, more orderly. People pause, move along, and step back outside.

 

(High visitor volume at the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO site in Agra, India)

How Much Time to Spend

There’s no fixed time limit, but generally, visitors spend around 2 to 4 hours. That’s enough to cover the walk-through, photo stops, the inner chamber, and a stroll in the gardens.

 

The crowd is steady. Whether it’s morning or evening, weekday or weekend, the flow of people doesn’t stop. Expect to see families, school groups, solo travelers, couples, locals and internationals alike.

 

Be prepared. Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and don’t rush. For many, this is a one-time visit. And one visit is enough to remember the experience.

Things to Do in Jaipur, India

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is famously known as the Pink City, a name earned for its pink-hued buildings and royal charm. In 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh ordered the entire city to be painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, a gesture of hospitality that still lives on in the city's old quarters. A trip to North India feels incomplete without visiting this vibrant city (VARANASI INDIA TOURIST SPOTS).

But Jaipur isn’t without its chaos - expect traffic jams, narrow roads, and heavy crowds, especially during tourist season. Yet, beneath the bustle lies a beautiful city filled with history, culture, and unforgettable sights (KERALA INDIA SIGHTSEEING).

Varanasi, India: Top Things to Do

India is a vast and diverse country, made up of many states and cities, each with its own identity. Broadly, the country is often viewed in two cultural regions — North India and South India. While united under one nation, there are distinct differences between the north and south, particularly in social customs, cultural traditions, languages, architecture, and food. Although some similarities exist and elements do overlap, each region offers its own uniqueness (HOKKAIDO JAPAN THINGS TO DO).

 

In North India, one of the most meaningful and enriching places to visit is Varanasi. Often referred to as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi draws millions of visitors from all walks of life. For Hindus, the city holds deep religious significance for paying homage to the gods. For other travellers, it’s about experiencing Varanasi.

Tourist Places in Kochi, Kerala, India

Down to the last two days in Kochi (THINGS TO DO IN KOCHI), we spent our time visiting tourist spots, walking the streets, and taking in daily life. It was also a chance to see what Kochi had to offer in terms of local culture and lifestyle.

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).

Kochi/Cochin, Kerala, India: Things to Do

Approximately five hours on the road (TRIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA) - including breaks and lunch - we reached Kochi. Also known as Cochin, it is a major port city on the southwest coast of India, in the state of Kerala. Kochi has been an important trading post for centuries, attracting traders from Europe, Arabia, and China. Its natural harbor gave it an advantage, and the result is a mix of cultural influences still visible today (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.