Cape Town, South Africa Travel Guide

Located at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa is known for its natural beauty, diverse cultures, colonial history, and the end of apartheid in 1994. Over the years, it has become one of the top tourist destinations in the world (HOKKAIDO, JAPAN SIGHTSEEING). When people think of South Africa, they often imagine wildlife, scenic landscapes, cultural diversity, and local cuisine. Among all the places to explore, Cape Town stands out as one of the country’s most visited and vibrant cities.

Signal Hill

One of the must-visit Cape Town attractions, Signal Hill offers sweeping views of the city, the harbour, and the Atlantic Ocean. Located beside Lion’s Head, it’s a popular spot for watching sunsets, taking photos, or simply relaxing in nature. The historic noon gun still fires daily, a tradition from the colonial era used to signal ships in Table Bay. From here, you’ll also see the Sea Point suburb, Green Point Stadium, and the city skyline. Visitors often drive or hike up for the best views, especially in the late afternoon (MYANMAR -ACROSS CHIANG RAI).

Seoul, Korea: A Journey Through My Eyes

On the second last day in Korea, which was spent in Seoul (GANDWON-DO & JEJU THROUGH MY LENS) e skipped the usual hotel buffet breakfast and were taken to an eatery instead. Remember, I told you how it's difficult to figure out the names of eateries in Korea, as the signboards are all in Korean? By the time we walked in, it seemed it was almost the end of breakfast. The tables were a mess, created by previous tour groups who had already eaten and left. It felt like we were helping ourselves to the remnants of the dishes, and the staff seemed uninterested in serving us. Nevertheless, we helped ourselves to pumpkin porridge and spinach porridge, along with Kimchi soup and side dishes. Despite the initial chaos, it was a pleasant meal.

Gangwon-do, South Korea: From Mount Sorak to Pyeongchang

Mount Sorak, or Seoraksan, located in the northeastern part of South Korea, marked the start of our adventure-filled day (NAMI ISLAND & JEJU THROUGH MY LENS). This majestic mountain, part of the Taebaek range within Seoraksan National Park, spans the provinces of Gangwon-do, including Sokcho, Inje, and Yangyang. Renowned for its rugged peaks, dense forests, and stunning waterfalls, the park offered us a serene and picturesque setting.

Our group, moving like one happy family, enjoyed fun moments as we walked through the park, passing by towering red pine trees. Our first stop was the Bronze Jwabul Statue, also known as the Tongil Daebul, erected in 1997. Standing 14.6 meters tall, this statue symbolizes the hope for the reunification of North and South Korea and represents the moment of the Buddha's enlightenment. Nearby, we visited Sinheungsa Temple, one of Korea's oldest Zen Buddhist temples, dating back to the 7th century. Joining in the prayers for a few minutes, I felt a profound sense of calm and zen spirituality (KYOTO ZENFUL SIGHTS & VARANASI SACRED GANGES).

Nami Island & Petite France: A Korean-French Experience

Leaving Jeju Island behind (JEJU THROUGH MY LENS), we were off to Nami Island, located 63km northeast of Seoul. After breakfast and packing our bags, we headed to the airport and arrived in Seoul just in time for lunch. Seeing Korean steamboat yet again almost did me in - was it always steamboat or hotplate on these tours? I wondered. Fortunately, Korean side dishes and rice saved the day with their flavors.

Within the hour, we journeyed to Nami Island. This scenic oasis in the heart of South Korea's Bukhan River is celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural charm. Shaped like a half-moon after the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam, Nami Island captivates visitors with its tree-lined pathways, lush landscapes, and serene lakeside views.

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.