The Ultimate Guide to Bali

Why Bali?

Bali is full of life, adventure and sandy beaches. It is your perfect holiday destination as it provides a little something for everyone. As you leave the plane, you're entering a place where you can embrace endless views of rice terraces, enjoy a relaxing yoga retreat, retire to the beach and get surf lessons for very affordable prices, or wonder through some the most beautiful temples in South East Asia.

Why Japan Fascinates People

Ok, maybe it's not for everyone, but there is something about Japan and it's vibrant culture which makes it seem like a whole new world. There are many reasons to why it is a popular choice for travellers and expats.

Solo Travel : My Experience

Travelling solo for the first time gave me mixed feelings. I think it is quite normal to feel anxious and a bit scared as you're stepping onto that first plane to a country you have never been to before. It didn't properly sink in for me until I landed at my first destination, Laos.

A Change of Plan || Bali

My plan in Bali was a bit of a stupid one as I had booked a hostel in Seminyak for the whole two weeks I was there. However, I knew a few days before that I would want to travel around the cities a bit. I did not think to alter my booking and therefore could not change it or get my money back when I got there. I left Seminyak and went on to stay at other places despite paying for the hostel when I wasn’t there. My plan was last minute; by last minute I mean I decided to book all these places the night before going. 

My Favourite Day - With Mandalao Tours || Laos

WARNING: Expect lots of cute elephants photos in this post! 

I came to South East Asia in the hope of spending at least part of my journey with elephants. I am very anti-riding elephants. In 2004 my family and I went to Thailand where I road an elephant. Obviously at that age I was unaware as to how badly they treat those domesticated elephants. Now that I am a little more educated in the subject, I am completely against elephant tourism.

3 Day Guide for Luang Prabang || Laos

Being the capital of Laos, Luang Prabang has a lot to offer; from day treks across the mountains visiting local villages to a day out with the elephants or a relaxing cruise down the Mekong River. Luang Prabang is a perfect place for a backpacker's quick stop-off or a luxury, relaxing holiday for the family.

Laos - A Temple Heaven

An early and breezy start to the day, I walked around the town strolling in and out of temples as they are everywhere, and I mean everywhere; I went past 4 within 5 minutes.

Places we Visited in Taiwan

This last week has been very strange for me as I keep remembering different places, shops and even houses. On the bus route down from the mountain, we would always go past the first house my family had in Taiwan. I have loved every second of exploring Taiwan again, and would definitely come back, maybe even move back!

Ending 2016 on a High

Half way through the year I gave an update on my 2016 so far. So what has my second half 2016 looked like? (sorry it's a bit late)

Returning After 10 Years || Day 1 - Hong Kong

It’s that time again to hop on a plane and travel to a new place. It’s not exactly new when you’ve been plenty of times before. However, it’s the first time in about 10 years I am going back to Hong Kong and actually seeing Hong Kong instead of just the airport. I am also reuniting with my best friend from back home after 4 months which sounds like nothing but it’s one of the longest times we’ve been apart. For them to have me over for Christmas is such a lovely gift, better than being stuck in Shanghai surrounded by university and work. It’s nice to have a sense of home when you’re 1000 miles away from it.

Exploring All of Shanghai

Thought I would create a post mainly showing photos that I have taken from my adventures around Shanghai so far. I will keep updating it as the year goes on.
There are some famous and well known places and some unknowns which aren't usually shown across the media.

WHERE SHOULD YOU TRAVEL TO?

Travelling is a big part of my personality and I will be exploring our beautiful planet for the rest of my life (I hope to anyway). I've been to many countries in Asia, a lot more than I have in Europe. All these trips happened when I was younger so I wasn't able to appreciate the cultures and sceneries as much as I would now, however, I remember them like I was there yesterday. Asia is a BIG ASS continent so next year I am hoping to travel around to a lot more countries whilst I am living abroad in China.
There have been a few major highlights through my life...Sadly, a lot of these places have changed for the worst because of tourism, environmental issues and some other nasty factors. I was very lucky to visit these places before they started developing further. Sadly, they will never look the same as to when I was there, but they are still stunning places.
This year has definitely been my lucky year as I have been fortunate enough to stay in some of the most breath-taking places, and they will of course be mentioned in the list below.

PHUKET, THAILAND

A beautifully quiet, yet incredibly popular destination. The crystal clear water and white coloured sand makes this place look unreal. Sadly, a lot of the land and cultured buildings were destroyed after the tsunami in 2004. However, the town has been rebuilt and renovated, and although it will never look the same, it is still a place you should NOT miss off of you bucket list!
Phuket was a perfect holiday destination for us at the time we went because it was child-friendly, lots of families and children the same age as us (we always made friends with another family) and it was always quiet at the times we went there; Christmas spent on the beach was not one to forget. 

BALI 

Bali in general is becoming more and more known for travelling to for backpackers and gap year students. 

Nusa Dua was where we would always holiday to, located in South Bali. There would be a big group of us, about 5 or 6 families, and it would be so much fun as we would make the most of the holidays; do all the waterspouts available and stay at the nicest resorts. 

Kuta and Seminyak are the destinations known for backpackers to travel to as they have many hostels around and the areas are reasonably cheap, especially compared to Nusa Dua! Kuta is famous for its very good surfing beaches; time to get those surf boards out and get surfing! As well as Phuket, Bali should definitely be on your travel bucket list, I couldn't recommend it enough, I will be going back myself very soon! 

These next three places I have been lucky enough to visit this year and, without a doubt, have been the highlights of this year. 

JIUZHAI GOU, SICHUAN PROVINCE, CHINA

Jiuzhai Gou is a hidden yet lively town situated in the valley of the mountains just outside of Chengdu, China, in the Sichuan Province. Based in this town, which explains it's popular status, is the Jiuzhai Gou National Park, shown above. This park is filled with outstanding nature, scenic mountainous views and eye-catching lakes. I have never been to a place in China before with such beautiful surroundings. It took a painful 10 hour bus journey to get there from Chengdu but I would do it all over again to see those magnificent views.

The place we stayed in was a homestay which was a bit pricey but the family was so welcoming and the house was just something else. If I get a chance to re-visit this beautiful town, I would definitely stay at the same house.

Go over to my blog post about my Easter trip in China to read more about the wonderful places I was lucky enough to visit.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, USA

Probably the highlight of my year was being able to stay in the valley of Yosemite National Park, accommodation was called Curry Village, right in the heart of the park. The Half Dome was our view as we were walking to breakfast each morning; it was an unforgettable moment. I was hesitating whether to share my photographs on social media because they just don't do it justice.
Yosemite National Park is certainly one to visit. Breath-taking views all around, sparkling lakes, and challenging yet stunning hikes. They offer so much through the National Park: day and night tours, water sports, and group hikes, to name a few. Some advice, if you are thinking of going and wanting a tour...BOOK IN ADVANCE!! We were let down after realising all the tours were booked for the whole week.

BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA, USA

I had never actually heard much about this place until this year. My friend was hoping to go during our America trip and it mentioned it to me so I did some research and it looked lovely, one of the most adored segments to pass by on California's Highway 1. We were lucky enough to make friends with an Austrian girl, Julia, who offered to drive us down there from Monterey (where we were staying at the time, also very beautiful). Read more about our Big Sur trip here.

After our trip I was thinking how underrated Big Sur is, in my opinion. Perfect for hiking, camping and embracing those coastline views; what more could you want?! If you ever find yourself road tripping through California, take the scenic route down Highway 1 where you will pass by Big Sur as well as popular towns such as Carmel and San Simeon.

 

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2 WEEKS TRAVELLING THROUGH CHINA

Soooo... during Easter my friend and I were privileged enough to travel around China for two weeks! This opportunity allowed us to visit some of the major cities and the most beautiful views in China. The trip started in Shanghai, then to Xi'An, Chengdu, Jiuzhai Gou and finished back in Shanghai. I can't put into words how incredible the whole trip was, and the photographs definitely don't justify how stunning the views we were surrounded by were.
Even though I feel the photographs don't give people the real insight to how beautiful China's urban and rural areas are, here are a few photographs from each city:

 Botanical Gardens, Shanghai                                                                                    Bell Tower, Xi'An                                                                                  Wenshu Temple, Chengdu                                                                           

Jiuzhai Gou had to be my favourite, without a doubt. The mountainous views and flowing rivers, the hundreds of yaks and the friendly locals; the place was unimaginable. Even though it took us ten hours to get there from Chengdu, it was 100% worth it. I would do it all over again just to see those views!

We stayed at a local traditional homestay owned by a Tibetan family. They were the most welcoming bunch of people I have ever met, I would definitely go back and stay again.
We were taken to visit Zhou Ma's brother's house where he also offers a homestay (slightly grander than Zhou Ma's, but more modern). He showed us around and guided us through the history of their family, with photographs of all the people who had previously visited (some who were famous journalists and writers).

The other highlight, for both of us, was visiting the Terracotta Warriors museum. This emotional experience will be unforgettable.

A few photographs I have been playing around with in photoshop.
   Leshan Giant Buddha

 Prayer flags which were all around the Jiuzhai Gou                         

 national park and town.                                                                                                                                         Dried fruits at a local market in the national park.

 

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