Meeting Ipoh Friends in KL

Hi Blog,

You were well aware of this. Yes, on 18th Oct 2024, I will be travelling again. I am going to KL to catch up with my Ipoh friends. We try to get together once a year as a ritual to bond with one another and look forward to it.

I took Friday off because EK intended to drive up to KL and avoid the traffic jam at JB Customs later in the day.

Honestly, I am not a wealthy man. I have been extremely disciplined and mindful of my spending, only covering our lodging and food. How I wish I did not have to worry about money. It does not matter; the main goal was to catch up, so I should look forward to it.

Korea D4 & 5 - Seoul Chill

Hi Blog,

I decided to combine Days 4 and 5; I wondered if I should post Day 1 through Day 5 as a single post. This was not a wise decision. Because I like to divide my content into meaningful sections with titles.

Anyway, what were we going to do on Day 4?

HD wanted to bring me to experience the beautiful city side of Korea. Thanks, HD, for bringing me around.

Korea D3 - Seoul Architect

Hi Blog,

Today was my third day in Korea, and our two ladies would be returning to Singapore. HD had some ideas for our day's itinerary in the morning.

We woke up early, but we still considered it late compared to what we had agreed upon. I suppose that is how group travel works; different personalities and characters must be taken into account.

HD wanted us to experience some Korean culture and heritage, which he thought I would enjoy.

Korea D2 - Seoul Searching

Good Morning Blog,

Today was the second day in Korea. Everyone's body clock simply woke us up to prepare for the day ahead.

ML and I decided to step out to explore the place where we stayed.

HD was on his way, taking a transit flight to Korea to join our group. He should arrive within the next few hours to bring us around.

Korea D1 - Seoul Shopping

Hi Blog,

I am going to Korea today! Many people react the same way when I tell them I am going to Korea: "Wah!" "You are so rich!" I understand why they said that, considering how many trips I have already taken this year (🇹🇼 and 🇲🇾). To be honest, I do not want to travel so frequently because I need to budget for it, but when I cannot persuade my colleagues to go on a short trip, all I can do is borrow money from myself, if not, I will upset them especially they were trying to make things happen.

Packing my belongings and reflecting... Why was it difficult to reject? Because most people can take leave easily, we need someone to stay at school, particularly three of my colleagues, one of whom is responsible for administrative security in the office. So I sensed they were trying to make it work and had gotten our boss to agree on the plan, but I was not in a position to be their wet blanket.

To be honest, this was both an exciting and nerve-racking trip for me because I got to travel (by plane) with my colleagues! We had previously taken a brief trip to Johor Bahru, but this time was different. Why am I concerned? I am concerned about how it will affect our relationship because travelling has the potential to both strengthen and weaken bonds.

Kuala Lumpur Day 3 and 4

Hi Blog,

Yawning, third day! Time has flown by so quickly... We were going to Kuala Lumpur today. Feeling like I have had enough of Genting, but I have not done enough...

A misty morning I wondered... Is there a sunrise in Genting?

I will miss the cool weather up here, but overall, you will enjoy Genting Highlands if you do not mind spending because the prices here are comparable to those in Singapore.

Genting Highlands Day 2

Good Morning Blog,

I awoke a few times in an unfamiliar room, but I knew I was safe; nothing strange had happened that I did not want to experience, especially since someone had shared similar experiences just before I travelled. In general, I feel safe and taken care of.

I looked out my window, and it was misty again. I realised there was no need to install an air conditioning unit because we could simply open the window slightly and enjoy the cool air.

The second day in Genting Highlands was another full day for me to explore the place, I wanted to fully utilise the day!

Genting Highlands Day 1

Good Morning Blog,

Today was the day that my elder brother had planned, invited, and paid all of my uncles and aunties to go on a big family trip together, while I tried to help him with flight, hotel, and transportation arrangements, causing a large hole in my wallet. But it was a kind thought and wish that he had since he was young.

After packing my hiking bag, I realised I looked disgustingly cute and took a selfie 🤳. Nah, I just realised that my bag is too small to hold my belongings for a four-day journey.

Speaking of his wish, we once travelled to Genting Highlands as a large family with my cousins when we were young. We had a great time having the entire bus just for our family. He sees that our uncles and aunties are getting older, and that travelling as a large group is becoming increasingly difficult these days, so he invited and treated everyone to join him on this trip; he had been discussing it with my uncles and aunties, even cousins, to set the dates for December 2023. To make a long story short, join me on this grand family adventure.

Visit Batam

Hi Blog,

It was early morning... Yawning... As I didn't have enough sleep... Saturday morning where was I going to?

Mr Sun had not woken up yet, so where was I heading? As titled, yes! I was heading to Batam! Yippee!

As promised, I went to Batam with RD after planning it for a while. This is my second time in Batam (my first time was documented in my previous posts), and now that I'm travelling with a friend, it might be a different experience.

National Museum of Natural Science

Good Morning Blog,

Looking through our Taiwan photos for these days, I told myself that I should skip today.

Had a quick breakfast and was ready to go.

Did I miss Taiwan already? Yes, I do! 😂

Taan & GaoMei Wetland

Hi Blog,

Let's continue exploring Taichung; this one was our highlight for Day 6. We had planned this before the Covid strike and today was the day to fulfil our wishlist.

To visit Geomei Wetland

They mentioned Gaomei Wetland as one of Taiwan's most scenic and tourist hot spots in social media articles. But before we went to Gaomei, I saw one more place which some other people suggested could rival Gaomei Wetland, which is Ta-an Bathing Beach 大安海水浴場.

Exploring Taichung

Good Morning Blog,

Where was I headed? As the title suggests, today's focus is on exploring Taichung, where numerous interesting places to be visited in a single day!

Today's weather seemed gloomy so we decided to go for breakfast on our own.

Let's go!

Rainbow Village

Hi Blog,

Continuing to Day 5 in Taiwan, we arrive at our final destination in our itinerary. No more stress from winding roads—just time to chill and relax.

A beautiful day suggests smooth sailing ahead.

Time to go for a simple shopping trip before we returned to Singapore.

Mu Sheng Insect Museum

Good Morning Blog,

Thinking back on our Taiwan itinerary, ours was mainly mountains and themed locations.

Today we would head out to our last city - Taichung. Goodbye, Puli for hosting us. Sadly, didn't have enough to visit most of the places here. One day, I will be back again.

So where are we heading next? Based on the title, we will be heading to a museum as it is along the way to Taichung.

2nd Time to Sun Moon Lake

Hi Blog,

After visiting Qingjing Farm and not being able to go elsewhere on the mountain... Yup... I feel that we didn't cover or fully utilize the route up there... So I needed to manage myself and learn to be content.

I have to strike a balance between my selfish needs and thoughts, and the group's expectations and limitations; all while avoiding any negative impact on the overall atmosphere. I hope I didn't spoil SJ and QH's emotions.

Okay! Next stop - Sun Moon Lake 日月潭! Based on our original itinerary, we brought forward the next day's planned location to today, to free up a slot for more places of interest.

2nd Time to QingJing Farm

Good Morning Blog,

On the fourth day of our trip, time really passed fast. Today, where will we be going? Yes, as titled, we will be going up to Qingjing.

The weather seemed promising!

Initially, we planned to stay at Qingjing and explore that place slowly... But we were discouraged due to the cold climate and risks involved... So from the look of the weather... I was not pleased, but I know it is in my best interest, and I can't afford any mishaps... So I will just manage my own expectations.

JiJi & Che Cheng Station

Hi Blog,

After visiting two themed villages, understand that having a well-defined theme for an area can significantly impact its economic growth and attract visitors.

Now we were heading to a place with a theme too

Instead of "created-theme" places, the next two will be a cultural reason that plays an important role in shaping and influencing various aspects of life, including art, literature, and social norms; like a set of collective values, beliefs, and practices that are shared by a group of people and passed down through generations.

Monster Village

Hi Blog,

After a short visit to Hinoki Village.

Next destination to the unpopular tourist area

Yes! Have you heard about Monster Village, Yao Guai Village?

Hinoki Village

Hi Blog,

Next on our itinerary will be another place which I always wanted to go to. In fact, no one will actually mention it due to unpopular options among tourists.

Hmm 🤔 even though Taiwan's world time is the same as Singapore's, on a geographical level, Taiwan is closer to the east side of Earth than Singapore. So what you are looking at is 6+ in the morning, similar to Singapore's 7+ The statement "Time is an illusion" is true.

Or on a personal level, since we were heading to our accommodation, and it was along the way, then we should visit these places as titled. Have you heard of these places before?

Alishan Park

Good Morning Blog,

Managed to wake up in time with a slight delay, so excited for today's itinerary.

Knowing we will be having a long journey up to our next destination...

It will be a long twisted road journey, prepare mentally - yes! It will be cold, so prepare my attire - yes!