My Travelogues

Travel literature is travel writing of literary value. Travel literature typically records the experiences of an author touring a place for the pleasure of travel. An individual work is sometimes called a travelogue or itinerary. – exerted from wikipedia

Perhaps the reason I write travelogues is so that I can relive it again and again and again.

I’m a traveler. I love traveling. I think most of us are. Travel introduces us to a whole new world; new people, new faces, new culture, new everything. My ultimate travel dream is to travel around the world at my leisure. Of course, this a difficult dream to achieve unless I’m super rich or maybe if I married a millionaire or maybe someday someone would offer me the chance of a lifetime to go traveling, blog about my experience and make a series out of it?. Long story short it is NOT impossible. 🙂

So errr… in order to make my dream come true as in right now, I’m getting on it the hard way. Slowly but surely. Yes, as a backpacker/flashpacker/comfort-packer. 🙂

I can’t tolerate dirty and expensive hotels. My best bet is a hostel, B&B, inn & motel. If you’re like me looking for affordable & comfortable accommodation then you’re at the right place. If you’re looking for backpacking style trips, then you’re at the right place again. Feel free to browse through the travelogues and I hope you will find something useful for your dream trips.

Here are the list of places I’ve visited to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Cheers and happy travelling!

2019

Vietnam – Hanoi – 4 days & 3 nights

Hanoi Day 1: AirAsia, Emerald Waters Hotel Trendy & Vinmart
Hanoi Day 2: Hoàn Kiếm Lake, French Quarter & Vinmart Again!
Hanoi Day 3 & 4: Old Quarter, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Đồng Xuân Market & Goodbye

2018

Hong Kong – 5 days & 4 nights

My 3rd visit to Hong Kong and YEP I still can’t get enough of the food! Riding Duk Ling, hiking up Victoria Peak Garden, crossing Victoria Harbor via Star Ferry, and betting at Happy Valley Racecourse are some of my memorable activities in Hong Kong. Had never encountered so many rude people until this trip. Good luck Hong Kong!

Hong Kong Day 1: HKIA, First Airbnb & Duk Ling
Hong Kong Day 2: Victoria Peak Garden, Shopping & Sai Ying Pun
Hong Kong Day 3: Prizemart, Liu Ma Kee, Shanghai Street & Best Mart 360
Hong Kong Day 4 & 5: Crossing Victoria Harbor, Happy Valley Racecourse & Goodbye

2016

Japan – Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Fujikawaguchiko, Tokyo – 16 days & 15 nights

My first time in Japan, and oh my, what a beautiful country this is! I love the architecture, the food, the sceneries and landscapes, but most of all I love Mount Fuji. The autumn foliage made the trip even more colorful and sweeter. Would love to visit many more times if budget permits.

Osaka Day 1: Ana Crowne Plaza & Sennichimae Doguyasuji
Osaka Day 2: Osaka Station, Kuromon Market & Dotonbori
Nara Day 3: Todai-ji, Cheeky Deer & Fall Foliage
Osaka + Kyoto Day 4: Nishiki Market & Len Kyoto Kawaramachi
Kyoto Day 5: Kiyomizu-dera, Sannen-zaka & Ninen-zaka (Part 1)
Kyoto Day 5: Kōdai-ji (Part 2)
Kyoto Day 6: Autumn At Beautiful Arashiyama & Kyoto Station
Kyoto Day 7: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Yasaka Shrine
Kyoto & Mishima Day 8: Shinkansen & Beautiful Mishima (Part 1)
Fujikawaguchiko Day 8: Kagelow & Kawaguchiko (Part 2)
Fujikawaguchiko & Tokyo Day 9: Mount Fuji Views, Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center & Oishi Park
Tokyo & Urayasu Day 10: Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo Day 11: Nui. Hostel, Ameyoko & Takeya
Tokyo Day 12: Autumn At University Of Tokyo, Kappabashi Street & Senso-ji
Tokyo Day 13: Autumn Colors At Shinjuku Gyoen & Jingu Gaien Icho Namiki
Tokyo Day 14: Farmer’s Market At UNU, Hachiko Statue & Shibuya Crossing
Tokyo Day 15 & 16: Tsukiji Market, Meiji Jingu & Goodbye

2015

Taiwan – Taipei (inl. Beitou), Jiufen – 6 days & 5 nights

Never a fan of Taiwan prior to this maiden trip. Guess what? I fell in love with Taiwan. The food is of course the main draw. Yum, yum, yum! I were lucky to meet so many friendly Taiwanese people which made my visit even sweeter. Can’t wait to come back for more.

Taipei Day 1: AirAsia, Star Hostel & Ningxia Road Night Market
Jiufen Day 2: Jiufen Old Street
Beitou + Taipei Day 3: Hot Spring & Shilin Night Market
Taipei Day 4: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Nanmen Market & Food Shopping
Taipei Day 5 & 6: Chia Te, Ximending & Goodbye

Singapore – 4 days & 3 nights
Singapore Day 1: First Coach, Five Stones Hostel & Marina Bay Sands
Singapore Day 2, 3 & 4: Universal Studios & Goodbye

Selangor, Malaysia
Tanjung Sepat

2014

South Korea – Jeju-do, Busan, Jinhae, Jeonju, Seoul – 15 days & 15 nights

My second time in South Korea in 11 years. It was a long time coming. I love all the places I visited. My second time visiting Jeju and Seoul and I still couldn’t get enough of both. Busan, Jinhae and Jeonju were awesome too. I love the culture, the food and the shopping! You bet I’ll be making many more trips to South Korea.

Incheon + Jeju-do Self Drive Day 1: MAS, Car Rental & Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
Jeju-do Self Drive Day 2: Yeongsil Trail at Hallasan National Park (Part 1)
Jeju-do Self Drive Day 2: Jusangjeolli Cliff, Yongmeori Coast & Cheonjiyeon Falls (Part 2)
Jeju-do Self Drive Day 3: Yilin Pension & Seongsan Ilchulbong (Part 1)
Jeju-do Self Drive Day 3: Seopjikoji & Seongeup Folk Village (Part 2)
Jeju-do + Busan Day 4: Bye Jeju, Dynamic Guesthouse, Cherry Blossom at Dalmaji Road, Haeundae Beach & Gwangalli Beach
Busan + Jinhae Day 5: Cherry Blossom at Yeojwa Stream & Gyeonghwa Station (Part 1)
Busan Day 5: Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market & Dinner at Lotteria (Part 2)
Busan + Jeonju Day 6: Bukyungdang Hanok Guesthouse, Jeonju Hanok Village Scenic Walk & Omokdae
Jeonju Day 7: Jeondong Catholic Cathedral, Pungnamun & Nambu Market
Jeonju + Seoul Day 8: Stay In GAM, Hongdae & Ewha Womans University
Seoul Day 9: Noryangjin Fish Market, Yeouido Cherry Blossom, KBS & Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain
Seoul Day 10: Gwangjang Market, Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon & Insadong
Seoul Day 11: Bangsan Market, Namdaemun Market & Myeongdong Shopping
Seoul Day 12: Bukchon Hanok Village & Ssamziegil
Seoul Day 13, 14 & 15: Bongeunsa Temple, N Seoul Tower & Goodbye

Melaka, Malaysia
Melaka 2014

Selangor, Malaysia
Sekinchan 2014

2013

China – Shanghai, Hangzhou – 5 days & 4 nights

Possibly the most unsatisfying trip of all trips. I only get to said ‘Hi’ to both Shanghai and Hangzhou on the surface and not enough to know more about them.

Shanghai Day 1: MAS again, Maglev Train, The Bund & Becoming Zombie!
Shanghai Day 2: City God Temple, Zig Zag Bridge at Yu Garden & Xintiandi (Part 1)
Shanghai Day 2: Oriental Pearl Tower, Lujiazui Pedestrian Bridge, The Bund & Pudong Skyline at Night (Part 2)
Hangzhou Day 3: West Lake
Shanghai Day 4: Tianzifang
Shanghai Day 5: Fish Inn Bund, Shanghai Pudong International Airport & Goodbye

Selangor, Malaysia
Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple @ Jenjarom, Selangor
Morib Beach @ Banting, Selangor

2012

Europe – London, Rome, Vatican City, Pisa, Venice, Paris – 16 days & 15 nights

Going to Europe especially London is a dream come true for me. London feel like a home to me (like what HK did to me). It just fit right in. Somehow someway I ended up falling for Paris the most. Reason? Parisian food, shopping, Eiffel Tower and its friendly people! Rome, Vatican City and Pisa with its beautiful monuments and architectures are sights to behold. Venice on the other hand looks like a perfectly painted painting.

London Day 1: Flying With MAS, Heathrow Connect & Piccadilly Circus
London Day 2: Covent Garden, British Museum, British Library & Phantom Of The Opera Musical
London + Rome Day 3: YHA Oxford Street, Gatwick Airport, easyJet & Tiring Rome
Rome Day 4: Six Beds, Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (Part 1)
Vatican City + Rome Day 4: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica & St. Peter’s Square (Part 2)
Rome + Pisa Day 5: Santa Maria Maggiore Church, Pensione Rinascente & Leaning Tower Of Pisa
Pisa + Venice Day 6: Piazza Garibaldi, St. Mark’s Basilica & The Grand Canal
Venice Day 7: Foresteria Valdese, Libreria Acqua Alta & Thello Train
Paris Day 8: Hotel Andrea Rivoli, Palais Garnier & Raining
Paris Day 9: Paris Panoramic Views, Notre Dame Cathedral & Eiffel Tower
Paris + Versailles Day 10: Château de Versailles & Musée du Louvre
Paris Day 11: Roland Garros, Shopping & Seine River Sunset
Paris + London Day 12: Eurostar, Primark & Marble Arch
London Day 13: Borough Market, Tate Modern, House Of Parliament & National Gallery
London Day 14: Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park & Harrods
London Day 15 & 16: Tower Of London, Tower Bridge, Les Misérables & Goodbye

2011

Hong Kong – 6 days & 5 nights

My 2nd trip to Hong Kong and I still can’t get enough of the food. They’re drool-worthy and taste-worthy. Betcha I need many more trips there! One of my pre-teen dreams was fulfilled too; Ocean Park, was very famous in HK TVB dramas. Now if only I get to visit TVB City. That would be awesome.

Hong Kong Day 1: Airport Express, Thematic Lantern Exhibition & Heritage 1881
Hong Kong Day 2: Star Ferry, Man Mo Temple & Gage Street Market
Hong Kong Day 3: Ocean Park
Hong Kong Day 4: Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Citigate Outlets at Lantau Island & Esprit Outlet
Hong Kong Day 5 & 6: YMCA of HK, Symphony of Lights, Dessert Attack, Goodbye Hong Kong

2010

Victoria, Australia – 8 days & 8 nights

Melbourne-Great Ocean Road-Colac-Geelong-Melbourne summarize my 8D/8N Australia trip. Driving along the Great Ocean Road and visiting Twelve Apostles was the highlight of my Aussie journey. Serene, beautiful and OUT OF THIS WORLD! Melbourne itself is a charm.

On Holiday 🙂
Melbourne Day 1: Federation Square, Hosier Lane & Flinders Street Station
Melbourne Day 2: Queen Victoria Market, Royal Arcade & Block Arcade
Melbourne Day 3: Victoria Hall & Queen Victoria Market Again (Part 1)
Melbourne Day 3: St. Kilda Beach, Luna Park & Acland Street (Part 2)
Great Ocean Road Self-Drive Day 4: Car Rental, West Gate Freeway & Point Addis
Great Ocean Road Self-Drive Day 4: Anglesea, Aireys Inlet’s Split Point Lighthouse & Lorne
Great Ocean Road Self-Drive Day 4: Stunning Great Ocean Views, Apollo Bay, Almost Cape Otway Lightstation & Wild Animals!
Great Ocean Road Self-Drive Day 4: Pee Story, Port Campbell National Park & Trouble Finding Twelve Apostles
Great Ocean Road Self-Drive Day 4: Twelve Apostles At Sunset [+Video] & Port Campbell
Great Ocean Road Self-Drive Day 5: Port Campbell Hostel, Post Office, Refuel & Port Campbell Town
Great Ocean Road Self-Drive Day 5: Loch Ard Gorge
Great Ocean Road Self-Drive Day 5: Thunder Cave, Broken Head & Twelve Apostles
Princetown Road-Colac-Geelong Self-Drive Day 5: Apostle Whey Cheese, Cute Towns, Greeneries & Hello Geelong!
Geelong Self-Drive Day 5: Geelong Riverview Tourist Park & Waterfront
Melbourne Day 6: Return Car, Hook Turn & Elephant Backpacker
Melbourne Day 7 & 8: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Yarra River & Goodbye

Siem Reap, Cambodia – 4 days & 4 nights

Mmm what can I say about Siem Reap? It’s the gateway to Angkor Archaeological Park where one of the wonders of the world is located, Angkor Wat. But you know what? Angkor Wat is not the 1 and only wonder of the world in Cambodia. The vincinity temples like Ta Phrom, Bayon, Preah Khan and the likes are as amazing and magical. The people are friendly and always smiling. That’s what I remember most about Siem Reap.

Going To Siem Reap… Very Soon
Siem Reap Day 1: Khmer Kitchen Restaurant & Artisans d’Angkor (Part 1)
Siem Reap Day 1: Angkor Temples – Preah Khan & South Gate & North Gate of Angkor Thom (Part 2)
Siem Reap Day 2: Center Market (Phsar Kandal) & Red Piano
Siem Reap Day 3: Angkor Wat & Ta Prohm (Part 1)
Siem Reap Day 3: Bayon, Angkor Thom, Blue Pumpkin, Old Market(Phsar Chas) & Angkor Night Market(Part 2)
Siem Reap Day 4: Hotel 89, Pub Street, Old Market, Pub Street Alley, Chamkar Vegetarian Restaurant

Selangor, Malaysia
‘Artificial’ LED Trees (Day Shoot) @ I-City, Shah Alam
Funfair: Happy Fun Park @ Bukit Tinggi, Klang
Lights Wonderland @ I-City, Shah Alam

2009

Penang, Malaysia – 1 day trip
A Short Penang Trip & Nasi Kandar

Selangor, Malaysia
Backstage @ Chinese Opera In Kuan Yin Temple, Klang
Chinese Opera @ Kuan Yin Temple, Klang
Kuan Yin Temple, Klang

2007

Hong Kong & Macau – 7 days & 6 nights

Visiting Hong Kong has been my life long dream. And you know what? Hong Kong did not disappoint me. In fact I felt so at home in Hong Kong. Ohh I LOVE HONG KONG!

Che-Cheh Is Taking A Hiatus
Hong Kong via Macau Day 1: Exhausted
Hong Kong Day 2: Trams, The Long Walk and The Peak
Hong Kong Day 3: Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Day 4: Shopping, Avenue Of Stars & Temple Street
Hong Kong Day 5: More Shopping & Yummy Food
Macau Day 6 & 7: Ruins of St. Paul’s Church, Pastelaria, Portuguese Food, The Venetian & Goodbye!

Sabah, Malaysia – 7 days & 6 nights

Even many years later, I will sometimes reflect back my journey at conquering this mountain, Mount Kinabalu. Conquering it is one thing (a feat!) but then what I find I reflect mostly is the the journey up and down the mountain. It was very spectacular. Believe me. And the experience would be one of the best you’ll ever had.

Will I Reach The Summit?
See You In A Week
6 Days & 6 Nights Backpacking at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Day 1 & 2: Snorkel + Rain + Hell @ Kota Kinabalu
Day 3: Whitewater Rafting @ Kiulu River + Shopping @ Kota Kinabalu
Day 4: More Shopping @ Kota Kinabalu + Hello Kundasang
Day 5: Climbing Mount Kinabalu (Part I)
Day 5: Climbing Mount Kinabalu (Part II)
Day 6: Climbing Mount Kinabalu Low’s Peak
Day 6: Descending Mount Kinabalu
Day 7: Last Day @ KK

Selangor, Malaysia
Selayang Hot Spring

2006

Pahang, Malaysia – 1 day trip

Raya Eve Escapade to Cameron Highlands
Vegetables & Flowers of Cameron Highlands
Bangkok, Thailand – 4 days & 3 nights

To me Bangkok is a very colorful city. I particularly fell head over heels with Wat Arun. And the drama that I had to went through on the way to airport (on our last day) remain my ultimate travel nightmare! LOL

I’m Back & There I Go Again…To Bangkok (maybe)
Bangkok Is Perfectly Safe!!!
Bangkok Day 1
Bangkok Day 2 – Shopping Day!!!
Bangkok Day 3 – Temples & Grand Palace
Bangkok Day 4 – River Cruise, Temple, Tanks, Shopping & Drama!

Kuala Terengganu – 1 day trip
My first experience of driving a rented car is at Kuala Terengganu. Loved the navigation and map chaos. Haha
Terengganu Here I Come
Kuala Terengganu

2005

Melaka, Malaysia – 1 day trip
Finally…My 2005 Melaka Photos
One Fine Day In Melaka

Other notable places I’ve visited (before I started blogging):
Beijing, Tianjin & Chengdu, China (2005)
Seoul, Incheon & Jeju Island, South Korea (2003)
Hat Yai, Thailand
Singapore
Pulau Langkawi, Penang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan

You’ll notice that I did not travel in 2008. I was ill back then.

p/s: Photos after February 2009 were taken using Nikon D80 unless otherwise specified. I used Lumix FX-9 before February 2009.