Travel

What I Do in Bangkok When I Don’t Shop?

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After booking my impromptu solo trip via Agoda, my flight and accommodation were settled. The next question was deceptively simple: What should I actually do in Bangkok?

Ironically, Bangkok was the part of Thailand I had explored the least. Over the years, I have already been to Pattaya, Khao Yai, Hua Hin, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, and Khao Kho, places known for nature, hikes, and slower rhythms.

Bangkok, on the other hand, had a reputation: shopping paradise & eating paradise.

Both great, but not quite what I was looking for this time.

A New Travel Habit: Playing Badminton Overseas

Since early 2025, I’ve been quietly experimenting with a new idea: playing badminton overseas with strangers. I’ve done it in Hong Kong (January 2025) and Kunming (June 2025). Cooler weather, lower humidity, new people, unfamiliar courts, and it was fun in a very human way. So naturally, I thought: Why not Bangkok?

That turned out to be harder than expected. Most badminton meetups in Bangkok happen on weekends. I reached out to a few casual players who posted badminton content online, but received no replies.

Then, almost by chance, I stumbled upon a TikTok creator who regularly posts his weekday games. On impulse, I sent him a DM. Unexpectedly, he replied. He told me he plays every Wednesday and Friday night at Baan 92 Badminton Court and asked if I wanted a slot. I said yes (chai in Thai) without knowing what I was signing up for.

I trusted a TikTok stranger, and on Christmas Eve, we actually met each other. In Thailand, where you’re often reminded to be cautious because not everything is what it seems, it felt like a small leap of faith.

Culture Shock #1: Thailand Is a Night-Sports Country

When I arrived at the court, his explanation of why Thai people exercise so late genuinely caught me off guard. He said that most Thai players don’t play in the morning as it’s too hot, and people work. Instead, they exercise at night. He told me that games start at 8:30pm and can run until 2:00–3:00am. After that? Supper. A short rest. Then straight back to work.

As someone from Singapore, where sports halls close around 10pm, and I’m usually in bed by 11:15pm, this felt… extreme. Still, curiosity won.

That Wednesday (it’s Christmas eve night), I played from 8:30pm to about 1:30am (Thailand time). The quality surprised me. The games were labelled “casual,” but the pace was fast. Many young, talented players with sharp placement and good court awareness. It didn’t feel sloppy at all, just intense, late, and relentless.

Culture Shock #2: Shuttlecocks, Tracking, and Paying by the Match

The second surprise was how the games were managed.

In Singapore, shuttlecocks are changed fairly quickly. In Thailand, one shuttlecock is used for two consecutive matches. Even with visibly worn feathers, the players chose not to change them and continued playing. Even if a player requested a change, the shuttle used would still be a recycled one, already worn, to complete another game.

Changing a shuttle meant extra cost. They also recorded:

  • Who you partnered with
  • The score of each game

All of this was tracked to calculate how much you pay when you leave. It felt systematic, efficient, and very different from what I was used to.

The Physical Reality Check

That night, I played for 3 hours and 32 minutes. My Garmin recorded 945 calories burned.

By the time I reached the hotel by taxi, hunger hit hard. I crossed the street to 7-Eleven and grabbed a fish fillet burger for survival.

I slept around 1:30am.

The next morning? No sense of recovery. My Garmin showed poor sleep quality, and my body agreed. I’m not wired to be a night owl, and one late night was enough to remind me of that.

Still, I don’t regret it.

Final Reflections: Travel Isn’t Always About Comfort

This Bangkok experience wasn’t about sightseeing. It was about stepping into someone else’s rhythm and realising how different daily life can be.

What I Took Away:

  • Trusting a TikTok stranger gently reminded me to stay open to the world.
  • Bangkok offers more than shopping and food. It offers alternative ways to connect (other than partying).
  • Sports culture reflects climate, work patterns, and social habits.
  • Playing badminton overseas isn’t just exercise: it’s cultural immersion.
  • Just because you can adapt doesn’t mean it will feel good physically.
  • And sometimes, the value of an experience is simply understanding your own limits.

I learned that I’m not a night owl. But I also learned that saying yes to unfamiliar schedules, strangers, and slightly unreasonable hours sometimes opens doors you didn’t know were there.

And that, to me, is the point of solo travel: quiet courage.

Staying open to the world sometimes means choosing discomfort and trusting that something meaningful might meet you there.

First Impromptu Solo Trip to Thailand: What Booking via Agoda Taught Me

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On 30 September 2025, I booked an impromptu solo trip to Thailand. No long planning horizon. No spreadsheets. Just a quiet nudge telling me to go.

I used Agoda (flight and hotel bundled, taxes included). Total damage: SGD 364.88. For a first-time solo traveller, that felt like a good deal. What followed, however, was a crash course in how third-party bookings really work.

This wasn’t just a trip. It was a systems lesson with some turbulence.

Learning Point #1: Flying Without Check-In Luggage (and Overthinking Everything)

This was my first time flying solo with only cabin baggage. No check-in. No safety net. Naturally, my brain spiralled into worst-case scenarios: What if they don’t let me board? What if I misread the baggage rules?

I emailed Scoot to ask about adding check-in luggage. The response was polite but directed to another company: If you booked via a third-party platform, please contact the platform directly. Someone did reply me, but adding baggage came with friction:

  • 20kg one-way: USD 32
  • Payment via bank transfer
  • Recipient: a Hong Kong company

It felt unnecessarily complex for a short trip. After weighing cost vs. hassle, I made a call: travel light, go carry-on only.

Lesson learned: Sometimes the fear is heavier than the luggage. Cabin-only travel is doable, but confidence matters more than capacity.

Learning Point #2: When Web Check-In Doesn’t Exist (and Panic Kicks In)

Next surprise: I couldn’t do Scoot’s web check-in before my flight day.

The system couldn’t find my Booking Reference (PNR). Error after error.
Cue irrational thoughts: Can I even fly? Did something go wrong?

I contacted Agoda through their “Contact Me” email option. They replied via email, assuring me: Your flight is already checked in. Relief.

On my flight day, at the airport, I tried to print my boarding pass at the self-service kiosk. No luck. End result: I queued at the information counter like a proper adult and got my boarding pass the old-school way.

Lesson learned: Third-party bookings may bypass airline self-service systems. It doesn’t mean you’re stranded. This just means factor in extra time and queue patience.

Learning Point #3: Flight Number Changes Are Easy to Miss (and Dangerous to Ignore)

This was the most stressful moment. My return flight was scheduled for 5:00pm (Thailand time). I arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport around 3:15pm, delayed slightly by traffic.

At the check-in area, a staff member was calling out: TR 637, last call for check-in

I ignored it.

Why? Because my Agoda app showed TR 605.

What I forgot: Agoda had emailed me on 16 October about a flight number change. I’d read it… then promptly archived it in my brain’s junk folder.

Only when I finally reached the counter to check in, did I realise:

  • Flight no printed on the boarding pass = TR 637
  • Time now = 4:10pm

From there, it was a brisk walk (borderline power march) through immigration straight to the gate. No shopping. No wandering. Just focus.

I made it. Barely.

Lesson learned: Always double-check emails for schedule or flight number changes, especially with third-party bookings. Apps don’t always reflect real-time updates.

Final reflections as a First-Time Solo Traveller

This trip wasn’t about beaches or cafés. It was about decision-making under uncertainty.

Here’s what I’d tell any first-time solo traveller booking via a third-party platform:

Key Takeaways:

  • Read every email, even the boring ones. That’s where critical updates hide.
  • Don’t rely solely on the app: cross-check flight details closer to departure.
  • Arrive earlier than usual if you can’t web check-in.
  • Pack lighter than you think you need. Confidence beats contingency.
  • Expect friction and stay calm when it appears.

Solo travel strips away buffers. No one double-checks for you. No one queues on your behalf.
But that’s also where growth lives.

This Thailand trip reminded me that I can navigate ambiguity, solve problems on the fly, and still arrive sometimes breathless but intact.

And honestly?
That might be the real souvenir.

🌏 The Race We Won but Didn’t Win – The Amazing Race, Pak Chong Edition

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This year, our company held its annual team cohesion overseas. A chance to step away from our screens, breathe fresh air, and strengthen bonds beyond project deadlines. We flew to Khao Yai and landed in Pak Chong, where the highlight of the trip was none other than an Amazing Race–style adventure.

We were divided into teams, armed with clues, and unleashed across the town to complete missions and challenges. My team hustled hard, decoding clues, racing through checkpoints, and pushing forward together. And we didn’t just do well, we actually reached the final destination first as mentioned by the facilitator.

Naturally, we thought we nailed it. Victory felt certain.

But during the prize presentation, our confidence turned into collective confusion.

The results were announced… and our team wasn’t called.

Wait. What?

Cue the puzzled looks, awkward laughs, and that quiet “Are we in the wrong universe?” moment.

The hidden criteria mystery

When we asked the organiser what happened, the explanation came and let’s just say, it left us scratching our heads even more.

Apparently, the results weren’t just based on who finished first. There were some hidden criteria such as things like teamwork, creativity, photo-taking, and the way we executed each task. None of these were mentioned before the game began.

So even though we sprinted across every checkpoint and crossed the line first, we somehow ranked lower because… we didn’t “look fun enough” doing it?

It’s like running a marathon and being told you didn’t win because your stride lacked creativity.

My honest reflection

I was just not satisfied with the explanation given the facilitator. In hindsight, it’s easy to laugh, but also a reminder about how life, and work, sometimes operates.

You can follow every visible rule, move efficiently, and still find out later that the unseen expectations were what mattered most.

Is it unfair? Maybe.

But it’s also deeply human.

Not every finish line measures speed; some measure style, collaboration, and spirit, even when you don’t know they’re being scored.

And if that’s the lesson, then maybe the real “Amazing Race” wasn’t about the competition at all, but about learning how to move together, even when the rules are unclear.

Moral of the race

You can’t always control the rules. But you can control your attitude when the outcome surprises you.

And in this case, we might not have won the prize, but we sure earned the story.

More than that, I’m truly glad to have spent time with my two dearest remote web developers – the ones I usually only see through calls and dashboards. This precious photo I really treasure a lot and it’s the moment money can’t buy.

After all, no leaderboard can measure memories like these. I genuinely hope that my competitive streak can be softened a little; moments like this remind me that the real victory lies in connection, not competition. Probably I need to work on that.

The Utilisation Principle: What My Solo Hike to Mount Kinabalu Taught Me About Real Strength

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There’s a moment on every climb when your body screams to stop and your mind whispers that you’re not strong enough. I met that moment on Mount Kinabalu, alone, exhausted, and questioning why I even tried. I thought hiking solo would prove my resilience, that pushing through on my own would make me feel unstoppable. But somewhere on that steep, endless trail, I discovered something I didn’t expect.

Being alone, no matter how capable or determined I was, came with limits. Not just physical limits but emotional and mental ones. I had the willpower, but I didn’t have unlimited capacity or resources. And in that realisation, something shifted. I understood that the narrative of “doing it all alone” is not only unsustainable. It’s incomplete.

This is where the utilisation principle stopped being just a strategy and became survival wisdom. Stressors, challenges, and unexpected events will never disappear. Life doesn’t promise a smooth climb. It promises weather, detours, and steep drops. What changes everything is how well we utilise what’s within and around us to adapt and keep moving.

For so long, I’ve worn independence like armor. I believed that asking for help meant weakness, and that my worth was measured by how much I could endure without relying on anyone. But the mountain revealed a hard truth: strength isn’t about carrying everything alone. Strength is knowing when to let others in, when to lean on available resources, and when to rest rather than break.

As I descended the mountain, I realised how this mirrored the rest of my life. Stressful events and challenges are constants. They won’t vanish just because I’ve learned how to push harder. If I insist on taking everything on my shoulders, I’ll eventually collapse under the weight. Real wisdom is not about avoiding stress. It’s about turning it into momentum by using the tools, people, and opportunities around me.

This isn’t just about hiking. It’s about life and work.

In life, I’ve often believed that my worth was tied to my ability to “handle everything” on my own. But what if true resilience isn’t about isolating yourself in your strength, but building connections that magnify your capacity? Trusting others doesn’t make me weaker; it allows me to go further than I ever could alone.

In work, the same truth applies. You can be competent, efficient, and determined , but if you don’t utilise your team, your tools, and your environment, you’re operating at a fraction of your potential. The most successful leaders aren’t the ones who do everything themselves. They are the ones who orchestrate, delegate, and build systems that scale their impact.

I think back to that moment on the trail when the wind grew fierce, and I had to turn back near the summit. At first, it felt like failure. But now, I see it as a turning point. It wasn’t about reaching the top. It was about learning how to climb smarter, not harder. The mountain taught me that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to stop, reassess, and lean on what’s around you.

Stress will always exist. Mountains (literal and metaphorical) will always stand tall. The challenge is not to remove them but to navigate them with grace, strategy, and the courage to admit we can’t do it all alone.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu taught me more than endurance; it taught me perspective. True strength is not measured by how much weight you can carry alone but by how wisely you utilise the support, opportunities, and inner resources you already have. It’s about knowing when to fight, when to adapt, and when to trust that letting others walk beside you doesn’t make you less. It makes you unstoppable.

My First Solo Hike: Kinabalu, You’ve Changed Me

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Day 1, July 22: The Ascent Begins

My first solo hiking trip.

I remember standing at the Timpohon Gate, holding my hiking pole in one hand and nerves in the other. There was no turning back. Alone, I began my journey upwards to Panalaban Base Camp.

Surprisingly, the hike up wasn’t the monster I had imagined. My legs kept up. My breath found rhythm. The lush green and crisp air were comforting, and every step forward felt like proof that I had prepared, physically, at least. I reached Panalaban in about 5 hours and 10minst, feeling proud but quiet. There’s a stillness when you hike alone that no playlist or camera can fill. It’s just you, the weight on your back, and thoughts that grow louder the higher you go.

Reaching the base camp after about 5 hours of hiking.

Day 2, July 23, 2:00 AM: Into the Dark

The summit push.

I layered up in silence, clipped on my headlamp, and joined the line of hikers, strangers with the same ambition, marching into complete darkness. It was pitch black except for the narrow beam of my light. The wind whispered louder than anyone spoke.

And then, came the solitude.

It’s hard to explain what it feels like hiking alone in that kind of darkness. It’s not just your body you have to fight. It’s the voice in your head. Mine was relentless.

“You’re alone. You’re not strong enough. Why are you torturing yourself?”

And then came the physical toll.

As I was making my way up toward the summit, I vomited. Twice. Once, in the middle of pushing forward. Again, just before reaching Sayat-Sayat checkpoint. It wasn’t just exhaustion. It was altitude, nerves, fear, dehydration, all swirling into a kind of inner collapse.

Still, I pressed on. Step by trembling step. My hands froze. My breath shortened.

But I kept going…

Sayat-Sayat Checkpoint: The Turning Point

I made it to Sayat-Sayat, the final checkpoint before the summit. Just 1km more. Just a little more.

But the wind didn’t let up. It howled at around 17km/h, growing stronger, meaner. The rangers deemed it unsafe to continue. We had to turn back.

I stood there frozen, more from disbelief than cold.

So close. So unfinished.

Internally, I wanted to cry. I really did. After all the effort, training, and solitude… the summit slipped out of reach. I felt like I failed.

But then another voice rose inside me, quieter and kinder. “You showed up. You fought. The mountain didn’t defeat you. It just said, ‘Not today.’”

7:45 AM – The Descent

After resting and collecting my thoughts at Panalaban, I began my descent at 7:45 AM. My knees felt each downward step. My feet, ankles & quads screamed. But strangely, I kept going.

I even vomited once more on the way down. I had almost no solid food left in my body. Just some water and energy gels. And yet, my body still moved. It amazed me. My body had more fight in it than I ever thought possible.

And yet, something inside me had shifted. I wasn’t walking down with disappointment. I was walking down with a strange sense of respect. For the mountain. For myself. For what it means to fight alone and still keep walking.

At 1:10 PM, I finally reached Timpohon Gate. Exhausted. Weather-beaten. But alive. Changed.

What the Summit Couldn’t Teach Me

I didn’t get the colored certificate. I didn’t get the summit photo.

But I got something else.

I received a black and white certificate, a symbol that I hiked, I climbed, and I reached as far as the conditions would allow. I didn’t expect to receive anything, honestly. But when they handed it to me, I smiled. A soft, “you-did-your-best” kind of smile.

It was my first solo hike.

It was daring.

It was scary.

And it was healing.

The Summit Within: A Conversation With the Dark

The real summit wasn’t the top of Kinabalu.

It was that moment, in the pitch black, when I stood alone, scared, “sick” (probably AMS sets in), and still kept moving.

Not every hike is about reaching the top.

Some hikes are about finally hearing the voice inside your head, and choosing to believe the one that says:

“You’re enough. Even now. Even here.”

My Final Reflection

“Sometimes, the most powerful hikes are the ones where we don’t seek to reach the summit, but to heal our souls.”

This journey wasn’t just about Kinabalu. It was about learning how to sit with fear, with failure, and with the version of myself I usually keep hidden.

And that, to me, is the summit I’ll carry forever.

It seems so relatable to real life.

There are moments in life when we pour everything in like our time, energy, heart, only to fall just short of the “summit” we envisioned. We don’t always get the happy ending, the recognition, or the outcome we fought so hard for. But that doesn’t mean we failed.

Sometimes, the lesson is in the climb. In choosing to keep going when your body says stop. In learning to sit with discomfort, fear, and disappointment without turning away.

That Kinabalu trail reminded me: not all victories come with fanfare. Some arrive quietly, in the form of resilience, grace, and growth. Some show up as a single step forward, when everything in you wants to give up.

And maybe… that’s just life.

Not everything we want will be ours, no matter how hard we try.

The summit doesn’t always belong to the strongest or the most prepared. Sometimes, it’s simply not the right day. Not the right conditions. Not the right timing. But what we do in those moments, how we respond to the “almosts” and the “not-quites” so that’s what defines human.

And if we can learn to carry ourselves back down with courage, with humility, with heart, then maybe we’ve already climbed something far greater.

Unforgettable Hallasan Hike: A Personal Journey

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After months of work and a significant break from writing (my last blog post was back in March), I finally got some time away. What better way to spend it than on a trip to Jeju, with the ultimate goal of hiking Hallasan, the island’s highest peak at 1,947 meters, and one of Korea’s most iconic hikes? To be honest, this trip was far from planned. In fact, had things gone as expected, I would have been celebrating the submission of my Master’s thesis during this October period. But, as life would have it, work commitments and new job scopes got in the way, delaying my thesis. Thankfully, I still have a year left to complete it.

Hallasan wasn’t initially on my bucket list, but when my friend, knowing my love for hiking, invited me along, I instantly agreed. It was a spontaneous decision made around April. I knew the hike could be tough, so two months before the trip, I committed to some serious training, two sessions a week to condition my body for what was to come.

Now, after completing the hike on 13th October 2024, here’s my honest review. First and foremost, this is not a beginner’s hike. I can’t emphasize this enough. It’s long, challenging, and a serious workout for both mind and body. If anyone is thinking about doing the Hallasan hike, my number one piece of advice is to train. Really train. Walking on rocky stones is intense and vastly different from walking on flat or muddy ground.

I hiked with a friend who hadn’t prepared much, and it became clear that the challenge was even greater for her. She struggled so much that it significantly slowed our pace. We found ourselves frequently waiting for her to catch up, which, for anyone who hikes, you’ll know that constant start-and-stop pace takes a toll. My muscles were screaming by the end, partly from the hike itself and partly from the irregular movements.

Thankfully, we were blessed with good weather and a bit of luck. Otherwise, the slippery rocks would have made the hike much more treacherous, and our limbs would have really suffered for it. For me, the real test came during the last 3 kilometers on the descent. My left hamstring cramped badly, and I had to stop multiple times. Every step felt like a battle, but along the way, I was reminded of the kindness of strangers. A few older Korean men (or uncles, as we’d call them) noticed my struggle and offered me some pain relief spray. They even took the time to ask if I was okay, a small act of kindness that gave me the extra push I needed to finish the hike.

Would I do it again? Yes, but not without better preparation. Hallasan is not for the faint-hearted, and I strongly recommend serious training before attempting it. Despite the physical toll, the journey and views were unforgettable. There’s something about reaching the summit and pushing through your limits that makes the pain worth it in the end.

This wasn’t just a hike; it was a lesson in perseverance and a reminder that even when life is tough and doesn’t go as planned, there’s always something beautiful waiting along the journey. You just have to endure, take it bit by bit, and pace yourself.

To wrap it all up, this hike was truly unforgettable. From the physical challenges to the unexpected moments of kindness, and even the beauty we were fortunate enough to witness along the way, Hallasan left a lasting impression. It’s not just the summit that made it memorable, but the entire journey, with its highs, lows, and everything in between. If you’re up for a challenge, and you prepare both mentally and physically, this hike is one that will stay with you long after your legs have recovered.

My Bali Adventure: Temples, Monkeys, and Stunning Sunrises

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Uluwatu Temple: Monkeys and Mayhem (November 9th)

Our Bali adventure kicked off with a visit to one of Bali’s six key temples, Uluwatu Temple, locally known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu.

The temple’s beauty was as undeniable as the mischief of its resident monkeys! These little rascals were not just naughty but downright daring – snatching spectacles, breaking them, and even boldly snatching a woman’s earring. A true testament to the unpredictable nature of wildlife!

Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia

Pura Lempuyang Temple: Patience and Crowds (November 10th)

We set out early for Pura Lempuyang (or the gate of heaven) the next day in East Bali. It’s located among the highlands of Mount Lempuyang at a height of 1,775m above sea level. It has a stunning location overlooking sacred Mount Agung and it’s one of Bali’s most visited shrines. The place was overcrowded and under the intense Bali sun, it felt like a challenge. The wait was long – almost two hours. The iconic shot we captured was worth every sweltering second but it was too cloudy that Mount Agung was missing.

Ujung Water Palace: A Serene Escape

Later that day, we found respite at Ujung Water Palace, a serene former palace turned park. The tranquility of Sukasada Park, about 5 kilometers from Amlapura, offered a much-needed break from the day’s heat and hustle.

Bobocabin Kintamani: A Night in Darkness (Evening of November 10th)

Our adventure continued as we navigated our way in near-total darkness to Bobocabin Kintamani. The lack of clear road signs made the journey an unexpected adventure, requiring us to ask locals for directions. We checked in around 7:00 PM and decided to rest early, anticipating an early start the next day.

Sukawana Sunrise Spot: Worth the Early Wake-Up (November 11th)

Waking up at 4:15 AM was a challenge, but the reward was indescribable. We reached Sukawana Sunrise Spot by 4:55 AM and witnessed a breathtaking sunrise. The sea of clouds, coupled with a soothing 15°C temperature and hot drinks was a moment of pure bliss.

Pahdi Specialty Coffee: A Taste of Serenity

Post breakfast at Bobocabin, we made our way down to Ubud. Before heading to Tegallalang, we visited Pahdi Specialty Coffee, the biggest coffee shop in Southeast Asia.

Nestled with a view of natural volcanic mountains, it offered a serene experience that enhanced our discovery of the beauty of Kintamani’s landscape over a cup of exquisite coffee.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces: A Tourist’s Dilemma

Our trip continued to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, a stunning yet somewhat commercialized tourist spot where every photo opportunity came with a price. While stunning, the place felt like a tourist trap, with every photo-worthy spot like the famous swings requiring payment.

Ubud Raya Shala: Our Ubud Retreat

Our day ended with us checking into our tranquil stay at Ubud Raya Shala, a perfect place to unwind after a day filled with both excitement and exhaustion.

Bali, with its mix of serene landscapes, cultural richness, and unpredictable wildlife encounters, truly offers an adventure like no other. Every moment – whether spent waiting for the perfect photo, navigating in the dark, or experiencing a magnificent sunrise – added to the tapestry of memories that make this journey unforgettable. As I bid farewell to this island paradise, I carry with me not just memories but lessons in resilience, joy, and the beauty of nature. Bali is not just a destination; it’s an experience, a feeling, a memory that lingers long after you’ve left its shores.

“To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world. You are surrounded by adventure.” – Freya Stark

Until we meet again, Bali, terima kasih (thank you) for the adventures, the sights, the sounds, and the serenity. 🌅🌴🙏

Natural Wonders: My Personal Journey Through Bali’s Heartland

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Welcome back to my Bali adventure series! As promised in my last post, I’m thrilled to take you along on the next leg of my journey through this Island of Gods. Today, I’ll be sharing the captivating experiences and hidden gems I discovered during my personal exploration day, where the vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty of Bali continued to unfold in the most extraordinary ways. Join me as we delve deeper into the heart of Bali, uncovering more stories, insights, and unforgettable experiences from this magical destination.

On my free and easy day on 8th November, I decided to embark on a personal journey with my second cousin, who kindly showed me around Bali’s iconic landmarks. We started our exploration at 8:30AM from Kuta, heading towards the northern part of Bali, Indonesia. It took almost 1.5 hours to reach my first destination – the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple located in Bedugul.

A picturesque temple, surrounded by the calm waters of Lake Beratan, offered a serene and spiritually uplifting atmosphere. The Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple is one of the most iconic views in Bali. The entrance was 75,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person. This temple’s unusual pagoda is featured on Indonesia’s 50,000 Rupiah cash note. Sadly, it’s also another spot affected by over-tourism and overdevelopment, so it can be a bit crowded at times. With that said, it’s still a really nice spot that I think is worth a visit if you have time!

Address: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Next, I visited the Bali Handara Gate, an Instagram-famous spot known for its stunning natural backdrop and traditional Balinese architecture. As of 2021, the entrance fee is 30,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person for foreign visitors and 20,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person for domestic visitors. Despite a 30-minute queue, I decided to wait and capture a photo with this Handara gate. It was more than just a photo opportunity; it was a gateway that symbolized the entrance into a world of cultural richness and natural splendor.

Address: Jl. Raya Singaraja-Denpasar, Pancasari, Kec. Sukasada, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81161, Indonesia

Bali Handara Gate

I journeyed further north for about 15 minutes, arriving at the breathtaking Twin Lakes Viewpoint. Situated in Munduk, this vantage point overlooks both Tamblingan Lake and Buyan Lake, presenting panoramic views that are truly spectacular. The temperature here was noticeably cooler, a refreshing change that added to the spot’s allure. The viewpoint was a moment of pure awe, showcasing the grandeur of Bali’s diverse landscapes.

Address: Jl. Raya Pancasari, Gobleg, Kec. Banjar, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia

Twin Lakes Viewpoint
An unexpected delight was the presence of monkeys in the area, adding a playful touch to the serene lake environment.

From the Twin Lakes Viewpoint, I decided to descend towards Tamblingan Lake, cradled in the high mountains of Munduk. The lake’s serene beauty was spellbinding, perfectly complemented by the majestic Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan Lake Temple. This tranquil spot marked a fitting conclusion to our day’s exploration. The calm waters of the lake, encircled by lush greenery, exuded a soothing aura. The presence of the temple added a layer of spiritual depth to the experience, making it not just a visual treat but a journey for the soul as well

Adress: Jl. Danau Tamblingan, Munduk, Kec. Banjar, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81152, Indonesia

Tamblingan Lake
Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan is an ancient 10th century temple

As the day’s adventures came to a close, I journeyed back to Kuta, culminating my experience with a dinner at Potato Head with my colleagues. There, we were greeted by a magnificent sunset, where the sky transformed into a canvas of fiery oranges reflecting over the tranquil waters.

Breathtaking sunset view at Potato Head

The sight was mesmerizing, adding a magical backdrop to our meal. The beef we savored was as delightful as the view – perfectly cooked and rich in flavor, complementing the enchanting ambiance of a Bali sunset. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with discovery and natural beauty.

Deliciously juicy beef grilled to perfection

As I reflected on the day’s journey, I realized each destination had provided a unique window into the heart of Bali. Every moment contributed to an unforgettable tapestry of experiences. But this was just a part of my adventure. Please stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll take you along on the extended chapter of my journey – transitioning from our company’s cohesive trip to my own personal exploration. There’s so much more to share about the enchanting island of Bali and the deeper connections I made. Join me as I continue to uncover the hidden gems and cultural depths of this beautiful destination.

A Memorable Team Bonding Experience in Bali

/ Wen / Leave a comment

Date: 6th November 2023

Two weeks ago, our company embarked on a 4-day, 3-night team bonding adventure in the enchanting island of Bali, Indonesia. As a member of a small-medium enterprise, I’ve always appreciated the close-knit and non-hierarchical culture we nurture. This trip, fully sponsored by our incredibly generous bosses, covering both our flights and accommodation, perfectly encapsulated the ethos of the organisation.

Our home away from home was the Fairfield Bali Kuta Sunset Road Hotel, a haven that masterfully blends modern comfort with the quintessential Balinese charm. Each morning greeted us with an exceptional breakfast spread, a delightful array of local and international cuisines that was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The hospitality and ambiance of the hotel added an extra layer of relaxation to our experience.

Breakfast spread at Fairfield Bali Kuta Sunset

Our days were a whirlwind of activities, each carefully chosen to strengthen our teamwork and encourage personal growth. Among these, the ATV riding experience stood out. It was not just a thrill ride through Bali’s breathtaking landscapes, but a metaphor for our journey as a team – navigating challenges together, supporting one another, and enjoying every moment of the ride.

Shot taken before heading out for our ATV ride

Another memorable team bonding activity took place in the lush, culturally rich area of Ubud, known for its artistic heritage and tranquil surroundings.

This trip to Bali was not just a team bonding experience but a journey filled with ‘firsts’ and unforgettable memories. It reinforced the gratitude I feel for being part of an organisation that values its people as much as its purpose. In the picturesque backdrop of Bali, we not only bonded as a team but also created memories that will be cherished for years to come.

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” – Phil Jackson

Escape the Noise of City Life in Khao Kho

/ Wen / Leave a comment

It’s been three years since the world was turned upside down by the pandemic, and I feel incredibly grateful to be able to travel again. I had the privilege of taking a trip to the beautiful town of Khao Kho, and it was an experience I will never forget. After a long 5.5 hour car drive, my friend and I finally reached our destination, and we were greeted by the picturesque town and the cool temperatures.

Each day was filled with adventure as we explored the local area, from catching breathtaking sunrises to trekking through the lush National Park. The natural beauty that surrounded us was simply awe-inspiring, and I found myself constantly reaching for my camera to capture the stunning views.

One of the highlights of the trip was waking up about 5:30am to catch sunrise at one beautiful spot located at Phu Thap Boek. It is a 1,768m high mountain in Phetchabun Province. The mountain was accessible by a car drive upward. Although this place is not widely known among foreign trackers. Nonetheless, for one who nature calls and seeks for somewhere, you must not miss this mountain. Immerse myself in the beauty of cold fresh air and greeted with bright orange sun was gorgeous. What a grand scene of panoramic vista.

After watching sunrise, we went trekking inside the national park located nearby, Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. There are many viewpoints to go but we chose a few to visit. The cliff features of this bizarre rock formations is called Lan Hin Poom. It was really an unique element of the park. It was about 4km walk. The weather was cool that we trek with our jacket on without perspiring. Most importantly, humidity is LOW! The trail were surrounded by towering trees and the chirping of birds. We also had the chance to witness the stunning view from the dramatic cliff rock face.

In addition to the natural beauty, we also had the opportunity to sample the delicious local cuisine, from the tangy and spicy tom yum to the rich and flavorful khao Kho. The laid-back atmosphere of the small town only added to the overall tranquility of the trip.

Overall, this trip was a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and it reminded me of the beauty of nature and the simple pleasures in life. The memories I made on this trip will stay with me forever, and I can’t wait to plan my next adventure. If you’re looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating getaway, Khao Kho is definitely worth a visit but be prepared for the long car drive up the hill from Bangkok.

The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark. – John Muir