It's been almost a year of inactivity in this space, and I was reminded of this today. Anyways, let's have a recap of my travels of 2023, with great help of ChatGPT to help phrase it better : 

Jan : Ho Chi Minh City | Feb : Morocco and Istanbul | Mar : Seoul South Korea | Apr : Rainbow Waterfall at Kuanta and KL for Nobu High Tea | May : Jakarta Redemption Trip | Sep : Penang, Ipoh and Kuching in 3 separate trips of 3 days each | Oct : Surabaya for Bromo and Ijen | Nov : Joined Contiki for Northen Thailand from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi to Pai to Chiang Mai | Dec : Cameron Highland Trip for my Mum

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January 2023 : Ho Chi Minh City 

I embarked on a whirlwind three-day adventure to Ho Chi Minh City, a journey that embodied the essence of "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman." Our escapade began with an exhilarating food tour on scooters, guided by the graceful Ao Dai Riders. We indulged in the city's culinary delights, savoring everything from the rich aromas of Vietnamese coffee to the robust flavors of local beers, and even the legendary 'Man of War' at the Cu Chi Tunnels.

The final day was particularly extraordinary, thanks to Richie, a Vietnamese working in Singapore. His insights offered us a deeper understanding of the city's social stratification and the concentric circles that define its layout. My observations, unclouded by prior research, revealed a city fascinating in its approach to urbanization. Ho Chi Minh City is a mosaic of districts, each with its unique identity and purpose. District 1, the bustling financial heart, draws people like moths to a flame, while the surrounding districts each play their role in the city's diverse industrial tapestry. District 2 stood out, initially less sought-after, but now buzzing with entrepreneurial spirit, spurring rapid development in both housing and office spaces.

Our brief sojourn was packed with memorable moments. One comical highlight was my friend CL's series of misadventures with Grabbike, being dropped off at the wrong locations not once, but thrice in a row! Another unforgettable incident was our post-food tour quest for some "Balloons," only to be amusingly presented with "Balut," the exotic egg delicacy.

As Mark Twain once said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” This trip not only gave me a taste of Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant culture and lifestyle but also enriched my perspective, leaving an indelible mark on my heart and memories. Interestingly, I chose this city to be my topic of discussion in my SUSS studies of Urban Sociology. 

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March 2023 : Seoul 

I embarked on an eight-day journey to Seoul, a city rich in history and modern vibrancy. This trip was unique for me as I played the role of a follower, entrusting the itinerary planning to my friends. It was a welcome respite from the hustle of work and life, a chance to immerse myself in a different rhythm.

Our days typically started at noon, with the highlight being eating at Seoul's famous food places, followed by evenings dedicated to shopping the various bustling districts. Yet the flexibility of our group allowed for personal adventures, one of which was a solo bicycle tour I embarked on. This experience doubled as market research, observing the tour's operations. I observed how the bike fittings are included within the tour time so there was no need to be there earlier other than to find the building, which was difficult as it wasnt really on google maps. They also had a preliminary obstacle course, which unfortunately led to a couple of participants being turned away out of the 5 of us. The bike tour was a revelation, offering insights into Seoul's diverse neighborhoods—from the bustling city center to the serene highlands and beyond. We delved into the city's social strata, its post-war sentiments, and the differing stances of its people. Our guide, overcame the language barrier by illustrating his commentaries in every way possible, from search engines, translation tools, or even sand and sticks on the ground, and ended the tour with a multilingual map, provided a thoughtful summary of our journey.

I also indulged in Michelin-rated cuisine with fellow new found travelers and embarked on a night tour titled "The Dark Side of Seoul." This tour unraveled harrowing tales from Seoul's past, such as King Taejong's desecration of Queen Sindeok's tomb in 1410, Heungseon Daewongun's xenophobic reign in the 1860s, and the tragic fate of Prince Sado, who met his end in a rice box due to his heinous crimes.

Seoul's heritage struck me as dynamic, a city where each ruler seemed intent on rewriting history and erasing cultural traces of their predecessors. This notion was further cemented during my visit to the museum at Lotte World as the group went for their rides, where I learned about the Three Kingdoms of Korea—Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla—and how architectural styles evolved with each ruling kingdom.

Today, Seoul's culture is largely shaped by the Hallyu wave, where entertainment influences work, lifestyle, aspirations, and global trajectory. This phenomenon reflects the broader impact of South Korea's chaebols, the conglomerates that propelled the country from poverty to a significant global player. In this city, every globally successful group not only brings fame but also sustains entire communities.

My journey through Seoul was a profound exploration of the city's layered history and its vibrant present, just like I noticed people that stepped into different areas of the city somehow has a distinctly different fashion style and mannerism too. These suggests narratives of city culture, city transformation and country's resilience that continues to shape its path into the future. As Gustave Flaubert said, "Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world." This sentiment resonated deeply with me as I navigated through Seoul's rich tapestry of history and modernity.

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September 2023 : I set out on a remarkable journey through Malaysia, spanning three separate three-day trips that took me to Penang, Ipoh, and Kuching.

Penang: My visit to Penang, a place I've come to know well on my fifth visit, was driven by a stand-up comedy show by Fakkah Fuzz. The island, once a British Colony like Singapore, is famed for its colonial architecture, especially in George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I was struck by how many familiar food stalls had now achieved Michelin ratings, a testament to the city's evolving culinary scene. Along with that, it would also imply that the soaring cost of living post-COVID was palpable. The Blue Mansion's restoration is a cornerstone of Penang's heritage preservation, attracting tourists keen on exploring the legacy of the Straits Chinese. Went for more Hidden Bars and Revisit some Street Art while randomly entered Arts spaces and Open-Mic sessions.

Ipoh: On my fourth visit to Ipoh, a less touristy and more laid-back city, I find its residents exuded a warmth and friendliness that was refreshing. My guide drove from Singapore, thus I got to witness the courteous local driving culture, helpful locals, forgiving traffic control, contributing to a smoother traffic flow. In Ipoh, life rhythmically beats to a slower drum, with a strong focus on family and community. The city offerings largely catered to a families. The city's museums, meticulously curated and more comprehensive than those I've seen in Singapore, offered fascinating insights into cultural practices like the intricate layers of brothel exchange baskets and the elaborate rituals of traditional Peranakan weddings. The city's rich history, intertwined with the tin mining industry, has shaped its unique cultural and economic landscape. Went back to Tambun Hot Spring park, but this time at night. Was an interesting experience to be in our swimsuits wandering around their zoos and street food stalls in the Hot Spring Park itself.

Kuching: The most enlightening part of my September travels was an unplanned trip to Kuching, sparked by an accidental ticket purchase for the Kita Food Festival. Kuching's governance, distinct from West Malaysia, and its historical ties to the Kingdom of Sarawak under the White Rajahs, lend it a unique character. Contrary to popular belief, the city's name is linked to an "Old Well" rather than "Cats". Here, the reverence for nature and indigenous traditions is evident in everyday life. The city's rich tapestry of cultures, including Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu, alongside Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities, creates a vibrant cultural mosaic. Its educational system, which emphasizes dialect preservation and English proficiency, has propelled rapid progression. The Borneo Cultural Museum, with its advanced technology and interactive exhibits, was a highlight, offering an immersive experience into the region's rich heritage. Went on a bicycle tour through various villages 1 to 6, and a concluding boat ride provided a unique perspective on the city's sociological fabric, from accessibility to resources and motivations behind the urban planning. To maximize the trip, after submitting my SUSS essay, I booked a last-minute Walking Tour. While the walking tour covered familiar ground regarding community and worship spaces, it was the food recommendations that truly stood out.
This journey across Malaysia not only deepened my appreciation for the country's diverse cultures and histories but also ignited a curiosity to explore more of East Malaysia. “The beauty of travel lies in the variety of its colors, each city painting a different picture on the same canvas of our hearts” and through these travels, I've discovered the intricate layers of Malaysia's societal tapestry across different cities.