First stage of backpacking – Choosing Destinations

For the past few days, I've been doing a lot of research for my first backpacking trip right after the last day of my national service. I'm not sure how long it'll take but I think it's a case to case basis kind of thing. I'm not really sure where to go yet but I've already quite a few ideas in mind. Thanks to self help travel guide books and the library which is just a couple of blocks away.

1. North Luzon Loop (Philippines) – Using Manila as a starting point, I will venture northwards all the way to Vigan, Ilocos Sur, passing through a handful of beautiful provinces along the way (will stop over for a day or two if need be). Once I hit the northern most tip, will then continue on eastwards to the the Cagayan Valley for some cave exploring. A long trip down, southwards, back to Manila will then end the journey.

2. Singapore – Malaysia – Thailand via KTMB train route(Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad) – I thought of taking the KTM train/express to travel northwards all the way ti'll southern Thailand (Hat Yai) and probably taking a bus from there to venture around. From Woodlands (starting point) as a starting point, the train will then pass through known locations of Malaysia; Kluang, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Butterworth (gateway to penang and langkawi) and eventually, Hat Yai (Southern Thailand). This trip can get pretty costly though, I think?

3. The Java Expedition (Indonesia) – I saw this idea on Lonely Planet Guide, Indonesia. The journey starts in Jakarta followed by Bogor, Cianjur, Bandung, Pangandaran, Yogyakarta, Borobudur, Prambanan, then Solo. I believe Yogyakarta and Borobudur will be the highlights of the journey; having Yogyakarta as the cultural capital of Java and Borobudur for its famous temple.

The First option is void for now as June is the start of the monsoon season in the Philippines. I wouldn't want to get caught in the middle of a thunderstorms and Typhoons while I'm on a bus venturing the outskirt mountains of the South East. Might postpone it to November instead.

I'm still trying to widen my options at the moment. Hopefully I came up with something.

road trip through the blue, and clouds, and anyone else

Malaysian highway, going up north

Yesterday, I was watching a couple of episodes of TLC's Passage to Malaysia by Denise Keller until I dozed off. I've always wanted to embark on an adventure, a trip, the "where-ever goes" kind of trip, a passage to which I haven't really thought of. Starting from somewhere and then just keep on moving forward, probably up north, east, west, or even down south. Through dense forests or even across rapids, heck I don't even care where to. One day I shall, one day, I swear...

escapades of a local sightseer #2 (part II): Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Some random apparel shop in Citysquare Mall


Sizzling Stone Grill @ CitySquare Mall


Fried Ice Cream with...cornflakes?!

escapades of a local sightseer #2: Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Johor Bahru, Malaysia is 15 minute drive away from Singapore, through the Woodlands Causeway. Buses are the most common mode of transport to be taken from Singapore to JB.

Buses:
SMRT Bus 950 - from Woodlands Regional Interchange to Kotaraya II Terminal
SBS Transit 170 (Blue plate) - NS7 Kranji MRT to Kotaraya II Terminal
Other Buses

Woodlands Cuaseway Bridge (Singapore to Johor, Malaysia)

Outside Aeon Mall (Jusco Tebrau City)

Going back to Singapore