Bali is no longer the same Bali 20 years ago. Due to its popularity, tourists flocked over to Bali and as a result, the island is getting too overcrowded, commercialised, and expensive. Try googling for the admission fee of the attractions in Bali and compare them against the prices 10-20 years ago and you’ll see how cheap is was back then. Remember those postcard photos of Bali we’ve seen all over the internet? Bali is no longer as rural and pristine as portrayed in those pictures. 

Ever wanted to climb a mountain, but do not know which one to begin? 

Dream of a beautiful panoramic view up on the mountain but not sure whether you are physically fit for a several hours hike?

Bringing small children for some hiking adventure but ain’t sure if they could handle a rough hike?

Fret not, as there’s a small hike at the east coast of Johor state which you could consider hiking. It’s only less than an hour to the peak yet giving you a lovely panoramic view from the top. Read on!

Forming the whole southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, Johor is surrounded with coastline on its three sides – the west coast, the Straits of Johor on the south, and the east coast. Though Mersing is well-known as the gateway to nearby islands, this little fishing town has several beautiful natural attractions of its own. And one which caught my attention is Pulau Mawar.

About Tengkil Waterfalls

Located in Gunung Panti Recreational Forest, Tengkil Falls is yet another waterfalls in the same range of Kota Tinggi Waterfalls. However, instead of located near the entrance of Kota Tinggi Waterfalls (like Pelepah Waterfalls), Tengkil Falls lies on the western slope of Gunung Muntahak.

About Pelepah Waterfall

Pelepah waterfalls, also known as Lombong waterfalls, is located in Gunung Panti Recreational Forest, about 15km from the town of Kota Tinggi, Johor. The trail head lies just next to the Kota Tinggi Waterfall Resort, the entrance into the Kota Tinggi waterfall where most people are more familiar with.

About Mount Pulai

Gunung Pulai, or Mount Pulai is a 654 meters tall mountain located in Johor. Located in Kampung Sri Gunung Pulai, about 12km south-west of Kulai town, or 19km north west from Johor Bahru central, it is a popular hiking spot among the locals and Singaporean hikers due to its proximity and easy access.

I’ve retired from hiking

This is what I used to tell people when they asked why I’ve not been hiking for some time. It’s meant as a joke of course, as there’s no such thing as a retirement from a hobby. I’m not a hiker by profession, so how could I possibly retire from a career I do not own?

About Chiang Mai

Located in a verdant valley on the banks of Ping River 700 km north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colourful hill tribes. Translated as “New City” (Chiang means city in northern Thai dialect while mai is new), it was founded in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. In the olden days, it could only be reached by river journey or an elephant trek until the 1920s, which helped kept Chiang Mai’s distinctive charm intact.

Day 5 (10/10/2017) : Joke Sompet – Tiger Kingdom – Moncham – Ice Love You – Chiang Mai Night Safari – Wat Doi Suthep - Rustic & Blue – Chiang Mai Street – Another night market – Mona Boutique Hotel

<<< continued from our first day adventure in Chiang Mai

Joke Sompet

After experiencing a rather tight schedule the day earlier, we decided to leave the hotel earlier in the morning to ensure a full productive day ahead. Breakfast was settled at Joke Sompet, a restaurant famous for congee. Apart from their congee, we also ordered roasted fish with rice and roasted chicken leg with rice. The total bill costs us 255 Baht (64 Baht per person / SGD 2.61 / RM 8.11) for 3 items.