[NORWAY] Oslo 1 Day Itinery Using 24 Hours Oslo Pass

Oslo is an expensive city. Oslo Pass is a convenient tourist pass which allows free admission to many museums and attractions and also free public transportation in Oslo. In my opinion, if you plan to do many sightseeing in Oslo, it is definitely worth buying.

[NORWAY] Oslo - Vigeland Sculpture Park and Museum

Vigeland Park consists of over 200 fascinating sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron by Norway's greatest sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. It is one of the most popular free tourist attractions in Oslo which opens 24/7 all year round.

The nearby Vigeland Museum which used to be his studio is often overlooked by park visitors which is a mistake. This year even more so as the museum play host to celebrate 150th birthday of Gustav Vigeland.

[NORWAY] Oslo - Viking Ship Museum and Kon-Tiki Museum

If you want to see authentic Viking ships, there's no better place to go than the Viking Ship Museum. The Viking Ship Museum houses three 9th century Viking ships which were once ocean going vessels before being hauled onto land to be used in burial rituals for their wealthy owners.

Another interesting museum to visit in Bygdøy is the Kon-Tiki Museum. It houses the Kon-Tiki, a balsawood raft, which was used to cross the Pacific Ocean.

[NORWAY] Oslo - Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum)

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum) is one of the most popular attractions in Oslo. This folk museum is located at Bygdøy and has an open air museum with around 160 historic buildings. The centerpiece of the museum is Gol Stave Church, a restored stave church which was built around 1200 in Gol and was moved to Bygdøy in 1885.

[NORWAY] Half Day in Oslo

My 2019 Europe trip began with the Norway capital city, Oslo. I arrived at Oslo around 2pm and I still had some time to explore the city. Since I'm using Oslo Pass on the next day, I went to those attractions which has free admission or didn't require me to use the pass such as Oslo Cathedral, Stortinget, National Theater, Royal Palace and Opera House.

[OMAN] 5D4N Itinerary in Oman & Travel Recommendation

Oman is a beautiful country in Middle East which is often overlooked by tourists visiting the region. After spending 5D4N in Oman which I'm glad that I did, I would recommend to anyone looking to experience Middle East culture to include Oman in their travel list.

[OMAN] Muscat 1 Day City Tour

Muscat, the capital and largest city of Oman, is a pleasant city to visit. Apart from its natural landscape of rocky mountains and beautiful coast, Muscat also has a few architectural gems such as Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House Muscat and Riyam Memorial (a gigantic incense burner).

[OMAN] Muscat - Muttrah Souq, Fort and Corniche

Muttrah is home to Muttrah Souq, one the oldest Arabian market. Exploring its vibrant traditional market, climbing up to its fort and strolling along the Corniche are one of the top things to do in Muscat.

[OMAN] Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole

If you like a good hike and swimming, then Wadi Shab is the place to be as it is famous for its picturesque gorge between the cliffs. Bimmah Sinkhole is another popular place to go for swimming as it is easily accessible through concrete staircase leading down to the sinkhole.

[OMAN] Wadi Bani Khaled

Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the best known wadis in Oman. In case you are wondering what wadi means, it means ‘valley’ or a river bed that is dry except in rainy season. The emerald pool and pastel canyon of Wadi Bani Khalid make it perfect for a swim and small hike.

[OMAN] Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands now known as Sharqiya Sands, is a large desert area in Oman. If you want to experience spending a night in the desert, this is the best place in Oman. From Muscat, it’s a 4-hour drive. But from Nizwa, it’s only a 2.5 hours drive.

[OMAN] Nizwa Fort and Nizwa Souq

Nizwa Fort is one the most visited tourist attractions in Oman and it is famed for its enormous round tower. The tower has a diameter of 45 meters, and to a height of 34 meters on massive foundations that extends a further 30 meters below ground. Its main tower also happens to be the biggest defensive tower in a fort in Oman.

[OMAN] Bahla Fort

Bahla Fort, one of the largest and oldest fort in Oman, is also Oman’s only UNESCO-listed fort. Although it is not as popular as Nizwa fort among tourist, it is definitely well worth a visit while in Oman.

[OMAN] Jebel Shams - View of Wadi Ghul (Grand Canyon of Arabia)

Wadi Ghul is known locally as the Grand Canyon of Arabia and the best place to view it is none other than on Oman’s highest mountain, Jebel Shams (Mountain of the Sun).

[OMAN] Al Hamra Ruins

The 400-year old Al Hamra village is famous for its beautiful ruins. The Al Hamra ruins are estimated to be between 700-1000 years old and are left completely untouched.

[OMAN] Birkat Al Mauz and Misfat Al Abriyeen Village

Birkat Al Mauz is a village at the base of Jebel Akhdar. Misfat Al Abriyeen is one of the oldest and most unique settlements in Oman. The village name come from the Al Abri tribe, who came from this area.

[NETHERLANDS] Amsterdam Travel Recommendation (5D4N itinerary)

Amsterdam, capital of Netherlands, is famous for its 17th century canals, museums, architecture, red-lights districts and its marijuana-dispensing coffee shops (haha). No matter what you came here for, Amsterdam has something to offer to everyone.

[NETHERLANDS] Windmills at Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is a popular tourist attraction in Netherlands. It's an open air museum where you can see traditional windmills, warehouses and workshops. It makes a perfect day trip from Amsterdam since it's only 15-20 minutes train away.

[NETHERLANDS] Amsterdam Albert Cuyp Market and Magna Plaza

If you like to shop, I would recommend a visit to two vastly different shopping venue in Amsterdam: Albert Cuyp Market and Magna Plaza. Albert Cuyp Market is the largest and most famous open air market in Amsterdam where you can bargain and buy fresh products whereas Magna Plaza is a high end shopping mall where you can shop for designer clothing and fashion accessories.

[NETHERLANDS] OBA Library – Best Kept Secret of Amsterdam

In my opinion, the Central Branch of Amsterdam Public Library (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam - OBA) is the best kept secret of Amsterdam as not many tourist know what this library in the heart of Amsterdam has to offer and admission is free!

[NETHERLANDS] Amsterdam – How’s It’s like to Play Escape Game in Rijksmuseum

It was my first time playing an escape game and it was even more special since it was played in Rijksmuseum!

[NETHERLANDS] Amsterdam Museum Tour (Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House)

Amsterdam has around seventy five museums in the city. I dedicated one full day to visit the famous museums in Amsterdam and here are the top three museums one should never missed: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House.

[NETHERLANDS] Charming Village of Marken

Marken is a charming fishing village in the Waterland, known for its characteristic green wooden houses. Marken was an island, separated from the mainland by a storm in the 13th century. It was not until 1959 that a dike was built, connecting Marken with the mainland and it became a peninsular.

[NETHERLANDS] Clog Factory Visit at Marken

Wooden Shoe Factory is one of the tourist attractions in Marken. You can see the clog making demonstration for 2.5 euros.

[NETHERLANDS] Grote Kerk at Monnickendam

Grote Kerk (the great church) is a church located at the edge of Monnickendam, a historical town in the Waterlands. Dating back to the middle ages, Monnickendam was once one of the most important ports in Holland.

[NETHERLANDS] Touristy Port of Volendam

Volendam is the most well-known fishing village in Holland, which lies 20 km north of Amsterdam. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its colourful wooden house and old fishing boats in its harbour.

[NETHERLANDS] Edam Cheese Market

There are several cheese markets in Netherlands during summer (Alkmaar, Edam, Gouda, Hoorn and Woerden). Visitors can see the re-enactments of colourful traditional cheese market action, which is held each week during summer. The cheese market that I visited was Edam.

[NETHERLANDS] Day Trip to Whimsical Giethoorn Village

Nicknamed as ‘Venice of the North’, Giethoorn’s picturesque canals and quaint thatched-roof cottages draw visitors from all around the world. Located in the eastern part of the Netherlands (approximately 2 hours train from Amsterdam), Giethoorn makes for a perfect day trip from Amsterdam.

[NETHERLANDS] Amsterdam Body Worlds - Discover What It Means To Be Happy

The Body Worlds anatomy museums has many branches around the world, Europe, USA, Canada and Oceania. And they happen to have one in Amsterdam. A visit to the Body Worlds is an eye-opening experience. It really does make one see our body and happiness in a new light.

[NETHERLANDS] Amsterdam Lovers Canal Cruise

Amsterdam is a city which is famous for its lovely canals. The canals were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010. What better way to see the astonishing architecture of the city than to take a cruise?

[NETHERLANDS] Rotterdam - Erasmusbrug

The Erasmus Bridge is the icon of Rotterdam. The bridge was designed by Ben van Berkel (1996) and because of its specific form was nicknamed “The Swan”.

[NETHERLANDS] Rotterdam - A Scenic Day Trip to Kinderdijk Windmills

Kinderdijk is located 15km east of Rotterdam. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. The ingenious system of windmills and pumping stations has been keeping the soil dry here for nearly a thousand years now.

[NETHERLANDS] Rotterdam - Markthal Indoor Market

Opposite the cube houses, you’ll find the giant ‘Markthal’ (Market Hall). The combination of food and luxury housing makes it the first of its kind. The spectacular bow of colour and shapes sprawling across the ceiling is better known as the Sixtine Chapel of Rotterdam.

[NETHERLANDS] Rotterdam - the Cube House (Kijik Kubus)

The cube house, also called pole house or tree house, is designed by Dutch architect, Piet Blom. This bright yellow building is one of the most iconic buildings and architecture in Rotterdam.

[BELGIUM] Brussels City Guide (including Money Saving Tips)

Brussels, the Belgian capital is famous for its monumental Grand Place. Here's my city guide to Brussels including money saving tips.

[BELGIUM] My Stopover in Antwerp

Antwerp is the second largest city of Belgium. It is located at 40 km north of Brussels, about 40 minutes train from Brussels. Dubbed as ‘city of diamonds’ and ‘city of fashion’, it is definitely worth a stopover especially if you are taking a train from Brussels to Amsterdam or vice versa.

[BELGIUM] My Day Trip to Dinant to See Sax and the City

Do you know that Dinant is the hometown of Adolph Sax, inventor of the saxophone? Well, now you do. This picturesque city in Meuse Valley has a rich history and has so much to offer than saxophone. Read on to find out why it is a hidden gem waiting for you to discover.

[BELGIUM] How I Explored Brussels On Foot in Half Day

Brussels is a city that you can easily explore on foot. Places of interest such as Galleries Royal Saint-Hubert, St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, Manneken Pis statue and etc. are centered around the Grand Place. The only exception is the Atomium which you need to take metro line 6 or tram line 7 to Heysel station.

[BELGIUM] Brussels Flower Carpet Festival 2018

Brussels is well known for its delicious handmade chocolate but not many know that it also hosts flower carpet event every two years in the heart of the city, Grand Place! I visited Brussels on 18th August 2018, just in time for the flower carpet event in year 2018 (16 – 19th August).

3D2N Compact Itinerary in Kanto Region (Tokyo, Yokohama & Kawazu)

Kanto region is most famous for its megalopolis, Tokyo. But if you plan it right, you can still see the highlights of Tokyo and explore out of Tokyo since Japan is so well connected with fast trains. I managed to go to Yokohama (half-an-hour-train away from Tokyo) and even watch the Kawazu Sakura at Kawazu (2-hours-train away from Tokyo) in just 3 days. It sounds crazy but it’s totally doable!

[JAPAN] My Day Trip to Kawazu, The Best Place to View Early Cherry Blossom in Japan

Kawazu-zakura is a sakura variety that blooms early and stays in bloom for a month. Its name originated from Kawazu, a town located on Izu Peninsula, approximately 160-minutes train away from Tokyo. Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival usually takes place annually from early February to early March.

[JAPAN] Tokyo - My First Experience Staying in a Capsule Hotel

Capsule Hotel is a unique type of hotel developed in Japan and I decided to give it a try for my last night staying in Tokyo. The capsule hotel I chose is Tokyo Nihonbashi Bay Hotel. It is conveniently located a 2-minute walk from B1 Exit of Nihombashi Subway Station and a 7-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station.

[JAPAN] Tokyo - First Avenue Tokyo Station

First Avenue Tokyo Station is a shopping strip attached to Tokyo Station via the Yaesu Underground Central Exit. It has three sections: Okashi Land, Ramen Street and Character Street. The most popular is Character Street featuring favourite characters like Hello Kitty, Studio Ghibli, Ultraman, Doraemon, and etc.

[JAPAN] Kitte and Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is the main intercity rail terminal in Tokyo. To get the best view of Tokyo Station, head over to the rooftop of Kitte building. Kitte is the name of a redeveloped part of the old Tokyo Central Post Office building opposite of Tokyo station.

[JAPAN] Yokohama Minato Mirai 21

Located along the waterfront, Minato Mirai 21 is the new city center of Yokohama. The best time to visit is before the sun sets so that you get to see the modern cityscape of Yokohama during the day and the amazing night view of the city when it’s lit up in bright colourful lights.