Informal Backpacker

My trip to the historic city of Galle in Sri Lanka was a perfect blend of coastal beauty and rich heritage. Walking through the charming streets, I felt the calm of the ocean breeze mixed with stories from the past. The highlight was Galle Fort, originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a reminder of Sri Lanka’s colonial history, with its sturdy walls, lighthouse, and old buildings overlooking the sea. Watching the sunset from the fort was truly magical.

Pic 1-12 : Galle Fort
Pic 13-19 :Bara Beach

Colombo, the vibrant heart of Sri Lanka, is where modern city life blends beautifully with rich culture and ocean views. From colonial-era buildings and buzzing street markets to luxury malls and seaside sunsets at Galle Face Green, this city has its own energetic charm. The food scene is incredible and the people are very warm and welcoming. Colombo is also the main gateway to Sri Lanka, with most international flights landing here, making it the perfect starting point for exploring the island.

Penang is pure magic - A UNESCO World Heritage city that blends history, culture, and street-life vibes like nowhere else in Malaysia. Walk through George Town and you’ll find colourful murals, colonial architecture, hidden temples, and cafés bursting with personality. The energy here is just different sort of laid-back yet buzzing, old-school charm mixed with modern cool. And let’s talk food - from spicy, tangy Penang Laksa to smoky Char Kway Teow, Cendol, and endless hawker delights everywhere, this city is a food lover’s paradise. If Malaysia is on your travel list, Penang isn’t optional—it’s a must-visit experience you’ll crave again and again.

Pic 1-6: Around the city
Pic 7-9: Lee Jetty
Pic 10-12: Little India
Pic 13-14: Some of the many temples
Pic 15-20: Street art around the city

Kawah Putih — also known as the 'White Crater' of Bandung — is one of Indonesia’s most surreal natural wonders. Sitting right on top of an active volcano, this milky turquoise lake looks calm and magical, but don’t let its beauty fool you. The crater continuously emits sulphuric gas, which fills the air with a strong, unmistakable smell of rotting eggs — a reminder of the powerful volcanic activity happening just beneath your feet. The lake’s striking white-blue colour comes from its extremely high acid content, making the water unsafe for any kind of contact. Swimming is strictly forbidden, and even getting too close to the surface can be harmful. The environment is both eerie and mesmerizing — the perfect mix of danger and beauty that makes Kawah Putih such a bucket-list destination. Visitors are advised to limit the amount of time spent near the crater because inhaling sulphur gas can cause headaches, throat irritation, dizziness, and breathing difficulty, especially for those with respiratory issues. The lake also changes colour depending on the mineral content and the time of the day based on the direction of the sun. Despite this, Kawah Putih remains a photographer’s paradise — dreamy mist, dramatic landscapes, and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on Earth.

I spent a beautiful day exploring Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. Though my time was short, I made the most of it by visiting the stunning Buddha Park, filled with fascinating statues that reflect Laos’ deep spiritual culture. I also stopped by the iconic Patuxay Monument, the city’s own Arc de Triomphe (influenced by the French culture that ruled Laos previously) offering a panoramic view of the capital.

Pic 1-5: Buddha Park
Pic 6-11: Patuxay Monument