#july2025

#summervacay #july2025 #greenary #foodie Hidden within the lush canopy of Kepong Botanical Garden—just beyond the second FRIM entrance—Mimpi Hutan isn’t just a café, it’s an escape. Here, the city fades. In its place: birdsong, filtered sunlight, and the earthy calm of tropical forest air. Wooden decks, glamping tents, and scattered seating blend effortlessly into the natural landscape. Coffee is served slow and strong, meant to be sipped, not rushed. Whether you’re here for a weekend recharge or a midweek pause, the atmosphere is gently therapeutic. The best seats? Under the trees, of course—with a latte in hand and the scent of rain-soaked leaves around you.

#summervacay #july2025 #discoverchina High above the hum of Xiamen, Harmony Tower rises like a quiet sculpture along the Shanhai Health Trail. With sweeping curves and glass-lined platforms, it’s a modern marvel designed not just for views—but for stillness. Reach the tower by walking the elevated sky trail, where ocean breeze meets forest shade. On clear days, the view is cinematic—Xiamen’s skyline gleaming in the distance, Gulangyu floating offshore, and layers of blue stretching in every direction. The tower itself is beautifully minimalist, its open-air design allowing sunlight and wind to move freely through its spiral walkways. Up top, it feels less like a lookout—and more like a quiet pause above the world.

#summervacay #july2025 #vietnamtrip On a clear day, Ba Na Hills Sun World feels like a fantasy floating above Vietnam. With vivid blue skies stretched wide and crisp mountain air wrapping around you, every castle turret, cobblestone path, and gothic spire pops like a movie set. The Lunar Castle Gardens are a visual feast—symmetrical, lush, and glowing under the alpine sun. It’s a photographer’s wonderland, with golden-hour tones even at midday thanks to the altitude. Though man-made, the attention to detail is artful. French-inspired villages, cathedral silhouettes, and open plazas blend seamlessly into the surrounding hills. Against a cloudless backdrop, the contrast is surreal.

#summervacay #beautiful_malaysia #july2025 Once a heritage cinema, now a creative heartbeat—REXKL is where Kuala Lumpur rewrites its story. Beneath its rugged industrial bones, this space thrums with art, design, and local grit. Step inside and you’re greeted by exposed brick, steel beams, and a thoughtful chaos of pop-up booths, indie fashion corners, and art installations. It’s equal parts urban gallery and cultural playground. Whether you’re browsing a zine stand, sipping artisan coffee under retro light fixtures, or catching an underground film screening, REXKL never feels the same twice. There’s always something new. Always something local.

#summervacay #July2025 #waterfall #beautiful_malaysia The journey to Rainbow Waterfall in Sungai Lembing begins before sunrise—and it’s not for the faint-hearted. At 5:30 a.m., your 4X4 ride roars into the rainforest, bouncing wildly through muddy tracks as mist lingers above the canopy. It’s wild, it’s shaky, and yes—it’s exhilarating. The 1.2km jungle trail to the waterfall takes roughly 45 minutes, crossing rivers and rocky slopes. Even for non-hikers, it’s doable with a good guide and rented water shoes. I brought mine for RM10 from city —best decision ever. Arrive early and you might witness the waterfall lit by morning sun, casting a perfect rainbow through the mist. November to February is peak season for this spectacle, but even during late June, nature did not disappoint.

#summervacay #July2025 #foodie #aussie Wandering through Richmond, Tasmania feels like opening a perfectly aged novel—full of detail, silence, and soft air. This small Georgian-era town invites you to slow down and notice everything. Start your stroll at the iconic Estella Church, where simple lines and weathered stone echo the quiet strength of its past. Just nearby, Ashmore on Bridge Street offers a different kind of charm—part boutique, part curiosity cabinet, with antiques and wares that feel handpicked for story lovers. The streets are lined with colonial cottages, ivy-draped fences, and shaded trees that filter golden sunlight onto sandstone footpaths. Time moves differently here—not slower, just more deliberately.

#summervacay #July2025 #foodie Hidden above the retail bustle of SOGO KL lies a surprising retreat—Food Garden, where urban dining meets cascading calm. The indoor waterfall brings a gentle, refreshing energy to this bustling food court, softening the city noise with every drop. The food selection is generous and diverse: local Malaysian favourites, hearty Asian bowls, sizzling hotplates, and sweet treats, all under one roof. It’s the ideal fix for indecisive appetites or group dining. Prices are fair, portions satisfying, and service fast-paced.

#summervacay #July2025 #australiatrip #aussie If Melbourne mornings had a scent, it would start at Padre Coffee. Bold, balanced, and roasted to perfection, this beloved café is a first-stop ritual for locals and market regulars. The line moves quickly, the service is sharp, and the reward is always in that first sip. Next? A detour to Tea Drop. Elegant, aromatic blends await—perfect for slowing down the pace with a floral or spiced brew. It’s a quieter contrast to Padre’s rush, but no less refined. Then follow your nose to the donut stand—where warm, sugar-dusted rings fly off trays and into eager hands. It’s impossible to stop at one. With limited seating and high foot traffic, this isn’t a place to linger—it’s a place to roam, graze, and discover.

#summervacay #July2025 #foodie #myitinerary Few places combine style and space like Blossom A Glassmansion. With its soaring glass panels, open seating, and intimate lighting, the restaurant gives off a modern greenhouse vibe—only cooler, calmer, and made for unwinding. The food? Generous and well-prepared. It may not break new ground in flavour, but it fills the table and leaves no one hungry. Prices edge toward premium, but the ambiance softens the blow. Travel Tip: Ideal for special occasions or slow dinners with friends. Arrive before sundown to watch the space glow. It’s less about daring flavours—and more about dining where everything feels just a little more beautiful.

#summervacay #australiatrip #July2025 #beachlife Few places capture whimsy and nostalgia quite like Brighton Bathing Boxes. Lined up in bold, joyful hues along the shoreline, each box wears its own identity—flags, florals, waves, and whimsy painted across wooden doors like open invitations to pause. By day, they’re a photographer’s playground. But by evening? Magic. As the sun slips behind Port Phillip Bay, golden light bathes the beach in softness, and the colours of each bathing box seem to deepen, glow, and breathe. Locals walk dogs, couples sit on the sand, and cameras click quietly in the breeze. There’s no rush here—just a slow, peaceful rhythm and a postcard-perfect horizon.

#summervacay #July2025 #australiatrip Commanding both reverence and awe, Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance is far more than stone and structure—it is soul carved into architecture. Built to honour the sacrifices of those who served in the First World War, its solemn presence is a cornerstone of Australia’s national memory. Approach it slowly. Each step along the grand axis feels deliberate, sacred. Inside, light filters through the Sanctuary’s central aperture, illuminating the word “LOVE” at precisely 11 a.m. on 11 November each year. It’s architectural poetry in motion. Climb to the upper balcony, and the reward is twofold: reflection below, and an open sky above. From here, the Melbourne skyline stretches boldly to the horizon—a visual reminder of the peace built on sacrifice.

#summervacay #July2025 #foodie #myitinerary Step through the doors of Malaya Nyonya House, and time folds gently back. The tiled floors, vintage wood furniture, and old-school Peranakan details evoke a South Seas nostalgia that’s as much felt as seen. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a mood, steeped in heritage and warmth. We came for a quiet weekend lunch with family and left with satisfied smiles and full hearts. Signature dishes arrived swiftly, rich with flavour and thoughtfully portioned—each bite carrying the spice, sweetness, and soul of classic Nyonya cooking. It’s rare to find a place this charming, this consistent, and still so relaxed. The staff? Gracious and efficient. The atmosphere? Light, lively, and stress-free—perfect for multi-generational dining. Travel Tip: Park easily at Car Park Stadium Chin Woo—just a short walk away.

#summervacay #July2025 #myitinerary #thingstodo Tucked above one of KL’s newest lifestyle districts, TRX City Park is a revelation—an architecturally sleek, family-friendly rooftop park that blends city living with open-air play. Had we found it sooner, it would’ve been the highlight of our trip. Designed with intention, the park features two separate outdoor playgrounds—one shaded for younger kids, the other for climbers and thrill-seekers, complete with a mesh dome and towering slides. But the real star? A free-entry water play zone with spinning wheels, splash pads, and cascading “water steps” that invite joyful chaos. Just don’t forget swimmers and a sunhat—it’s open sky all the way. Travel Tip: Avoid rainy days—playgrounds close during even light drizzle. Excellent washroom facilities nearby, and with The Exchange TRX Mall steps away, you can pair kid playtime with grown-up retail therapy.

#summervacay #July2025 #myitinerary #thingstodo At the foot of Kuala Lumpur’s soaring skyline lies a surprise not made of steel or glass—but of giggles and water. KLCC Swimming Pool is more wading pool than Olympic lane, yet it offers something far more precious: pure joy. With a depth of less than 0.6m, it’s designed for children under 12, but the smiles here run deeper than the pool itself. Set within the lush KLCC Park, this spacious water play zone feels like a secret garden in the heart of the city. The splash of tiny feet, the laughter echoing off nearby trees—it’s a world away from the concrete heat just steps beyond. Facilities include nearby toilets and changing rooms, and a shallow hot tub-like section adds a touch of calm for little ones winding down.

#summervacay #July2025 #foodie #myitinerary Tucked away from the city’s usual buzz, Convivencia Café offers more than just caffeine—it offers a mood. Step inside and you’ll find an atmosphere reminiscent of an Andalusian library: quiet, poetic, and gracefully aged. Arched windows, warm wooden tones, and shelves lined with books create a café experience that feels almost sacred. What sets this space apart isn’t just its aesthetics—but its citarasa. The Iranian dishes are as soulful as the setting: fragrant, hearty, and thoughtfully prepared. Think Persian-style stews, soft flatbreads, and spice profiles that linger long after your last bite. And yes—mesra bajet, making it all the more inviting.

#summervacay #July2025 #australiatrip #seascapes Hobart’s Constitution Dock and Elizabeth Street Pier come alive at dusk—where sailboats gently rock in rhythm with the tide, and seafood platters arrive fresh from the same waters you’re gazing at. It’s a place where the air is salt-touched, the light golden, and every detail feels part of a postcard. Despite the tricky parking (a small victory in itself), the evening delivered: seagulls staged their lively dinner drama the moment diners rose from their tables—part comedy, part chaos, part nature documentary. Their brazen grace added a wild layer to an otherwise elegant harborside stroll. Dinner was as expected—fresh, flavorful, and best enjoyed with cold air on your face and warm lamps flickering on the pier. Travel Tip: Parking is limited, so plan to arrive early or use nearby city lots with longer hours. For a slower evening, return on foot or rideshare—so you can linger without watching the clock.

#summervacay #July2025 #australiatrip Stepping onto Richmond Bridge at first light feels like touching a piece of living history. Completed in January 1825 by convict hands under Major Thomas Bell’s watchful eye, this sandstone marvel spans the Coal River with three graceful arches—Australia’s oldest surviving bridge. In the soft glow of sunrise, freestone blocks glow honey-gold, and mist drifts along the water, carrying whispers of 19th-century footsteps. Beyond the bridge, the adjacent Richmond Park unfolds with manicured lawns, heritage plantings, and sweeping views of the surrounding valley. Stroll the riverbank footpaths, pause by the interpretive plaques to learn of John Bigge’s legacy, then climb the gentle embankment for a panorama that stretches to the distant Western Tiers. Whether you’re a history buff or a photographer chasing perfect light, this spot delivers. Nearby cafés on Bridge Street beckon with Tasmanian cheese platters and strong coffee—ideal companions to your exploration.

#summervacay #July2025 #thingstodo #jalanjalankl Once a quiet landmark near Jalan TAR, Semua House has reemerged with a bold new face—an urban space where tradition meets modern industrial flair. After its renovation, this open-air hub now feels like a design statement: exposed brick, raw textures, soaring fans, and carefully placed seating that invites you to linger, not just pass through. Wander in after a shopping spree on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and you’ll find shade, space, and photo-ready corners bathed in natural light. It’s KL minimalism done right—clean, cool, and community-driven. The culinary highlight? Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu—a rich, fragrant plate that hits all the right notes. It’s casual dining with local soul.

#summervacay #July2025 #naturalwonders #seascapes At noon, Hualien Port Waterside Recreation Area feels like a forgotten postcard—still, sunlit, and nearly silent. A mother and child cycle slowly along the path, their laughter distant and soft. The breeze carries the scent of salt and summer. Venus Gallery remains shuttered, but even its silence feels poetic. Further along, a nearby 7-Eleven offers small comforts: papaya milk, a swirl of soft-serve ice cream—simple treats that somehow taste better when paired with sea air. From the edge, cargo ships slip in and out of port, dwarfed by the vast Pacific beyond. The horizon stretches without end. You’re not far from the city, yet it feels like you’ve stepped out of time. In Hualien, even the quietest corners hold a view worth lingering for.

#summervacay #July2025 #naturalwonders #seascapes Some places feel borrowed from another planet. Batareyskiy Vodopad, near the Arctic edges of Teriberka, is one of them. Windswept, haunting, stunning—it’s the farthest north I’ve ever stood, and yet, I’ve never felt more grounded. The waterfall itself is modest, but it’s the silence, the tundra cliffs, the restless Barents Sea beyond—that’s the real spectacle. Moss-covered rocks, Arctic winds, and skies that shift from steel to sapphire in minutes. Walking here feels like crossing into Earth’s raw, untouched poetry. Batareyskiy Vodopad isn’t just a northern checkpoint—it’s a reminder that Earth still has secrets, waiting patiently at the end of the road.

#summervacay #July2025 #bangkok #thingstodo Bangkok moves at two speeds—on land, it pulses with heat and horns; on the Chao Phraya, it breathes. From Sathorn Pier, just beneath Saphan Taksin BTS, board a riverboat and let the city unfold in reverse: temples before towers, monks before malls. The summer sun shimmers across the water as golden spires, colonial relics, and stilted wooden homes glide past like a living museum. Wind replaces smog. Time softens. This is not transit—it’s theatre. Wat Arun glows like porcelain on one side; market barges hum gently past on the other. Choose a public boat with locals or a private longtail for a more curated drift. Either way, it’s Bangkok unplugged—seen not from street level, but from the soul of the river. Along the Chao Phraya, the city reveals its rhythm—timeless, layered, and always in motion.

Weekends don’t need fireworks. Sometimes, they just need a river, a kampung house, and a sky full of clouds. My homestay in Sungai Lembing—crafted in traditional Malay design—offered just that. Surrounded by jungle greens and the gentle lull of water, it felt like entering someone’s quiet dream. Strolling barefoot to the riverbank, sipping kopi at dawn, hearing roosters over distant hills—it was rural life, untouched and unhurried. No Wi-Fi needed—just stars, stories, and stillness.

#summervacay #July2025 #myitinerary #australiatrip Hidden within Queen Victoria Gardens, the MPavilion (2017) by OMA became my unexpected summer sanctuary. Just steps from the NGV and the Arts Centre, I stumbled upon this sculptural retreat surrounded by greenery and silence—a striking contrast to the rising towers of St Kilda Road. I lounged under the filtered shade, coffee in hand, watching time pass slowly in the angular tranquility. Travel Tip: Take a tram (Route 1, 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 or 72) to Arts Precinct stop. It’s a scenic 5-minute walk from there. Arrive before noon for soft morning light and a quieter space.

#summervacay #July2025 #europetrip #myitinerary In the lakeside village of St. Wolfgang, even a casual stroll becomes cinematic. Walking past Hotel Zimmerbräu—a handsome alpine building dressed in flower boxes and heritage woodwork—you’re reminded that beauty often hides in simplicity. You don’t need to stay the night to feel its charm. Just linger. The surrounding streets are lined with timber-framed facades, wrought-iron balconies, and painted shutters—each corner telling stories in quiet tones. It’s summer in Austria at its finest: warm air, soft lake breeze, and time slowed to the pace of footsteps on cobblestone. Every building here seems curated with care. Even the silence has texture. Moments near Hotel Zimmerbräu feel lifted from a postcard—yet somehow more real. A place where simply walking is enough.

#summervacay #July2025 #summerescape #naturalwonders #thingstodo In the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s urban sprawl lies a surprising expanse of stillness—Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, where mirrored lakes and city silhouettes blur into a painterly scene. Come early, and you’ll find joggers tracing the edge of the water, cyclists gliding past rain trees, and families chasing kites under a cotton-soft sky. More than a park, it’s a lifestyle reset—open-air, sun-dappled, and gloriously green. Rent a paddle boat, bring a picnic, or simply find a bench and let the skyline reflect across the lake’s quiet surface. Whether you’re starting your weekend or ending a long day, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa offers a space to breathe—an oasis where Kuala Lumpur exhales, gently and beautifully.

#summervacay #July2025 #summerescape #discoverbeijing Beneath a sky heavy with clouds, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests stands regal and untouched by time. In the muted light, its cobalt blues and imperial golds glow with a different kind of brilliance—subtle, solemn, majestic. On a summer day without sun, Tiantan Park feels almost cinematic. Tourists thin out. The echo of footsteps on ancient stone paths grows louder. The cypress trees sway gently, as if whispering prayers of dynasties past. In that hush, the Temple of Heaven reveals its quiet strength—not through grandeur, but grace. Walk slowly. Let the rhythm of the circular altar ground you. It’s a sacred geometry that speaks without sound.

#summervacay #July2025 #summerescape #tianjin From the outside, it resembles a spacecraft mid-landing—sleek curves, metallic shine, and a quiet confidence rising from Tianjin’s Binhai skyline. But step inside the Binhai Science and Technology Museum (滨海科技馆) and you enter a universe of curiosity, where light, movement, and innovation collide in perfect choreography. Ideal for a summer afternoon escape, the museum is more than air-conditioned comfort—it’s a journey through time and possibility. Interactive installations, immersive VR zones, and mind-bending design make it as inspiring for adults as it is thrilling for kids. The spatial layout—designed by Zaha Hadid Architects—is a visual experience in itself. Travel Tip: Located in Binhai Cultural Center, it’s easily accessible via Tianjin Metro Line 9 (Cultural Center Station). Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds and enjoy a slow walk through the museum’s stunning architectural flow.

#summervacay #July2025 #summerescape #seascapes If summer had a pulse, you’d find it on Pulau Perhentian Besar. Here, time loses meaning—replaced by the rhythm of waves lapping gently against powder-white shores. The island hums with serenity, a quieter counterpart to its smaller, livelier sister, Perhentian Kecil. Wake up to sunrises that melt into the sea. Spend your days drifting above coral gardens, snorkeling with sea turtles, or hiking the island’s jungle trails that lead to secluded coves. When dusk arrives, dinner is served barefoot under the stars—grilled fish caught hours earlier, with the salty breeze as seasoning. There are no malls, no roads, no rush. Only you, the sea, and the sky.

#summervacay #July2025 #summerescape #discoverbeijing In the heart of Beijing hides a quiet echo of imperial elegance—Prince Gong’s Mansion (恭王府), where shaded pavilions and winding corridors speak in whispers of the Qing dynasty. Among its hidden gems lies Liubei Pavilion (流杯亭), a delicate structure beside a winding water channel once used for refined games of poetry and wine. On a summer afternoon, the garden breathes serenity. Lotus leaves tremble gently in the breeze. The pavilion, with its curved roof and poetic history, invites visitors not just to see, but to pause—to imagine the courtiers of old watching cups float by as verses bloomed. Here, time softens. You don’t walk—you glide, as if part of the landscape painting. Prince Gong’s Mansion isn’t just a site. It’s a lingering feeling—of refinement, restraint, and the art of slow beauty.

#summervacay #summerescape #July2025 #australiatrip Few summer rituals rival an early evening stroll through Kings Park in Launceston. The golden hour filters through the canopy, lighting up the stone bridge and whispering leaves with painterly softness. From Penny Royal, it’s a leisurely riverside walk—perfect for clearing the mind or sharing quiet moments. Watch rowers glide under King’s Bridge, or follow the path towards the Gorge if your feet crave more adventure. The park isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a destination in its own right. Travel Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket—Tasmanian evenings stay cool even in summer.