Balkan Discovery Trip. Day 1: Kuala Lumpur to Zagreb, Croatia

Hi! After nearly three years of closed borders and travel restrictions caused by Covid-19, we travelled again! Post-pandemic era, they called it endemic where travel restrictions across borders were eased in some parts of the world, with face masks and hand sanitizing practices strongly advised.

We joined a private group trip to the Balkan region organized by Zafirah Travel to visit five countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. I remembered from an earlier post that I wouldn't visit multiple countries in a single trip! For the time being, I will make an exception.

We were granted permission for Nu'man to skip class three days earlier than the scheduled week-long school break, so that he could avoid contracting the virus. The least we can do to avoid being infected, knowing that it may create hassle even though those countries have dropped Covid entry requirement. We kept our finger-crossed that everything went well.

As we took TK-61's Turkish Airlines at 11pm flight to Croatia, the plane made a stopped at Istanbul airport almost 11 hours later. We just had a little time to wander around the brand new airport that started operating in mid-2019, before the journey continues for another 3 hours and half to Franjo Tudman International Airport.

Harap mamat balkan faham

Ashman sedih kena tinggal

A brief stop at IST airport

Bought some Turkish sweets

Arrived at Zagreb

It's almost ten o'clock in the morning. We were greeted by a local tour guide, Mr Akin of Bosnian that accompanied us throughout 10 days in Balkan region. After boarded the provided bus and made our way to downtown Zagreb. We began our city tour on the first day. The first thing we noticed was that locals rarely wore masks, which made me felt alienated.

Then, we were introduced to Zagreb city guide, Ivana. She led us on the tour for an hour and another 45 minutes spare for our own time. We explored and ticked-off the Zagreb's old-town must-see as suggested in the itineraries. We've been told by her that Croatia will used Euro currency starting January next year. Their official currency was Croatian Kuna.

The tour starts at Vlaška street heading to European square, where a city replica is situated. After a short explanation on the upper and lower town, we were brought to the on Ban Josip Jelačić Square. It easily recognized by the huge status in the middle of the square.

Then we continued north to the Dolac Market, passing through the Harmica. That was where we were recommended to change our money to Kuna. A small amount was enough as we only spent only one night in Zagreb. Since it was still early, not so many shops but we had good choices of fresh fruits with very reasonable prices. We also bought some Zagreb souvenirs.

In the middle of Vlaška street

European Square

A 3D modelling of the Zagreb old town

Manduševac, a natural water resource on Ban Josip Jelačić Square

1 kn is approximately MYR 0.60

The Cathedral of Zagreb

Nuzli Mohamad Anas....

Our local guide, Ivana

On our free time, we were intrigued to try the shortest funicular in the world. With the length of 66-meters, we headed to Tomić Street once the Ivana ended the tour at the square. Best part, we were able to visit several interesting tourist spots in the area of Donji Gard. Let the pictures do the story telling.

The Zagreb's funicular

The view from Donji Gard

In front of the Lotrščak Tower

The Astro-Hungarian architecture

The Stone Gate is the most significant oath site in Zagreb

Patron came to light a candle and pray for health, happiness, good luck and love.

The statue of Saint George

Loved the atmosphere along the cobbled stone street

Getting some reasonable price of fresh grape

The statue, hence the name of the square

I was searching for essential Croatian dish back then, and zagorski štrukli is a must-try. La Struk is among the popular restaurant offering the traditional dish situated less than 100 meters from the Dolac Market. We popped in to the restaurant however the dish was made to order and takes almost 30 minutes to be ready. Albeit we found another shop that sells ready made štrukli, which we bought plain and cheese flavors.

Nu'man with štrukli

We had lunch in the Zagreb Central Mosque around noon, and were served with salad as an appetizer and grave rice as a main course. The grape juice was delicious, and I believed it was freshly squeezed. We stayed at the Westin Hotel for the first night. My friend told me that it was a posh hotel, but I doubt so :P. Later that evening, we were taken back to the Central Mosque for dinner/supper.