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Showing posts from 2023

Western Australia Trip. Day 8-9: Mandurah - Perth - Kuala Lumpur

We started our day by checking out from Bunbury and hitting the road. The drive to Mandurah took about two hours, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the scenery along the way. Road trips like this are a great way to bond as a family while taking in Western Australia's beautiful landscapes. Once we arrived in Mandurah, we decided to look for the Giants of Mandurah, an outdoor art installation we had heard a lot about. These sculptures were supposed to be hidden across different locations, blending nature and art. However, after some searching, we couldn't find them. It was a bit disappointing but also part of the adventure. Instead of spending more time looking aimlessly, we headed straight to the Giants of Mandurah information center for better directions. This turned out to be helpful because it was close to our next activity—something that made up for our earlier setback.

Western Australia Trip. Day 7: Busselton & Yallingup

We started our day with a drive to Busselton, which took about an hour. The road was smooth, making it an easy trip for the whole family. Along the way, we made a quick stop at Wonnerup House. However, the attraction was closed, and we were clueless either. The journey continued to Busselton. Once in Busselton, we headed straight to the famous Busselton Jetty. Stretching over 1.8 km into the Indian Ocean, it’s the longest tourist jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and the second longest in the world! Walking along it felt like stepping out into the sea.

Western Australia Trip. Day 6: Harvey Region and Bunbury

A road trip to the Harvey Region and Bunbury is a great way to explore Western Australia’s charm. From cheese-tasting to secret gardens, there’s something for everyone. This post will walk you through a family-friendly journey, packed with food stops, scenic spots, and relaxing activities. We started our road trip with a 170 km drive southbound to the Harvey Region. The journey was smooth, and the scenery along the way was relaxing. Our first stop was at Waroona Memorial Hall, a quiet spot perfect for stretching our legs. This brief pause gave us a moment to appreciate the local history and snap some photos before continuing on. Harvey Cheese, a must-visit for food lovers, was our next destination. Here, we got to watch cheese-making in action, which was both educational and fun for the whole family. Afterward, we treated ourselves to some delicious cheese tastings. The variety of flavors made it hard to pick a favorite! To top it off, we enjoyed a late coffee and cake breakfast in th...

Western Australia Trip. Day 5: Hillarys and Swan Valley

Western Australia is full of surprises, and a day trip to Hillarys and Swan Valley offers the perfect mix of wildlife, adventure, and relaxation. From spotting kangaroos at Caversham Wildlife Park to whale watching at Hillarys Boat Harbour, there's something for everyone. Add in some chocolate shopping and a leisurely lunch in Swan Valley, and you've got an unforgettable family itinerary. We started early, heading south from Perth. The drive was about three hours, but the scenery kept us entertained. Along the way, we spotted kangaroos and emus in their natural habitat. It felt like a true Australian adventure right from the start.

Western Australia Trip. Day 4: Perth - Cervantes

Cervantes is another hidden gem in Western Australia that offers stunning landscapes, unique activities, and plenty of family-friendly spots. We started our journey by driving 130 kilometers to Lancelin. This area is famous for having the largest white sand dunes in Western Australia. As we approached, the sight of the towering dunes was breathtaking. The bright white sand contrasts beautifully with the blue sky, making it a perfect spot for family photos. Once we arrived, we couldn’t resist exploring these massive sand hills. The dunes are great for sandboarding, which is an exciting activity that everyone should try at least once. We rented boards and climbed up to the highest point while the kids took ATV rides. The thrill of speeding down the slope was exhilarating! We spent hours walking around on the soft, warm sand and made sure to capture plenty of pictures; this place offers some of the best photo opportunities we found in Australia.

Western Australia Trip. Day 3: Fremantle

Fremantle, a vibrant and historic port city located just 30 minutes from Perth, Australia, is a captivating destination that combines rich heritage with a lively arts scene. It’s a place where time-honored traditions blend beautifully with modern-day charm, making it a must-visit for any traveler. A visit to the Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was a highlight. The prison’s stone walls hold tantalizing stories of infamous prisoners, and the guided tour provided a glimpse into life behind bars in the 19th century.

Western Australia Trip. Day 1-2: Kuala Lumpur - Perth

Welcome to our family's exciting journey through Perth, Western Australia! Join us as we uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions of this vibrant city.  Perth is also a great base for exploring other parts of Western Australia, such as Margaret River, a region known for its wine production and surfing.  Fremantle, a historic port town with a bohemian vibe, and Pinnacles Desert, a surreal landscape of limestone pillars that rise from the sand. These were among the places we visited while in Perth.

Southern Thailand Trip. Day 5: Hatyai - Kuala Lumpur

Our day last in Hatyai started with a scrumptious breakfast at Titapa Roti Canai. As we entered the bustling restaurant, the aroma of freshly cooked roti filled the air, instantly making our taste buds tingle with anticipation. After indulging in a hearty breakfast, we made our way to Songkla University where the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon Natural History Museum awaited us. This fascinating museum is dedicated to showcasing Thailand's rich biodiversity and promoting environmental awareness among visitors.

Southern Thailand Trip. Day 4: Hatyai

This fascinating family eating excursion begins at Hatyai's long-standing Nora Plaza retail mall. The bright atmosphere and large selection of things impress us as soon as we enter.  In addition to apparel and accessories, the mall has several quirky products that make it interesting. Explore this treasure trove! We browse fashionable apparel, try on trendy accessories, and select intriguing mementos to take home.  After spending an enjoyable time exploring Nora Plaza and picking up some unique finds along the way, we're ready to move on to our next destination.

Southern Thailand Trip. Day 3: Phattalung

Our adventure in Hatyai continues on the 3rd day with a visit to the picturesque Thale Noi, a river basin located at the topmost part of Songkhla Lake. This hidden gem is a paradise for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. To fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of Thale Noi, we hopped on a cruise at Long-Tail Boat Pier. As we glided through the calm waters, we were greeted by an array of different bird species that call this place home. The Bird Watching Park provided us with an opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close while surrounded by stunning water lilies in the Red Lotus Lake.

Southern Thailand Trip. Day 1-2: Kuala Lumpur - Hatyai -Songkhla

Welcome to our exciting journey through Songkhla and Phatthalung, hidden gems in southern Thailand. Join us as we explore the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unique attractions that make this city a must-visit destination for families. From cable car rides up the mountain to encounters with majestic elephants, get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Songkhla. Our adventure in the captivating city of Songkhla began as we touched down at Hat Yai International Airport. Excitement filled the air as we were warmly greeted by Hanuman Travel, our trusted guide for this journey. With their assistance, we knew that this trip was going to be something truly special. After a smooth airport transfer, our growling stomachs led us straight to Kai Tod Decha Restaurant. The aroma of delicious Thai cuisine wafted through the air, enticing us with its flavorsome promises. We indulged in mouthwatering dishes like crispy fried chicken and fragrant curries, savoring every bite.