Wonderful 2008 Travels

It's the New Year, and I'm already missing 2008. Now, it's not that I'm not looking forward to this brand New Year... but it's just that 2008 has given me a list of wonderful memories.

I'd like to reflect back a bit on 2008 and so that I can work on a brand new 2009. And I hope you guys can bear with me on my thoughts to share.

For this post, I'll dedicate it to my wonderful 2008 travels.

1. Phuket, Thailand
My favourite country destination - Thailand...

I stayed in this beautiful resort at the cliff, with the infinity swimming pool - I still remember swimming in the night there!
And we also visited another resort with unique beach (not the crowded one in Patpong).

And visiting Thailand is never complete without visithing a Wat (temple).

And what impressed me was that the locals were so like Malaysians in many ways.

We watched this huge mega show of Phuket Fantasea.

And there's also the Thai ladyboy show - Simon Cabaret!

2. From Thai To Tai (Taiwan)
After Thailand, I had my dream holiday to Taiwan.

Till today, I find Taipei as a cool city!

And the mega tallest building in the world Taipei 101.

It was here that I had my first smelly tofu!

Had my first bullet train experience.

And met the songwriter for Jay Chou at his restaurant.

3. Jakarta, Indonesia

Going there for a friend's wedding, it's my first mega huge wedding.

And apart from the wedding, I was awed by all the big malls in Jakarta!

4. Vietnam

And in August, I visited Vietnam - from Hanoi to Halong Bay. This is the only holiday which experience wasn't as great (with the people) , though I must say that looking back, the pictures are awesome.

5. Magnificient China
And as some of you who are following my recent travels, towards the end of the year, I went to Shanghai, soaking in the all things Chinese atmosphere.

There is Hangzhou & its scenic Westlake - the city so many people claim 'the nicest in China'!

And of course, another mini dream holiday - to see the watervillage of Wuzhen.

6. Beloved Malaysia
And in between, I took a few short drives around places near hometown Malacca.

I can still remember the feeling passing by this unique lil town on the way to Port Dickson.

I drove around the kampungs - getting close to rubber estates, palm trees and even this beautiful sunset at Tanjung Kling Melaka.

I even did a short walk around the old Malacca town (beyond Jonker Street) - and took this as a break (despite it being my hometown!)

7. Loving Singapore
I had my fair share of still exploring Singapore despite being there for a number of years now.

I had a meal with a view of Singapore in one of its tall buildings in town. Honestly, this may seem ordinary to many working in the CBD area, but for me, it's an experience!

There's many other things I've enjoyed in Singapore - even this walk at the East Coast Park.

Or the Christmas decorations (I like this pic a lot as it's very overseas like).

Well, that's a long list of travels in 2008!

I realised that I do like to travel lots. And hopefully I can combine work + travel, allowing me to travel & see more places yet not feeling the full guilt! haha.

More Asia
And yes, I do have plans for my 2009 holidays (at least a resolution). My dream holiday would be to go to Japan (Tokyo)!

And if time permits, I'd still like to explore Asia - like to visit East Coast Malaysia, East Malaysia, the unique parts of Singapore island (like the farms & nature places), Brunei, Hong Kong and once again Thailand! :)