Trekking in Myanmar

Visiting Myanmar is like visiting the past relative to the 80s of Malaysia, with the dusty single lane highway meant for 2 directional car ways. However, there is more to discover in this strong Buddhist country with colorful livings.

The best part of this journey is enjoying the 3 days 2 night trek from Kalaw to Inle lake, under scorching hot sun! The view however, is enthralling with bald mountains and simple basic villages along the trail. 

We started from Kalaw and walked for about 9 hours with lunch break and rest. As it was the 1st day of trek, it was quite tiring by the time we reached the basic guesthouse, where the bathroom was outside the house in a typical traditional village. The trek ascended gradually with great mountain valley view, passing by a temple and lastly walking along a railway trek. As it was in Feb, the weather at night could be freezing cold.

Beginning of Kalaw Inle Trek

View from lunch break

Lunch break

Cow seeking refuge in shady hut

Our 1st night guesthouse

On 2nd day, we started our trek in a flat land, passing by big palm plantation, then crossing the main road before continue trekking in remote mountainous area. We had the best fresh lime juice for our lunch as it was a scorching hot day. Upon reaching the village for the night, we could see cows being reared in the backyard of houses. The villagers here are expert in bamboo basket weaving, which was told only sold for a minimum fee for the hard work. That reminds me of how blessed we are, getting to travel to open up our mind and heart. 

The journey continued on 2nd day

Bull cart near village

Ginger harvest

Mini Angkor Wat along the trek

2nd night guesthouse

Bamboo basket weaving

Traditional toilet

                               

Mountain village

On 3rd day, our trek was only half a day down hill before we continued our journey in a boat ride to Inle Lake. Seeing Inle Lake from afar at a vantage point gave the hope of finishing our trek soon. Coincidentally, there was an antique car racing on part of the dusty trail.

The journey continued on 3rd day

Can you see the antique car?

Locals walking along the road

A school in the middle of mountain

Journey ending soon

End of trek

This has been one of the best treks besides Nepal I have ever had travelling overseas. The best time for trek is from Nov to Feb, as the heat will be unbearing from Mac until May before the rainy season starts in June. It will be advisable to visit Myanmar as soon as possible before it gets over developed with foreign tourists as it is growing in popularity. 

Taking a boat to Inle Lake from end of trek

GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Our lovely journey started from Melbourne to Torquay, the first town in the Great Ocean Road, about 100 km away on Day 1. There, we had our first glimpse of the Great Ocean Road coast. After lunch, we walked on a small hill to enjoy the enchanting view of the majestic cliff with pounding waves of the Great Ocean Road coastline. We then made our way to Lorne, a small town famous for surfing. Walking along the bridge in the town with blowing winds can be chilling yet calming.

Torquay coast

Tranquil picnic spot

Lorne

Our journey continued along a scenic winding cliff road towards Kennett River. There, high up on the tree, a wild shy koala could be spotted sleeping. The attention stealer was the colorful parrots in green, orange and red that flew around and perched on top of the tourists' heads and shoulders. 

Frothy coast 

Wild Koala at Kennett River

Colorful parrot at Kennett River

We headed to our destination of the day for our night rest in Apollo Bay. It is a small town with wild unperturbed beaches. The host of the hostel I booked was friendly and he offered to provide us a free accommodation as he overlooked our booking and was away. Luckily, there was a friend of him that helped to take care of the premise whom opened the doorway to lead us in. It was a late autumn in May, hence, considered the low season for tourists as the weather was starting to chill especially at night. 

Apollo Bay

On Day 2, we headed to Cape Otway Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in Victoria. I love the quaint scenery of the white tower perched at the end of a white lined walkway with the blue ocean at the backdrop. The drive along the journey was flanked by green plain fields and serene forest, providing a countryside sentiment.

Cape Otway Lighthouse

Finally, we reached the pinnacle of Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell, where the key attractions are located. The first stop was the iconic Twelve Apostles, with towering limestone stacks surrounded by swirling white ocean waves. There are only eight apostles left apparently due to weather and sea erosion. It was raining with strong winds but that did not deter the excitement of savoring the wonderful nature created by God.

12 Apostles

Next, Gibson Steps, where walking down the 86 steps carved on the cliff to the beach provides a stunning view of the limestone coast. On the beach, one can have a closer view of the 2 Apostles, named Gog and Magog rising up from the ocean. 

Gibson Step beach

Can you see the Gibson steps?

Loch Ard Gorge truly mesmerized me with magnificent limestone rock formations such as Razorback, offshore stacks and a sandy orange beach facing the 2 long stacks with arch and blowholes. The frothing sea around the rock formations enhanced the picturesque scenery.

Razorback formation at Loch Ard Gorge

Shipwreck Coast

London Bridge is a unique sight, as part of the bridge collapsed in 1990, causing a gap of sea in between the main coast and the remain of the rock formation. The bright orange sunset ray fell upon the bridge, illuminating the brown rock.

London Bridge

Our final destination was The Grotto, a naturally carved out cave and an archway at the bottom of the cliff, where the rock pool formations and sea horizon view made it a perfect spot for photo. 

The Grotto

We ended our Great Ocean Road journey in Warrnambool for a night, before we continued to The Grampians. It was indeed a dream came true, as I had a plan to visit my dream place just a few years before...

CRABBY TOWN OF CAMBODIA

Kep is a small charming coastal town in South of Cambodia. It can be reached 45 mins by bus from a bigger town called Kampot. It is famous for its cheap fresh crab from the Crab Market. One can visit the market in the morning to get some fresh crabs and asked a nearby stall to cook for a minimal fee. The most popular dish is crab fried with fresh green pepper., as the province is well known for pepper production.

After visiting the market, one can stroll along the promenade with serene sea view and stretch of white sandy beaches. It is truly relaxing to sit at a bench being caressed by the sea breeze.

Besides the beach, there is a pepper farm not far away to visit. It is eye opening experience for those who have never seen a fresh pepper and how the trees look like. Surprisingly, the original fresh pepper is green in color. Through maturisation and some processes, the green peppers are turned into varieties of black, white and red peppers.

Another highlight is Rabbit Island, where it only takes 20 mins boat ride from Kep Town. Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) is a small relaxing island with a sandy beach. The boats will park right at the beach where the resorts and restaurants are. One can walk from one end to the other end of the beach. There are huts along the beach flanked by coconut tress for relaxing massage. In fact, massage in Cambodia is considered cheap comparable to Thailand. A day trip will suffice, yet it will be a satisfying relaxing journey to Kep.