nature
If you've heard of Singapore, or if you've been to Singapore, you'd know that here, the weather is perpetually hot, there are high buildings - lots of them, there are a lot of cars, people, and also trees.
However, there isn't a space untouched by technology and undeveloped.
That was until they opened this little plot of land called Coney Island. It stays open and free for access during the day, but closes at night because of the lack of streetlights.
It was Untouched.
No lights, no cars, no buildings, no wifi (my 3G didn't work there), no toilets. Just endless trees and a beautiful beach.
It rained pretty heavily when I was there thankfully there were some shelters available or i'd have been SOAKED.
Although I was kind of on a date, I wanted to pay homage to nature. To taking time out to appreciating nature, and reminding myself how I could do that even in my daily life.
Even though it's nice, I don't specially have to get to that plot of land to appreciate the green trees, the winds, the sound of the ocean. Im lucky to be in a city surrounded by greenery, and its about time I learned to appreciate the beauty of nature.
A Date with Nature
8 February 2016 Coney Island, Singapore
I would not be lying one bit if I said Plitvice Lakes way exceeded my expectations.
Before going to lakes, I had already known it was a UNESCO Heritage Site and has one of the most beautiful and largest waterfalls in Europe. However, I expected it to be so crowded with tourists because of how well known it is.
BUT, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is literally one of the most calm, peaceful, and tranquil heritage sites, with the CLEAREST of waters and the best of nature.
My friend and I took about an hour long bus out to the lakes, there were 2 entrances and the one that we were at had so many groups of tourists, I was internally freaking out at how I wouldn't be able to enjoy the place and take pictures (#firstworldproblems much!)
Judging from this image, you can tell I was worrying too much.
After entering into the compound, we were able to roam free, and follow one of the 10-11 possible routes suggested on the map we got. My friend and I chose route C and began on our trail. The trail led us from the top with an aerial view of the waterfalls, and then down by the lakes. There were so many different kinds from tall waterfalls, to medium ones, and mini ones that form when the water rushes over uneven rocks.
The great thing about this trail is that it isn't made of mud and how i'd perceive regular nature walks to be like. The Plitvice Lakes had individual narrow wooden planks nailed together to form a pathway. At times, whilst we were walking over the water, it felt as though one of them planks could break any moment!
What I Wore
Shirt: Thailand
Skirt: Forever21
Necklaces: Primark
Sunglasses: Accessorize
Shoes: My very trusty Converse
Even thought they weren't very stable and even, I think the wooden planks really add to the whole aesthetic of the National Park. Also, it allows visitors to go up close & near to the waterfalls or streams which is awesome! Of course, it wasn't all just wooden planks. Parts of the routes were through tall green trees with large exposed roots, and you just climb your way through. Definitely 'gotta wear some decent walking shoes when you're there.
As expected from the number of people that entered the National Park, certain parts of the trail got a little crowded - namely by a really good photo spot, a nice stream, or the big waterfalls. Still, the trail was generally quite acceptable in terms of tourist crowd of a Mid-Summer peak season.
I found it difficult take good photos mainly because there were usually people somewhere in the shot. However, thats not you say you don't get any secluded spots! My friend and I found quite a number where we could pose for pensive-absract-enjoying-the-moment travel pictures, and happily snapped away without having to face the shame/guilt for blocking others along the same route as us.
What I absolutely LOVED about the Plitvice Lakes National Park is how INSANELY CLEAR The waters of the lake were. We could see so many meters down, the fishes, and sometimes even the actual bed of the lake! It was incredible. Each individual lake got clearer and clearer, to the point we couldn't quite believe our eyes. It really shows how clean and how well maintained the whole park is.
As we only had 5 hours to spare at the park, we chose a moderate route which was estimated to take around 5 hours (factoring in time for lunch). That route led us the base of the largest waterfall in Park and I must say, it was SO TALL. I had to take several steps back just to see the top of it, and many more to get it fully in the camera frame!
At the end of our trail, we took a boat ride across one of the lakes instead of walking all the way back because we thought it would be quite a cool experience. Seeing the greenery and waterfalls from the lake was quite fun, and an extra plus for not having to walk haha!
Because we took the boat, we ended with some time to spare. So, we got ourselves some ice-cream and sat on the planks along the lakes and watch ducks swim by, couples row on boats (or failing at getting the boat in the right direction), and just having a nice chilled out end to the day appreciating the beauty of mother nature.
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is absolutely stunning! I was looking at pictures of it in the fall, and the colourful leaves look so good! I wish I could go back and experience the park during the autumn months. Alas, thats a little impossible since I'm already back at uni :(
Nevertheless, I had so much fun at the waterfalls and lakes. When you get to places like these, you really appreciate the beauty of mother nature. Seeing how clean the parks were also somehow instills a sense of responsibility in people. If only we all take the effort to maintain and protect our environment, we'd have such beauty all around us!
Peace & Tranquility @ Plitvice Lakes National Park
10 September 2015 Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
I really love how Bali is filled with such calm beautiful sceneries. Its really nice to visit a place where you get the bustle of city life and at the same time be able to experience the serenity of mother nature.
Lake Bratan (Ulun Danu Bratan) and Sekumpul Waterfalls are 2 places that are really special.
Lake Bratan is so beautiful. We took a little boat ride, where this older lady rowed it with an oar. It was such a rustic yet charming experience.
There was a temple that was appeared to be floating in the lake. It was so untouched, definitely a sight to remember. It started to rain a little during the boat ride. But the rain and the fog made everything look more mysterious. I felt like I was part of a movie scene, the lake at the foot of the mountain, us in a boat rowing out towards it, rowing into the unknown - melodramatic much? hahaha! Well, we were the only people in the entire lake, along with our driver and the lady who was rowing the boat (power to her), so it seemed pretty legit at that point.
I'm not that much of an outdoor person, I don't go on hikes, long runs, climb any form of a hill or mountain. Its not that i'm unfit, its just I never really had the chance to do it? Or rather I don't actively search for opportunities to do it.
When given the option to climb/hike around the Sekumpul waterfalls Sheryl and I opted for the shorter route (well due to time constrains as well but yeah, that probably wasn't the only reason haha!) It was not a really tough route to climb, because we were being introduced to the different type of agriculture plants the locals living near the waterfall were cultivating, and more importantly, we could see the gorgeous waterfall.
The thing about climbing the waterfall is the route can be really narrow - less than the width of a human, maybe about the width of two feet put together, with no form of safety enhancement/rail/anything. The local guide could climb in SLIPPERS. We were both so impressed. Because of the narrow road, Sheryl nearly fell to her death right in front of me. Thank God the Guide caught her. I had the shock of my life at that moment and we will always talk about this event, and will definitely continue to do so in the years to come.
Another incident involved me nearly losing my shoes. We took off our shoes to cross the river you see above, and though it may not look like it, the water was FAST. I dropped my shoe (well done me) and in 2 seconds it floated 2m away. Thank God for the super guide again, who managed to catch it because he moved like a ninja. And may I repeat - IN SLIPPERS.
We were laughing at ourselves the whole time, and it definitely made the climb/hike really memorable.
Along the way, we met little kids and other inhabitants who were going about their daily activities. The lady you see below was walking and carrying this massive sack on her head!
Little kids playing with gigantic mat? leaf? and posing for photos. Such a simple tool, yet they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Come on parents. Get rid of them iPads, your kids don't need them! Hahah!
Coffee beans right off a tree! This is how they look like pre-processed. They tasted kind of odd. Sweet but bland at the same time.
The nostalgia really kicks in while looking back at photographs and recalling the experiences :) I'm Missing Asia indeed! Hope you all enjoyed the photos, I have more where those came from ;) Stay tune!
Missing Asia | Bali - Lakes and Waterfalls
12 October 2014 Bali, Indonesia
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