27 October 2024

Trip of a lifetime: From Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney via Kuala Lumpur and Manila

Hello,

There comes a time in every traveler's life when dreams of distant expeditions and discovering the world start to turn into reality. Especially if it is also to fulfill a wedding promise...

For me, this moment came one hot afternoon in Ho Chi Minh City, when the price of tickets to Australia appeared on my laptop screen once again. Traveling to the antipodes was my big dream, but the prices of direct flights were unfortunately not kind to my wallet. So I decided to play around with the route a bit - and that's how the idea of flying via Kuala Lumpur and Manila was born.

The savings on tickets were significant, but above all, such a connection gave me the chance to visit two additional cities. Because if I'm flying to the other side of the world, why not add a bit of adventure, right?

Charming stopovers – Kuala Lumpur and Manila

First stop: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I don't know what struck me more upon arrival - the diversity of cultures or the fantastic smells spreading around. It was and has been for several years. No matter how many times I visit KL, I am always fascinated by the magic of this city.

Incidentally, I organized a short city tour to see the Petronas Towers and try the famous local dishes and compare the changes that have occurred since my last stay here.

For every traveler, this place is like a small Asia in a nutshell - full of colors, flavors and hospitable people.

After two days of "layover", it was time to continue my journey - this time to Manila.

I admit that I was a bit stressed, because airports in the Philippines have a reputation for being chaotic. However, it wasn't as bad as I expected. The people of Manila turned out to be equally helpful, even very nice people, ready to help and point you in the right direction. Manila welcomed me with sun, music and beautiful views, which we could admire even from the airport. It was only a few hours but many memories from previous visits. When I add to this the 500 USD savings on the ticket, you understand… “pecunia non olet”… although Manila, yes, sometimes could surprise with its local stench.

Landing in Sydney: A dream come true!

A dozen or so hours later, full of excitement and already a bit tired from the journey, I finally reached Sydney. The view of the rising sun over the stretching horizon of the Australian coast was like something from a movie. It's a feeling that's hard to describe - the awareness that you're on the other side of the world, in a country full of exotic fauna, harsh landscapes and boundless space.

The first steps at the Sydney airport were just as exciting as they were a bit stressful. I'd heard that the Australian immigration service is very strict. Meanwhile, to my surprise, we were greeted by a very friendly officer who asked with a smile about the purpose of my trip and wished me a nice vacation. She must have marked our arrival cards at the same time, because the next step, the customs control, took place... without any control.

After exchanging a few words, I felt that Australia really does have that warm, hospitable aura that I'd read so much about.

Public transport system – the key to the city

Sydney also surprised me very positively in terms of public transport. Right after leaving the airport, I boarded one of the modern trains, which took me to the city centre in just a few minutes. Australia, and Sydney in particular, is a true model when it comes to the convenience and efficiency of public transport. The system is extremely intuitive – all you need is an Opal card, which you top up with any amount, and you can freely travel around the city using trains, trams, buses and ferries.

One of the most beautiful views in Sydney is undoubtedly the panorama of the city from the perspective of the ferry. Sailing along the coast, I had the chance to see not only the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge, but also the green hills and bays blended into the landscape. After the first day, I knew that this country has something that makes you not want to leave.

First steps in Australian everyday life

Sydney is not only skyscrapers and iconic monuments, but above all a mix of cultures, nationalities and lifestyles. I spent my first morning in the city on the popular Bondi Beach, where I could walk along the beach and watch surfers catching waves, families with children and even runners exercising in the fresh air. The air was filled with the smell of the sea and eucalyptus - a completely different reality than the one I knew. In the process, I fulfilled my wedding promise - "... one day we will drink champagne on a beach in Australia...". This was that day.

People in Sydney are open, helpful and very friendly. During my first coffee in a café, I managed to strike up a conversation with a local, who suggested which districts are worth visiting and where to eat a good Australian dinner. I was surprised how open everyone here is to making new friends, and that there is no shortage of people ready to tell about their city with real pride.

Taste of Australia: First culinary discoveries

Culinary Sydney is a paradise for foodies. On my first day I was tempted by the classic "fish and chips" - fried fish with chips, which can be found almost everywhere. But Australia has much more to offer. The selection of seafood, exotic meats and local wines is amazing. I managed to try kangaroo meat, which is healthy and very tasty, and baramundi - fish with a delicate, buttery taste, served with local spices.

I also cannot forget the famous Australian desserts - such as Pavlova, a meringue with fruit, which is light as a cloud and literally melts in your mouth. Every meal here is a new taste experience, and Sydney will certainly not let me forget this diversity in a hurry.

Plans for the next few days

Sydney is just the beginning of my Australian adventure. I wonder where to go next after discovering the city’s highlights. Maybe a trip to the Blue Mountains? Maybe a tour of the Hunter Valley wineries? Or maybe I’ll finally take the plunge and head north to see the Great Barrier Reef?

No matter what the next few days bring, I know one thing: Australia is a country that can surprise, delight and captivate. There are still so many places to discover, people to meet and flavours to try.

Epilogue: Why Australia?

Traveling to Australia is more than just a journey into the unknown. It is an encounter with nature, a different culture and a completely different lifestyle. Coming here, I feel that every day I become a part of this amazing continent, which can teach you so much and at the same time allows you to relax from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you are thinking about the trip of a lifetime, wondering whether it is worth risking a long route and organizing transfers - I will tell you one thing: it is. Australia is a country that gives back with interest every minute spent on organization, every cent spent on a ticket. Every day here is like a new beginning, and I can't wait to see what the next stage of this Australian adventure will bring.

Because, as the old Australian proverb says: "He who knows exactly what he wants should be wise enough to be satisfied with a half."

And I will stick to that!

This is just the beginning of a series of stories from my journey around Australia - stay with me and let's discover this fascinating place together!

PS: In Australia they walk "upside down"...