1.Kuala Lumpur to Barcelona
Flight No. EK 343 KUL - DXB (6hrs 45 min)
Dubai Airport (3 hrs 10min )
Flight No. EK 185 DXB - BCN (7hrs 10 min)
Embark on an exhilarating journey with Emirates from Kuala Lumpur to Barcelona. As a Malaysian citizen, we can enjoy Spain's treasures without the hassle of a visa. Spend a delightful 4-hour layover in Dubai Airport, indulging in a bit of duty-free shopping before boarding the Airbus A380 bound for Barcelona.
2. Barcelona to L'Ampolla
Road Trip BCN - Hotel Flamingo (1 hr 43 min)
After touching down in Barcelona, hit the road for an unforgettable drive to L 'Ampolla. Nestled along the stunning coastline, L 'Ampolla welcomes you with its serene beaches and breathtaking sunsets. Unwind at Hotel Flamingo and soak in the tranquility of this coastal gem.
Place of Stay: Hotel Flamingo, L 'Ampolla
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3. L 'Ampolla to Barcelona
Road Trip Hotel Flamingo to Hotel Senator Barcelona (1 hr 43 min)
Return to Barcelona for a dose of urban excitement. Immersed myself in the city's vibrant atmosphere, from the iconic Sagrada Familia to the bustling streets of Las Ramblas. Hop on the Big Bus for a sightseeing adventure, uncovering Barcelona's rich history and architectural wonders.
Place of Stay: Hotel Senator Barcelona
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4. Barcelona to Dubrovnik, Croatia
Flight No. VY 7725 BCN - DBV (2hrs 15 min)
Bid farewell to Spain and jet off to Dubrovnik, Croatia, where history and fantasy collide. Explore the ancient walls of the Old City, a filming location for "Game of Thrones," and marvel at the panoramic vistas from Mount Srđ.
Visa? Not required for Malaysian citizens on short visits.
Place of Stay: Apartment: Atelier Tina Art Home, Dubrovnik
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5. Dubrovnik to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina via Mostar
Road Trip Dubrovnik to Sarajevo (7 hrs 22 minutes )
Embark on a scenic drive through the stunning landscapes of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, making my way from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo with a memorable stopover in Mostar. As I traversed the winding roads, I was treated to breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and picturesque countryside.
Upon reaching Mostar, be captivated by the iconic Stari Most bridge spanning the Neretva River and explore the charming cobblestone streets of the historic Old Town. Immersed myself in the rich cultural tapestry of this ancient city, where Ottoman and European influences blend seamlessly.
Continued my journey to Sarajevo, the vibrant capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its intriguing mix of East and West. Along the way, marvel at the rugged beauty of the Dinaric Alps and quaint villages nestled amidst rolling hills.
While visa-free for Malaysians, keep an eye out for pickpockets.
Place of Stay: Apartment hosted by Drenka Hasanbegovic, Sarajevo
Beware of Pickpockets: Sarajevo's charm is undeniable, but it's wise to stay vigilant against pickpockets. Though unexpected, my experience taught me the importance of safeguarding valuables. Despite the setback, the kindness of the apartment owner provided comfort during this unforeseen event.
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6. Sarajevo to Budapest, Hungary via Travnik and Prandau-Normann Castle
Road Trip Sarajevo to Budapest (10 hrs 42 min )
Bid farewell to Sarajevo and embark on a picturesque road trip to Budapest, Hungary, with captivating stops along the way. Journey through the scenic landscapes of Bosnia and Herzegovina, passing through the historic town of Travnik, known for its Ottoman-era architecture and bustling bazaar.
Make a memorable detour to Prandau-Normann Castle, a medieval fortress perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Explore the castle grounds and immersed myself in centuries of history and heritage.
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As I continued my journey towards Budapest, soak in the enchanting vistas of the Hungarian countryside, dotted with vineyards, rolling hills, and charming villages. Arrive in Budapest rejuvenated and ready to explore the wonders of this magnificent city.
Visa? Check for reentry requirements.
Place of Stay: Center BusinessClass Apartment, Budapest
7. Budapest to Prague, Czechia via Bratislava, Slovakia
Road Trip Budapest to Prague (5 hrs 49 min )
Embark on a scenic drive from Budapest to Prague, with a delightful stopover in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Traverse the scenic landscapes of Hungary and Slovakia, passing through verdant valleys and picturesque towns along the way.
Upon reaching Bratislava, explore the charming Old Town, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and lively cafes. Admire iconic landmarks such as Bratislava Castle, St. Martin's Cathedral, and the charming Primatial Palace.
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Continued my journey to Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires," as I traversed the scenic Bohemian countryside. Arrive in Prague refreshed and ready to discover the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture of this iconic European city.
Place of Stay: Pavel’s place, Prague
8. Prague to Vienna, Austria
Road Trip Prague to Vienna (3 hrs 49 min )
Embark on a scenic road trip from Prague to Vienna, Austria, with captivating stops along the way. Journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Czech Republic and Austria, passing through charming towns and rolling vineyards.
Make a memorable stop at Sazava Monastery, a tranquil oasis nestled amidst lush forests and meandering rivers. Explore the monastery's historic buildings, serene gardens, and spiritual ambiance.
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Continued my adventure to Vienna, where imperial palaces and cultural delights await. Explore Schönbrunn Palace and indulge in Viennese pastries at Naschmarkt. Experience the city's grandeur from the Heart of Vienna Home Apartment.
Place of Stay: Heart of Vienna Home Apartment, Vienna
9. Vienna to Dubai
Flight No. EK 126 VIE - DXB (5hrs 35 min)
Fly to Dubai for an Arabian escape filled with luxury and wonder. Discover Abu Dhabi's treasures, from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the Emirates Palace. Return to Dubai and marvel at the Burj Khalifa before retreating to a cozy Airbnb apartment.
Place of Stay: Apartment in Jaddaf, Dubai
While in Dubai, join a local tour package known "Dubai: 5-Hour Tour with a Professional Photographer Guide" and discover the vibrant souks and traditional markets of Old Dubai.
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Insurance Claim:
While the pickpocketing incident in Sarajevo was unexpected, it served as a valuable lesson in travel preparedness. Despite not filing a report with the local police, I promptly notified my insurance provider of the incident. Unfortunately, without an official police report, I was unable to proceed with the insurance claim process.
Nevertheless, the experience underscored the importance of vigilance and safety while traveling. The support and kindness of locals, as well as the hospitality of apartment owners, provided solace during this unforeseen event. Though the insurance claim didn't materialize, the lessons learned and the memories forged throughout my journey remain invaluable.
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10. Dubai to Kuala Lumpur
Flight No. EK 344 DXB - KUL (7hrs 25 min)
Concluded my epic journey with a return flight to Kuala Lumpur, cherishing the memories of your European and Arabian odyssey. With visas in check and a heart full of adventures, savor every moment of your captivating DIY Trip!
Heartwarming Moment
While the journey had its share of challenges, there were also moments of unexpected kindness that left a lasting impression. One such instance occurred during a pit stop at a Crodux petrol station near Prandau Normann castle, where I inadvertently left behind my favorite classic sailor hat ( a present by Bob&Bujang). It wasn't until I reached Budapest that I realized it was missing. Despite the distance, I decided to reach out to the petrol station via Facebook, hoping against hope for a miracle.
To my surprise and delight, the staff at the petrol station responded promptly and went above and beyond to assist me. Not only did they locate my lost sailor hat, but they also generously offered to courier it all the way to Malaysia. It was a gesture of kindness that restored my faith in humanity and added a touch of warmth to an otherwise challenging journey.
This experience served as a reminder that even amidst the hustle and bustle of travel, there are moments of genuine connection and goodwill that transcend borders and distance. It's these unexpected acts of kindness that make travel truly meaningful and unforgettable.
