2025 feels like it went by so fast. I think this year’s traveling had been the most hectic and most EXPENSIVE trips I’ve had so far in my life.
Here’s the breakdown of our trip in 2025…
- January 2025 -> Ilo-Ilo City – Bacolod City, Philippines (6 days)
- April 2025 -> Johor Bahru, Malaysia (3 days)
- May 2025 -> Tokyo – Kawaguchiko, Japan (13 days)
- August 2025 -> Bali, Indonesia (7 days)
- October 2025 -> Osaka – Kyoto – Nagoya, Japan (10 days)
I had 5 trips in total for 2025 and all of them are in Asia.
A rough estimation (not everything) of spendings is about ~$6k – $7k.
With two Japan trips costing the most and the least being JB, Malaysia.
With the longest trip being Tokyo-Kawaguchiko, Japan with 13 days and the shortest being JB, Malaysia with 3 days.
This are just my overview of the places I’ve been to. I think collectively – this year had been a whirlwind of adventure and none-stop moving from one place to another.
I really think traveling to Japan is the most hectic travel I had. True for both trips. The most relaxed trip is definitely JB, MY where most of the time we’re just strolling around and eating – it’s the quickest too.
There are a couple of highlights that really struck me for each of this locations.
Key Highlights:
Ilo-Ilo City - Bacolod City, Philippines
- Experiencing for the first time a real festival (fiesta) in the Philippines – Dinagyang Festival
- Watching the dance competition and the beautiful costumes.
- Watching the street dance from all the participants and see hundreds of Filipinos dancing and laughing – simply having fun.
- Gigantes Island Hopping was amazing the 2nd time around and meeting really funny locals
- Our motorbike broke down in the middle of nowhere while we’re trying to go to Little Batanes in Bacolod City
- Experiencing Little Batanes – Buklod, with mountains against mountains with rice terraces. It feels like a far away land.
- Saw this cafe with an amazing view of the mountain and from the distance etched on a mountain is a waterfall.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
- Spending time with friends, relaxing and catching up
- Walking around an outlet mall
Tokyo - Kawaguchiko, Japan
- A LOT of walking – you really need a comfortable shoes
- Tokyo is such a vibe. There’s something about it that just sticks with you. I can’t explain it
- Getting a vintage film camera from a local 2nd hand store and taking photos around the city and Mount Fuji.
- Mount Fuji is AMAZING. No words can explain how beautiful it is in real life – especially the view early in the morning from your hotel window
- Cycling around Kawaguchiko and having this picturesque view of Mount Fuji
Bali, Indonesia
- Finally seeing up close and personal the GWK statues. From afar you can see the massive statue, I’m always curious what is that place
- Going around Bali and seeing their beautiful UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES and their unique temples
- Riding a 4 wheel drive jeep heading up Mount Batur (an active volcano) and experiencing sunrise
- Experiencing adrenaline rush of riding around with ATV in Bali
Osaka - Kyoto - Nagoya, Japan
- Reminiscing the first time I went to Japan when I was 14-15 years old – Osaka was the first place we went to
- We went on this ferry boat ride around the water and the seagulls will fly above you. You can feed them prawn crackers and they will fly over your hand to take it. Amazing experience.
- We went on this sleepy fisher town called Ine Amanohashidate and walked around the neighborhood. It’s super quiet and the houses are traditional Japanese houses.
Things I’ve Learned:
- I think who you spend time traveling with a huge factor. I have some close friends at home but very incompatible to travel with overseas. You’ll be very lucky to find someone who gets your vibe and get along with the planning and executing process.
- You don’t need to be always on-the-go hitting every spots. It’s very draining and it really affects your mental wellbeing.
- Have a day or two to relax with no itinerary. It’s nice to sleep in and relax in your room or at a nice cafe. Walk inside a random mall and see things around with no plans.
- Always Budget. I used to be the type that spend my savings and go on a trip. The past few years I realized it’s not the most sensical to do over time. Budgeting your travels is very important – #1 Rule.
This year had been a great blessing to be able to travel this much and to amazing places that I never thought I would go. The people I spend time with, the effort and financial blessings was outstanding this year.
I will never forget 2025. More to come soon!
