It's been a tiring day filled with much negativity, and the day's happenings have left me pretty drained. With tests, projects, essay deadlines and a concert looming ahead, not to mention a million other commitments and events, this coming week certainly looks to be just as demanding, if not even more so. It's times like these when I feel the urge to simply book a plane ticket and get away from the harsh, cold reality that I'm experiencing right now. Unfortunately, that's not going to be possible for a while, so I can only dream. (sigh)

Still, this wanderlust has spurred me to put together a short list of places that I really want to visit, even if only for a few days. I had to limit myself for this one, else the list would go on indefinitely. So, without further ado, here's my list of 5 Dream Getaway Destinations in Asia!

1. Phuket, Thailand

Source: www.mydestination.com

Cliché, but look at that idyllic little haven! And those pristine waters. Just let me jump in already! If you don't know by now, I'm truly a sucker for such beaches and seas - I love looking out at oceans and swimming in them. Despite Phuket being one of the most popular travel destinations amongst Singaporeans, I have yet to go there :( Someone please go on a Phuket beach holiday with me! It's one of the things I HAVE to do before I graduate. 

Source: phukettravelandtours.com

Absolutely gorgeous.

2. Osaka, Japan

Source: www.smartway-travel.com

I fell in love with Japan after first visiting it in the winter of 2012, when my family and I went to Hakone and Tokyo. Ten days were way more than enough to fall in love with this beautiful country, yet way too short to take in the array of sights, sounds, smells and tastes that make up this dream. 

When I was in Japan, we were just sitting around the television one night after a relaxing dip in the onsen (hot springs), and we saw this anime that seemed really interesting, except we couldn't understand a thing since it was purely in Japanese with no subtitles whatsoever. That anime turned out to be Detective Conan, which got me hooked on Japanese anime and culture... But I digress. 

Source: www.tuifly.com

Source: www.emirates.com

Source: tripadvisor.com.sg

Bet you didn't expect this one! Even though Bandung isn't as famous as its other Indonesian counterparts (such as Bali and Bintan), it's still a very popular tourist destination amongst Jakartans who are looking for a weekend getaway. I've got several friends who're from Bandung, and they are constantly going on and on about the food, cheap shopping, and best of all, the weather which remains at about 20-25 deg Celsius ALL YEAR ROUND. That is almost unheard of in this part of the world. Bandung is constantly cool since it's located in the mountains. 

Source: www.indonesialogue.com

Source: advisortravelguide.com

For those of you who know me, you'll know that I went to South Korea last summer for four weeks on an language immersion programme in Yonsei University. It was by far the longest trip I've ever had, not to mention one of the best and happiest times of my life. Since we had lessons and homestay programmes, we mainly hung around Seoul, but I managed to extend my trip last-minute for several days after the programme ended to travel in Busan! (Love spontaneity.) 

Even after covering a number of places and staying in Korea for nearly a month, I didn't visit Jeju Island because I was cash-strapped. So when I Googled Jeju Island, I immediately regretted not going there. I mean, I've heard that Jeju was gorgeous, but certainly not to this extent! I mean, LOOK AT IT.  

Source: www.lovethesepics.com

If I could turn back time, I would have somehow squeezed Jeju into my itinerary. And since I returned from Korea barely nine months ago, it looks like I won't be going there anytime soon. Regrets :( 

Source: beautyfindsforme.wordpress.com

Source: www.tourismtasmania.com.au

Okay, I cheated on this one. Tasmania isn't a part of Asia (although it's a part of Australasia, so does that count? :x). I have been to Australia more times than any other country (save for Malaysia), and Tasmania is one of the few major places I have yet to cover. Known for its lush scenery and rich wildlife, it certainly bodes for a lovely sight!

Source: www.brandtasmania.com

As someone who loves nature, coming here would be bliss :) I can go on as many nature trails/hikes/treks as I want and get my fill of nature here. And to see the real-life Tasmanian Devil! If you aren't the nature sort like me, you could always stop over at Sydney after Tasmania, since they are fairly close by! And there's loads to do in Sydney. 

(Just a random word of advice for anyone who's planning on going to Australia: winter is best, since the temperature is a comfortable 16-20 deg Celsius. The summer heat will simply smother you - temperatures can hit 38 deg, no joke. And you thought Singapore was hot, eh?)

And that concludes my list! Writing about these places has undoubtedly helped to improve my mood, even if it doesn't change the fact that I can't go on a vacation anytime soon. Someday, someday, it will happen. 

Until then.

Yours Truly,
Viv

Edit: I kept to my promise of writing something more lighthearted with pictures, didn't I? ;) There'll be many more interesting things to come, I promise.