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After exploring Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness, we thought our impromptu weekend Scotland road trip was coming to an end. Our home in Bedford was waiting hundreds of miles to the south, but there was still one more itch to scratch. We were not ready to leave Scotland behind just yet. Before beginning the long drive home back to England, we decided to squeeze in one final castle. What followed involved a wrong turn, an unexpected visit to one of Britain's most famous luxury hotels, and the discovery of a remarkably preserved medieval fortress that became the perfect final chapter of our Scottish adventure. Built around 1280 by John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, Inverlochy Castle is one of Scotland's best-preserved medieval castles, in the sense that it has never really been renovated, meaning it is as close to the original as you can get. Almost hidden beside the River Lochy, near Fort William, its thick stone walls have survived remarkably intact for more than seven centuries, witnessing battles, changing dynasties, and the turbulent history of the Highlands. When we visited in April 2019, the castle was completely free to explore and open to the public. Today, however, access has been restricted while Historic Environment Scotland carries out safety inspections, making our visit feel even more special in hindsight. In this guide, we share our experience visiting Inverlochy Castle during our Scotland road trip, including the amusing story of accidentally arriving at Inverlochy Castle Hotel first. We also look at the fascinating history behind one of Scotland's oldest surviving castles, practical visitor information, and why this atmospheric ruin became one of the most memorable stops of our journey through the Highlands. In This Post... ● Our Highlights ● The History ● 10 Interesting Facts ● Ticket Information ● Open Hours & When to Go ● How to Get There See More... ● Where to Stay ● Tips for Visiting ● Our Experience Rating ● FAQ ● Related Reads ● Travel Resources Our Highlights Stretching our legs along the peaceful banks of the River Lochy before diving into the history. By the time we reached Inverlochy Castle, we had already spent days exploring some of Scotland's most fascinating historic places. From the historic streets of Edinburgh and the mysteries of Rosslyn to the castles of the Cairngorms, the royal grounds of Balmoral, the dramatic viewpoints of the Highlands, and the iconic ruins of Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, this journey had already given us countless unforgettable memories. ⪢ The Castle We Nearly Missed Stepping inside the remarkably preserved medieval layout after eventually tracking down the actual ruins. The most memorable part of our visit happened before we even reached the castle. Like many visitors, we entered "Inverlochy Castle" into our GPS and followed the directions. Before long, we found ourselves pulling into the grounds of the luxurious Inverlochy Castle Hotel. The surroundings were beautiful, but something felt wrong. Where was the medieval castle? After wandering around briefly and realizing we were definitely not in the right place, we returned to the car and continued searching. At the time, Google Maps was not as clear as it is today Eventually, we found ourselves traveling down a narrow country lane with woodland on one side, a cemetery on the other, and a small bridge crossing the River Lochy before finally arriving at the actual castle. ⪢ Exploring the Atmospheric Ruins The towering curtain walls and surviving structures are still surprisingly imposing when you're standing right in the center of the ruins, given their age and condition. What was most surprising, however, was not the history but the mood of the place. Inverlochy Castle was worn yet seemed far bigger than we had imagined. Much of the upper structure has long since vanished and the corner towers are only remnants of their former glory, but the size is still obvious. We were surprised by the thickness of the walls and the amount of stone that persists after more than seven centuries, next to the imposing curtain walls. One thing that really stuck out to us was that the arched entranceway is in amazing shape. Walking beneath it was like stepping into another age, especially when we knew that hundreds of years before us, the same entrance would have been trodden by generations of troops, lords, merchants and visitors. Also, there was something unexpectedly romantic about the castle. There were no crowds, no ticket office, and no one else in sight as far as we could remember, and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. Ancient ruins, Highland scenery, and the serene River Lochy flowing close by provided a peaceful, introspective environment. Walking through the vacant courtyard and around the external walls, we couldn’t help but think what a lovely setting it would make for a wedding! ⪢ Walking the Outer Walls and Riverbank Getting a sense of the true scale of the fortress from outside the curtain walls. Most visitors understandably focus on the castle itself, but for us, roaming around the outside of the walls was just as memorable. The River Lochy runs along the ruins, and it is well worth taking the time to walk right around the outer circumference of the castle for a very different view. It is considerably easier to comprehend the real scale of the stronghold from beyond the walls. The stone curtain walls tower above the surrounding terrain, providing a glimpse of how intimidating Inverlochy must have looked to anybody coming in medieval times. We went across the grounds, pausing to see various views of the castle. One minute we were staring up at the remaining towers and picturing what the fortress may have been like in its glory days. Next we were near the still waters of the river, watching the reflections, the foliage, and the tranquil Highland environment. It also happened to be one of the quietest castle visits of our entire Scotland road trip. No crowds, no tour groups, no interruptions. You only hear the river, the odd song of a bird, and old stone walls standing silent against the background of the Highlands. ⪢ Ending Scotland on a High A unique vantage point from inside one of the castle's surviving 13th-century corner towers. There was something fitting about ending our Scotland road trip here. No crowds. No ticket office. No gift shop. Just ancient ruins, Highland scenery, and a sense of quiet reflection before beginning the long drive south. There is a serene beauty to Inverlochy that is easy to comprehend once you are standing there yourself. The Epic History of Inverlochy Castle The strategic riverside positioning of the castle walls, built to guard the southern gateway to the Great Glen. Inverlochy Castle was built approximately in 1280 by John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, one of the most powerful of the medieval Scottish nobles. The Comyn family was one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the realm, and Inverlochy was part of a bigger network of castles, which helped to consolidate their rule across Scotland. The position of the castle was purposeful. It was at the southern gateway to the Great Glen, overlooking the River Lochy, and guarded an important route through the Highlands used by traders, travelers, and armies. Inverlochy is unlike a lot of Scottish castles in that it was built with a unique quadrangular form with four massive towers on the corners joined by thick curtain walls. The walls, around 10 meters high, were built to withstand the tactics of medieval warfare, such as the use of scaling ladders and direct attacks. ⪢ The First Battle of Inverlochy (1297) Inverlochy became entangled in the battle between Scotland and England in the Wars of Scottish Independence. In 1297 soldiers loyal to William Wallace clashed with allies of the English monarch near the castle in what became known as the First Battle of Inverlochy. ⪢ The Wars of Independence Scotland was at war for the first half of the 14th century. Their struggle with Robert the Bruce eventually saw the Comyn family ousted from power. Bruce established control of Scotland and in the process conquered or destroyed many Comyn castles. Inverlochy survived remarkably well. ⪢ The Second Battle of Inverlochy (1645) Three centuries later Inverlochy was again the scene of battle. The Marquis of Montrose won one of the most famous triumphs in Scottish military history in the Second Battle of Inverlochy, 1645, in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Outnumbered, Montrose's men were quite effective, winning a decisive Highland victory over the Covenanter army. ⪢ Victorian Interest Like many Scottish ruins, Inverlochy was of increased interest in the Victorian era. It had a lovely look, which appealed to tourists, and even in 1873 plans were made for a visit of Queen Victoria. However, the histories suggest that the queen was less than impressed than was expected and said there was little to see. Modern tourists, we for one, could dispute that! No disrespect to the queen's opinion, of course. Each to their own and all that! 10 Interesting Facts About Inverlochy Castle 1. Inverlochy Castle was built around 1280: The castle was constructed by John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, during a period when powerful Scottish noble families competed for influence and control throughout the kingdom. More than 700 years later, much of that original structure still survives. 2. It is one of Scotland's best-preserved medieval castles: Unlike many Scottish castles that were extensively rebuilt, modernized, or converted into stately homes, Inverlochy retains much of its original medieval layout, allowing visitors to experience a fortress that looks remarkably similar to how it would have appeared centuries ago. 3. Three battles were fought around the castle: Its strategic position at the southern entrance to the Great Glen made Inverlochy an important military stronghold. Over the centuries, three separate battles took place in the surrounding area, including the famous Battle of Inverlochy in 1645. 4. The castle once controlled a vital Highland route: Anyone travelling through the Great Glen during the medieval period would have passed near Inverlochy. The castle's location allowed its owners to monitor movement, trade, and military activity through one of Scotland's most important natural corridors. 5. The walls were designed to defeat medieval siege tactics: Standing approximately ten meters high, the angled curtain walls were specifically built to make scaling ladders less effective. Even today, their sheer size and thickness remain one of the most impressive aspects of the castle. 6. Inverlochy was home to one of Scotland's most powerful families: The Comyn family ranked among the most influential noble dynasties in medieval Scotland. Their extensive network of castles helped them secure political power across large parts of the country before their eventual downfall during the Wars of Scottish Independence. 7. Archaeologists have uncovered medieval artifacts on the site: Discoveries at Inverlochy have included armor-piercing arrowheads, riding spurs, and other objects dating back to the 1200s and early 1300s, providing valuable insight into life within the castle during its active years. 8. Queen Victoria visited the castle area in 1873: Like many Victorian travelers, Queen Victoria was fascinated by Scotland's romantic ruins. Although preparations were made for her visit, historical accounts suggest she was less impressed than expected and reportedly remarked that there was little left to see. 9. Many visitors accidentally end up at the wrong castle: The nearby Inverlochy Castle Hotel is one of Britain's most prestigious luxury hotels, and its similar name often causes confusion. We made exactly the same mistake before eventually finding the medieval ruins we were actually looking for. 10. Our visit captured a piece of history that can currently not be experienced: When we visited in April 2019, visitors could freely walk through the ruins, climb sections of the surviving towers, and explore the grounds. Since 2022, access has been restricted due to safety concerns, making our experience a glimpse into a version of Inverlochy that many travelers cannot enjoy at this time. Ticket Information When we visited in April 2019, entry was completely free. There was no ticket office, visitor centre, or payment required. Visitors could simply park nearby and explore at their own pace. ⚠️ At the time of writing, access to the castle remains restricted due to safety concerns. Always check the official Historic Environment Scotland website before traveling. Open Hours & When to Go We visited around 4pm on a spring afternoon, and the combination of soft light, dark clouds, and near-total silence made the experience particularly memorable. Opening Hours When access is permitted, Inverlochy Castle is generally accessible throughout daylight hours. Best Time to Visit 🌸 Spring (March-May): Fresh greenery, fewer visitors, and excellent photography conditions. 🔆 Summer (June-August): Long daylight hours and warmer temperatures. 🍂 Autumn (September-November): Atmospheric colors and quieter surroundings. ❄️ Winter (December-February): Dramatic skies but shorter daylight hours. How to Get There Inverlochy Castle is located just outside the town of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, a short distance from the A82. To get there, you will turn off the main road and follow a quiet country lane, passing a cemetery on one side and woodland on the other before crossing a small bridge over the River Lochy. By Car (Best Option) If you're traveling by car, Inverlochy Castle is around a 5-minute drive from Fort William, approximately 2.5 hours from Glasgow, and around 3 hours from Edinburgh. Having your own vehicle is by far the easiest way to explore this part of the Highlands, especially if you're combining the castle with other attractions along the A82. ⪢ Parking Free parking is available out-front, but spaces are limited. Car Rental If you want more flexibility on your trip, consider renting a car or scooter from nearby Fort William. We recommend comparing options and booking through Rentalcars.com for a wide range of trusted providers. By Public Transport Fort William railway station and bus services provide connections from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness. From Fort William, a taxi is the most practical option 🎟️ More Things to Do Near Inverlochy Castle While Inverlochy Castle itself does not offer guided tours, Fort William is one of the most popular adventure bases in the Highlands. You can explore Ben Nevis, take boat trips on nearby waters, or discover more of the dramatic scenery surrounding the Great Glen. Contact Information for Inverlochy Castle Address Fort William PH33 6TF, United Kingdom Website historicenvironment.scot/inverlochy Where to Stay Widely regarded as one of the finest luxury hotels in the United Kingdom, Inverlochy Castle Hotel occupies a beautiful estate near the medieval ruins. Although we mistakenly arrived there while searching for the castle itself, the impressive grounds and Highland setting made the detour worthwhile. For travelers seeking a luxury stay near Fort William, this hotel remains one of Scotland's most prestigious experiences. If you would prefer somewhere else, there are a number of good options in nearby Lochyside, which is just a 3-minute drive from the castle. Use our interactive map below to search and compare options from top providers in the area. Tips for Visiting Here are a few practical tips to help you on your way: ● Check access restrictions before traveling if you are hoping to go inside. Access has been restricted for several years due to safety concerns. ● Visit during daylight hours for the best photography. The ruins are unsurprisingly photogenic. ● 30-45 minutes should be plenty of time to allow for a comfortable visit. ● Walk around the outside of the walls as well as viewing the interior. ● Spend time along the River Lochy. It is a beautiful stroll, especially if the weather is on your side. ● Wear suitable footwear, especially if paths are wet. Pathways are uneven in areas. ● Combine Inverlochy with a visit to Fort William or Glen Coe if you are on a day out. ● Don't confuse the castle with Inverlochy Castle Hotel like we did, although it is worth checking out the grounds if you do! ● Take time to appreciate the scale of the epic castle walls. Their survival after more than 700 years is really remarkable. Our Experience Rating: Old Inverlochy Castle Inverlochy Castle was not the grandest castle we visited in Scotland, nor was it the most famous. Yet there was something about it that stayed with us long after we left. Perhaps it was the silence. Perhaps it was the knowledge that much of what we were seeing had stood here since the 13th century. Or perhaps it was simply the feeling of stumbling across a place that most travellers seem to overlook. The castle felt larger than expected, more atmospheric than anticipated, and surprisingly romantic thanks to the complete lack of crowds. Walking through the ruins, climbing a small section of one surviving tower, and standing beside the River Lochy gave us a genuine sense of connection to the site's history. As the final stop of our Scotland road trip, Inverlochy could not have been more fitting. It was quiet, authentic, and memorable. A really nice place to reflect on an unforgettable journey before the long drive home! For more inspiration, browse our complete collection of Scotland travel guides and road trip stories. FAQ: Inverlochy Castle Where is Inverlochy Castle? Inverlochy Castle is located near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands beside the River Lochy. Who built Inverlochy Castle? The castle was built around 1280 by John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch. Is Inverlochy Castle older than Urquhart Castle? Both castles have medieval origins, though Inverlochy's surviving structure largely dates from the late 13th century. Is Inverlochy Castle currently open? Access has been restricted since 2022 due to safety inspections. Check current information before visiting. Is there an entry fee? Historically, entry was free when the castle was accessible. How long should I spend there? Around 30-45 minutes is usually sufficient. Can you climb the towers? When we visited in 2019, access to parts of the towers was possible. Current restrictions prevent this. What battles took place at Inverlochy? Three battles are associated with the site, including the famous 1645 Battle of Inverlochy. Is Inverlochy Castle Hotel the same place? No. The luxury hotel and medieval castle are separate locations, 2 miles apart. Is Inverlochy Castle worth visiting? Absolutely. Even with current restrictions, the castle remains one of Scotland's most atmospheric medieval ruins and an important part of Highland history. Related Reads Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness: Ruins, Rivalries, and Dramatic Views Our final major castle stop before reaching Fort William and Inverlochy. Driving Through the Cairngorms? Do Not Skip Braemar Castle An often-overlooked Highland castle that surprised us during our road trip. Balmoral Castle: Scotland's Royal Highland Retreat Discover the famous royal residence nestled within the Cairngorms. Historic Edinburgh: Our Story in Scotland's Magical Gothic Capital City The starting point of our unforgettable journey through Scotland. Travel Resources

For independent ESL tutors, navigating platform changes can feel like walking through a house of mirrors. Hi, it's Jenn here! If you don't know us, Leon and I are both 4+ year veterans of Cambly who have held Super Tutor status throughout our entire time on the platform. Recently, Cambly introduced a stark division between its legacy Private+ subscription and its premium Cambly Pro tier. For many veteran tutors, this change brought an immediate wave of anxiety: a noticeable drop in raw booking frequency and a sudden "disappearance" from the search dashboards of long-term regular students. If you finally got the invite and clicked "accept" to become a Cambly Pro tutor... congratulations! But now what? How do you actually make it work when your calendar suddenly feels quiet? Hi, it's Jenn here! Leon and I are actually both 4+ year veterans of Cambly. We have both held Super Tutor status and maintained sky-high stats throughout our entire time on the platform, giving us a front-row seat to how this split looks from both sides of the fence. Back when Pro first launched, I was personally offered the position by Cambly during the exclusive BETA phase. Today, things look a little different. Cambly has rolled out a formal application process, but the mechanics under the hood remain exactly the same. Let’s look at my real runtime data from February to June 2026 to see how the algorithm actually behaves, and then dive into the step-by-step blueprint of how to master the transition. Important Disclaimer Cambly regularly updates its platform, tutor requirements, search algorithms, and student offerings. The observations, strategies, and earnings data shared in this article are based on our personal experiences as Cambly tutors between February and June 2026. Results will vary depending on your location, availability, teaching style, student demand, and future platform changes. Nothing in this article should be viewed as an official statement from Cambly. Instead, think of it as a practical field guide from two tutors who have spent more than four years navigating the platform's ups and downs. In This Post... ● What Is Cambly Pro? ● Pro vs Private+ At a Glance ● Work Less, Make the Same? ● Pro Entry Requirements ● Cracking the Pro Code See More... ● Should You Reconsider Pro? ● The Final Takeaway ● Related Reads ● Lifestyle Resources What Is Cambly Pro? For those who are new to the platform or recently received an invitation, it helps to understand exactly what Cambly Pro is before diving into the numbers. Cambly Pro is Cambly's premium tutoring tier, designed primarily for professionals, executives, business learners, and corporate clients seeking a more tailored learning experience. Tutors accepted into Cambly Pro receive a higher hourly rate than standard Private+ lessons, but they also operate within a separate student ecosystem. This means the students who can find and book you are often different from those using the standard Cambly subscription. The result is a very different marketplace. Many tutors initially see fewer bookings after making the switch, but the higher hourly rate and different student demographic can create a more efficient path to the same income level. Cambly Pro vs Private+ At a Glance The most important thing to understand is that neither tier is necessarily "better." They simply reward different teaching strategies and different definitions of success. The Data Truth: Work Less, Make the Same? When I first transitioned, I panicked. I went from a completely jammed calendar of Private+ regulars to seeing empty slots. But look at what happens when you let the system adjust. Before Pro, I was on a high-volume grind. I had to sit in my chair for 72.90 hours over 3 weeks just to pull in $743.55, averaging a volume-driven $10.20 an hour. Fast forward to my recent weekly numbers after intentionally limiting my Private+ slots to make room for Pro: Look at that math. To make $305 in my old Private+ days, I would have had to grind out 30 full hours of back-to-back talking! By making space for Pro, I hit my $300+ weekly goal in just 23.8 hours. I bought myself back 6 hours of my life in a single week without taking a pay cut. The empty slots aren't a failure; they are premium availability. Read on for your step-by-step tutorial on how to get accepted, optimize your profile, and make Cambly Pro a massive success. The Cambly Pro Entry Requirements If you weren't part of the initial BETA group, Cambly now allows you to express your interest through a formal application form. However, filling out the form just gets your profile reviewed and added to a "waiting pool" of tutors who are invited based on platform availability and regional student demographics. To even get your foot in the door for a review, your tutor stats must meet these strict baseline metrics: ● 99%+ positive reviews ● 98%+ attendance ● Account in Good Standing: You cannot be on probation. ● 5+ repeat learners for the 3 most recent complete months ● A Complete Profile: An up-to-date profile photo, video, and bio. 💡 Not on Cambly yet? If you stumbled onto this guide and aren't an active tutor yet, you'll need a standard account before applying for Pro. Anyone can share these, but if you found our data-driven breakdown helpful, you can use our Cambly Tutor Referral Link to start your application. It supports the blog at no extra cost to you, and we truly appreciate the love! Your Step-by-Step Blueprint to Cracking the Pro Code The un-gatekeeping guide to managing the marketplace shift, keeping your favorite regulars, and getting the algorithm on your side. ⪢ Step 1: Understand the Marketplace Shockwave (The Split) When Cambly built this hard tier wall, it triggered a massive redistribution of students across the platform. Because veteran Pro profiles are hidden from NEW standard Private+ students, those legacy regulars had to go somewhere. ● The Private+ Side Effect: Tutors who stay exclusively on the standard Private+ tier (like Leon saw on his end) actually experienced a noticeable increase in bookings. They suddenly inherited a huge wave of orphaned Private+ students who could no longer access or search for their old Pro-converted favorites. ● The Takeaway: The students are still there; they’ve just been re-sorted. If you are on Pro, you must look forward and let the algorithm fill your gaps with the new corporate demographic. ⪢ Step 2: Utilize the "Regulars" Loophole (The Ultimate Pro Tip) The system is designed to hide your profile from standard users, but there is a major workaround built into the student description dashboard that you need to use before you transition. ● The Pro Move: Go into your student list right now and ensure that you have checked the "Regular Student" box in the description area for all your favorite learners. Cambly allows you to keep ALL students that you explicitly tick as regular. Ticking this box effectively grandfathers them in, allowing you to pull your loyal community over with you to your Pro calendar when you get accepted. ⪢ Step 3: Fix the "Invisible Search Filter" for New Regulars If you forget to tick that box, or if a standard student wants to find you later, Cambly’s pricing wall means you simply won't show up in their public search grid. Your regulars will message you saying, "I search your name and you're gone!" ● What to do: Bypass the search engine entirely. Send your students your direct calendar link via the chat box. ● The Save: Have them "favorite" your profile while they are actively sitting in a lesson with you. Favorited connections bypass the tier-wall filters on student dashboards. ⪢ Step 4: Build Your Algorithmic Armor (Protect Your Attendance) Cambly's backend algorithm heavily penalizes cancellations, lateness, or missed slots because it ruins the experience for high-paying corporate clients. If you want the system to automatically feed you premium students, you have to be an ironclad safe bet. ● What to do: Show up. Keep an unblemished record. Out of 277 Pro lessons I’ve completed since February, I have maintained a flawless 100% attendance rate. Because of that, the algorithm loves me. When a high-value student logs on for an impulsive booking or an assessment, the system pushes my profile straight to the top of their queue. ⪢ Step 5: Shift Your Mindset from "Professor" to "Elite Peer" Cambly markets Pro to corporate students as a highly academic tier. Do not let this intimidate you into thinking you need to teach like a rigid university professor. ● What to do: Relax. The mechanics of the classroom are exactly the same. Pro students are usually high-earning professionals, tech executives, and business travelers. They are exhausted after work. They don't want a grammar lecture; they want an articulate conversational partner who can match their pace, understand business context, and naturally correct their idioms. Be an elite conversational peer, not a taskmaster. ⪢ Step 6: Navigate the "Priority Hour Dilemma" The absolute ultimate loophole in the Cambly backend is the Priority Hour (PH), but it comes with a catch. While your reservation calendar keeps standard and Pro students strictly separated, turning on a PH turns on a sitewide beacon that overrides the tier walls because Cambly promises instant connections to anyone online. ● The Dilemma: If a Pro student calls you during that hour, you get your premium $15/hr rate. But because the filter drops, a standard Private+ student can also click your profile, which drops your pay back down to the standard $10.20/hr rate. ● How to play it: Use PH strictly as an automated backfill mechanism. Fill your calendar with Pro reservations first. If a slot sits empty and you want to guarantee you aren't sitting there earning zero, turn on the PH. It ensures your chair is filled and your time is compensated, even if it occasionally defaults to the standard rate. Who Should Think Twice Before Joining Pro? While Cambly Pro has been a positive move for me, it isn't automatically the right choice for every tutor. You may prefer remaining on Private+ if: ● You already have a completely full calendar and are happy with your current earnings. ● Most of your students are casual conversational learners who may not upgrade to Pro. ● You enjoy teaching a large volume of lessons rather than maximizing hourly efficiency. ● You rely heavily on Priority Hours as your primary source of bookings. ● You prefer a wider variety of students and conversation topics. ● You are uncomfortable discussing business, professional development, workplace communication, or executive-level topics. The good news is that neither path is wrong. As Leon and I have seen firsthand, both sides of the marketplace can be highly profitable when you understand how the system works. The Final Takeaway Transitioning to Cambly Pro requires a total paradigm shift. If your only metric for success is a chaotic, back-to-back calendar, the initial quietness will scare you. The Pro student pool behaves differently; they take breaks, freeze accounts, and "tutor shop" heavily when they first sign up. But if your metric for success is making the exact same money while saving hours of physical labor, the Pro tier is a game-changer. Whether you embrace Pro for the higher hourly rate or stick to Private+ to scoop up the massive wave of displaced standard students, the key is to understand the algorithm and play it to your advantage. Protect your metrics, tag your regulars early, manage your calendar slots with intention, and let the system work for you. We've earned our stripes over 4 years... now let's reap the rewards! Related Reads Is Full-Time Travel as Good as It Sounds? The realities, rewards, and challenges of building a location-independent lifestyle. Full-Time Travel & Print-on-Demand: How alternative income streams can support long-term travel goals. Our Story: Four Years of Full-Time Travel How we built a lifestyle around flexibility, remote work, and adventure. Earn Money Online While Traveling Practical ideas for funding travel through remote and location-independent work. Lifestyle Resources

Singapore felt unlike anywhere else we had experienced in Southeast Asia. What surprised us most was how easy the city felt to explore despite its size and reputation. One moment we were standing beneath glowing Supertrees surrounded by futuristic skylines; the next, we were wandering through incense-filled streets lined with temples, colorful murals, and the aromas of freshly prepared food. In Singapore, modern MRT stations connect seamlessly with cultural districts, rooftop viewpoints, gardens, shopping streets, and waterfront promenades, making the city-state one of the most accessible and visually striking places we have visited. Whether you are visiting for a stopover, a longer Southeast Asia trip, or simply looking to experience one of Asia’s most modern destinations, Singapore offers an incredible balance of architecture, culture, food, nature, and entertainment. In this guide, we share some of our favorite experiences in Singapore, from skyline views at Marina Bay and the famous Spectra light show to Gardens by the Bay, Little India, hidden nature escapes, and unique spots like Cafe Monochrome. We also cover practical travel tips, transport advice, where to stay, and helpful information for planning your own Singapore itinerary. The iconic Marina Bay Sands, as seen from Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. In This Post... ● Our Highlights ● Top Singapore Attractions ● The History ● Interesting Facts ● Best Time to Visit ● How to Get There See More... ● Where to Stay ● Tips for Visiting ● Our Experience Rating ● FAQ ● Related Reads ● Travel Resources Our Highlights Some of our most favorite things to do in Singapore happened after dark! The city truly comes alive at night, and as one of the safest cities in the world, we had no issue exploring late into the evening. One of the most memorable evenings of our time in the Lion City was watching the skyline light up around Marina Bay and the Spectra water and light show reflecting across the harbor. For us, Gardens by the Bay also lived up to its hype. It was surreal to lay down and see the Supertrees all lit up against the night sky, with the free Garden Rhapsody light show well worth the pre-show scramble for viewing spots. The futuristic architecture is great, but we also loved how fast Singapore can change its mood. Within the space of a day we had moved from the modern waterfront around Marina Bay Sands to the colorful streets and temples of Little India, not to mention starting the day at one of the city’s quirky themed cafes. We were also impressed by how easy it was to get around Singapore. The MRT was clean, efficient, affordable, and made getting around the city almost effortless. Singapore is totally a walkable city too, if that is your thing. The number of things on offer for free in the city-state is also impressive. Wandering through Chinatown at night, exploring hawker centers, discovering hidden temples between skyscrapers, and walking the Marina Bay waterfront were particular highlights. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown particularly stood out to us. The temple was a quiet counterpoint to the busy streets, food stalls, and modern buildings around it, and it feels like an integral part of Singaporean cultural identity. We also loved how easy it was to fill entire evenings without spending much money at all. Between Marina Bay, Spectra, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and the city’s famous hawker centers, Singapore constantly felt alive even outside its major ticketed attractions. 💡 Before planning your trip, our free Singapore Travel Essentials guide covers transport, connectivity, local customs, visas, currency, and practical travel information for first-time visitors. Top Singapore Attractions & Experiences From world-famous architectural marvels to vibrant historic neighborhoods, Singapore packs an incredible amount of diversity into a compact space. Below, we break down the absolute best things to see, do, and experience across the city. In This Section... ● Gardens by the Bay ● Free Light & Water Show ● Marina Bay Sands SkyPark ● Little India ● Cafe Monochrome ● Singapore Botanic Gardens ● Zoo & Night Safari ● Mandai Wildlife Reserve ● Kampong Glam & Arab St ● MacRitchie Reservoir ● Sentosa Island ● Shopping at Orchard Road Gardens by the Bay The spectacular Supertrees lit up for the nightly Garden Rhapsody light show at Gardens by the Bay. Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions, and honestly, it deserves its reputation. The futuristic Supertrees rising above the skyline create one of the most recognizable scenes in the city, particularly once the evening lights begin to illuminate the gardens. Walking through the park during the day offers a completely different atmosphere compared to visiting at night. By the time we reached the Cloud Forest conservatory, the 90% humidity had completely wiped us out. Walking inside felt like stepping into an air-conditioned paradise, and we easily spent two hours just cooling down by the indoor waterfall. For us, the highlight was staying for the Garden Rhapsody light show. Watching the Supertrees glow against the skyline while music echoed through the gardens felt like stepping into a futuristic film set! You can read more in our guide to the Gardens by the Bay light show. Spectra Light & Water Show at Marina Bay Sands One of the best free experiences in Singapore was the Spectra Light and Water Show at Marina Bay Sands. As darkness falls, the Marina Bay waterfront transforms into a huge open-air light display featuring lasers, fountains, projections, and reflections across the harbor. The atmosphere around the bay becomes incredibly lively, with people gathering along the promenade to watch the skyline come alive. We found the best experience came from arriving early and slowly walking around the waterfront before the show began. Seeing Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum, and the surrounding skyline gradually light up was just as memorable as the show itself. If you enjoy city skylines and night photography, this is one of the best places in Singapore to experience both. You can read more in our guide to the 2 Epic Free Light Shows in Singapore. Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Few places showcase Singapore’s futuristic skyline better than Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. Sitting high above the city, the observation deck offers sweeping views across Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer, and the surrounding skyline. Visiting during late afternoon allows you to experience both daylight and the transition into night, when the city becomes even more impressive. Although the ticket price is higher than many viewpoints in Southeast Asia, the perspective across Singapore is genuinely spectacular, especially for first-time visitors. Read our honest thoughts of whether the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark is worth the price. Little India & Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple Vibrant festive decorations and bustling street scenes in the heart of Little India. Little India felt like entering a completely different side of Singapore. The district is filled with vibrant murals, colorful shopfronts, temples, flower garlands, street food aromas, and busy local markets. One of the highlights was visiting Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples. The intricate exterior details and atmosphere inside created a sharp contrast to the modern skyline surrounding much of the city. Walking through Little India at night was especially memorable, with lights, sounds, and restaurants creating a completely different energy compared to Marina Bay. Read about our temple visit in our Little India & Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple Guide. Chinatown & Hawker Centers Stepping into Chinatown, where historic lantern-lined streets meet the modern downtown skyline. Chinatown quickly became one of our favorite places to explore in Singapore, especially in the evenings when the streets, markets, temples, and food stalls seemed most alive. This area combines traditional architecture, streets lined with lanterns, modern cafes, and bustling hawker centers, all within walking distance of the downtown skyline. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple was one of those and was especially impressive for us. It was actually the first temple we visited, and its striking size and appearance are mirrored by the giant golden Buddha inside it. A must-see! We also found ourselves returning to the hawker centers around Chinatown. Some of the best moments in Singapore were simply sitting down to some cheap local food. And don't be fooled by 'cheap' as a slant on quality. In fact, it was in these affordable community hawker centers that we tried some of the best food of our Singapore experience! Cafe Monochrome Cafe Monochrome ended up being one of the quirkiest places we visited in Singapore. Designed entirely in black and white, the café creates the illusion of stepping inside a two-dimensional cartoon sketch. Even simple things like tables, cups, and walls appear hand-drawn. It was a fun contrast to the sleek modernity found elsewhere in the city and added a lighter, more playful side to our Singapore experience. If you enjoy unusual cafés or photography spots, it is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. You can also read our full Cafe Monochrome Singapore review Singapore Botanic Gardens The peaceful walking paths and lush greenery inside the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens. Singapore Botanic Gardens offers a quieter side to the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts nature lovers and casual visitors equally. Although much of Singapore is modern and fast-paced, the gardens offer open green spaces, shaded walking paths, lakes, and collections of tropical plants that feel worlds away from the surrounding skyline. The National Orchid Garden was especially impressive, with hundreds of varieties of orchids on display in well-landscaped settings. Mornings here are very nice before the heat and humidity set in later in the day. Singapore Zoo & Night Safari Singapore Zoo and Night Safari are still two of the city’s best-known wildlife attractions. The zoo's open enclosure concept creates a more natural feel than traditional zoo layouts, and the Night Safari offers a completely different atmosphere after dark. In particular, the Night Safari has a unique ambiance, with the low jungle lighting and sounds of the forest and nocturnal animals moving through the darkness on either side of the tram routes and walking trails. These attractions are particularly popular with families but can get extremely busy during holidays and weekends. Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve replaced the old Jurong Bird Park and now houses Singapore’s famous bird collection within large immersive aviaries. Walk-through habitats let visitors see flamingos, hornbills, parrots, and other species in more natural settings that try to mimic different ecosystems. Landscaped pathways and open aviaries make it less of a traditional bird park and more of an interactive nature experience. Kampong Glam & Arab Street Kampong Glam is one of the most visually interesting neighborhoods in Singapore, mixing together history, street art, cafes, boutique shops, and Malay heritage. The area is dominated by the golden dome of Sultan Mosque, and nearby Arab Street is lined with colorful murals, textile shops, restaurants, and independent stores. This part of the city was much more laid back than Marina Bay and Orchard Road and a great area to wander around without a plan. MacRitchie Reservoir Tranquil waters and forest trails at MacRitchie Reservoir, a perfect escape from the urban hustle. One of the biggest surprises of our time in Singapore was MacRitchie Reservoir. It’s right in the middle of a big city, but incredibly quiet once you get into the forest trails. The TreeTop Walk suspension bridge offers elevated views over the rainforest canopy, and the surrounding trails provide opportunities to see monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. It’s a welcome change from the city skyline and a reminder of how much greenery Singapore still retains despite its urban density. Sentosa Island The tropical beaches and scenic suspension bridge await visitors on Sentosa Island. Sentosa Island offers a very different side of Singapore to the futuristic vibe around Marina Bay. Connected by bridge, monorail, and cable car, the island offers a range of beaches, attractions, waterfront walks, and entertainment venues in a relatively compact area. Indeed, the journey there is one of the most memorable parts of a visit to Sentosa. The cable car ride offers fantastic views back across Singapore’s skyline, harbor, and coastline, especially later in the day as the city starts to light up. Sentosa has the big attractions and resorts, but we enjoyed just slowing the pace down for a while and walking along the waterfront areas away from the busiest sections of the city. If you're in Singapore for a few days, Sentosa is a nice change of pace from days of sightseeing around Marina Bay and the cultural districts. Modern Shopping and Entertainment: Orchard Road Orchard Road reveals Singapore’s modern, polished side: a vast stretch of shopping malls, designer boutiques, cafes, hotels, and endless movement of crowds. Even for visitors not particularly keen on shopping, the area is still worth experiencing for the atmosphere alone. The underground walkways, the massive malls, and the bright streets appeared a world away from the cultural neighborhoods around Chinatown and Little India. In the evening the district comes alive as temperatures cool down a bit and the streets fill with people going shopping, eating out, and partying. Orchard Road is also known for its elaborate seasonal decorations and large-scale light displays during festive seasons, which completely transform the area after dark. A Brief History of Modern Singapore Singapore’s transformation into one of the world’s most modern cities is relatively recent. Originally a small fishing village, the island became strategically important during the British colonial era due to its location along major trading routes. Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a British trading post in 1819, helping the city rapidly grow into an important commercial hub connecting Europe and Asia. Following Japanese occupation during World War II and a brief merger with Malaysia, Singapore became fully independent in 1965. Under rapid modernization and economic development, the country transformed from a struggling port city into one of the world’s leading financial and technological centers. Today, Singapore is known for its modern skyline, efficient infrastructure, multicultural population, and reputation as one of the safest cities globally. 10 Interesting Facts About Singapore 1. Singapore Was Once a Fishing Village: Long before Singapore became known for futuristic skyscrapers and luxury hotels, it was originally a modest fishing village known as Temasek. Its strategic location along major trading routes gradually transformed it into an important port and commercial center connecting Asia with the rest of the world. 2. The Country Continues to Expand Its Land Area: One of the most surprising things about Singapore is that the country has physically increased its size through extensive land reclamation projects. Areas including parts of Marina Bay and Changi Airport were expanded using reclaimed land over several decades. 3. It Is One of the Greenest Cities in the World: Despite being one of the most densely populated countries globally, Singapore is filled with green spaces, rooftop gardens, tree-lined streets, and nature reserves. The city’s “Garden City” vision is visible almost everywhere, from vertical gardens on skyscrapers to huge public parks integrated into urban areas. 4. Chewing Gum Restrictions Still Exist: Singapore became internationally known for its strict chewing gum regulations introduced during the 1990s to help maintain cleanliness and protect public infrastructure such as MRT doors and stations. Although chewing gum is not completely banned today, restrictions still exist, and the story remains one of the country’s most famous cultural talking points among visitors. 5. Changi Airport Is an Attraction Itself: Singapore Changi Airport regularly ranks among the best airports in the world, and honestly, it feels more like a destination than a transport hub. Beyond the terminals, visitors can explore indoor gardens, entertainment areas, restaurants, shopping centers, and the spectacular HSBC Rain Vortex inside the Jewel complex. 6. Singapore Has Four Official Languages: Singapore officially recognizes English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil, reflecting the country’s multicultural population and history. English is widely spoken and used for business, transport, and education, making Singapore especially easy for international visitors to navigate. At the same time, walking through different neighborhoods reveals how strongly various cultural traditions and languages remain present across the city. 7. Marina Bay Was Largely Reclaimed Land: Much of the Marina Bay area seen today did not originally exist in its current form. Through decades of engineering and land reclamation, Singapore transformed parts of its coastline into the modern waterfront district now home to Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the city’s iconic skyline. 8. The Supertrees Are Environmentally Functional: The famous Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay are not simply designed for visual impact. Some of them generate solar energy, collect rainwater, and help support the cooling systems used throughout the gardens. This combination of sustainability and futuristic design is part of what makes Gardens by the Bay feel so uniquely “Singapore.” 9. Singapore Is One of the Safest Cities in Asia: Singapore is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in the world thanks to its low crime rates, strict laws, and strong public infrastructure. Walking around Marina Bay, Bugis, and other central districts late at night felt extremely comfortable during our visit. 10. The Merlion Is Singapore’s National Symbol: The Merlion, with its lion head and fish body, has become Singapore’s most recognizable national symbol. The fish represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village, while the lion references the country’s nickname, the “Lion City.” Best Time to Visit Singapore Singapore can be visited year round thanks to its consistently warm tropical climate. Unlike many destinations in Southeast Asia, temperatures remain fairly stable throughout the year, so the “best time” to visit often depends more on festivals, events, and the type of atmosphere you want to experience rather than dramatic seasonal weather changes. February to April These months are generally considered slightly drier, making them a good period for walking around Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and outdoor attractions. July to September This period is popular for major events including the Singapore Food Festival and the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, when the city becomes even more energetic after dark. November to January Rain showers become more frequent during these months, but festive decorations, Christmas displays, and New Year celebrations create a lively atmosphere across the city. Year Round Singapore is suitable to visit throughout the year, but visitors should always prepare for humidity, occasional heavy rain, and warm temperatures regardless of season. 💡 If possible, align your visit with major celebrations like Chinese New Year, Deepavali, or Hari Raya. Singapore’s multicultural festivals add a completely different energy to the city. How to Get There Singapore is one of the easiest destinations in Asia to reach and navigate thanks to its world-class airport, efficient public transport system, and compact city layout. Whether you are arriving internationally or exploring from elsewhere in Southeast Asia, getting around the city is generally straightforward and stress-free. ⪢ Getting to Singapore Flying to Singapore Most international visitors arrive through Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), regularly ranked among the best airports in the world. Changi connects Singapore with major cities across Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and North America, making it a major travel hub for the region. The airport itself feels more like a destination than a transport hub, with indoor gardens, shopping areas, restaurants, lounges, and the famous Jewel complex featuring the HSBC Rain Vortex waterfall. 💡 If you have a long layover in Singapore, Changi Airport is genuinely worth exploring rather than rushing straight into the city. Arriving Overland From Malaysia Singapore can also be reached overland from Malaysia via the Johor-Singapore Causeway or Second Link crossing. Many travelers arrive from: • Kuala Lumpur • Johor Bahru • Malacca Long-distance buses regularly operate between Malaysia and Singapore, while train connections continue to improve between the two countries. Border crossings can become busy during weekends and holidays, so extra time should be allowed when traveling overland. ⪢ Getting From Changi Airport to the City By MRT (Best Budget Option) Singapore’s MRT rail system is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to reach the city center from Changi Airport. From Changi Airport MRT Station, travelers usually transfer at Tanah Merah Station before continuing toward central areas such as: • Marina Bay • Bugis • City Hall • Orchard Road • Chinatown The journey into central Singapore typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your final stop. The MRT system is clean, air-conditioned, clearly signposted, and extremely easy to use even for first-time visitors. 💡 Tickets can be bought as single journeys, or tourists can use the Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel. By Taxi or Grab Taxis are widely available at Changi Airport and offer one of the most convenient ways to reach your accommodation, particularly after long flights or late-night arrivals. Grab, Southeast Asia’s popular ride-hailing app, is also commonly used throughout Singapore and generally worked very well during our visit. Travel times from the airport to Marina Bay or central Singapore are usually around: • 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic Airport surcharges may apply during certain hours. Private Transfers Private airport transfers are available for travelers wanting a smoother arrival experience, especially families, groups, or visitors carrying larger luggage. This can be useful if you are arriving during peak humidity or after a long international journey. ⪢ Getting Around Singapore MRT System The MRT became our main way of exploring the city. Stations are modern, efficient, affordable, and connect almost every major attraction, including: • Marina Bay Sands • Gardens by the Bay • Little India • Chinatown • Orchard Road • Bugis • Kampong Glam Most stations are also directly connected to shopping centers and underground walkways, which becomes especially useful during heavy rain or midday heat. 💡 Singapore’s humidity can become exhausting surprisingly quickly, so using MRT stations as cooling breaks throughout the day helps a lot. Using Contactless Payments & EZ-Link Cards Visitors can use: • EZ-Link transport cards • Singapore Tourist Passes • Contactless debit and credit cards across MRT and bus services. We found contactless payments particularly convenient because it removed the need to constantly top up cards during shorter stays. Driving in Singapore Although driving in Singapore is possible, most visitors will not need a car due to the efficiency of the public transport network. Parking costs, traffic management systems, and road pricing charges can make driving less practical compared to using MRT and Grab services. For most travelers, Singapore is best experienced on foot and through public transport rather than by car (in our humble opinion). 💡 If you plan on using public transport frequently, consider purchasing an EZ-Link card or using contactless payment methods for faster access across MRT and bus services. Where to Stay in Singapore Singapore offers everything from luxury waterfront hotels to capsule hostels and boutique stays. For first-time visitors, Marina Bay is one of the best locations thanks to its proximity to Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Spectra, and the city skyline. Bugis and Kampong Glam provide a slightly more local atmosphere with easier access to cafés, markets, and cultural neighborhoods, while Orchard Road is ideal for shopping-focused trips. Use the interactive map below to compare hotels and accommodation options across Singapore. Tips for Visiting Singapore Singapore is one of the easiest cities in Asia to navigate, but there are still a few things worth knowing before visiting. ● Weather & Humidity: The humidity can feel intense, especially during long walks around Marina Bay during midday. We found ourselves regularly stepping into MRT stations, shopping malls, and attractions simply to cool down for a few minutes. ● Getting around: Public transport is excellent and often faster than driving in busy areas. The MRT system is clean, affordable, air-conditioned, and easy to understand even for first-time visitors. ● Public etiquette: Singapore is also known for its strict rules around public behavior, cleanliness, and public spaces. In reality, most visitors will never encounter issues as long as they behave respectfully and follow common sense rules. ● Fines: Eating or drinking on the MRT, littering, vandalism, discarding gum inappropriately, and smoking in prohibited areas can lead to fines, so it is worth paying attention to local signage while exploring the city. The city’s strict regulations are a major reason public spaces remain so well maintained. ● Tray return system: In the city's famous hawker centers, after finishing meals, diners are expected to clear their trays and return them to designated collection points rather than leaving tables messy. Staff and signs regularly remind visitors about this, and it contributes to the cleanliness and organization that Singapore is known for. ● Free Experiences: Although Singapore has a reputation for being expensive, there are still many excellent free experiences, including Spectra, the Gardens by the Bay light show, Marina Bay walks, and cultural neighborhoods like Little India and Kampong Glam. ● Travel Insurance: If this is your first time visiting, travel insurance might not be something you’ve thought about, but it should be. It covers medical care, cancellations, and unexpected changes along the way. Learn more in our full Travel Insurance for Nomads guide. 💡 Singapore blends futuristic skylines, cultural districts, world-class attractions, and unforgettable night experiences into one of Asia’s most unique destinations. For more destinations and travel inspiration, explore our Singapore travel guides. Our Experience Rating Singapore completely exceeded our expectations. What stood out most was the contrast between futuristic architecture, green spaces, cultural districts, and the city’s incredible efficiency. Few destinations manage to combine modern skylines, nature, temples, shopping, food culture, and nightlife so seamlessly within such a compact area. The Marina Bay skyline at night remains one of our favorite cityscapes anywhere in the world, especially when combined with the Spectra and Gardens by the Bay light shows. Although accommodation and attraction prices can be higher compared to other Southeast Asian destinations, Singapore delivers an experience that genuinely feels unique. For first-time visitors to Asia, Singapore also works incredibly well as an introduction to the region thanks to its organization, transport system, cleanliness, and accessibility. 🎟️ Explore More of Singapore One of the easiest ways to experience Singapore is through its attractions, neighborhoods, and guided experiences. From skyline views and gardens to food tours and river cruises, there’s a lot to discover across the city in a short time. FAQ: Visiting Singapore Singapore is widely regarded as one of the easiest cities in the world to travel around, but visitors often have practical questions about costs, transportation, and attractions. These answers cover some of the most common things travelers want to know when planning a visit. Is Singapore worth visiting? Absolutely. Singapore offers a unique combination of futuristic architecture, cultural diversity, excellent transport, green spaces, and world-class attractions packed into a relatively compact city. How many days do you need in Singapore? Three to five days is usually enough to experience the major attractions, neighborhoods, gardens, light shows, and cultural districts without feeling rushed. Is Singapore expensive? Singapore is more expensive than many neighboring Southeast Asian countries, especially for hotels and attractions. However, affordable food courts, public transport, and free attractions help balance costs. What is the best area to stay in Singapore? Marina Bay is ideal for first-time visitors wanting skyline views and easy access to major attractions. Bugis, Kampong Glam, and Chinatown also offer excellent locations with slightly different atmospheres. Is Singapore safe for tourists? Singapore is widely considered one of the safest cities in the world, with low crime rates and excellent public infrastructure. Can you explore Singapore without a car? Yes. The MRT system makes it easy to explore almost every major attraction without needing to rent a vehicle. What is the best time to visit Singapore? February to April is often considered one of the better periods due to slightly lower rainfall, though Singapore remains warm and humid year round. Is Marina Bay Sands SkyPark worth visiting? If it fits your budget, yes. The views across the skyline, Marina Bay, and Gardens by the Bay are genuinely impressive, particularly around sunset. What should first-time visitors not miss? Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, Spectra, Little India, Kampong Glam, and the Singapore Botanic Gardens are all excellent starting points. Is Singapore good for solo travelers? Yes. Singapore is extremely easy to navigate alone thanks to its transport system, safety, and English-speaking environment. Related Reads Planning more of your Singapore itinerary? We have put these guides together to help you explore the city’s skyline views, cultural districts, light shows, and unique experiences in more depth. Our Singapore Country Guide: Practical travel tips covering transport, visas, connectivity, culture, currency, and essential information for planning your trip. Little India & Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: Explore one of Singapore’s most colorful neighborhoods through vibrant streets, Hindu temples, markets, and local culture. Is Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Worth It? Our honest review of Singapore’s famous rooftop observation deck, including views, ticket value, and what to expect. Gardens by the Bay Light Show Guide: All you need to know about the Garden Rhapsody light show, including timings, atmosphere, and the best viewing spots. Free Light Shows in Singapore: Discover two of the best free nighttime experiences in Singapore and why the Marina Bay skyline feels magical after dark. Cafe Monochrome Singapore Review: Step inside Singapore’s famous black-and-white-themed café and see why it became one of the quirkiest stops of our trip. Travel Resources

Balmoral Castle is a royal residence located in the northeast of Scotland, near the village of Ballater in Aberdeenshire. It has been a significant part of the British royal family's history and continues to serve as a private retreat for the royal family, especially during the summer months. While Balmoral Castle is a private residence, parts of the estate are open to the public during certain times of the year. Visitors can explore the gardens and some areas of the grounds, and there is a visitor center where tourists can learn about the history of the castle and the royal family's connection to it. That's exactly what we did, along with a lovely tour of the grounds and the castle's famed ballroom. In this post, we share our highlights, look at the history of the castle, and share valuable tips on how to get there, ticket information, and even local hotels! For a more central and accessible landmark, Edinburgh Castle offers a completely different experience. In This Post... ● Our Highlights ● The History ● Opening Times ● Ticket Prices ● How to Get There See More... ● Our Experience Rating ● FAQ ● Find Hotels Nearby ● Travel Resources Our Balmoral Castle Highlights We visited in April 2019 while on our Scotland road trip. It was part of our month-long first date! We met on Instagram in February of that year, and after meeting for the first time in Australia on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, Jenn decided to come to England. The day after we landed, we took a road trip up to Scotland; for both of us, it was our first time in this beautiful country. Finding the Balmoral Castle was not initially part of any plan, as we were heading to Edinburgh, Loch Ness, and Inverness, but it was a cool detour as we ventured through the sensational Cairngorms National Park. As we were driving through the park, we were overtaken by this Ferrari. We remember saying to each other at the time how nice the car was and that it was a shame we could not keep up with it. We must admit we did push the pedal just that little bit harder, but we had no chance to be honest! It was a cool moment; however, when we took a pit stop at this sensational viewpoint to take in the breathtaking views, we turned around, and there it was! Parked right behind us. We had a good chat with the owner before shooting a few photos. He had an assistant with him, so we figured he must have been someone important. In an even more special moment, we also came across these wonderful stone monuments at this viewpoint, the Hill of Allargue at Corgarff. They had holes bored through them to help see further down the glen and others that highlighted a white house on the opposite side. It was a great place for photos and even better when we encountered the beautiful words of Strathdon artist Louise Gardiner on each stone. As still skies or storms unfold, take a moment to behold, in sun rain sleet or snow, warm your soul before you go. Of all the things for two poets who have just met to find, right?! We would highly recommend checking this place out. Moments like this are exactly why driving through this region is so special, something we also experienced earlier at Braemar Castle, just a short drive away. When we first arrived in the small outlying village, we were greeted with a very large police presence, and we couldn't exactly figure out why. However, we soon learned that Prince Charles (now King Charles III) had just passed through the parking lot on his way from the castle to Sunday Mass, as it was Easter Sunday! It was neat to know we were in the same place he was, even if we had just missed him. We then went on to visit the castle and grounds and could completely see why the royals loved this place. It is truly magnificent!! The Balmoral Castle Estate covers thousands of acres, and there are approximately 150 buildings on the estate with a range of purposes. Visitors can explore the stables, garages, and magnificent grounds and gardens, which include beautifully landscaped areas designed by Prince Albert. The visitor center provides insights into the castle's history and its royal connections, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural and natural heritage that makes Balmoral a cherished symbol of the British royal family's relationship with Scotland. Alongside hiking trails, there is also a war memorial commemorating the members of the royal family who served in the First and Second World Wars. Sunday Roast at Balmoral Castle We were also treated to the pure delights of a traditional Sunday dinner at the on-site public restaurant. We went for the shepherd's pie with a side of baby potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. The price was reasonable, and the food was delicious! It did feel fitting for such a royal place. The History Behind Balmoral Castle Balmoral Castle was originally purchased for Queen Victoria by her husband, Prince Albert, in 1852. The property at the time included a modest hunting lodge. However, in subsequent years, the original lodge was expanded and rebuilt into the larger and more grandiose castle that exists today. The estate has been occupied since 1390, but the castle you see today was a result of the extensive and hugely impressive remodeling works to the original structure conducted in 1830 and 1853. The architecture of Balmoral Castle is primarily in the Scottish Baronial style, which is characterized by its turrets, towers, and crenellated parapets. The design elements were influenced by both Queen Victoria's and Prince Albert's interests in Scottish culture and architecture. The interior is decorated with tartans, stag antlers, and other Scottish symbols. Balmoral Castle has been a favorite residence for the British royal family for generations. It is particularly associated with Queen Victoria, who loved the Scottish Highlands and spent much of her time there. The castle and its surrounding estate have been passed down through the generations since Victoria's time. The Balmoral estate is extensive, covering some 50,000 acres of forests, moors, and farmland. The grounds are known for their natural beauty, with picturesque landscapes, rivers, and lochs. Prince Albert played a significant role in developing the estate's gardens, which include a formal garden and various themed areas. The estate is a working one, and the royal family still engages in traditional Scottish activities such as shooting and fishing. Balmoral Castle has become a symbol of the royal family's connection to Scotland and its culture. It has been featured in various works of literature, art, and media over the years. It remains a private retreat for the royal family, offering them a place to escape the pressures of official duties and public life. The castle is traditionally open to the royal family during the late summer and early autumn, and it's a place where they can enjoy outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking. Balmoral Castle Opening Times While Balmoral Castle is a private residence, parts of the estate are open to the public during certain times of the year. Visitors can explore the gardens and some areas of the grounds, and there is a visitor center where tourists can learn about the history of the castle and the royal family's connection to it. The grounds, gardens, Mews Gift Shop, Restaurant and Ballroom Exhibition are open to the public from 28 March until 9 August 2026. It opens daily from 10 am until 5 pm, with last recommended admission at 4 pm. Balmoral Castle Tickets Balmoral Castle’s Summer Season 2026 will start on the 28th March and run until the 9th of August 2026. Visitors this summer will be able to see the exciting changes HM the King has made to the gardens, including the Thistle maze, Celtic maze garden and extensive new planting of trees, shrubs and topiary throughout. In 2026, the exhibition in the ballroom continues the garden theme, outlining the history of Balmoral Castle’s gardens over the last 170 years, and you will learn about some of the plans of King Charles III for the future. Ticket Prices Adult £18.50 Child (5-15 years) £9.50 Family (2 adults + 3 children) £42 Children under 5 years old Free These prices include admission to the castle, the gardens, and the exhibitions. Audio guides are also available. The castle is a popular tourist destination, so it is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during the summer months. Prices are subject to change and are shown in British pounds. Check the official website for up-to-date information. How to Get to Balmoral Castle The castle is located in a rural area, so public transport is limited. If you are driving, be sure to allow plenty of time for your journey. Balmoral is often busy, especially during the summer months. By Bus Stagecoach Bluebird operates a bus service from Aberdeen to Braemar, with a stop at Crathie. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. By Train The nearest train station is in Aberdeen. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Ballater. The journey takes about 1 hour. By Car The castle is located off the A93 road, about halfway between Ballater and Braemar. There is a car park at Crathie, just a short walk from the castle. Car Rental Getting to Balmoral Castle is easiest by car, especially if you plan to explore more of the Cairngorms National Park and surrounding Highlands at your own pace. Public transport options are limited in some areas, so many travellers choose to rent a car for greater flexibility between castles, viewpoints, and mountain routes. Use the search tool below to find the best car rental deals for your trip. 💡 If you are driving through the Cairngorms, consider stopping at nearby highlights along the route, including Braemar Castle, which makes for an easy and worthwhile detour. 🎟️ Consider Taking a Tour of Balmoral Balmoral Castle may feel remote, but it’s surprisingly accessible on a guided day trip from Edinburgh. Many tours combine Balmoral with stops like Scone Palace, making it an easy way to explore Scotland’s royal history without the stress of planning the journey yourself. Contact Information for Balmoral Castle Address Balmoral Estates, Ballater AB35 5TB, United Kingdom Phone (+44) 1339-742-534 Email [email protected] Website balmoralcastle.com Easily Find Hotels in Balmoral and Beyond Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Balmoral hotel deals below to find great rates for an overnight stay. Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination. Our Experience Rating: Balmoral Castle It may not have been part of our initial itinerary when we drove to Scotland, but in hindsight, we are so happy we discovered Balmoral Castle. Cairngorms National Park is stunning, and driving through there and stopping here at Balmoral is an absolute must, in our opinion. This castle reminds us of something out of a Disney movie and is a fascinating place to explore. We were not here for long, as we were on a bit of a time crunch, but if not for that, we could have easily spent a good hour or two here. Worth it and highly recommended! Castles like this showcase Scotland’s royal heritage and historic significance. For more destinations and travel inspiration, explore our Scotland travel guides. FAQ: Visiting Balmoral Castle Where is Balmoral Castle located? Balmoral Castle is situated in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, near the village of Crathie and the town of Ballater. It’s nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, offering scenic surroundings and fresh Highland air. Can visitors tour the inside of the castle? Only parts of the estate and a limited number of rooms in the castle, usually the ballroom, are open to the public. The royal family still uses the residence during summer, so access is seasonal and restricted. When is Balmoral Castle open to the public? Typically, from April to early August, before the royal family arrives. The exact dates may vary slightly each year, so it’s best to check the official Balmoral website before planning a visit. How much is the entrance fee? General admission usually includes access to the gardens, exhibitions, stables, and the ballroom. Prices are around £15 for adults, with discounts for children, seniors, and families. Guided tours and safari experiences may cost extra. Is Balmoral Castle still used by the royal family? Yes. It has been a private retreat for the British royal family since it was purchased by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1852. It remains one of their favorite summer residences. What can I see during a visit? You can explore: ● The manicured gardens and grounds ● The exhibitions in the stables and the Ballroom ● Estate walks and woodland trails ● A café and gift shop with royal-themed items Is photography allowed? Yes, but only in the outdoor areas. Photography inside buildings, including the Ballroom, is generally prohibited. How do I get to Balmoral Castle? Balmoral is best accessed by car. The closest major city is Aberdeen (about 1.5 hours away). There is limited public transportation, but tour buses from cities like Edinburgh or Inverness may include Balmoral on seasonal routes. How long should I plan for a visit? A typical visit takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, though nature lovers may spend longer walking the trails or relaxing in the gardens. Is Balmoral Castle accessible to people with mobility issues? Some areas are accessible, including the visitor centre, shop, and café. However, paths may be gravel or uneven in parts of the estate. Mobility scooters are available to borrow upon request. Related Reads Driving Through the Cairngorms? Do Not Skip Braemar Castle: A quieter Highland fortress surrounded by dramatic scenery, clan history, and one of the most scenic driving routes in the U.K.'s largest national park. The Moment in Time Monument, Cairngorms: A Poetic Stop Worth Taking: An unexpected stop on our journey through the Cairngorms, featuring panoramic Highland views, symbolic stone markers, and a surreal roadside encounter. Historic Edinburgh: Our Story in Scotland’s Magical Gothic Capital City: From medieval closes and graveyards to Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, this was the beginning of our wider Scottish adventure. Rosslyn Castle & Chapel: Scotland’s Most Mysterious Ruins Near Edinburgh: Ancient ruins, Knights Templar legends, Da Vinci Code connections, and one of the most atmospheric historic sites near Edinburgh. Travel Resources

There are road trips you plan, and then there are the ones that come out of nowhere and take you by surprise. Driving through the Cairngorms is most certainly the latter! This trip was originally planned as the default route to get to our ultimate destination, Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness. We knew it would be pretty, as most national parks are, but indeed we were completely blown away by the scale and beauty of it all. Most of the time we were driving in silent wonder, and if that sounds like an exaggeration, it is not meant to be. There really is so much to enjoy here. We hadn't really planned to stop, yet ended up checking out two castles and a phenomenal viewpoint of a third. We could have easily seen more if we had the time! In this post, we take you through our Cairngorms road trip, from quiet castle stops like Braemar to royal landmarks like Balmoral and an unexpected viewpoint at Corgarff. We finish our journey with the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness. We share our highlights, our experience, and how to plan your own journey through one of Scotland’s most powerful landscapes. In This Post... ● Our Highlights ● Why Cairngorms Is Different ● Interesting Facts ● Our Cairngorms Route ● Braemar Castle ● Balmoral Castle See More... ● Corgarff Viewpoint ● Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness ● Plan Your Trip ● Car Rental vs Public Transport ● Where to Stay ● Tips for Visiting ● Our Experience Rating ● FAQ ● Related Reads ● Travel Resources Our Highlights Literally the moment we crossed the border from England and entered Scotland, we noticed a difference in the landscape. England is renowned for its greenery, and we did not think it could get much greener. But it does! The best way we could describe the drive from Norham (the small village south of the River Tweed near Berwick) is lush. Yes, lush! It was immediately noticeable, from the rolling hills to the immaculately pruned bushes lining the A-roads. It is impressive, and we were totally down for it. The roads are just as well maintained, and the drive was really smooth as we ventured further north. The only kicker was the ear-popping from the constant elevations and declines. You can drive to elevations of approximately 670 meters (2,200 feet) in the Cairngorms. If altitude is an issue, it is definitely something to consider. Unbeknownst to us, we drove on the highest public road in the UK, the Cairnwell Pass on the A93, which peaks at an incredible 670 meters (2,200 ft) between Braemar and Glenshee. But what comes with driving at this height is also the view. And by gosh, the views in the Cairngorms are almost like a 360-degree canvas painting. It feels quiet, serene, and almost spiritual here. Every time we stopped to admire the view, we were alone. This place is vast! In fact, aside from the castle visits and our stop at Corgarff, we very much felt like it was just us and nature. There are 60 lakes (named lochs and lochans (small lakes)) and 55 mountains (munros) in the Cairngorms. There are so many places to see, many of which are best unplanned. You will find them; the place is really well signposted. Most recommendations are to spend 3-5 days exploring here. We only had the one day to drive through, and it was definitely not enough. The trip was extra special owing to some pretty cool experiences, like being in Balmoral when the then Prince Charles was present by pure chance, being one of the last people to see Braemar Castle before restoration, and chatting with a Ferrari owner at one of the area's most famous viewpoints. We had so much fun here on the open road, and we cannot wait to venture up north again. This was the first time in Scotland for both of us, and judging by this trip, it will not be the last. For sure! Why the Cairngorms Feels (and Is) Different The Cairngorms does not overwhelm you straight away. It is more of a slow reveal of wide valleys, incredible mountains, and long empty roads that stretch far beyond what we expected. It feels quieter than other parts of Scotland, but that is exactly what gives it weight. There is space here. Space to think, to stop, and to take it in properly. Part of what makes the landscape feel so vast and exposed is that much of Scotland’s ancient woodland disappeared centuries ago. During medieval times, forests across the Highlands were heavily felled for ships, housing, fuel, and industry. Later, the demands of war, agriculture, and the growing Highland population accelerated the decline even further. The Highland Clearances also reshaped the region dramatically, forcing communities from the land and leaving behind many of the wide, sparsely populated landscapes seen today. What remains here is still incredibly beautiful, perhaps even more so after being shaped by centuries of change. 10 Interesting Facts About the Cairngorms The Cairngorms is not just one of Scotland’s most beautiful regions. It is also one of its most historically and geographically fascinating. 1. The Cairngorms are named after “The Blue Hill”: The name comes from Cairn Gorm, one of the range’s most prominent mountains. In Scottish Gaelic, An Càrn Gorm translates to “The Blue Hill.” 2. The region was once known as “The Red Hills”: Historically, the area was called Am Monadh Ruadh, meaning “The Red Hills,” named after the pink and reddish granite scree scattered across the mountains. 3. The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK: Covering around 4,500 square kilometers, the park is larger than Luxembourg and spans five different Scottish council areas. 4. Five of the UK’s six highest mountains are found here: The Cairngorms contains some of Britain’s most extreme landscapes, including Ben Macdui, the UK’s second-highest mountain after Ben Nevis. 5. The Highlands once had far more forest: Much of the open landscape seen today was once covered by ancient Caledonian pine forest. Centuries of logging, farming, war, and industry dramatically reduced woodland across the Highlands. 6. The Highland Clearances reshaped the region forever: During the 18th and 19th Centuries, many Highland communities were forcibly displaced during the Highland Clearances, contributing to the sparse population still associated with the region today. 7. Some of the coldest temperatures ever recorded in the UK: The Cairngorms holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in the UK, with the village of Braemar reaching -27.2°C in both 1895 and 1982. This record is shared only with Altnaharra (also in the Scottish Highlands), which hit -27.2°C on December 30, 1995. 8. Lochs, rivers, and wetlands dominate the landscape: The region contains countless lochs, rivers, and peatlands, helping create one of the UK’s most important wildlife habitats. 9. The Cairngorms are home to rare wildlife: The park supports species rarely seen elsewhere in the UK, including red squirrels, golden eagles, capercaillie, and wildcats. 10. Many roads through the Cairngorms follow ancient routes: Several modern Highland roads trace paths once used by drovers, clans, military forces, and traders crossing Scotland centuries ago. Our Cairngorms Route After exploring Edinburgh Castle, the historic streets of Edinburgh, and earlier stops near the English border around Norham Castle, we gradually made our way deeper into the Highlands. Our route through the Cairngorms naturally unfolded as we moved north through Scotland. We began around Braemar and Royal Deeside, following the A93 through open mountain scenery and ear-popping mountain driving before continuing toward Balmoral. From there, we crossed quieter Highland roads near Corgarff, where the landscape became even more remote and dramatic. The final stretch took us north toward Inverness and Loch Ness, ending at Urquhart Castle overlooking the water. One of the best things about driving through the Cairngorms is that the route never feels repetitive. Every section of road reveals a slightly different side of the Highlands. 💡 What we did here is just a fraction of what there is to see and do. The Cairngorms National Park is home to a significant number of historical sites, ranging from active royal residences to medieval ruins. While the broader region of Aberdeenshire (which overlaps with the park) boasts over 300 castles, the park itself contains a concentrated collection of about 10 to 13 primary castles and significant ruins. Braemar Castle: A Quiet Start That Stayed With Us Our journey through the Cairngorms began with a stop we almost skipped. Unlike the polished grandeur of Edinburgh, Braemar Castle originally felt like a "hidden fortress" in a literal sense; unloved, weathered, and battling for survival. When we first visited in 2019, the courtyard was empty and the towers looked tired, giving us an eerie but authentic sense of a castle shaped more by conflict than comfort. We didn't go inside then, but walking the grounds beneath its unique star-shaped defensive walls, a design meant to eliminate blind spots for soldiers, left a lasting impression. Today, the story has completely changed. After a massive £2 million community-led restoration, the castle has been transformed into a gleaming white beacon. It stands as the only community-run castle in Scotland, which just goes to show that some of the best stops aren't the ones you plan for months, but the ones that surprise you by the side of the road! ℹ️ Our full guide to Braemar Castle explores the history and restoration of one of the Highlands’ most overlooked castles. Balmoral Castle: Where the Landscape Changes Just a short drive from the raw, community-driven spirit of Braemar, everything shifts. Balmoral Castle feels curated, intentional, and deeply tied to the British monarchy. It was an impromptu detour for us, part of a whirlwind month-long "first date" after meeting on Instagram, but it became one of the most surreal moments of our trip. Arriving on Easter Sunday, we were greeted by a heavy police presence and soon realized why: we had missed the then-Prince Charles by mere minutes as he left for Sunday Mass. Even without a royal sighting, the estate is magnificent. From the ballroom exhibition to the perfectly manicured gardens designed by Prince Albert, it feels like a scene pulled straight from a movie. We even managed to squeeze in a traditional Sunday roast (the shepherd’s pie is a winner!), which felt like the only right way to cap off a visit to the King's private Highlands retreat. ℹ️ Our full guide to Balmoral Castle explores the royal history, changing landscapes, and why this famous Highland estate feels so different from the castles around it. Corgarff Viewpoint: The Stop We Never Planned Some of the best moments on the road aren't found on a map; they find you. As we climbed the A939, one of the highest roads in the UK, we were trailing a red Ferrari that eventually pulled into a roadside stop 637 meters above sea level. We followed suit, and what we found was arguably the most personal moment of our entire Scotland trip. At the Corgarff Viewpoint, we discovered the Moment in Time monument. As two poets who met through our words just months prior, finding a stone monolith carved with Louise Gardiner’s poetry in the middle of the Highlands felt like divine intervention. The site also features "The Watchers," angular steel sculptures that frame Corgarff Castle in the distance. Even though we didn't walk to the castle itself, the viewpoint allowed us to see its striking white-harled walls, which actually served as the inspiration for the star-shaped design at Braemar. It was a beautiful, full-circle moment that reminded us to "warm your soul before you go." Definately worth a stop! ℹ️ Our Corgarff viewpoint guide explores the dramatic Highland scenery, the history behind the route, and the unexpected roadside stop that became one of the highlights of our journey. Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness: A Dramatic Finish If the Cairngorms felt like a slow, quiet reveal, Urquhart Castle was the high-energy finale. Not quite in the Cairgnorms, it is located on the banks of Loch Ness in the Great Glen, near Drumnadrochit, approximately 21 km (13 miles) southwest of Inverness in the Highlands. We are including it here as it is the perfect way to end your trip. Perched right on the edge of Loch Ness, it was a place we’d both dreamed of visiting long before we even met. While we didn't spot Nessie (she was clearly on a day off!), the "romantic decay" of the ruins against that vast, still water was breathtaking. Walking through the collapsed gatehouses and climbing the Grant Tower, you get a real sense of the "two parts" of Urquhart: the dark, oppressive defensive spaces inside, like the dungeon and fire pits, contrasted with the bright, picturesque views over the loch. It was the fifth castle of our tour, and it carried a vibe that captured us instantly. It’s not just a ruin; it’s a site where nearly a thousand years of conflict were intentionally ended by blowing up the structure to keep it out of enemy hands. It’s easy to see why Urquhart Castle remains one of Scotland’s most iconic sights, whether you spot Nessie or not! ℹ️ Our full Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness guide covers the castle’s turbulent history, legendary setting, and what to expect when visiting one of Scotland’s most iconic ruins. How to Plan Your Cairngorms Route In our humble opinion, driving is the best way to experience the Cairngorms. The area is vast, it being the largest national park in the U.K. And if hiking is your thing, there are many laybys and stop-off points, all of which are worth taking. Driving through the Cairngorms, base your route around the following: ● A93 through Braemar and Balmoral ● A939 toward Corgarff ● A82 toward Loch Ness Expect long stretches between stops, ever-changing weather, and roads that narrow as you move deeper into the highlands. The speed limit is 60 mph unless otherwise stated. 💡 The best stops are often the ones you do not plan. If something looks worth it, pull over! Car Rental vs Public Transport Exploring the Cairngorms National Park is easiest by car, especially if you want the freedom to stop at castles, viewpoints, lochs, and smaller Highland villages along the route. Many of the best moments happen between destinations, pulling over unexpectedly at a scenic viewpoint, taking a quieter road, or stopping in a village you had not originally planned to visit. Having your own vehicle makes that flexibility much easier. That said, public transport is available across parts of the Cairngorms, particularly around larger hubs like Aviemore and Inverness. Train services connect several Highland towns, while local bus routes operated by Stagecoach link key areas throughout the park. The popular “Aviemore Adventurer” service also runs between Aviemore town centre and Cairngorm Mountain throughout the week, making it easier to access hiking areas and visitor attractions without driving. For shorter visits focused around one base, public transport can work well. But for a wider route like ours through Braemar, Balmoral, Corgarff, and Loch Ness, driving gives you far more flexibility. ⪢ Compare Car Rental Options in Scotland If renting suits your travel style, comparing prices in advance can help you find better availability and avoid higher last-minute costs, especially during summer and peak road trip season. Use the search tool below to compare car rental options for your Scotland trip. Where to Stay in the Cairngorms If you are following a route like ours, it makes sense to stay flexibly, either splitting your time across different areas or choosing a base that aligns with the part of the park you want to explore most. ● Braemar or Ballater work well if you want to stay close to castles, scenic drives, and the eastern side of the park ● Aviemore offers a more central base, with easy access to trails, lochs, and visitor centers. ● Inverness is ideal if you are continuing toward Loch Ness and want a larger town with more accommodation options 💡 For a deeper experience, consider staying within the park itself. Campsites, lodges, and smaller guesthouses allow you to slow things down and experience the Cairngorms beyond just the road. Tips for Visiting the Cairngorms The Cairngorms is far more than just a drive through. It is a region you can explore in layers, from quick roadside stops to full hiking days. The more flexible you are, the more you will get out of it. ● Use towns as natural checkpoints: Braemar, Ballater, Aviemore, and Inverness all work well as stop-offs for fuel, food, and a reset between long stretches of driving. They break the journey up naturally without forcing a rigid plan. ● Look out for lochs beyond Loch Ness: Loch Ness gets the attention, but smaller lochs like Loch Morlich and Loch Muick offer quieter, more intimate settings. These are perfect for short stops, walks, or simply taking in the landscape without crowds. ● Do not skip the Cairngorms Visitor Centre: The Cairngorms National Park visitor centers, particularly around Aviemore, give useful context on wildlife, trails, and changing conditions. It is worth stopping if you want to understand more about the area beyond the drive. ● Plan castle stops, but stay flexible: Stops like Braemar Castle, Balmoral, and even Corgarff Castle all tell very different stories. Some require tickets or seasonal access, so check ahead, but also allow time for unplanned stops along the way. ● Parking is usually easy, but not always obvious: Most viewpoints and attractions have small designated parking areas, but they can be easy to miss. If you see a safe place to pull in, especially near viewpoints, take it. ● Explore short walking trails where possible: You do not need full hiking gear to enjoy the Cairngorms. Many areas have short, clearly marked trails that give you a better perspective than the roadside. Even a short walk can completely change how you experience the landscape. ● Consider staying at a campsite or lodge: If you have the time, staying within the park adds another layer to the experience. There are campsites, cabins, and lodges throughout the region, especially around Aviemore and Ballater, offering a quieter alternative to hotels. ● Be prepared for fast-changing weather: The weather in the Cairngorms can shift quickly, even within the same hour. You can start in sunshine and hit rain or mist shortly after, especially at higher elevations. Bring layers and check forecasts before setting out. ● Expect limited mobile signal in remote areas: Signal drops are common once you move away from towns and main roads. Download offline maps, save key locations, and do not rely on real-time navigation throughout the entire drive. ● Fuel, food, and timing matter more than you think: Distances between services can be longer than expected. Top up fuel when you can, bring drinks and snacks, and avoid leaving meals too late, especially outside peak season. ● Watch for wildlife, especially at dusk: The Cairngorms is home to deer and other wildlife, particularly active early morning and evening. Stay alert when driving through quieter stretches. ● Let the drive lead the experience: Some of the best moments will not be marked on a map. The Cairngorms rewards slowing down, pulling over, and letting the landscape guide you. Our Experience Rating: The Cairngorms No matter which way we look at it, as far as road trips go, the Cairngorms is right up there with the best experiences we have had. To put that in context, we would say it is almost on par with Banff in Canada, although driving around Alberta and British Columbia will always be unrivaled. The rolling hills, 360 views, and incredible colors of the landscape here are a feast for the eyes, and there is a wonderful energy and atmosphere about the place. Couple that with the castles and viewpoints; there is no shortage of adventures to be found here. If you are into road trips, nature, and history, then journeying through the Cairngorms really needs to be on your list! For a broader itinerary of our adventures in the region, our Scotland travel blogs bring together routes, destinations, and planning tips from our first-hand experience. FAQ: Visiting Cairngorms National Park in Scotland Planning a trip through the Cairngorms often comes with practical questions, especially if it is your first time driving through the Scottish Highlands. Is the Cairngorms worth visiting? Yes. It offers a quieter, more immersive experience compared to busier destinations like the Isle of Skye, with just as much natural beauty. Do you need a car? A car is strongly recommended. It gives you the freedom to stop where you want and explore properly. How long should you spend here? One full day works for a route like ours, but two to three days allows for a more relaxed experience. Is it difficult to drive? Generally no, but expect narrow roads, changing weather, and occasional single-track sections. What is the best route? The A93, A939, and A82 combination offers a strong mix of scenery and key stops. Can you visit Balmoral Castle year-round? No, access varies seasonally. Check opening dates before planning your visit. Is Urquhart Castle worth it? Yes. Even without entering, the views over Loch Ness make it one of the most rewarding stops. Are there facilities along the way? Yes, but they are spread out. Plan ahead for fuel and food. Is it crowded? Not compared to other parts of Scotland. It often feels quieter and more open. What makes the Cairngorms unique? The scale, the calm, and the sense of space. It rewards slowing down. Related Reads Braemar Castle, Cairngorms: Not as well-known as other castles in the area, but well worth a visit. Recently restored. Balmoral Castle, Royal Deeside: One of the top highlights from our road trip in Scotland, visited by chance on Easter Sunday. Corgarff Viewpoint, Cairngorms: An unplanned stop that presented us with poetry, yes, poetry, and incredible views. Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness: A castle right on the banks of one of the world's most infamous lakes. Rosslyn Castle: One of Scotland's most intriguing historical places, along with the famous Rosslyn Chapel. Historic Edinburgh: Exploring Scotland’s magical gothic capital on our first date, which lasted for one month! Travel Resources

We had not planned this stop to stop here, but as we were driving on the A939 through the heart of the incredible Cairngorms National Park, we saw the stop open up and decided to take a break. By this point in the journey, we were already deep into the rhythm of Scotland. From the gothic intensity of Edinburgh to the worn charm and resilience of Braemar Castle, the road had already told us a lot about this country. Also fresh off of the grandeur and pomp of Balmoral Castle, we had already felt like the Cairngorms had delivered. And then, as if by divine intervention, a spectacular 637 m above sea level, the Corgarff Viewpoint appeared. For us, as writers who met through poetry online just a few months before we took to the road, this was not just another roadside stop in the Cairngorms. It genuinely felt like something we were meant to find. On our way up to this elevation, we were tailed and overtaken by a red ferrari, and it too had pulled in here. In some ways, it was also the reason we stopped. We had tried to keep up with it in a fun (and safe way). Little did we know that this stop would lead to a stunning viewpoint of a castle connected to Braemar's design, breathtaking landscape views, and, to top it off, a monument with carved poetry. One could literally not make it up! It was absolutely meant to be. In this post, we share more on the wonderful Moment in Time Monument at the Corgarff Viewpoint, including its meaning and the views that make it unforgettable. We take a sneak peek at Corgarff Castle, how to get there, and why this not-so-simple roadside stop became one of the most personal moments and cherished memories of our Scotland road trip. In This Post... ● Our Highlights ● A Moment in Time ● The Watchers ● The History ● Corgarff Castle ● Interesting Facts See More... ● Open Hours & When to Go ● How to Get There ● Where to Stay ● Tips for Visiting ● Our Experience Rating ● FAQ ● Related Reads ● Travel Resources Our Highlights You can just about make out Corgarff Castle in the distance, just by the large mound to the left, if you look closely enough. As mentioned already, this was not a planned research stop. We did not know anything about what we were to find here. Neither the poetry nor the incredible castle view through the stones. Indeed, the irony is not lost on us that Corgarff Castle features a star-shaped perimeter cover wall, much like Braemar Castle, whose walls were inspired by Corgarff, which we had visited by chance on the way here. Both were super cool connections to this place, which made it feel like it was totally meant to be. Not to mention the gorgeous red Ferrari... What was interesting about the Ferrari too was that it overtook us, and between the moment it did so and left us trailing in the distance, there were actually no other turns up until the Corgarff Viewpoint itself, making it rather odd that it showed up here after we did. We actually saw it after we had gotten out of the car and, at first, taken in the incredible views of the Cairngorms landscape here. 360 degrees, it is truly spectacular. We barely noticed the castle in the distance as our eyes darted from the trees to the mountains to the wonderfully blue sky. Then, our eyes rested on the stone of the Moment in Time Monument, and our awe turned to surprise as we, two poets who literally met through our words, read a poem carved in stone on a stunning viewpoint. All this in what seemed like the middle of nowhere, on our very first road trip of our month-long first date. I wish we could say we made that all up, but we most certainly did not! We took photos, soaked up the moment, and reveled in the beautiful words of Louise Gardiner's art (more on those next). The Words That Found Us The monument looks out toward Corgarff Castle. These words, created by Strathdon artist Louise Gardiner, feel carved into the landscape itself. They certainly could not be more apt for the environment here. They do not just describe the Highland environment. They almost echo it: the unpredictability, the stillness, and the shifting moods of the weather. All captured in a few simple lines on a stone monolith. Incredible. Of all the places in the world to find something like this, it was here. On a quiet roadside stop in the Cairngorms. The Moment in Time Monument also has boreholes, perfectly positioned to view the castle from different angles. Which we are guessing was the original function of the monolith before the poetry was added. Sadly, there is not a great deal of information about the monument online, just a few scattered articles with more of a focus on the castle. We did not visit the castle, but the viewpoint almost made us feel like we did. Those boreholes really do work well! "Warm your soul before you go." Beautiful final words before heading out of the Cairngorms. The beautiful words of the monument in full: “Take a moment to behold. As still skies or storms unfold. As still skies or storms unfold, take a moment to behold, in sun rain sleet or snow, warm your soul before you go.” In many ways, these words frame Corgarff Castle, while the Watchers join it like a protective force. Such a lovely way to see yourself out of the Cairngorms if, like us, you are venturing further north towards Inverness and Loch Ness. The Watchers at Corgarff The Watchers (right) are said to mimic the four most iconic Neolithic standing stones in Scotland: the Calanais Standing Stones (Isle of Lewis), Standing Stones of Stenness (Orkney), Ring of Brodgar (Orkney), and the Machrie Moor Stone Circles (Arran). Behind the Moment in Time Monument, the sculptural forms known as "The Watchers" sit scattered across the slope. Their shapes feel almost human, as though observing the same view. Mimicking the prehistoric standing stones found across the country, these four pieces were commissioned by John Kennedy and are made from folded pieces of steel, almost like origami, leaving their unique shape up to interpretation as to what they might represent. These are a really cool feature too, although nothing could truly overshadow the beauty of the poetry we discovered! The History The Moment in Time Monument forms part of a wider artistic installation along the A939 Lecht Road, one of the highest and most scenic routes through the Cairngorms, sitting at around 637 meters above sea level. The original standing stone, A Moment in Time, was created by artist Louise Gardiner. Its purpose is simple but powerful. It invites travelers to pause, reflect, and engage with the landscape in a more intentional way. The carved words are not there to explain the place but to slow you down within it. The site was later expanded with The Watchers, a series of specially commissioned sculptural seats by artist John Kennedy. These rusted, angular forms sit clustered on the hillside behind the stone, positioned to frame views across the valley toward Corgarff Castle. Corgarff Castle, originally built in 1550 by the Forbes clan, stands in stark isolation within the Highlands. Its white-harled walls contrast sharply with the surrounding landscape, giving it a striking and almost surreal appearance. Despite its small size, the castle has played a role in several turbulent moments in Scottish history, including clan conflicts and later use as a military garrison. From this viewpoint, the relationship becomes clear. The monument encourages reflection, while The Watchers physically orient you toward the castle. Together, they transform a simple roadside stop into a carefully designed experience, connecting art, history, and landscape. Corgarff Castle’s story is closely tied to the powerful Forbes clan, who built it in the mid-16th century. Its remote location did not protect it from violence. One of the most infamous events was the burning of the castle in 1571, during a feud between the Forbes and Gordon clans, where Margaret Forbes and her children were killed inside. In later years, the castle was repurposed by the British government as a military garrison to control the Highlands following the Jacobite uprisings. Corgarff Castle: The View Behind the Monument In the distance from the monument sits Corgarff Castle, a small but striking structure that feels almost out of place in the vast Highland landscape. We did not visit the castle itself on this trip, but from the viewpoint, its presence is impossible to ignore. The bright white walls stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding hills, giving it a commanding, almost surreal appearance. Originally built by the Forbes clan in 1550, the castle has lived many lives. From clan stronghold to site of violent conflict, and later as a military outpost used to suppress Highland uprisings, its history is far more intense than its size suggests. From where you stand at the monument, the connection becomes clear. This is not just a scenic viewpoint. It is a place designed to make you look outward, toward a landscape shaped by both nature and human history. 10 Interesting Facts 1. The monument is located on the A939 Lecht Road, one of the highest public roads in the UK, reaching around 637 meters above sea level, which adds to the sense of isolation and exposure. 2. A Moment in Time was created by Strathdon-based artist Louise Gardiner, whose work often blends landscape, language, and human experience. 3. The inscription is designed to reflect the changing Highland elements, referencing sun, rain, sleet, and snow, all of which can occur in a single day in this region. 4. The site was later expanded with The Watchers, a series of sculptural seats by artist John Kennedy, carefully positioned to frame views across the valley. 5. The sculptures are aligned toward Corgarff Castle, creating a deliberate visual connection between modern art and historic architecture. 6. Corgarff Castle, visible in the distance, was built in 1550 by the Forbes clan and later used as a military garrison after the Jacobite uprisings. 7. The castle’s distinctive white-harled exterior makes it stand out dramatically against the darker tones of the surrounding Cairngorms landscape. 8. The surrounding area forms part of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the UK, known for its ancient Caledonian pine forests and rugged terrain. 9. The Hill of Allargue viewpoint was designed not just as a stop but as a place of reflection, encouraging travelers to slow down and engage with the environment. 10. Despite its artistic and historical significance, the site remains relatively undiscovered compared to major Scottish attractions, making it a peaceful and uncrowded stop. Open Hours & When to Go The monument is accessible at all times, as it sits along a public roadside viewpoint. The best time to visit is during daylight hours when the full scale of the landscape is visible. Morning and late afternoon offer softer light and fewer passing cars, creating a more reflective atmosphere. Seasonally, each visit will feel different. Spring brings fresh color, summer opens up long daylight hours, autumn adds depth and contrast, and winter can transform the entire scene into something stark and dramatic. 💡 The weather here changes quickly, so even on a clear day, be prepared for shifting conditions. How to Get To Corgarff Viewpoint This viewpoint, often referred to as the Corgarff viewpoint along the A939 Lecht Road, is home to the Moment in Time monument and The Watchers installation. It is one of the most scenic drives in Scotland, cutting through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. By Car (Best Option) Driving is by far the easiest and most rewarding way to visit. The monument is located near the Hill of Allargue, roughly: ● 25 minutes from Braemar ● 20 minutes from Corgarff ● Around 1 hour from Inverness If you are following a Cairngorms road trip like we did, it fits perfectly between a visit to Braemar Castle in the Cairngorms and continuing north toward Inverness. You will find a small roadside pull-in area near the viewpoint. From there, it is just a short walk to the monument and sculptures. If you are planning a wider Scotland road trip, having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to stop at places like this that are easy to miss but well worth it. Platforms like Rentalcars make it simple to compare options and pick up a car from major cities like Edinburgh or Aberdeen. Driving Route Context The A939 is not just a road; it is a destination in itself. This route takes you through: Open Highland landscapes Rolling hills and forest valleys One of the highest public roads in the UK (around 637m above sea level) It is especially popular with: ● Road trippers ● Cyclists ● Scenic drive enthusiasts And it is exactly these kinds of roads where unexpected stops like this appear. Public Transport Public transport options are very limited in this part of the Cairngorms. There are no direct bus routes that stop at the monument, and reaching it without a car would require a combination of regional buses and a long walk, which is not practical for most travelers. Getting to the Cairngorms To reach the region itself: ● From Edinburgh: Around 2.5 to 3 hours by car ● From Aberdeen: Around 1.5 to 2 hours by car ● From Inverness: Around 1 hour by car If you are flying in, the closest major airports are: ● Edinburgh Airport ● Aberdeen Airport ● Inverness Airport 💡 Keep an eye out rather than relying purely on GPS, as it is easy to drive past if you are not expecting it. 🎟️ Take a Road Trip Like We Did Stops like the Moment in Time monument are what make driving through the Cairngorms so special. Having your own car gives you the freedom to pull over, take in the views, and discover places you might otherwise miss. Where to Stay Using our hotel comparison map below to help you find stays that align with your route and budget, especially if you are planning a multi-stop road trip through Scotland. Braemar offers a convenient base if you want to explore nearby castles and scenic routes. Alternatively, Inverness provides a larger hub with more accommodation options as you continue north. Tips for Visiting This is not a typical attraction, and that is exactly why it works so well. A little awareness goes a long way here. ● Slow down before you reach it: Driving the A939, it is easy to stay focused on the road and miss the pull-in. The viewpoint appears subtly, so ease off the speed as you approach the Hill of Allargue area and keep an eye on the roadside. ● Give yourself more than a quick stop: It looks like a 5-minute stop, but it rarely ends up that way. Between the inscriptions, the sculptures, and the view toward Corgarff Castle, this is one of those places that reveals more the longer you stay. ● Use the stone openings as viewfinders: Some of the stones have circular cut-outs. These are not just design features; they help frame specific parts of the landscape, including the direction of Corgarff Castle. Take a moment to look through them rather than just around them. ● Check the light, not just the weather: Clear skies are great, but this place arguably feels more atmospheric when conditions are shifting. Low clouds, moving light, or even light rain can add depth to the landscape and the monument’s meaning. ● Expect wind at this elevation: At over 600 meters above sea level, it can feel noticeably colder and windier than lower areas, even on a calm day elsewhere in the Cairngorms. Bring a layer, even if you think you will not need it. ● Pair it properly with your route: This stop works best when combined with nearby highlights. We visited after Braemar Castle in the Cairngorms and before continuing north, which made it feel like a natural pause rather than a detour. ● Do not rely fully on GPS: The exact pin can be slightly off depending on your map. Use the road context, A939 near Corgarff, rather than expecting precise directions to the exact stopping point. 💡 The Cairngorms are full of hidden viewpoints and unexpected moments like this, making it one of the most rewarding regions to explore by road. Our Experience Rating: Moment in Time Monument (Corgarff Viewpoint) This impromptu stop ended up being more than just a stretch the legs and take in the view moment. It was about timing and meaning. About finding something that spoke to us in a place and time we did not expect. And as we got back into the car and continued on toward Inverness, it stayed with us. Not just the view. Not just the monument. But the words. “Take a moment to behold…” Because that is exactly what this stop became. A proper 'moment.' We could have easily driven past it if not for the Ferrari. But we didn't, and the Corgarf Viewpoint and its Moment in Time monument became one that, in sun, rain, sleet, or snow, will stay with us far longer than we ever could have expected. Hidden stops like this capture the quieter, more reflective side of Scotland’s landscapes, where nature, history, and meaning come together. For more destinations and travel inspiration, explore our Scotland travel guides. 🎟️ Consider Taking a Tour of the Scottish Highlands The Cairngorms are best explored by car, giving you the freedom to stop at places like Braemar Castle along the way. If you prefer not to drive, broader Highlands tours from Edinburgh offer an alternative way to experience Scotland’s landscapes, though routes and stops may vary. FAQ: Moment in Time Monument Before visiting the Moment in Time Monument, here are some of the most common questions we can think of: Is the Moment in Time Monument worth visiting? Yes, especially if you are already driving through the Cairngorms. It offers a unique, reflective stop with incredible views. Where exactly is the monument located? It sits within the Cairngorms National Park along a scenic driving route, often visited between Braemar and Inverness. Do you need to pay to visit? No, the monument is completely free to access. How long do you need here? Most visitors spend around 10 to 20 minutes, but it can be longer if you take time to explore and reflect. Is it suitable for all ages? Yes, the short walk and open space make it accessible for most visitors. Is there parking available? There is a small roadside area where you can safely pull over. What is the meaning of the monument? It is designed to encourage reflection and appreciation of the surrounding landscape. Can you visit in bad weather? Yes, but conditions can change quickly, so take care and dress appropriately. Is it busy? It is generally quiet compared to other Highland attractions. Can you combine it with other stops? Absolutely. It fits perfectly into a Cairngorms road trip that includes Braemar Castle and Balmoral. Can you see Corgarff Castle from the monument? Yes, on a clear day you can spot Corgarff Castle in the distance from the viewpoint. Its bright white walls stand out against the landscape, making it one of the most distinctive features of the view. Is Corgarff Castle worth visiting as well? Yes, if you have the time, it is worth adding to your route. While we did not visit on this trip, its isolated setting and turbulent history make it one of the more unique castles in the Highlands. Related Reads Continue your Scotland journey with these posts: Driving Through the Cairngorms? Do Not Skip Braemar Castle Historic Edinburgh: Our Story in Scotland’s Magical Gothic Capital Exploring Castles in the U.K: Hidden Gems and Iconic Fortresses Balmoral Castle: Scotland’s Royal Residence in the Highlands Travel Resources

Braemar Castle was our first stop as we drove deeper into the Cairngorms before continuing on toward Balmoral Castle, the iconic royal residence just 9 miles away on the old military road through the national park. It was not somewhere we had planned to spend long, just a quick stop along the route. But like many places in Scotland, it had other ideas. Set against the epic open highland landscapes, the castle feels both isolated and deeply connected to its surroundings. By all means, it is less grand than Edinburgh Castle, where we had recently visited, and a little less romantic than the other castle ruins we had seen on our very first road trip through Scotland. At the time we were there, which was prior to its recent restoration, it felt unloved, worn, and a little underwhelming. A castle, shaped by conflict and control, battling for its very survival. We didn't go inside, but standing beneath its tired towers and walking the grounds was enough to give us a sense that there was just something about the place. We just couldn't quite put our finger on it. We soon learned that Braemar Castle has a fascinating 400-year history that has shifted direction many times, from power to abandonment. And what makes the story interesting (for us anyway) is that we were one of the last people to see it in the state we did back in 2019. This castle had a modern-day battle to fight, a monumental one, driven by a community determined to preserve it for future generations. By 2024 it was a battle won, and today, this restored historic building is now the only community-run castle in Scotland. In this post, we share why Braemar Castle is a worthwhile stop in the Cairngorms, its fascinating Jacobite history, what makes it unique among Scottish castles, and what to expect if you visit, even if you are just passing through on a road trip. In This Post... ● Our Highlights ● The History ● Interesting Facts ● Ticket Information ● Open Hours & When to Go ● How to Get There ● Where to Stay See More... ● Tips for Visiting ● Our Experience Rating ● FAQ ● Related Reads ● Travel Resources Our Highlights Stopping at this castle was more an opportunistic venture rather than a destination. We had our eyes on Balmoral and did not really expect much from Braemar. The castle appeared almost unexpectedly through the trees and drew our attention immediately, especially with the mountains opening up around it. We had read about its star-shaped design, and that unique feature was what we found the most attractive about it. As we parked up and walked up the footpath, you could clearly make out the distinctive shape of the curtain walls. The star-shaped outer wall was designed to eliminate "blind spots" for soldiers defending the castle, allowing for efficient, cross-directional gunfire, known as "interlocking fire." Nearby Corgarff Castle also features a similar design. The star-shaped design of the defensive walls of Braemar Castle, as seen from above (Source: braemarcastle.co.uk) The seasonal flowers and scenic setting really helped the castle, but honestly, it was in a sorry state, and we were pretty underwhelmed when we got to the top of the mound. With its rendered finish, it did not have the same historical feel one might have expected. The poor state of the castle seemed more like neglect rather than decay, and this was reflected in the empty state of the main courtyard: just a couple of benches, no signage, and almost nobody around. It was perhaps this that made us feel like we did not want to go inside. It just didn't seem like there was much going on. And perhaps, at that time in 2019, our instincts were right. We took a fairly brisk walk around the perimeter, which did not take a great deal of time. It all felt a little unwanted, neglected even, and there was nothing else around aside from the spectacular landscape. With all that being said, the difference you will see today is nothing short of incredible. The castle has been transformed into a gleaming white beacon, with just shy of 2 million pounds being raised to renovate the walls and roof of the structure. Inside, there are now many restored rooms to visit, and the local community now runs the castle, the first arrangement of its kind in Scotland. Oh how we would love to visit again now! And perhaps we will... Read on for more on how it looks today, a peek inside, and all you need to know before you go, including ticket prices, opening times, visitor tips, and our experience rating. The History of Braemar Castle Braemar Castle prior to its 2024 restoration. Braemar Castle’s story begins in 1628, when John Erskine, the Earl of Mar (widely considered the oldest extant peerage in the UK), built a hunting lodge here. What stands today evolved from that early structure into a fortified tower house, designed less for comfort and more for control. Its purpose was clear from the beginning. This was a castle built to assert authority over the surrounding clans and secure the region during a time when power in Scotland was constantly shifting. As the Jacobite uprisings unfolded in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Braemar became entangled in one of the most defining conflicts in Scottish history. It was used by Jacobite forces, then later seized by government troops after the failed Rising of 1715. From that point, it became a garrison, occupied by redcoat soldiers tasked with suppressing rebellion across the Highlands. This transition from rebel stronghold to government outpost reflects the wider transformation of Scotland during that period. The castle’s walls, once associated with resistance, became tools of control. Over time, its military importance faded, and the castle passed through various hands, eventually becoming associated with Clan Farquharson. Many items inside the castle were sold or lost over time, but purchased back or returned as part of restoration efforts (source: tripadvisor.com) For a period, it shifted again in purpose, moving away from conflict and into a more residential role, even hosting members of the British royal family during visits to the nearby Braemar Gathering. Both Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II are known to have visited, and it is believed that a young Prince Charles and Princess Anne spent time here as children. Despite these royal connections, Braemar never achieved the same prominence as nearby Balmoral. Instead, it remained something quieter, more local. By the late 20th century, the castle had fallen into decline. After the Farquharson family moved out in the 1980s, it was left largely unused. By the early 2000s, it stood empty, deteriorating, and at risk of being lost altogether. That could have been the end of its story, but instead, it became the beginning of a new chapter. In 2007, the Braemar Community Trust secured a 50-year lease on the castle, taking on full responsibility for its restoration. What followed was a huge effort involving funding, volunteers, and years of work to stabilize and revive the structure. Key restoration projects included repairing the roof, chimneys, and turrets, as well as restoring the castle’s distinctive white harling, the exterior finish that gives it that striking appearance today. This alone required significant funding, with over £1.6 million raised through grants and community support. The castle reopened to the public in 2008, with King Charles III, then the Duke of Rothesay, officially marking the occasion. After further major restoration work, it reopened again in 2024, looking closer to its original form than it had in decades. Today, Braemar Castle stands not just as a relic of Scotland’s past but as a symbol of what can be preserved when a community refuses to let history disappear. Could it be more 'Closer Lives'?! 10 Interesting Facts About Braemar Castle 1. Braemar Castle was built in 1628 on the site of an earlier hunting lodge used by the Earl of Mar. The location was carefully chosen for both its strategic position and its access to surrounding Highland land used for hunting and control. 2. Its design includes a five-story tower and star-shaped defensive wall, built for control rather than luxury. Unlike more decorative castles, every element of its structure was intended to strengthen defense and assert authority over the area. 3. It played a role in the Jacobite uprisings before being occupied by government troops. This shift highlights how quickly power could change hands in Scotland during one of its most politically unstable periods. 4. Redcoat soldiers used the castle as a garrison to suppress Highland resistance after 1715. From that point on, it became a symbol of government control rather than rebellion, marking a major turning point in its history. 5. The castle later became associated with Clan Farquharson, linking it to centuries of Highland heritage. Their long-standing connection helped shape the castle’s identity beyond its earlier military use. 6. Queen Victoria visited the castle while attending the nearby Braemar Gathering This royal connection added a layer of prestige to what was otherwise a relatively understated Highland stronghold. 7. Members of the modern royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II, have also spent time here. It is even believed that a young Prince Charles and Princess Anne played at the castle during visits to the area. 8. By the early 2000s, the castle had fallen into serious disrepair and was at risk of being lost. Years of neglect left it looking worn and weathered, far from the striking structure you see today. 9. In 2007, the local community secured a lease and took over responsibility for restoring it. This marked a turning point, transforming the castle from a fading landmark into a shared community project. 10. Over £1.6 million was raised to restore the castle, including its iconic white exterior finish. The restoration of the harling alone dramatically changed its appearance, giving it that bright, almost glowing presence you notice from the road. Ticket Information Inside Braemar Castle (source: tripadvisor.com) If you want to go inside, Braemar Castle is typically open seasonally, with entry tickets available at the gate. Prices are modest compared to larger Scottish castles, and guided or self-guided experiences are often included. Adult ticket £16.00 Child (5-15 years) £8.00 Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) £33.00 Historic House Membership FREE Concession (Student, Over 65, and Blue Light Card) £14.00 Prices shown are in British pounds and subject to change at any time. See the official website for the most up-to-date information. Convert your currency here. Open Hours & When to Go Braemar Castle usually opens between spring and early autumn, with limited or no access during winter months. The best time to visit is late spring to early autumn when the surrounding landscape is at its most vibrant. The daffodils in spring add an unexpected contrast to the rugged castle structure. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light and fewer visitors. Grounds Open all year round, 7 days a week Castle April (from 3rd April) Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (Last Entry 4.30pm) May - August Daily 10am to 5pm (Last Entry 4.30pm) September* Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (Last Entry 4.30pm) October Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (Last Entry 4.30pm) * Closed for Braemar Gathering 5th September How to Get There Braemar Castle sits just outside the village of Braemar, deep within the Cairngorms National Park. By Car The most straightforward route is via the A93, one of Scotland’s most scenic drives. ● From Aberdeen: follow the A93 west through Ballater and into Braemar ● From Perth: take the A93 north through Glenshee 💡 If you are planning a wider route, this pairs perfectly with stops like Balmoral and the surrounding Highland viewpoints. Car parking There is a designated car park signposted off the A93. A £4 fee is charged from dawn to dusk, daily, via pay-and-display. By Bus Braemar Castle is situated on the A93 and is serviced by the 201 Stagecoach Bus route from Aberdeen Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hrs 15 mins. By Walking or Cycling Braemar Castle is accessible via public roads for walking and cycling, although there are no designated cycle lanes. Access has been improved further by the development of a path from the car park through the grounds to the castle. ⚠️ Note that there are no catering facilities on site. The village of Braemar is a short drive (or walk) from the Castle car park and offers a range of cafes and shops. 🎟️ Take a Road Trip Like We Did The Cairngorms are best explored by car, especially if you want the freedom to stop at places like Braemar Castle along the way. Public transport is limited in this region, so renting a car is the easiest and most flexible way to experience the landscapes at your own pace. Contact Information for Braemar Castle Address Braemar Castle, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5XR Phone (+44) 01339 741219 Email [email protected] Instagram @braemar.castle Facebook @braemarcastle Website braemarcastle.co.uk Tickets braemarcastle.co.uk/tickets Where to Stay in Cairngorms Braemar is a small village, but there are a few charming options nearby, along with more choices in Ballater and the wider Cairngorms area. Staying nearby allows you to explore the area at a slower pace, rather than treating it as a quick stop. Find places to stay near Braemar and the Cairngorms, or explore accommodation across the region with our hotel map: Tips for Visiting ● Do not skip it just because you are not going inside; it is still worth it! ● Walk around the grounds for different viewpoints. They are well-maintained, and the views are picturesque. ● Combine it with nearby stops like Balmoral Castle or, indeed, a visit to the quaint town of Bramer. ● Always check seasonal opening times in advance as they are subject to change. ● Bring layers; the weather can change quickly in the Highlands. It can be particularly windy at any given time at the castle. ● There are no food or beverage facilities on site, but you can find a range of local shops, pubs, and cafes at Braemar village. 💡 Even a short stop here adds depth to your Cairngorms experience. Our Experience Rating: Braemar Castle While we did not go inside Braemar Castle, it did not take away from the experience. We saw it before its gleaming restoration, and in hindsight, that kind of makes it even more special. Learning about its history, Royal Family connections, and now community ownership has made Braemar a feather in our cap of castle explorations in the UK. This is not a destination that demands hours of your time. It feels authentic, quiet, and connected to the land and community around it. It works best as part of a wider journey through the Cairngorms rather than a standalone attraction. As we build our community here on Closer Lives, projects like Braemar Castle fit perfectly with our mission. If you would like to donate and protect Braemar Castle for future generations, visit justgiving.com/charity/braemarcc Routes like this showcase the raw beauty of Scotland, where historic castles, winding roads, and dramatic landscapes come together. For more destinations and travel inspiration, explore our Scotland travel guides. 🎟️ Consider Taking a Tour of the Scottish Highlands The Cairngorms are best explored by car, giving you the freedom to stop at places like Braemar Castle along the way. If you prefer not to drive, broader Highlands tours from Edinburgh offer an alternative way to experience Scotland’s landscapes, though routes and stops may vary. FAQ: Braemar Castle Before planning your visit, here are some useful things to know about Braemar Castle and what to expect. Is Braemar Castle worth visiting if you do not go inside? Yes, the exterior, setting, and history alone make it worthwhile, especially as part of a Cairngorms road trip. How long do you need at Braemar Castle? Around 20 to 45 minutes is enough if you are just exploring the grounds and taking photos. Is there parking at Braemar Castle? Yes, there is a small car park close to the entrance, making it an easy stop. Can you walk around the castle grounds for free? In most cases, you can explore the surrounding area without entering the castle itself. Is Braemar Castle near Balmoral Castle? Yes, it is a short drive from Balmoral, making it easy to combine both. What is Braemar Castle known for? It is known for its Jacobite history and as the only community-run castle in Scotland. When is the best time to visit Braemar Castle? Spring through early autumn offers the best weather and access. Is Braemar Castle family-friendly? Yes, especially the outdoor areas, which are easy to explore. Are there facilities nearby? Braemar Village has basic facilities, including cafes and shops. Can you visit Braemar Castle year round? Access is seasonal, so always check opening times before visiting. Related Reads If you are building a Scotland itinerary, these posts will help you connect the experiences: Discover more historic stops like this in our Scotland travel blogs and guides Plan your wider continental journey with our Europe travel hub Continue deeper into Royal Deeside with our Balmoral Castle guide Uncover one of Scotland’s most mysterious sites at Rosslyn Castle & Chapel Travel Resources

Join us as we recount our whirlwind escapade in Asia! A remarkable journey that spanned 12 countries in 12 months, chronicling the highs and lows, the unexpected delights, and the occasional challenges of traversing the vast and varied tapestry of Asia. As foreigners navigating the intricacies of each unique destination, our experiences unfolded as a kaleidoscope of cultural encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and moments that tested our resilience. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, from the pristine beaches of Bali to the manic metropolises of Seoul and Delhi, our journey was a mosaic of contrasting experiences that shaped our perspectives and enriched our lives in ways we never imagined. Discover the hidden gems that stole our hearts, the challenges that made us stronger, and the cultural revelations that left an indelible mark on our souls. Asia, with its myriad of cultures and landscapes, has a story to tell, and we are excited to share our thoughts on 12 incredible countries over 12 truly unforgettable months in this crazy full-time travel adventure of ours! In This Post... ● Traveling in Asia ● Our Experience Rating ● Travel Resources Countries Visited ● Japan: Land of the Rising Sun ● Thailand: Land of Smiles ● Vietnam: Land of the Blue Dragon ● Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder ● Indonesia: Emerald of the Equator ● Malaysia: Indigenous Malay ● Philippines: Pearl of the Orient ● Singapore: The Lion City ● India: Hindustan ● China: Pearl of the Orient ● Taiwan: Beautiful Island ● South Korea: Morning Calm Traveling in Asia: Why Did We Come Here? Jenn at the hidden Singsing Waterfall near Balian Beach in Bali When we decided to embark on this full-time travel adventure, Asia was always going to be one of the first continents on the list. We had already undertaken several road trips around Europe and had explored most of Canada. Not just that, but in the main, we were attracted by the cost of living across the continent, which is just way more affordable than the Western countries of the world. Most of our research had identified Bali in Indonesia as the best place to begin. We tried to get there when we started, but with the COVID-19 restrictions at the time, it was almost impossible to get a visa. For one reason or another, our first year of travel in 2021 turned out to be a North American and Eastern European thing. We had not even set foot in an Asian country until we made it to Japan in December 2022, 18 months after we had left Canada for Mexico. It was a major moment in the journey for us because, way back when we were merely dreaming of travel, this was the place we wanted to be. Okay, well, it was not exactly Bali, but landing in Tokyo was arguably a bigger draw! There is a whole heap of reasons why Asia as a whole was in our plans, although in our wildest dreams, we could never have imagined we would have hit 12 countries in 12 months. Several of those we flew to multiple times. The people and cultures, epic food, magical temples, and incredible history are just a few of the elements we couldn't wait to immerse ourselves in. And boy, did we! So, without further ado, check out the next section for country and adventure number one, Japan's Tokyo and Kyoto. Japan: Land of the Rising Sun Higashi Honganji Temple, located in Kyoto, Japan. We are doing this list in the order of how we visited, but if we were ranking the countries, Japan would probably be top of the list. We had a fabulous time here, and Tokyo remains one of the best cities we have seen anywhere in the world. Despite only having a few full days in both cities, we were able to see a whole bunch of awesome places thanks to the excellent transportation systems and ease of getting around. Tokyo is one of our favorite major cities in Asia, owing to its fantastic infrastructure, cleanliness, modern features, and clean air. It is also a very quiet city, mainly owing to the electric car revolution, and the super-efficient, cheap, and modern MRT system, which keeps vehicles off the road. All amazing achievements, given Tokyo is also one of the most populated places on earth, with the equivalent of the total population of Canada living in and around it. Kyoto is one of Japan's oldest cities and was also the original capital. The journey here from Tokyo is almost a tourist attraction itself if you go by the famous maglev bullet train. They are expensive, but worth it for the comfort and speed of travel. Plus, we got to try a traditional Japanese bento box and got a solid look at Mount Fuji as we were leaving Tokyo. It is every bit as incredible as the photos suggest! We had a lot of fun in Kyoto, visiting one of its oldest market streets, staying in an epic manga-themed hotel, and even visiting a samurai museum and learning more about the modern and ancient history of Japan. Kyoto certainly has a different vibe, with an older look and a more traditional feel to it. There was a nice contrast between the two cities, and this is a major reason why we loved this trip so much. A week was just not enough, so much so that we went back to Japan one year later, this time to Osaka. We only stopped for a few days before the big flight out to Canada. Much of our time was spent exploring the famous Dotonbori shopping district and admiring the Hitachi Tower! ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Tokyo We had plenty of highlights in both Tokyo and Kyoto, so picking a standout was pretty difficult. It was a close call, but the Art Aquarium in Ginza just about nabs it. This museum showcases goldfish as living art and is worth checking out. We enjoyed the exhibits, and there are ten overall; we only wish there had been more! "Goldfish Forest" installation at the Art Aquarium Museum in Tokyo ⪢ Japan Travel Tip: Consider Taking a Tour One of the most popular ways to explore Japan is by tour. We recommend checking out the vast number of different options with GetYourGuide. 🎟️ Book your tickets here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Kyoto After exhausting ourselves walking around half of Tokyo in 4 days, we arrived in Kyoto feeling like we needed a break. Fortunately for us, our manga-themed hotel was the perfect spot to work and rest, and so we did for the first few days. When we finally emerged, we found our way to the Kyoto Samurai & Ninja Museum, and it was fantastic! We learned all about the history of the samurai, their relationships with the ruling shogun, their rise to prominence, and their unfortunate demise. We got to dress up, which was fun, but the best part was at the end - the Ninja Star Competition! Holding and throwing the famous Japanese shuriken (aka throwing stars) was an experience that will long live in our memory. It was fascinating to catch a glimpse into the lives of the epic warriors that inspired us both to want to visit the land of the rising sun growing up. This is Japan! Thailand: Land of Smiles Wat Phra That in Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, Thailand Neither of us exactly had Thailand high on our lists when we were reeling off countries we wanted to visit in Asia. Honestly, when we found ourselves in the middle of rice paddies in the humble district of Doi Saket, on Christmas Day (2022), no less, we never quite imagined that we would go on to spend the best part of 6 months here. Yes, six months! It ended up being the place we never wanted to leave: a perfect base to explore Southeast Asia from, and one that we would eventually call our 'home.' Aside from the two pages of stamps we had to donate from our passports, we have no complaints about Thailand at all. As you can probably tell from the last paragraph, it turned out to be one of our favorite countries of all. Our accommodation is amazing. Doi Saket became our place of peace, one where we could work and chill, chill and work, and all the in-between. Incredibly affordable too, more so in fact than any other country in this post. Doi Saket is around 30-40 minutes outside of Chiang Mai by car, so getting to and from the city airport, or just around in general, was a bit tricky. So, after a couple of Songthaews and taxi experiences, we decided to rent a car, just for a couple of months, and it was one of the best things we did. It was quite expensive, incredibly more than our accommodation costs, but well worth it. Being from England, driving on the left was a nice bonus for Leon, too. We took advantage of it, driving for hours on some epic road trips through the mountains. The intricacy of the White Temple is mesmerizing, especially in the sun! Owing to a generous 60-day visa, we were able to stay long-term, knowing we could extend our visas and border run to stretch out the time. Thailand also happens to border several other countries, and it was from here that we took week-long trips to the likes of Vietnam and Cambodia. It is the perfect place to springboard from, and Chiang Mai Airport is one of the easier ones to get through, which is a nice bonus. Aside from our external trips, we took a fair few within Thailand too, exploring the likes of Pattaya, Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Pai. We tried all of the Thai food, which we loved, and visited a ton of temples, islands, markets, monuments, malls, and more golden buddhas than you can shake a stick at. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Bangkok We even celebrated the Thai New Year, Songkran, in epic water-fight style on the streets of Phuket. Not to mention the Loi Krathong Festival, where thousands of paper lanterns are released into the sky. There is just something about Thailand, isn't there? Every country has its vibe, its pluses and minuses, and the Land of Smiles does too. There were things that we found tough, in particular the devastating Burning Season, which completely ruins March and April up in the north. We left the country because of that. But aside from those months, we connected with Thailand, and we will most certainly be back at some point. We just know it! ⪢ Consider Taking a Tour Heading to Bangkok? The Bangkok City Tour with Wat Arun, offered by GetYourGuide, offers a fascinating exploration of the city's rich cultural and historical landmarks. This guided tour takes you through Bangkok’s bustling streets, iconic temples, and vibrant markets, providing a comprehensive experience of the city. 🎟️ Book your tickets here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Thailand Back in early January, one of our first sunsets in Thailand The beauty of Doi Saket and Palm Village was a major reason why we kept going back to Thailand throughout the year. We stayed in two out of the three villas and did love the end one, but more than just that, it was about the company, the pool, and the mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets over the rice paddies that seemed to go on forever. When the owners, with whom we are great friends now, opened their restaurant and added food into the mix, it sealed the deal. On top of all of that, our good friends whom we met in Georgia also stayed here with us for a few months! This place is spectacular, and while a little on the remote side of things, it was everything we needed to recover from our intense travel excursions. We always looked forward to coming back here, knowing it was our place of comfort and peace. Oh, just writing this makes us miss it already! Vietnam: Land of the Blue Dragon Situated in Southeast Asia, Vietnam boasts a rich history shaped by influences from Chinese, French, and Southeast Asian cultures. Emerging from the Vietnam War in 1975, the country transitioned into a socialist-oriented market economy and has experienced remarkable economic growth in the past decade. The culture in Vietnam is deeply rooted in Confucianism, Buddhism, and indigenous beliefs, which are reflected in traditional art, music, and cuisine. We didn't know what to expect from Vietnam. The areas that we chose to visit, Da Nang and Hoi An, were full of rich cultural experiences. From the sprawling beaches to the incredible rooftop views and pools at affordable luxury hotels, we enjoyed two fabulous weeks between two cities that are only a 45-minute drive apart. Not to mention the natural marble and experiences to be had in nature. The hospitality is incredible, and the arts performance at Hoi An Memories is truly unforgettable. Vietnam truly has it all! Our maximum visa term as British and Canadian nationals is 15 days as a tourist, so we decided to head to Hoi An and Da Nang due to their proximity, popularity, and also the famous Hoi An Lantern Festival, which drops you right into the heart of Vietnamese culture. In Da Nang, we were just a block away from My Khe beach at the 4-star Sala Hotel, a spot with a spectacular rooftop overlooking the city. We loved it here, in particular for our favorite Esco Bar, an awesome spot to eat, chill, relax, or party, Vietnamese style. In Hoi An, we stayed in the incredible Mulberry Silk Village, an experience we are yet to write about but cannot wait to get stuck into! One of the wildest things about Vietnam is the money—literally everything is in the thousands. As such, a good dinner for two can cost over a million! It is something that can take getting used to for sure. The biggest standout, though, has to go to the super kind people we met, who made us feel so welcomed here. That and the food too, which is among some of our top-rated on this list! ⪢ Consider Taking a Tour One of the most popular ways to explore Vietnam is by guided tour. Tour cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, or enjoy experiences like Train Street or Ba Na Hills. Check out a host of different options with GetYourGuide. 🎟️ Book your tickets here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Vietnam Hoi An Memories Theme Park serves as a living canvas, vividly painting the historical saga of Hoi An. The heartbeat of the visit lies in the mesmerizing evening show that unfolds against the scenic backdrop of the Thu Bon River. As the sun dips below the horizon, the amphitheater awakens, and the Hoi An Memories show takes center stage. The performance is a time-traveling masterpiece, guiding the audience through Hoi An's captivating past. The narrative skillfully interweaves the town's history, dating back to its days as a bustling 15th-century port city. From the thriving trade routes that connected Hoi An to distant lands to the architectural marvels influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and European styles, the show is a visual feast that brings to life the town's evolution. The cultural diversity that defines Hoi An is illuminated through the vibrant depiction of various influences that have shaped its identity. This immersive experience not only entertained but also served as an enlightening journey, fostering a profound appreciation in us for Hoi An's resilience and cultural heritage. The Hoi An Memories Theme Park offers a unique lens through which to view the city, bridging the gap between the past and the present, leaving us with enduring memories of Hoi An's rich tapestry. Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder Phimeanakas Temple in Angkor In all honesty, we had not even heard of Cambodia before being here. We know that might sound a little crazy, but it is true. That only happened one other time with the country of Georgia. Our bad! So, it was with great gratitude and humility that we were able to visit this incredible country, learn about its mind-blowing history, and meet its long-suffering but brilliantly motivated people. This was an experience that tested our limits both physically and emotionally, and one that to this day continues to have a profound effect on us. While much of the talk about Cambodia is of its fantastic archaeological ruins, another darker specter hangs over the country, one we knew nothing about. But it is something you cannot escape from when you are here. You see it in the people, in the poverty, in the past. The dark memories live on, as do the millions of mines that still make large swathes of the country a no-go zone for civilians. The Cambodian Civil War, spanning from 1967 to 1975, was a complex conflict deeply connected to the Vietnam War. The involvement of North Vietnamese forces in Cambodia prompted U.S. and South Vietnamese military actions within the country. The coup in 1970 ousted Prince Norodom Sihanouk and aligned Cambodia with the United States, intensifying the conflict. The Khmer Rouge, initially a communist guerrilla force, gained strength, leading to their capture of Phnom Penh in 1975. Under Pol Pot's genocidal rule, the Khmer Rouge orchestrated mass atrocities, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1.7 million people—shockingly, almost half the entire population at the time. The civil war officially ended with the Khmer Rouge takeover, but Cambodia continued to face political turmoil, ultimately requiring Vietnamese intervention to remove the regime in 1978. The war left a devastating legacy, contributing to the Cambodian Genocide and shaping the nation's tumultuous political landscape. Ta Prohm, the 'Tomb Raider' Temple When tourists head to Cambodia, typically they are headed for Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, the latter being the capital city. The former is the site of the national treasure of Angkor, the almost not-real ruins of one of the world's greatest empires. We say it is not real because it is quite astonishing. The entire area, designated as the Angkor Archaeological Park, encompasses around 400 square kilometers, revealing the grandeur of the Khmer civilization through various temples, reservoirs, and urban planning elements. Over 4 days, we visited 12 temples, but know that there are over 1000 (yes, thousand), and the heat will be the biggest challenge you will face, aside from giant stone steps with 3-foot risers. We are supposed to be keeping this part to three paragraphs, but Cambodia just commands more! Alongside our daily trips to the complex, we also visited a floating village, enjoyed touring the city centre of Siem Reap, stayed in an awesome traditional Airbnb, and met local children and gave out pens and coloring books. We met fantastic people and even joined in on an English class! In just six days, we did so much, with memories that will last us a lifetime and beyond. ⪢ Consider Taking a Tour A great way to explore the best of Cambodia is by tour. Discover Siem Reap and its famous Angkor temples, catch a sunset cruise in Phnom Penh, and much more with GetYourGuide. 🎟️ Book your tickets here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Cambodia No trip to Siem Reap is complete without seeing a sunrise or sunset at Angkor Wat! At the heart of Angkor lies the breathtaking Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument globally and a symbolic icon of Cambodia. Constructed by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century, Angkor Wat's architectural brilliance, intricate carvings, and expansive moat contribute to its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This sprawling temple complex was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu but was later transformed into a Buddhist sanctuary. Renowned for its stunning Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat features intricately carved bas-reliefs and extensive galleries that depict scenes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The central towers symbolize Mount Meru, the mythical abode of the gods, surrounded by a vast moat that adds to its grandeur. The temple's alignment with astronomical phenomena, particularly during sunrise and sunset, further accentuates its cultural and religious significance. As a symbol of Cambodia, Angkor Wat is a testament to the ingenuity and artistic prowess of the Khmer civilization, drawing millions of visitors annually to marvel at its timeless beauty and historical importance. Indonesia: Emerald of the Equator Indonesia, an archipelagic gem in Southeast Asia, captivates with its diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich heritage. Comprising over 17,000 islands scattered across the equator, the nation is a tapestry of lush jungles, pristine beaches, and towering volcanoes. Home to a mosaic of ethnicities, languages, and traditions, Indonesia boasts a cultural richness that reflects its historical tapestry of trade, conquests, and indigenous roots. From the bustling metropolis of Jakarta to the serene beauty of Bali, Indonesia offers a myriad of experiences for every traveler. There is a myriad of temples to see here, alongside a tourist-oriented culture that offers everything from party beach bars to zen yoga. Our visits to Cambodia and Vietnam had come while we were still staying in Thailand, maxing out and then extending our visas until we could no longer. That point came in June, when we knew that we had to leave to stay within the rules. So we chose Indonesia, starting with Bali, which also happened to be the first place we ever wanted to come to. Covid messed that up, so it was great to finally be on the way, 2 years later since we had first dreamed of it! But then, of course, came the drama. And it was not good! While Bali will forever remain one of the best places on the planet to visit, it is a small island that has far exceeded its infrastructure capabilities. It is a stunning island that is completely jammed with some of the worst traffic you will ever see. So people rent scooters. Something we had no experience with, yet decided to try out in one of the toughest places to drive one on Earth. So we ended up coming off our bikes, just a few days into our stay in Ubud, which ended up leaving us almost bedridden for most of our time on the island. Aside from all of that, we went on to have a good time in Balikpapan (by mistake!) and then went on to Jakarta, where we visited some top spots and also met our now very good friends Jackson and Marjo in the Heritage Cafe Batavia in Old Town. We went on to two more countries with them! ⪢ Consider Taking a Tour Check out a host of different options with GetYourGuide, including guided food tours, city sightseeing, cultural highlights, and even volcano and hot spring trips. 🎟️ Browse tours here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Indonesia Perhaps one of the biggest reasons for Balian Beach being our favorite location is that after almost a week of barely being able to walk from our injuries, we were finally able to make it outside for an excursion or two. We are super grateful for the recovery, as this is a remarkable location that is definitely 'off the beaten path' and a real gem for its local vibe, great beach, epic waves (great for surfers), caves, waterfalls, and rice paddies. Oh, and the sunsets here are spectacular! Our Airbnb was a super cute spot that put us just a five-minute walk away from the beach. There are a couple of really good restaurants there serving great food and good beer for a much better price than those in the tourist-intensive areas like Canggu and Kuta. Our host here also took us on a private tour of the area, taking us to a secret waterfall, an incredible bat cave, and also up to one of the only Buddhist temples on the predominantly Agama Hindu Dharma island. Malaysia: Land of Indigenous Malay The beautiful Saloma Bridge, leading to the famous Petronas Towers of Kuala Lumpur Also in Southeast Asia, Malaysia felt like a hop, jump, and a skip away from Indonesia, and we were excited to come here. Especially as our friends Jackson and Marjo were coming to join us in Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur. We loved it here this first time around and even ended up coming back later on to visit the historical city of Malacca! From the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, adorned with iconic skyscrapers like the Petronas Towers, to the pristine beaches of Langkawi, Malaysia offers a rich array of experiences. The country is a melting pot of ethnicities, with Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences contributing to its vibrant cultural mosaic. This harmonious blend is most evident in the delectable culinary scene, where satay, nasi lemak, and roti canai are just a taste of Malaysia's gastronomic delights. Beyond the urban allure, Malaysia is adorned with historical treasures such as the UNESCO-listed George Town in Penang and the cultural heritage of Malacca. We did so much here, helped by being in a pretty handy location next to a subway station, almost directly opposite the second-tallest building in the world, the Merdeka Tower. Malaysia is very affordable, and the metro system is top-class. It felt like an all-action affair here, and we certainly hit the sights. Batu Caves, one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India We toured markets, climbed the steps of the Batu Caves, ate at one of the longest street night markets in the world, and visited mosques, Chinese temples, and even an indoor theme park. Not to mention getting stuck into one of the jewels of Malaysian national pride, the delicious Ramly Burger (you simply must check this bad boy out). As far as cities go, Kuala Lumpur is as modern as they come, with its epic skyscrapers dominating the skyline. Malaysians love to build, and the Petronas Towers and Merdeka are a testament to that. Our time here was made all the better by being able to enjoy it with our friends, and we forged so many memories here. It was actually in a pool hall in the capital that we decided on our India trip, too! More on that later! ⪢ Take a Tour with GetYourGuide Discover the Batu Caves, a batik factory, and a Hindu temple while taking in stunning views of the city. Learn about Malaysia's rich history, traditions, and customs in the suburbs. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today with reserve now & pay later. ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Malaysia Honestly, we didn't know much about Langkawi Island before booking our time there. We knew there was a lot to see and do, and it certainly didn't disappoint in that regard. The aquamarine contours, natural scenery, unique location, clear waters, pristine beaches, and intact jungle areas (yes, we could go on and on!) make this a nature lover's playground! Having spent 3 weeks in Langkawi and changing accommodations 4 times during that time, we think it's safe to say that we explored much of what this island has to offer. From the epic fire-twirling shows at the popular sunset hotspot Pantai Cenang Beach to the Kuah Bay area with the popular Maha Tower and many beautiful walking parks and paths, there are a variety of activities to keep you busy. The delicious and local weekly night market is located in Kuah, and the island is filled with an assortment of cuisines, from American fast food to local foods and fruits from the island. Two of the main highlights and bragging rights for Langkawi Island would be being home to the world's steepest cable car and also the newly opened Dream Forest, which is a must-see for the entire family. Philippines: Pearl of the Orient Seas Venice Grand Canal Mall in Manila In the western Pacific, the Philippines unfolds as a tropical paradise, boasting a breathtaking archipelago of over 7,000 islands. With its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush jungles, the country is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The Philippines is a cultural mosaic, shaped by a unique blend of indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial influences, and Asian heritage. Another country we visited twice, the Philippines, will always be an experience we hold close to our hearts. Our first trip was to Metro Manila for a month, staying in Parañaque in a hotel with a wave pool and beach vibe designed by Paris Hilton (no kidding). We were fresh off the back of being monetized on YouTube in Jakarta, and we were excited to continue the momentum here. And continue it, we did! Manila was fantastic, and we packed a lot into the month, not only working hard on the blogs and vlogs but also getting out there and seeing what the many cities here on the island have to offer. Our favorite was Intramuros, home to the likes of Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, San Agustin Church, and Manila Cathedral. The history here is astonishing, no more so than the horrific battle between U.S. and Japanese forces in WW2, in which this area was almost wiped off the map. Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Metro Manila Beyond the history of the place, the hospitality was remarkable, and we met some wonderful people here. The food was wonderful too, and we already miss the crispy pata (pork) very much, along with the delicious adobo rice we had plenty of. Not big fans of Jollibee chicken, though... sorry, guys! The other big part of being here is the shopping mall culture; Manila has tons of them, including the biggest in the world. It was also at a mall that we had a fantastic time with VIP seats to a Jose Mari Chan (a famous Christmas singer) concert. The rain was horrendous that night, but we loved it! We also came back for a second time, for nine days, later on in the year, after we left China. We went to Batangas and Tagaytay, as we wanted to see outside of Metro Manila. We were a little tired at this point, though, and kind of eager to get back to our Thailand retreat! ⪢ Consider Taking a Tour in Manila One of the most popular ways to explore Manila is by tour. Fancy heading to Chinatown? Or taking a trip to Intramuros? How about a street food tour? Check out a host of different tour options with GetYourGuide. 🎟️ Browse tours here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from the Philippines Smart Araneta Coliseum We cheered on the Gilas Pilipinas as they played at home in Quezon City at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in what was our first-ever live basketball match. We must have been a good luck charm for them, as this was their first win in almost a decade! This was the game of the decade to be at for Gilas Pilipinas fans and us too, apparently! It also happened to become our highest-viewed YouTube video to date, with over 270k views. It blew us away, and we had such a phenomenal time there, too. It was a win-win situation! Singapore: The Lion City The Jewel at Changi Airport, Singapore Nestled at the crossroads of Asia, Singapore stands as a gleaming metropolis that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition. Despite its compact size, this city-state is a global economic powerhouse and a melting pot of cultures, where sleek skyscrapers coexist with meticulously preserved heritage districts. From the iconic skyline of Marina Bay to the vibrant neighborhoods of Chinatown and Little India, Singapore offers a diverse array of experiences. We were very excited for this one because we had both wanted to come here for some time. Gardens by the Bay was something we had heard of, as was the Jewel at Changi Airport, the world's largest indoor waterfall. Then, of course, there was the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel, along with a spectacular light show, which we weren't even aware of! We only had a couple of days here and had a lot to pack in. As a bonus, we had parked ourselves in the middle of Chinatown, in a tiny but decent hotel. So, we had plenty of other awesome things to experience right outside our door. One of our favorite experiences was the hawker center in Chinatown, known to be one of the finest in the city. Despite all of our preconceptions of how expensive Singapore can be, we learned that when it comes to food, if you find the right places, it is excellent and very affordable. And the food is good. Very very good. Coupled with the brilliant metro system, which is equally cheap, and actually, this city becomes more and more attractive. Oh, and just to ram home that point, Gardens by the Bay is completely free, during the day and for the nightly light show. Lest we forget the Spectra Light Show (coming up), which again is free! The view from atop the Sands Skypark Observatory over Marina Bay Singapore turned out to be just about everything we had imagined. This city-state has so much to offer for all types of budgets. Sure, you will pay a pretty penny to head up to the top of the Sands, but when you factor in the other attractions, including places like Little India that you can check out for free too, it is a place that just works. Singapore simply must be on your list of places to see in Asia. ⪢ Consider Taking a Tour in Singapore A great way to explore Singapore without hassle is by tour. From open-top buses to bike tours, top sights like Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay, Little India, Chinatown, and more, GetYourGuide offers you a simple, easy, and efficient process to book in advance. 🎟️ Browse tours here ⪢ Our Top Highlights from Singapore The Spectra Light Show is free to view every night from 8 pm. The Spectra Light and Water Show at Marina Bay in Singapore is a mesmerizing multimedia extravaganza that unfolds against the stunning backdrop of the city's iconic skyline. Held at the Marina Bay Sands Promenade, this nightly spectacle combines dancing water fountains, vibrant laser lights, 3D projections, and a synchronized musical soundtrack to create a breathtaking sensory experience. The show beautifully utilizes Marina Bay's waterfront as a canvas, with the water jets shooting up to create intricate patterns and dynamic shapes that dance in harmony with the changing lights. The state-of-the-art technology and stunning visual effects, coupled with the dazzling cityscape as a backdrop, make Spectra a must-see, and it is free too. There were so many things that we enjoyed in Singapore, and this was a close run thing with Gardens by the Bay at night, but this just edges it for its brilliant execution! India: Hindustan (Land of the Hindus) The epic India Gate in Delhi We had decided with our friends Jackson and Marjo back in Kuala Lumpur that we wanted to come to India. It had been a place on all of our lists for a while, and it seemed like such a great idea to tackle it with another couple. We knew India would be a tough place to travel around, and being with friends makes the whole process that little easier. It did, and thank goodness we did, as India was easily the most challenging of all twelve countries we visited in Asia. We have an entire India Series on our blog, with the full story of this roller-coaster ride from day one through to the seventeenth day when we bailed. We managed to do five cities in the north, dotted around the famed Golden Triangle. We started in New Delhi, where we were deceived by our hotel on day one (a '3-star' online that was barely a 1-star). It was tough to stay there, to the point where we could not even shower because the bathroom was so bad. We won't go into it too much, and you can read about our Staybook Hotel experience if you want the juicy details. Despite this setback, we still enjoyed the city, although it was again in the face of some very tough conditions. We went to Connaught Place, Humayun's Tomb, and India Gate, enjoyed a great night at an awesome zombie-themed restaurant, and had our first tastes of Indian food and, most importantly, Indian beer! Things went downhill from there, though, in spectacular fashion, as all four of us gradually got sick with a serious case of Delhi belly that put us out for almost seven days! It felt like most of our stay was just surviving one epic travel day after another, as we had pre-planned five cities in 16 days. We managed the travel, but hardly any sights. Jenn even missed out on the Taj Mahal because of it. The great Taj Mahal! After the recovery, we still had our moments; seeing the Taj was incredible, even if Jenn only got to from our hotel rooftop. We got to see a lot of the country on our travels, taking an eight-hour cab ride from Jaipur to Udaipur and spending hours on the bus to Agra. We were quite shocked by what we saw and would honestly say India is not for the faint-hearted. There are a lot of things to be aware of, such as scams, pollution, extremely poor infrastructure, awful sanitation, and a lot of uncomfortable hawking and staring. Even just basic things like hot water, doing laundry, or paying for things in anything other than cash are very challenging. For all of its amazing culture and history, India is most certainly one of the toughest places we have visited in all of our travels! ⪢ India Travel Tip: Consider Taking a Tour One of the most popular ways to explore India is by guided tour. Skip the line for the Taj Mahal, tour cities like Mumbai and Delhi, or enjoy the wonderful sights in Udaipur and Jaipur. 🎟️ Browse tours here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from India Our friends Vijay, Jackson, and Marjo! Undoubtedly one of the biggest ironies ever: our first hostel experience is in one of the dirtiest (no offence intended) countries we have ever been in. Our reluctance in three years of travel has been mainly that—cleanliness and, of course, security fears. We booked a private room here, as did Jackson and Marjo, and being with them was always a big factor in coming here. Anyway, the point being, we loved it! We spent a couple of excellent nights here, with all of us finally feeling better and being able to eat and drink a little bit. We met some awesome friends who we are still in contact with and also met a friend who we had only known from the Instagram poetry scene several years ago. He just 'happened' to be in the local area at the same time, and we played carrom together, and it was amazing. China: Pearl of the Orient The Hong Kong city skyline is great to see! We are so happy we got to spend time in China. This was a country high up on our list of priorities, and knowing that we were returning to Canada for 2024, we knew it just couldn't wait. After our India shenanigans, we took a good month off in our Thai retreat before heading to Hong Kong for the first of two trips to the Pearl of the Orient. We only spent a couple of nights here, but we packed in a lot of places! The Hong Kong skyline is one of the most iconic and photographed in the world. It is a dazzling display of skyscrapers, bridges, and boats, set against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour. The skyline is dominated by the International Commerce Centre (ICC), which is the tallest building in Hong Kong and the 13th tallest building in the world. Other notable skyscrapers include the Bank of China Tower, the HSBC Main Building, and the Cheung Kong Center. The skyline is most impressive at night, when the buildings are illuminated in a variety of colors. The nightly free Symphony of Lights light show is a must-see for any visitor to Hong Kong (even if we found it very underwhelming). The best place to see it has to be the Avenue of Stars, a waterfront promenade lined with handprints of Hong Kong celebrities along the railings. The panoramic views of the skyline will be forever planted in our memories! This was super fun, and as with its excellent metro system, it was super easy to get around here. We enjoyed checking out the Temple Street Market too, along with an awesome night at the Wine & Dine Festival (more on that later). Hong Kong may have been a little on the expensive side, but it was a real treat and experience, and one we are so glad we had! Our second adventure in China came courtesy of a cool 24 hours in Shanghai. It was essentially a layover that we squeezed in before we flew out to the Philippines. We had no access to the internet for nearly 48 hours, but we did not need it anyway. We were just outside the main city, in Pudong, and had an amazing day and night full of great people, food, and an epic sunset! Oh, and an epic hotel too! Moonlo Hotel in Pudong, Shanghai Even though we were a little uncertain of what to expect in Pudong, given that it is fairly local, it turned out to be a decent time. With just one night here, we could only spend time in the area near the hotel, and it was pretty lively throughout the day and night. And we got to mill around the stores and enjoy a nice evening meal of some very good noodles at a traditional restaurant. Even though we did not achieve too much, we saw and felt enough to know that we want to check out more of China. We will be back! ⪢ Consider Taking a Shanghai Tour Check out a host of different options with GetYourGuide, including city tours, night river cruises, and even flexible layover tours where you can experience Shanghai on your schedule. 🎟️ Browse tours here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from China The Wine and Dine Festival in Hong Kong is a culinary extravaganza that celebrates the city's vibrant food and beverage scene. Typically held annually, the festival showcases a diverse array of gourmet delights, culinary creations, and a vast selection of wines and spirits. Against the backdrop of Hong Kong's iconic skyline, the event brings together renowned chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists to offer wine tastings, cocktail workshops, and interactive demonstrations. With live entertainment, cultural performances, and a lively atmosphere, the Wine and Dine Festival has become a must-attend event that captures the essence of Hong Kong's culinary diversity and cosmopolitan spirit. This was an unplanned event, one that only came our way courtesy of a very warm welcome from our hotel. How lucky were we that it came back this year, after a five-year Covid absence, and happened to be when we were in Hong Kong! We had an amazing time, and watching the incredible Marcelito Pomoy was a real highlight. He is so good! Marcelito won the Philippines' Got Talent and came fourth in AGT Champions. He has such a fantastic voice, and given our affinity for the Philippines, it was a real treat to see. Do keep an eye out for the Wine & Dine Festival if you visit Hong Kong! Taiwan: Beautiful Island For those of you who do not know, part of how we fund our travels is through teaching English online. Most of our student base was in Asia, and long before we even stepped foot on the continent, we were learning a great deal about it from our students in the various countries. Taiwan was certainly one of them, and we were eager to come here and see it with our own eyes. We only had a few days before heading up to South Korea as we continued our whistlestop tour of the northeast of Asia. There was so much to love about our time here in Taiwan. From the moment we arrived, we were already captured by how clean and modern everything was. We got there at night, so that always makes things look nicer, but even during the day, Taipei was beautiful. Our hotel was great too and had a bar on the second floor that became one of the best parts of our stay here. We made friends there, tried traditional food, and even took part in a giant beer glass drinking competition (that we failed at miserably). It was a whole lot of fun, and after the two nights, we have certainly made lasting connections here. The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei We got out and about too, checking out some of the local specialties like mango shaved ice, watching street magicians perform, wandering through the local night market, and going to see the Taipei 101 and, of course, the Chiang Kai-Shek memorial. There is plenty to keep you busy here, and it is not too expensive and easy to get around. Another place we would love to come back to and plan to next time we are in Asia! ⪢ Consider Taking a Taiwan Tour Check out a host of different options with GetYourGuide, including city tours, private sightseeing, and advance tickets to get the most out of your time here. 🎟️ Browse tours here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Taiwan The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei was built in honor of Chiang Kai-shek, the former president of the Republic of China. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to visit on our recent trip to Taiwan, and I have to say it is mightily impressive! Chiang Kai-shek was a controversial leader, and there is no doubt that he played a significant role in the history of Taiwan. He was a key figure in the Chinese Civil War, which pitted the Democratic Kuomintang (KMT), led by Chiang, against the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by Mao Zedong. The war began in 1927 when Chiang launched a purge of CPC members in the KMT. The CPC responded by establishing its government in the countryside. The war raged for over two decades, and both sides committed atrocities. The CPC gained the upper hand in the war in the late 1940s. In 1949, Chiang and the KMT were forced to retreat to Taiwan, where they established a government-in-exile. The PRC was established on mainland China, and Mao Zedong became its first leader. Chiang died in 1975 in Taiwan. His legacy is still debated to this day in some quarters. Some view him as a hero who saved China from communism, while others view him as a dictator who committed atrocities. We love our history, and learning more about the countries we visit is so important to us in our travels. Super thankful to have visited here to learn more about this incredible place. Do add this to your list of places to see in Taipei! South Korea: Land of the Morning Calm South Korea, a captivating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, unfolds as a dynamic destination in East Asia. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the serene beauty of its natural landscapes, the country offers a diverse range of experiences. Rich in history, South Korea boasts UNESCO World Heritage sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and the ancient city of Gyeongju, while its contemporary urban centers showcase sleek architecture and vibrant street life. We only spent a couple of nights here and were staying a 40-minute bus ride away from the main city center of Seoul. It was an adjustment, as it was the coldest country we had been in all year, even at a modest 18 degrees. We had become accustomed to double that! Nonetheless, we were undeterred and had a great time checking out the city. Did you know that there is free Wi-Fi available everywhere in the city? Free of charge! It works well too. Plus, the city is awesome, with a great mix of modern buildings, old markets, and traditional streets. A few days did not feel like it was enough, and we would come back to this city. That being said, we did have some really good food here, in a couple of different places, even with a language barrier that is tricky to navigate, as English is very scarce. We did get a chance to wander around after coming back from our visit to the DMZ, which we will get to in a bit. We also used the bus system, which works seamlessly when there are no protests! That does stick out for us; we were in Seoul Center on a Saturday, and several different street protests were causing all manner of fuss. It was fun to see, actually, even if they did delay our bus by well over an hour! ⪢ Consider Taking a South Korea Tour Check out a host of different options with GetYourGuide, including the likes of the DMZ, Jeju Island, Seoul city tours, and more. 🎟️ Browse tours here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from South Korea: Visiting the DMZ The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a poignant symbol of the Korean Peninsula's divided history, stands as a unique and intriguing destination within South Korea. Stretching 250 kilometers across the peninsula and serving as a buffer zone between North and South Korea, the DMZ is a place frozen in time. Visitors to this highly fortified border region can explore historical sites like the Third Tunnel of Aggression, a subterranean passage dug by North Korea, and the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom, where diplomatic talks between the two Koreas take place. Coming here will take you on a journey where you will learn all about the horrors of the war and its aftermath, alongside experiencing an area fractured by a distinct lack of trust and a distinct animosity between the two sides. It is a little eerie in a way, and somewhere that may not always stay open to the public if tensions rise again. It certainly was a sobering place to be, but it was kind of cool to get so close as to see into North Korea. Not something easy to do these days! Our Experience Rating: Asia So, what do we think of Asia? Well, we hope this post has gone some way to show you just what a fantastic time we had here. We thoroughly enjoyed immersing ourselves in the culture across the continent, from north to south. It is incredible how much we have learned from our year here about so many different countries that all have a unique and fascinating story to tell. The places we have discovered, the people we have met, and the sheer beauty we have seen—all of it has amounted to one of the best years of our lives. Not gonna lie, we were missing the western scene, but, in equal measure, when it was time to leave, it was tough to go. Another long spell in Asia on the horizon? You bet! Travel Resources

Traveling full time has taught us plenty, but nothing shaped our mindset more than the moment we realized how exposed we were without proper travel insurance. For the first few years of our nomadic life, we traveled with a mix of optimism and naivety. We assumed we were healthy, careful, and adaptable, so insurance felt like something for people on short holidays, not people living on the road. We believed our spreadsheets, safety habits, and backpacks were enough. Then Bali happened. In this post, we share the real moment that changed how we think about travel insurance, what long-term nomads actually need, what to look for in a policy, and how to choose coverage that protects your lifestyle. You will also learn how our experience in Bali shaped the creation of our travel insurance hub, a resource we built to help other travelers avoid the same painful mistake we made. In This Post... ● Learning the Hard Way ● Coverage Made for Nomads ● Nomad Travel Insurance Tips ● Our Turning Point: Bali ● Choose the Right Policy See More... ● Staying Safe While Traveling ● Final Thoughts ● FAQ ● Related Reads ● Travel Resources Introduction: Learning the Hard Way A simple day turned into one of the most stressful moments of our travels. We needed medical help quickly, and it brought everything into focus. One unexpected moment made it painfully clear that long-term travel without proper insurance is not freedom. It is risk disguised as independence. That realization changed how we travel for good. Since then, we have built an entire Travel Insurance Guide to help other nomads avoid the same mistakes we made. Insurance isn’t exciting, and it isn’t glamorous, but it is the one thing that can save you from losing thousands, cutting your journey short, or facing medical emergencies without support. This guide brings together what we learned, what we wish we had known sooner, and how to choose the right protection for a nomadic lifestyle. Why Nomads Need a Different Kind of Coverage Living on the road requires a different mindset. Unlike short-term holidaymakers, nomads move across borders often and stay for months in each place. We carry our entire lives in backpacks and rely on our gear to work online. That lifestyle changes the kind of protection you need. Nomads need: • Coverage valid in multiple countries • Emergency evacuation • Protection for laptops, cameras, and work tools • Trip interruption cover • Support that works across time zones We did not have any of this when we landed in Bali. Then the accident happened, and every single weakness in our setup became obvious. There was no backup. No safety net. Just two injured travelers trying to figure out what to do next. That moment was the catalyst for everything we teach now. What to Look for in Nomad Travel Insurance 1. Long-Term Flexibility Nomads need month-to-month or yearly plans that can be renewed abroad. Traditional 30-day holiday policies are not designed for this lifestyle. 2. Clear Worldwide Coverage Check the list of covered countries. Many plans exclude regions or limit coverage in certain destinations. 3. Medical and Emergency Evacuation This is the heart of long-term travel insurance. Hospital stays, doctor visits, prescriptions, and emergency evacuation should all be included. 4. Gear Protection for Remote Workers Laptops, phones, drones, cameras, and hard drives are essential equipment for digital nomads. Not all plans cover them, so compare carefully. 5. Trip Interruption and Unexpected Changes Visas get delayed, flights get cancelled, and plans change. Good insurance helps you recover nonrefundable expenses. 6. Reliable Support and Simple Claims Look for 24-hour support and a straightforward claims process. When something goes wrong, you need clarity and speed. Our Turning Point: Bali Leon was all smiles... before literally the 'worst case scenario' happened on what was only our second day in Bali. We did not start as the people who prioritized insurance. If anything, we were the opposite. We believed we could handle anything with caution, research, and good judgment. Bali was the wake-up call we never expected. The accident. The shock. The immediate need for medical care. The realization that we had no safety net. The fear of what could have happened. In that moment, every assumption we had made collapsed. We promised ourselves that if we continued this lifestyle, we would do it with proper backup. We also promised to help other travelers avoid standing where we stood that day. That promise became the foundation of our Travel Insurance page. Practical Steps to Choose the Right Policy 1. Assess Your Travel Style Write down your planned destinations, length of stay, health needs, and the value of your gear. 2. Compare Only Plans Built for Nomads Holiday insurance is not enough for long-term travelers. Choose plans built for continuous travel. 3. Read the Exclusions This is where most surprises hide. Look for limits related to motorbike accidents, adventure sports, or pre-existing conditions. 4. Review the Claims Process You should know exactly how to submit a claim before you ever need to use it. 5. Buy Before You Leave Home Many policies will not activate after departure. Start your coverage early to avoid gaps. Staying Safe While Traveling Full-Time Insurance is one part of staying safe. We also recommend: • Keeping digital and printed copies of your policy • Learning where local hospitals and clinics are • Registering with your embassy during long stays • Using apps that provide safety alerts Small habits help reduce stress when you move from country to country. Final Thoughts Travel insurance is not just a financial product. It is peace of mind. It is the difference between an inconvenience and a crisis. It is what allows you to travel freely without gambling with your future. We learned the hard way from our time in Bali that long-term travel without insurance is not sustainable. If you are starting your nomad journey or refining your current setup, take your time, compare options, and choose coverage that fits your life. Your future self will thank you. Travel well, stay protected, and keep exploring! FAQ: Travel Insurance Travel insurance for nomads can feel overwhelming, especially when you live on the move. These questions explain what long-term travelers need to know. Do nomads really need travel insurance if they stay healthy? Yes. Emergencies happen without warning. Our experience in Bali showed how quickly a simple day can turn into a medical situation. Insurance is not just for illness. It protects you from unexpected hospital bills, evacuation costs, lost bookings, and sudden disruptions. What type of insurance works best for full-time travelers? Nomads need flexible coverage that can be renewed monthly or yearly. Plans designed for long-term travel usually include worldwide medical cover, evacuation, trip protection, and optional gear insurance for remote workers. What counts as emergency medical evacuation? Evacuation means being transported to a facility that can provide proper care when local options are limited. It is often the most expensive part of a medical emergency, which is why strong coverage for evacuation is essential for travelers in remote or unfamiliar areas. Does travel insurance cover remote work equipment? Some providers cover electronics if you declare them. Others require separate gear protection. Laptops, cameras, drones, and phones are essential tools for digital nomads, so check coverage limits and exclusions carefully. Are adventure activities covered? It depends on the plan. Some policies include hiking, diving, surfing, and motorbiking, while others exclude them or charge extra. Always read exclusions before booking activities, especially in destinations like Bali, where scooters are widely used. How long should my travel insurance last? We recommend coverage for your entire travel period, especially if you plan to stay abroad for months or years. Many nomads choose month-to-month plans with automatic renewal. When should I buy travel insurance? Before you leave your home country. Many policies will not activate after departure. Buying early prevents dangerous gaps in coverage. What should I look for in the claims process? Look for simple online submission, clear documentation requirements, and 24-hour support. When emergencies happen, slow or confusing claims processes add unnecessary stress. Can I change my insurance provider while traveling? Often, yes. Many nomads switch plans as their needs change. Just ensure there is no gap between policies so you stay protected at all times. Why did Closer Lives create a Travel Insurance page? We built it after our experience in Bali made us realize how unprepared we were. We wanted to create a clear, honest resource that helps nomads compare options without overwhelm or confusion. Our goal is to help other travelers avoid the risks we took in our early years. Related Reads How to Stay Safe While Traveling Our Full Travel Resources Page Our Bali Travel Experiences How to Plan a Long-Term Trip What We Learned From Five Years of Nomad Life Travel Resources

It came from nowhere. Soft, sweet, and strangely familiar, a scent like cherry blossoms mixed with the smell of those fizzy cola bottle gummies is the best way I can think to describe the scent. One moment I was asleep, and then I was floating in that hazy place between sleep and waking. The next, I was bathed in a smell so aromatic and inviting it pulled me fully into consciousness. There was no candle burning. No diffuser. No open window. Nothing that could explain it. Just the unmistakable presence of something joyful, luminous, and kind. In this post, I explore the experience of a mysterious scent with no source, the ancient connection between fragrance and intuition, olfactory visitations across spiritual traditions, the science behind hypnagogic scents, the lesser-known intuitive sense of clairalience, and the symbolic role of roses as messengers of the unseen. In This Post... ● Introduction ● The Power of Scent ● The Sentients ● Between Science and Spirit ● Scent as a Spiritual Gift See More... ● When Science Joins the Story ● The Rose as a Messenger ● The Invitation ● Toward the Next Discovery ● Travel Resources Introduction I felt so good and alive, and I somehow could attribute that to the smell? I tried to 'follow it' to inhale deeper, to capture it… But with every sniff, it faded like a song played backwards into silence. Then it was gone. No trace. Also no confusion. No rush of memories. Only wonder and awe. AND an incessant desire to get up and do a deep dive. I am all too familiar with that important "pay attention to this pull" that I've attuned to over the years...and so, here I am, here we are. The experience didn’t feel frightening or strange; it felt intentional. Like someone or something had gently placed flowers beneath my nose with the intention for me to notice. The Power of Scent: The Most Ancient Messenger Of all the senses, scent is the one that slips past the gatekeeper of logic. It travels directly to the limbic system, the seat of memory, emotion, and instinct. That’s why one whiff of cinnamon can pull you back to your grandmother’s kitchen, or a familiar perfume can open a doorway to a love long past. It's why we practice aromatherapy because it is proven and effective. But what happens when the scent has no source? No candle, no soap, no logical reason, only the unmistakable fragrance of something...sacred? Throughout history, mystics and seekers have called these experiences olfactory visitations, scents sent as messengers, often carrying the presence or reassurance of the divine. In Christianity, it’s called the “odor of sanctity,” a heavenly fragrance that accompanies moments of grace or the presence of saints. In Eastern traditions, sweet aromas often signal benevolent energies or ascended beings. In Sufi mysticism, fragrance is the perfume of the soul in ecstasy. And in countless personal stories across cultures, roses appear as the signature scent of angels, guides, and moments of awakening. Perhaps scent is chosen because it’s intimate; you cannot observe it from afar. You must breathe it in. It becomes part of you, even if only for a moment. The Sentients: Our Five Portals of Awareness We walk through life with five sacred portals: sight, sound, touch, taste, and scent, each a doorway into deeper knowing. But scent… scent is the quiet poet. The invisible thread between worlds. It can ground us to the earth or lift us toward heaven. If you’ve ever been pulled awake by a fragrance that feels like love itself, consider: What if this is one of your sentients awakening? A reminder that reality is layered, and sometimes, the soul gets a whiff of what lies beyond. Between Science and Spirit Science might call it a hypnagogic phenomenon, a sensory experience in the liminal state between sleep and waking, when the brain’s dream imagery can still spill into waking awareness. But what if that liminal space is also a spiritual threshold? A place where veils thin, and messages slip through not as words, but as sensation, the language of the soul? Perhaps scent is not memory at all… but presence. Scent as a Spiritual Gift In the realm of spiritual sensitivity, scent is more than memory; it’s a messenger. Some mystics call this gift clairalience, or “clear smelling,” which is the ability to sense fragrances that have no physical source. These scents often carry meaning: a rose to signal love or divine presence, a familiar perfume to suggest an ancestor nearby, or a gentle sweetness to announce peace or protection. Like the other 'CLAIRS' (intuitive senses)... clairVOYANCE (clear seeing) clairAUDIENCE (clear hearing) clairSENTIENCE (clear feeling) clairCOGNIZANCE (clear knowing) Keep an eye out for a future post diving more into these and how they can impact your day-to-day experiences. Please subscribe to stay updated. CLAIRALIENCE is a way the soul perceives subtle realms. It speaks in aroma, bypassing thought and going straight to the heart. You don’t have to chase it or train for it. Often, it arrives as a gift, spontaneous and unmistakable, to remind you that your spirit is awake, and the unseen is closer than you think. Maybe that's what it was? When Science Joins the Story Modern medicine acknowledges a range of olfactory phenomena, from scents linked to strong memories to brief sensory experiences during transitions of consciousness. Neurologists sometimes call these "phantosmia" or "olfactory hallucinations," which can arise from sinus issues, migraines, stress, or even shifts in brain chemistry during sleep states. In the hypnagogic and hypnopompic states, those delicate moments as we fall asleep or wake, the brain is highly creative, blending dream imagery with sensory impressions. During these liminal phases, a scent might emerge as a symbolic messenger from your subconscious or, as some believe, as a sign from the unseen. Doctors recommend paying attention if such experiences become frequent, unpleasant, or accompanied by confusion, as persistent phantom smells can sometimes signal neurological or sinus conditions worth checking. But if, like me, this was a one-time, pleasant, and peaceful occurrence, a fragrance that stirred calm, joy, and curiosity, it may simply be a moment of experience and mystery, inviting in an awareness of the many complex layers of being human. The Rose as a Messenger (and a lead-in to our next topic) Across centuries, roses have carried profound symbolism, love, rebirth, and divine grace. Kings built gardens of them. Mystics wrote poems about them. They adorned altars, crowned brides, and yes, even circled the head of Christ, whose crown of thorns was said to have once borne roses. The rose speaks a universal language of devotion, beauty, and transcendence. And many believe its fragrance carries a higher vibration, harmonizing the heart and reminding us of our own divinity. So perhaps when a scent appears unexpectedly, especially one as soft and fragrant as rose or cherry blossom, it isn’t random. It’s a whiff from the unseen. The Invitation If this ever happens to you, don’t dismiss it simply as imagination. Instead, ask, "What was I dreaming of?" What emotion rose in me when I smelled it? What message could it carry for this season of my life? You may not get an answer right away. Or a clear one at all... But like cologne lingering on a pillow, true meaning reveals itself over time... And sometimes, mystery simply is the message. A Trail Toward the Next Discovery What if scent isn’t just symbolic… but energetic? What if every fragrance carries a frequency, and roses, with their long history of sacred symbolism, hum at a higher vibration that can shift how we feel, think, and heal? What if I tell you it's true! We'll explore it more in the upcoming blog: Vibrations—Disturb the Equilibrium. We will dive into how frequency, energy, and resonance really do tune the vast symphony of our being. Sometimes the unseen doesn’t speak; it simply lingers, like a great blog post OR a fragrance you can’t forget. Lifestyle Resources