Architecture is one of my main motivations for traveling. Bali, Central Java (Yogyakarta to be exact), and Singapore offered a treasure trove of them on my most recent trip that exceeded all my expectations.
Balinese Hindu (temples in people's houses and my homestay!), Buddhist temples, Islamic mosques (Javanese styles and Middle Eastern), Javanese houses and preserved cityscapes, Dutch Colonial influence in Indonesia, Singaporean shop houses and creative modern architecture. I loved learning about the history of religions and cultures migrating to and adapting in Maritime SEA, and how all the architectural styles came to evolve. More fuels for future trips.
Solo (32 F) for the first time that's longer than a weekend and in unfamiliar countries. Wandering off the typical foreign tourist beaten tracks and into everyday places felt very rewarding. Scary at times, but exciting and worthwhile. Happy to answer any questions about my trip.
Pictured:
Besakih. Typical Balinese Hindu architecture.
Besakih. Meru towers galore.
Besakih entrance.
Street in Semarapura, Bali. Idk what's behind the wall.
A pavilion at Taman Ujung. Balinese(?)
Taman Ujung. Dutch style gardens.
7 & 8. Prambanan.
Sewu.
Sojiwan.
Borobudur.
Grand Mosque Surakarta.
13, 14 & 15. Surakarta.
Kotagede. Islam meets Java.
Shop houses in Chinatown, Singapore.
Kampong Glam, Singapore. Sultan Mosque.
Supertree Grove.
The Jewel at Changi after midnight.