Travelling Friesen

Home
Travelling Friesen

My name is Jessica Friesen and I am currently travelling the world. I have travelled to over 39 countries and counting, and have no plan on stopping.

Follow me to learn more about how you can explore the world on a modest budget and dairy-free!

21/08/2023

Sometimes we just need to stop and smell the flowers. 🌼🌹

18/08/2023

The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations. This massive royal complex features a palace, government buildings, temples, statues, museums, a cafe and much more!

Entry cost: 500 BAHT

Included in the ticket price:

Located at the Grand Palace: Wat Phra Kaew, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion, and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile.

Located at the Sala Chalermkrunt Royal Theatre: The “KHON” Thai Classical Masked Dance. (Valid within 7 days of purchase)

Located a 1 hour drive from the Grand Palace: The Arts of the Kingdom Museum. (Valid with 7 days of purchase).

Important Tip!

Women must wear pants or a long skirt, below the knee and cover their chest, midriff and shoulders. Shawls are not allowed. T-shirts are commonly worn. Men must also wear long pants and cover their shoulders, midriff and chest. Shops across the street from the palace sell clothes for a reasonable price, if you forget.

16/08/2023

As our amazing month in Vietnam came to an end, we got ready for our next adventure.....exploring Central/Northern Thailand. Our first stop, Bangkok! Previously, we had spent 3 days in Phuket, but this trip gave us a chance to spend more time getting to know the people, tasting the amazing cuisine and delving deeper into the vibrant Thai culture.

We spent one week in Bangkok, with one of our first stops being Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahaqihan. The location of a Buddhist temple, a massive reclining Buddha statue and many historical statues, structures and art.

Entry cost: 200 Baht

Dress code: Women must cover their legs, shoulders, midriff, and chest. Covering shoulders with a scarf or shawl is not allowed. Men are allowed to wear knee length shorts and t-shirts. Shoes are removed before entering temples, so wear sandals or easy to remove footwear.

11/08/2023

Out of a fantasy novel, Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave in Phong Nha, Vietnam are must-sees destinations. The most impressive cave system I have seen so far, Paradise Cave is a dry cave, that can be explored via a manmade wooden walkway. Phong Nha Cave is best explored by boat. Your guide will slowly padel you through the cave, allowing you the chance to witness this hidden wonder.

We stayed in Phong Nha, which made booking the excursions easy and relatively cheap. We were also able to complete both cave explorations on the same day via a Klook tour. We paid $85.49 USD for two people. This included entry to both caves, water, a guide, transportation and lunch.

07/08/2023

When the scenery is so beautiful, you forget to take photos of yourself.

While visiting Da Nang, Vietnam we explored Marble Mountain. A network of caves, Buddhist temples, pagodas, tunnels, and lookout points.

We spent 3 hours on Marble Mountain exploring all the sites. You can spend far less time, but we took things slow.

Entry is 40,000 VND

If you choose to use the elevator it costs an additional 15,000 VND, but keep in mind that it doesn't bring you to the top, and you will have to climb many more steps to see everything.

04/08/2023

When you notice an interesting bug while taking photos, lol. 🐛

This is the famous "Golden Hands Bridge" at Ba Na Hills. You can access the bridge via a Sun World Amusement Park pass. The bridge was very busy, and is best seen earlier in the day, before the clouds settle in.

02/08/2023

Travelling is an amazing, life changing, eye opening experience. It is also a privilege. The vast majority of the world's population is unable to travel outside their home country. This may be due to a number of reasons, such as a weak passport, war, oppression, poverty, racism, disability, etc.

I don't know why I have been given this opportunity, I can't say I deserve it, but I do appreciate it. I also recognize that when I enter other countries I am not entitled to anything. It is my choice to go there and it is their right to deny me.

Just remember when you travel, no matter how seemingly boring of a location, how unbelievably blessed you are. You have been given this opportunity, when so many others haven't. Make the most of it and use your privilege to help those that haven't been given the same opportunity.

, , , , , ,

28/07/2023

Dalat is one of my favourite cities we visited in Vietnam. Located in Vietnam's Central Highlands, Dalat boasts cooler temperatures, a vibrant night market, a beautiful landscape, and delicious hot soy milk.

These pictures are from our visit to the Clay Tunnel. A massive art exhibit showcasing clay structures and sculptures. It can take a while to walk around the park and see all the displays. Make sure to give yourself at least 1 - 2 hours for when you visit.

Entry Fee: 120,000 VND

26/07/2023

While in Ho Chi Minh, we took the opportunity to see the Cu Chi Tunnels. These tunnels stretch 200 km, and housed over 16,000 people during the Vietnam War. The tunnels served as protection for soldiers, supply routes, and connected villages.

Today the tunnels have been widened slightly for visitors, but are still cramped. Many tourists refuse to enter due to claustrophobia or because it is too narrow. I gave it a go, and it wasn't too bad!

Entrance Fee: 125,000 VND (includes English speaking guide)

We took public transit to the tunnels, which is much cheaper than a tour company. We used blog as a guide for the bus and it worked out great! You can view their blog post here: https://www.planetgravy.com/cuchitunnels-bus/
, , , , , ,
,

24/07/2023

We just spent an amazing month in Vietnam! Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, we travelled from the South to the North, via train and sleeper bus. Visiting many cities, including Dalat, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, Phong Nha, Ninh Binh and Ha Noi along the way,

In these pictures, we visited the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City. Here you can learn about the Vietnam War, and how it ended on April 30th, 1975, when a tank of the North Vietnamese army bulldozed through the main gate of the palace. If you find yourself in Ho Chi Minh, make sure to add the Independence Palace to your itinerary, as it is an important part of Vietnamese history.

Many locals were wearing formal attire, so dressing modestly and not too casually is recommended.

Entry to the Independence Palace (excludes exhibit) is 40,000 VND.

20/07/2023

We were only in Singapore for a few days, but of course, I had to take a photo in front of the Jewel Indoor Waterfall at Changi Airport.

This airport is massive, including a butterfly garden, canopy bridge, fountains, shops, restaurants, hotels, a movie theatre, and much more.

p.s. The backpack I am wearing in this picture is all my luggage. We pack light.

30/06/2023

We had such an amazing 10 days in Georgetown, Malaysia. This city will hold a special place in my heart. Beautiful street art, a great foodie scene, fun museums and a rich history.

In this photo I can be seen walking to the end of Tan Jetty pier. Built on the water nearby, you will find homes propped up on cement posts. Rickety docks connect the houses, allowing locals and tourists to navigate between the buildings.

28/06/2023

A few weeks ago we went to The Wonderfood Museum in Georgetown, Malaysia. A great activity for the whole family. Miniature to gigantic, the Malaysian food displays are fun, colourful and interactive. I strongly suggest for anyone visiting Georgetown to check it out!

We spent over an hour in the museum and time flew by.

Entry for foreign adults is RM 25.

26/06/2023

The Batu Caves is a series of caves located just outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. These vast caves are the location of a massive Hindu shrine, dedicated to Murugan (Hindu god of war).

Although some sites nearby charge entry, entrance to the main cave is free.

Watch out for the monkeys, as they love to steal hats, glasses and water bottles.

Dress modestly (cover knees, shoulders).

The Kmuter transit line is nearby (Batu Caves Station) and can transport you from downtown Kuala Lumpur to right outside the grounds. You will need to purchase a transit card at the transit desk for RM 10.

24/06/2023

While staying in Kuala Lumpur, we had the opportunity to visit the National Mosque of Malaysia. This structure boasts beautiful modern islamic architecture and allows for excellent views of the city.

Entrance is free and purple robes are provided for modesty. Shoes must be removed before entering. Please be respectful of those worshipping.

23/06/2023

I am trying to catch up on my Instagram posts! Here I am in Kuala Lumpur a few weeks back. Behind me is the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Once the world's tallest towers, these 88 story structures are famous for their skybridge.

Visitors can pay RM 98 (non-local adult) to travel up to the skybridge and take in the breathtaking city views.

We decided to save our money and enjoy the towers for free from the KLCC park. Plus at the park fountain you can watch for free a light and water fountain display daily, at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm.

27/05/2023

Ride anyone? 🏍️

Well I didn't actually drive it....just sat on the back, haha. I am not sure if I will ever drive a motorcycle, but I have definitely become an expert passenger, since arriving in Asia 😅.

Here is to all our passenger princesses out there! 👸

03/05/2023

I'm on a boat ⛵

01/05/2023

This birdy is ready to fly 🕊️

28/04/2023

You can never watch too many sunsets ☀️😍

21/04/2023

Fish! Fish! Fish! 🐟🐠🐡

We tried helmet diving in Boracay, Philippines! The cost was $15 USD or $21 CAD per person. This includes a speed boat ride to and from the dive site, instructions, scuba guides, equipment and digital photos/video.

We booked our excursion through Klook, but you can also find many guides on the beach selling packages.

This excursion is perfect for those that are not good swimmers, as there is no swimming involved! It is also a nice change from snorkeling ❤️

20/04/2023

Enjoying the sun vibes ☀️

14/04/2023

Painting 🎨 + nature 🌺 + company 🐕 = peace ☮️

12/04/2023

Located in the Cordillera Mountains, Sagada is home to the world-famous Sumaguing Cave. At a depth of 163 meters, it is known as the deepest cave in the Philippines and is truly a site to behold.

Although we didn't hike down the entire length of the Sumaguing Cave, we did transverse through a large portion of the challenging and slippery terrain with the help of our trusty guides. During our 3-hour journey, we had the opportunity to observe the unique rock formations, ancient stalagmites, underground rivers and shallow pools.

At only 800 PHP for a group of up to 10, this excursion is one of the best deals we have found travelling thus far.

If you decide to take the plunge and explore the cave, make sure to wear waterproof clothing, proper outdoor sandals or hiking boots, and a headlamp if possible. Also wear long pants that you can roll up to protect your legs from the sharp rocks. Bringing hand sanitiser or wipes is also a good idea due to the bat p**p you will properly touch by accident along the way, haha.

05/04/2023

Vegan soft serve? Yes, please! I can't even remember the last time I had vanilla soft serve, especially in a cone. What a treat🍦

For only 95 PHP

They also serve vegan sandwiches, burgers and waffles.

#

03/04/2023

We went to the National Museum of Natural History. This Museum showcases exhibits of animals, plants, rocks, minerals and artwork.

As a bonus, entry is free! Plus there is air conditioning and bathrooms available inside.

30/03/2023

Today we visited several historical sites in Manila, Phillipines, including Fort Santiago. The fort is an important historical landmark and contains a museum in honor of the Philippines' national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

Entry for foreign visitors is only 75 PHP.

English signs describing the sites and monuments can be found throughout the fort.

25/03/2023

We have started our trip through the Phillipines in Manila. My husband lived in the Phillipines for 5 years as a child and it is exciting to see the country I have heard so much about. So far so good 😊

24/03/2023

Just landed in......Canada? Nope! Manila, Phillipines! After almost 10 months away from home it had been nice to see some familiar businesses.

To all my old Telus colleagues, it is surreal to finally see the Phillipines TELUS office!

20/03/2023

I swear I thought I had a big smile while this picture was taken 😅. No teeth smiles often don't work out well for me, haha.

#

Address

Website

http://www.travellingfriesen.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Travelling Friesen posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Travelling Friesen:

Videos

First time trying durian! Durian is a popular fruit enjoyed in many Southeast Asian Countries. While in Georgetown, Malaysia, I saw many stalls selling durian, so I thought I would give it a try. This pungent-smelling fruit is known to have an acquired taste. Although I would not say it is my favourite fruit, it was not bad. My best description for its taste is a mixture of onions, garlic and sweetness. It is a new combination for me. One that will take a while for my tastebuds to get used to. #malaysia #durian #durianfruit #durianmalaysia #duriantraveler #georgetownmalaysia

Shortcuts

Address
Alerts
Contact The Business
Videos
Claim ownership or report listing
Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency?

Country:

City: