Maryam Zaidi - Travel Blogger & Tour Guide

Happy Labour Day to everyone 🤍 May you find the bliss and joy in everything you do.

Almost two years of being a local guide in Kuala Lumpur, and almost seven years of being back, I’m grateful that I am still living the life between croissants and teh tarik.

The French travellers I’ve met along the way are always impressed with what I do. But most of them don’t understand why I gave up being an engineer 👷

Well, life happened. And what I do keeps me smiling 😊

To all local guides around the world, keep doing what you do 🤍 I owe you for inspiring me to be a local guide myself.

Day 1 in Guangzhou 🇨🇳

This is what the French are looking for, when they say un séjour balnéaire paradisiaque. Loving this side of Malaysia, just 20 minutes away from Mersing jetty 🏝️ 🌊

Can you take a guess which beautiful island this is?

I have a love-hate relationship with Ulsanbawi Peak.

The view? Absolutely world-class.
The journey? A vertical Stairmaster that questions your life choices. 🥵

While social media is busy glamorizing Bukhansan in Seoul, many travelers miss out on Seoraksan National Park. It’s further out, wilder, and honestly? The views hit different!

Here is my complete guide to hiking Ulsanbawi Peak for first-timers—whether you are doing a day trip from Seoul to Sokcho or planning to stay a night or two—including how to get there and what to pack.

👉 https://yumsitchyfeet.com/guide-to-hiking-ulsanbawi-rock/

Guide to Hiking Ulsanbawi Rock - Seoraksan’s Most Iconic Peak Whether you are going for a day trip or a few-night stay in Sokcho, you definitely can't miss out on hiking Ulsanbawi Rock in Seoraksan National Park!

Why I happily paid 17,000 KRW to avoid the Seoul Subway.

There is a specific type of travel exhaustion that hits you right after you land. You’re dehydrated, your brain is foggy, and your suitcase feels twice as heavy as it did when you left home.

This is exactly why I prefer to take the limousine bus from Incheon Airport. It's straightforward and I definitely don't have to drag my luggages up the subway stairs!

Here is the logistical breakdown for anyone planning a trip to Seoul soon:

🎫 Buying the Ticket: I queued up at the Bus Ticket Counter (Arrival Hall, 1st Floor).
Crucial Tip: These machines accept Credit Card Only. If you only have cash, you’ll need to line up at the manned counter next to them.

🚌 The Route: I took Bus 6011. It costs 17,000 KRW (approx $12 USD). It goes directly to Changdeokgung Palace and Gyeongbokgung, covering the main historic areas without any transfers.

📍 The Boarding: My bus left from gate 5B-3. The drivers load your luggage for you. You just hand them your ticket and get on.

Find and book your way to your hotel here : https://klook.tpk.mx/5pEkgPmK

Your back will thank you later :)

The famous little capsule that travels alongside south east coast of South Korea 🚃

I honestly didn’t think it would moved very slowly, but it does give you some time to snap millions of photos.

Sunset walk along the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (수원 화성) 🏰 One of the world’s Unesco Heritage site famous for its autumn cultural festival!

Back when I went to Koh Lipe early this year, it was such a fun time (minus the really bad sore throat and fever!)

While I was not in the best health, I managed to slot in a hike in between. Haha. Gotta keep those cheeky thighs up and running for the year 😂

The trail was good and pretty easy. The view from the top was beautiful!

More on the adventure below!

📍Chado Cliff, Koh Adang (Thailand)

Hiking in Koh Adang - Chado Cliff (Easy Out & Back Trail) One of the fun ways to discover Koh Lipe and explore the Tarutao National Park is by hiking in Koh Adang up the Chado Cliff.