The Great 2015 Backpacking Adventure
JAPAN – TAIWAN – HONG KONG – THAILAND – MALAYSIA – INDONESIA – AUSTRALIA – NEW ZEALAND
JAPAN
From Amsterdam to the Land of the Rising Sun
On August 3rd, 2015, armed with nothing but a backpack, an adventurous spirit, and an insatiable hunger for ramen, I boarded a plane in Amsterdam. Destination? Japan – the land of ancient temples, futuristic cities, and some of the best food known to mankind. First stop: Tokyo!
Tokyo – A Dive into Chaos and Zen
Landing in one of the busiest metropolises on Earth was like stepping into a cyberpunk dream. My first days were a whirlwind of tradition and modern madness. I strolled through Narita San, soaking in the peaceful temple atmosphere before heading to the Shunkaen Bonsai Garden, where I met Jin Yasufumi, a bonsai apprentice extraordinaire. This guy could shape trees like Michelangelo sculpted marble. Fun fact: the most expensive bonsai there was worth a whopping 1 million USD – that’s a tiny tree with a mighty price tag!
Exploring Kamakura and Ueno, I felt the mix of ancient Japan and the fast-paced energy of Tokyo. Lucky for me, I had a local connection – my old friend Rio Roy Hamataka, whom I had met in Estonia. He let me crash at his place and gave me a private tour of Kawagoe and Edo Town, a journey through Japan’s past. Of course, no Tokyo visit would be complete without tackling the legendary Shibuya Crossing – imagine a thousand people moving like synchronized chaos. Beautiful and terrifying at the same time!
Mount Fuji – A Midnight Madness Climb
With a backpack full of determination and snacks, I hopped on a bus to Mount Fuji. The plan? Hike overnight to witness the sunrise from 3,250 meters above sea level. It was cold, dark, and steep – but totally worth it. Just when I thought I might freeze, a group of fellow German travelers saved the day (and our souls) with a bottle of Underberg. Nothing like a herbal digestif and a hot bowl of ramen at the top of Japan’s most iconic volcano!
Kyoto, Nara & Sakai – Culture, Temples, and a Wild Night
Back in civilization, I wandered through Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and the serene rock garden of Ryoan-ji. Then came the unexpected: a night out with Teis and “The Boss” (two Dutch travel legends) in Sakai. Between partying, the famous fish market, and visiting the bowing deer in Nara, I wasn’t sure whether I was experiencing Japan or living inside a video game.
Akihabara – Madness on Steroids
Speaking of video games – nothing prepared me for Akihabara. Imagine a place where anime, neon lights, arcade battles, and gaming cafes collide in a sensory overload. I saw more action in one street than in an entire season of action movies. If you ever want to feel like you’ve been teleported into a parallel universe, Akihabara is the place to be!
Hiroshima & Miyajima – A Moment of Reflection
After all the chaos and adventure, I slowed down with a visit to Miyajima and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The history and the tragic stories left a deep impact on me. It was a sobering experience that required a few days of reflection – a reminder that travel is not just about fun, but also about understanding the world’s past.
The Final Count: 18 Days, 45 Bowls of Ramen, and a Million Memories
With my mind full of memories, my stomach full of ramen, and my backpack still miraculously holding together, I boarded my next flight. Next stop: Taiwan, where my buddy Pascal was waiting for the next round of adventures. Stay tuned – things were about to get even crazier!
TAIWAN
Arriving in Taiwan, I was greeted by my good friend Pascal, who had been waiting way too long for a visit. Staying at his place, I immediately felt at home. One of the first stops? His German food market stand – now a full-fledged restaurant called #DasWursthaus.
The next days were packed with adventures: we rode scooters through Tainan, crashed birthday parties, and drank way more beer than we could handle. In Taipei, I marveled at the view from Taipei 101 and indulged in the best food Taiwan had to offer.
With Fabian and Dan, we explored the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, the beaches of Hualien, the stunning Taroko National Park, and the breathtaking Kenting National Park. Taiwan was a perfect blend of city life, nature, and crazy nights out – an unforgettable leg of the journey!
HONG KONG & THAILAND
After my stay in Taiwan, I made my way to Hong Kong, and let me tell you, this city blew my mind with its sheer size. The skyscrapers, the skyline, the harbor – it was all just next level. To survive this organized chaos, you have to arm yourself with one thing: calmness. Of course, I couldn’t miss the Lightning Symphony (a truly electric experience) and then it was up to Victoria Peak for the iconic view. As a martial arts fan, a visit to the Bruce Lee Statue was a must! Then it was off to Lantau Island to marvel at the Big Buddha and Repulse Bay for some much-needed relaxation. All in all, it was a brief but intense stopover.
Next stop: Bangkok. Here, the chaos takes on a whole new level, but in the best way possible. This city has charm – wild, untamed, and full of energy. It’s a backpacker’s paradise. After a few grueling hours at the Sor Vorapin Thai Boxing Gym (those guys don’t mess around), I ventured through the Kao San Road and checked out the nearby tourist spots. Of course, no trip would be complete without catching a live Muay Thai match from the second row – Elena was just as into it as I was! Oh, and we even got a picture with the champion!
One of the most unforgettable experiences was staying at Wat Sanghathan, a Buddhist monastery. I got a taste of monk life – working, meditating, eating, sleeping, and repeating. It was all about focusing on the present and living with less. After all that, it was time for the vacation part. Off to the islands! Koh Samui (Png Po Beach, Jamaika Bar =), Koh Phangan, and of course, the classic diving certification on Koh Tao. That was incredible!
And naturally, after all those challenges, a traditional tattoo was in order (@Thai Art). Thailand in September was something else. After passing my Open Water Diver License, it was time to celebrate – Goooooddaaammnnnouuwwiihhh, as my American dive buddy Benton would say. You can’t leave Thailand without checking out Koh Phi Phi, Monkey Beach, and Maya Bay (yup, the one from “The Beach”). All of it – pure paradise. Would totally do it again!
MALAYSIA
Kuala Lumpur & Beyond – From City Lights to Island Vibes
Next big stop: Kuala Lumpur, from September 30 to October 12, 2015. First stop – Fraser Residence Hotel – the perfect place to recharge the batteries before diving into the madness. The next days were all about city tours, amazing food, and then heading off to Langkawi, where I met the legendary Seng.
This guy redefined Malaysian hospitality – whether it was a boat tour to his fish farm, jet skiing across the waves, or an epic party night, Seng made sure it was unforgettable. In between, I explored the Kilim Geoforest Park, soaking in the incredible wildlife and stunning nature.
Back in Kuala Lumpur, it was time for the Spartan Race. Would’ve been an absolute blast… if it wasn’t for the previous night’s party and the 3 hours of sleep. But hey, no excuses – push through and make the best of it!
Final stop: Singapore. Beautiful city, super interesting… but not exactly backpacker-budget-friendly. So, I didn’t stick around too long. Next destination? Bali, baby! 😎
BALI
Bali was an absolute wonderland – amazing food, surfing, parties, new friends, and sunshine every single day! From October 13 to October 31, I lived some of the most intense and unforgettable weeks of my life.
Starting in Ubud, I explored stunning rice terraces and waterfalls, like the breathtaking Tegenungan Waterfall. Then, it was time for a coffee break – and not just any coffee. Luwak coffee (if you don’t know it, Google it – trust me!).
Next stop: Gili Trawangan – paradise on Earth! Crystal-clear waters, turtles, and no motorized vehicles – just bicycles and horse-drawn carts. One of my absolute highlights? My first-ever yoga class. We started at 5:00 AM, which isn’t that unusual, but what happened next was: I went straight back to bed and slept like a rock for 12 hours! That was when I realized just how powerful yoga is – not just for energy, but for deep, internal processing. It felt like my body was working through years of stored tension. That moment sparked a passion that eventually led to my Yoga Teacher Training in India in 2018.
From there, I moved on to Gili Air – even quieter, even more peaceful. The perfect island to escape the chaos and just breathe.
Back in Bali, it was time for full-on action mode! Waterbom water park, movies, crazy nights in the biggest clubs, epic surf sessions at Kuta Beach, and legendary BBQ nights with friends.
Bali, you were incredible. Thank you for the memories – what a time to be alive! 🌊☀️🎉
AUSTRALIA
And just when I thought things couldn’t get any crazier – boom! Next stop: Australia.
Started off in Cairns, where I jumped on a bike and rode straight into nature. Mossman Gorge & Daintree Rainforest – absolutely stunning. The landscapes kept changing every few kilometers, and every single corner had a new, mind-blowing ecosystem.
At Cape Tribulation, we had breakfast right on the beach, spotted wild cassowaries (which, by the way, look like dinosaurs with an attitude), and walked along endless sandy beaches. But let’s be real – swimming? Nope! In Australia, everything either stings, bites, or wants to kill you. 😅
Still, we had some insane spots to explore: Atherton Tablelands, Josephine Falls, and then – the Great Barrier Reef. Diving there? Unreal. The colors, the fish, the absolute silence underwater. And yeah, I was extra careful because, you know, nature in Australia doesn’t play around.
Dream beach? Mission Beach. Pure paradise. But the adventure didn’t stop there: Bowen, Home Hill, and then – Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach. If heaven exists, it probably looks like this. White sand, turquoise water, and wild kangaroos just vibing around.
Next up: Fraser Island. 4×4 off-roading on sand dunes, camping under the stars, and cooking meals with the crew. Add in Lake McKenzie, sandboarding, and a healthy dose of chaos – what a trip!
The grand finale? Noosa National Park with a huge hike, a quick pit stop in Brisbane (Dreamworld theme park, anyone?), and then Surfer’s Paradise, Newcastle, and Gold Coast.
And then… Sydney! My camper van’s final destination. A few weeks of exploring the city, checking out Wesley College, the Opera House, and then – Stereosonic Music Festival. Absolute madness. And when the DJ dropped Scooter’s track, the German pride in me went full send. NO HOLDING BACK!
Australia – you were wild, epic, and one hell of a ride! 🔥🐨🤙
NEW ZEALAND
They say the best comes last – and damn, they were right. New Zealand blew my mind. I’ve never seen a place with such breathtaking landscapes. Maybe I got lucky with the perfect season, but I was in awe from the moment I landed.
Started in Christchurch and hit the road – South Island and North Island, full-on adventure mode!
Dolphin Tour – Freezing but Worth It! 🐬
First stop: swimming with dolphins. The catch? The water was ice-cold (hello, South Pole vibes ❄️), so we had to rock super thick wetsuits. But once we were in – WOW. Crystal-clear water, playful dolphins all around – unreal.
Lake Tekapo – The Blue You Can’t Unsee! 💙
You know those blue cough drops? That’s the exact color of these mountain lakes! Just jaw-dropping. Lake Tekapo, surrounded by Lupine flowers, looked like something straight out of a dream. Maybe this is what Japan feels like during cherry blossom season? Pure magic.
Queenstown – The Adrenaline Capital! 🚴♂️🏔️
Next up: Queenstown – the ultimate outdoor paradise. Mountains, lakes, and every extreme sport you can imagine. Obviously, I had to jump in – mountain biking was the move!
…Until I got a flat tire.
…In the middle of a cow field.
…And ended up with my hands in cow sh*t while fixing it.
Nature – gotta love it! 😅
Milford Sound – Next Level Kayaking! 🚣♂️🐧
Then came Te Anau, some mini-golf, a jog by the fjord – and then, the big one: kayaking through Milford Sound.
Picture this: Paddling through a massive fjord, surrounded by cliffs, penguins chilling nearby, and absolute silence.
Easily the most spectacular place in New Zealand for me. W-O-W.
Glaciers, Hot Pools & Coastal Hikes! ❄️🏞️
- Fox Glacier – Ice, ice, baby! 🧊
- Franz Josef Hot Pools – Because freezing my ass off deserved some reward.
- Hiking in Abel Tasman National Park – Forests, beaches, and the best ocean views.
Wellington – Climbing & Partying! 🎉🧗
City time! Rock climbing all day, party all night – and a crazy night out in Wellington with Annina from Finland (good times, my friend!).
The Lord of the Rings Moment – Tongariro Alpine Crossing! 🏔️🔥
The final BIG hike: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing – aka, MOUNT DOOM!
20 km, 6.5 hours of epic landscapes, and walking in the footsteps of Frodo & Sam. One does not simply walk into Mordor… but I did!
Christmas Eve – The Final Goodbye! 🎄✈️
The last day, December 24th, and my flight back home. Sad? Yeah. But coming home to an insane surprise from my family & friends made it all worth it.
