My most favourite travels destinations

Ever since his friend brought him on a trip to Johor Bahru in 1986, Henry has been bitten by the travel bug and has had a love for adventure ever since.

He has since travelled to 37 countries in 4 continents and isn't showing any signs of slowing down just yet.

The 57-year-old who works in the security line wants to share his adventures with others and has come up with a list of cities he believes every Singaporean should put on his or her bucket list.

"I believe Singaporeans should broaden their horizons when it comes to travelling so that they can widen their knowledge," he said.

"For example, Marco Polo went to China to learn and brought back what started the renaissance period in Italy and the rest of Europe.

"I personally think there is a lot to learn from the Nordic countries' innovation and design culture."

He added that research and preparation are vital when planning to travel.

"A lot of countries' citizens don't speak English but if you do need help, it might be good to look for younger people who might know a bit more.

"The climate and food can be very different from Singapore but it's good to expose yourself to different environments and tastes."

1. Venice, Italy

Ah, the city of love. Apart from being a romantic destination for lovers, Henry believes anyone can be enamoured by its beauty.

"There are many reasons to visit Venice, including its canals and arts," he said.

"When you are there you should also make sure to visit the nearby islands of Burano and Murano.

"Most shops fall under three types: Glassmaking, face masks, and food.

"There are also over 400 bridges that all have different styles and unique designs."

2. Halstatt, Austria

According to Henry, this picturesque village nestled between a lake and a mountain is one of his favourite destinations of all time.

"The wooden houses slope steeply upwards and are situated on hills.

"Many of them are beautifully decorated with flowers.

"It's so pretty that China created a replica of Halstatt for locals to visit."

3. Niagara Falls, USA and Canada

Not exactly a city but still an iconic location, Niagara Falls needs no introduction and is known as the collective name for three waterfalls that straddle the border between Canada's Ontario and USA's New York.

Henry suggests giving yourself plenty of time to visit the falls.

"I couldn't get enough of Niagara Falls," he said.

"I reached there at 7pm and took pictures until 2am from my room at Sheraton Hotel near the falls.

"I then took more photos from Skylon Tower before taking a cruise to see one of the waterfalls up close.

"This should definitely be on everyone's bucket list."

4. Mont-Tremblant, Canada

This Canadian city is popular for ski enthusiasts but Henry thinks it is more gorgeous during Autumn.

"It is so colourful in autumn," he said.

"You will be in awe of this former French colony's colourful and beautifully designed houses."

5. Bergen, Norway

Henry found himself inspired by Bergen and its Nordic style and designer houses that line the seafront and hills in colourful hues.

6. New York City, New York

New York, New York: A city so nice they named it twice.

Henry recommends this popular destination because there is so much to see and experience.

"From the gigantic buildings to trendy goods, the city is a must-go," he said.

"My favourite spot was Chinatown."

7. Paris, France

When Henry visited Paris in 1992, he was in awe of its architecture and several popular landmarks that have been made iconic all over the world.

"The ladies are trendy and the crowds are fashionable," Henry said of the fashion capital of the world.

He also took the chance to go to Disneyland which he thinks everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

8. Mont Blanc, Switzerland

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? You'll be able to add picturesque photos to your Instagram feed after visiting Mont Blanc in Switzerland.

"The amazing snow-capped mountains in the Alpine region of Switzerland are spectacular," he said.

"It's understandable how it draws many holidaymakers."

9. Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown in New Zealand also boasts beautiful views and snow-capped mountains.

However, if you are a thrill-seeker at heart, there's no shortage of adventure in this Kiwi city.

From bungee-jumping and skydiving to white water rafting, there are so many activities to choose from.

10. Dubrovnik, Croatia

This destination is at the top of every Game of Thrones fan's bucket list owing to its streets and scenery being featured in the popular series.

"The medieval castles are the setting of King's Landing," said Henry.

"This is a hidden gem in Europe.

"You'll enjoy exploring the narrow streets and staircases."

https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipMQPKbPgBNLP7HF8DZF19yKsZ4e7v4k-piAJE88

Henry Leong at 100 major landmark of the world

The collage of Sydney Australia

Houses at Chao Praya River, Bangkok

You can be a snake charmer for the moment or hire a elephant for a ride at Bangkok.

The silt houses near Chao Praya River were lined with rows of flower pots

Lijang River,Guilin, China

Some of the sweetest moments , having steamboat together with friends at Lijang River on a boat, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Lijang River had some of the most scenic spots in China.

Travel blog - Henry Leong

I  like adventures, he had been to many countries. I hope to shares some of the interesting experiences and observations ,that he had came across.

When he visit Selat Panjang a island off Indonesia. It need around four hours of boat ride from Singapore to Batam and change to another boat. I had observed some interesting and intrigue sights. In the morning the islanders would let their chickens out of their home, to wander around, when it dark at night the chicken will know how to find their ways back to the owner home. Usually they won't got lost.

He went to a coffee shop. He saw some ladies there, he heard that those single ladies were there with the intentions to be matchmade .

The islanders pastimes are riding a motorcycle round and round the islands as the night falls. It's very romantic to take a trip on a tricyle with your lover, as your hired tricyle-rider, will cycle you around the islands to watch the rustic and pristine surroundings.

There were times , where spices were as expensive as gold, war were even fought because of spices. Indonesia spices were of high quality compare to local spices, especially the curry food. He like the chillies sotong. The seafood were very tasty as his relatives brought them to a restaurant near the seasides in Batam.

At the Restaurant 88 there were lots of hawkers sold seafoods cater mostly to foreigners. At that time there were a lots of firecracker let go.(Firecrackers were ban in Singapore), as it was Chinese New Year.

He was surprised when he went to Itay and saw men are usually the pillion riders, as he saw mostly the ladies carry the men behind them. In Singapore it usually the opposite. The dogs which roam freely in the road were huge compare to Singapore. The Italian were well known for their leather goods and marble. At the shop they custom made a leather belts and craved your name on it.

In China there were all sorts of medicines sellers, they were go to the length to sell their medicines. Like burnt a hot rods and hit it on their hands to show, they won't got hurt from it.
Some mystics, holdings live wire pass through their hands, that connected to the lights up the bulbs and use these methods to sell you medicines(Photos shown on the top second). In Guangzhou some of the handicrafts displayed were very intricately crafted.

In Guangzhou, one of the members of the tourist group asked his relatives who stay there, to bring them around. Even at midnight the tim sum restaurants were full house. There were huge varieties of tim sum, which were the tastiest he ever eat.

In Thailand lots of different grades of silk and jade were sold. They specialised in cocodiles leathers. You can take photograhs with the live pythons on you.

The Hong kongers place great emphasis on appearance, you can see rows and rows of clothing stores with all shapes and colours, there are huge varieties of patterns. They even built a road through a shopping centre.

In switzerland their watches are unmatched in varieties, they can made watches in all sorts of materials, wood , glass & marble etc.

In France he ate the tastiest foods. He heard that the restaurant chinese entrepreneur were from Guangzhou. The duck were comparable to any good restaurant if not better.

In London, Picallily(busy street of Picallily, Picture at the top) , he ate some of the tastiest cantonese specialities. The pig large intestines, raw fish porridges and beef noodle , the restaurant run by Hong Konger.

In France they put up some of the most iconic landmarks like the La Paramid, La Opera ,Notre Dame & Effiel Tower etc. The sea coast at Nice France were amazingly beautiful, you can be mesmerize by it.

In Italy they built their tall condo at the hill, the slope were quite steep. As they were famous for their leaning tower, the Pisa. They even built a tunnel through a moutain, to connect Italy and France. Which was a huge project.

At Monte Carlo, they said they don't need security as there virtually no crime. It's a small country usually the rich and famous stay or had their holiday home there. There are lots of beautiful houses and yachts. The beautiful ladies there usually wear high fashions and expensive clothes.

On the road to Monte Carlo, he saw a house was built near the cliff of the mountain, what an amazing architectural feat, its really a cliff-hanger, imagine the persons who stay insides,must be always on the edge. (The cliff-hanger, living on the edge picture taken in1992)

In Guangzhou, the driver navigating across a stretch of road that was so uneven, the bus was shaking violently left and right, almost throw you off the seats. It might had been planned to make the journey more thrilling.

To be continue.