An unexpected journey through Egypt's ancient wonders
Seeing the pyramids was never on my bucket list. Nevertheless, I joined a tour organised by my former colleague at the last minute, and spent 11 days exploring what I had only ever seen in books before then.
It was winter in Egypt, but I had packed clothes for spring. The weather was a little 'weird' to me because the air was dry and I felt like the temperature was neither cold nor hot.
Our first historical place was the Citadel of Salah Al-Din (Mohamed Ali Mosque was within the same vicinity). Perched on Mokkatam Hill, the citadel gave us a panoramic view of the city of Cairo.
The citadel was a defensive structure against the crusaders, while the mosque was built of limestones and alabasters.
We had dinner on a boat cruising along the Nile, where some male belly dancers performed for us. It was also my birthday, and the trip organiser had gotten me a cake.
The next day, we went to Giza to see the pyramids as well as the Sphinx. It was so surreal to be in the vicinity of both of these ancient landmarks. The three colossal pyramids were called Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure or the father, son and grandson. These are actually made of limestones.
The Sphinx is the guardian of the pyramids that has the body of a lion and a human head, with its nose broken off.
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation houses artefacts from the old Egyptian Museum and 22 royal mummies – 18 kings and four queens – including Ramses 11, Hetshepsut, and Seti. The mummies were transported from the Valley Of The Pharaohs in 2021.
Remember to check out the shop selling papyrus, one of the oldest papers in the world. You can buy papyrus souvenirs from here.
The reader was happy to finally see the pyramids in Egypt. — Photos: JANE LAZAR
We flew to Luxor and boarded a cruise ship to Aswan to visit the temples. The first one was Kanak, the temple of the ancient god, Amun-ra. It was created over 1,000 years ago and has massive columns, obelisks, statues and hieroglyphs.
The Luxor Temple meanwhile was created by Ramses 11. We were here during sunset and the place looked amazing.
The next day, we went to the Valley Of The Kings, the burial place of the pharaohs. We had access to all three of them and there where beautiful engravings on the walls. Only the mummy of Tutankhamun remains in this place as apparently, it 'refuses' to be moved to another place.
I skipped the Mortuary Temple of Hetshepsut and decided to take a break instead, having a mango sorbet and a cup of coffee. It was interesting to see vendors on sail boats selling shawls and throwing them into our windows on our ship.
Later at Esna, we visited another temple called Edfu, but this time we were on a horse and carriage.
I skipped going to the Kom Ombo temple, which is a museum of mummified crocodiles. By now there was just too much information about temples so I gave myself another break, which was nice because I got to observe the locals and tourists.
To visit Abu Simbel, we had to leave our ship at 5am as the drive there took about four hours. The complex was built by Ramses 11 and consists of two temples, one for himself, Amun-Ra and other gods, and the other for his wife, Queen Nefertiti.
The reader (right) at the Catacomb.
Both the temples were moved 200m inland to prevent them being submerged following the construction of the new Aswan Dam, which we later visited.
Before leaving Egypt, we spent some time in Alexandria, Egypt's second largest city bordering the Mediterranean Sea. We checked out the Catacomb, Qaitbay Citadel and the magnificent library, Bibliothecca Alexandrina. The library guide briefed us on the building's structure and other interesting facts. I got to see the first printing machine used in Egypt.
Even though it was last minute, I am glad I made this trip to Egypt.
The views expressed are entirely the writer's own.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
11-07-2025
- The Star
The Bali detour that led to an unexpected surprise
We'd love to hear what made your holiday so special. Your story – experiences, tips, advice – should be 700 to 800 words long in Word or Text format. Please attach at least five photos (1MB, captioned) in a separate email. There is no payment for submissions, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email star2travel@ with the subject 'Readers Share'. I had never really considered visiting Indonesia until my son suggested taking a short detour in Bali while on our way to Darwin in Australia. Little did I know that this suggestion would lead to a delightful and eye-opening experience. From the moment my family and I landed at Ngurah Rai International Airport, I felt an uncanny sense of familiarity, as if I were in my own homeland. Perhaps it was the shared linguistic roots and cultural similarities with Malaysia, or maybe it was the warm hospitality and genuine smiles that greeted us at every corner. The airport itself was unexpectedly spacious and beautifully designed, a reflection of Bali's global appeal as an international tourist destination. As we exited the place, we found ourselves amid a sea of travellers from around the world. The writer (left) at one of the temples she and her family visited. On our way to the hotel, we passed rows of rustic, centuries-old buildings that echoed the island's deep-rooted Hindu culture. Many of these structures were adorned with intricate carvings and statues, embodying the spiritual essence of Balinese tradition. We kicked off our trip with the help of a friendly local driver-cum-tour guide, who took us to explore Bali's iconic and Instagram-worthy attractions. Our first stop was the Art Village, where we witnessed the meticulous process of creating traditional Bali batik. From wax-resist dyeing techniques to the final hand-painted masterpieces, the artistry was fascinating. I couldn't resist buying a few beautifully designed batik scarves and skirts as souvenirs. The village also showcased stunning paintings and artworks reflecting Balinese life, mythology, and nature. At the Art Village, visitors can see the process of creating traditional Indonesian batik. Next, we visited the Batuan Temple, a must-see historical landmark dating back to the 11th century. This sacred Hindu temple is renowned for its elaborate stone carvings, guardian statues, and time-worn architecture. Visitors are encouraged to don traditional sarongs before entering, which adds to the immersive cultural experience. The temple exudes a spiritual tranquillity, and every detail, from the ornate gates to the symbolic offering tells a story of devotion and heritage. Our guide then brought us to the Jambe Asli Agrotourism for a unique tea and coffee tasting session, including the famed luwak coffee. Here, we saw civet cats, known locally as luwaks that are part of the unique coffee-making process. We were treated to various coffee and tea flavours, and we watched an elderly lady expertly grinding coffee beans with a traditional stone grinder. It was a charming glimpse into local life, and we left with some aromatic purchases and happy memories. The Batuan Temple is a must-see historical landmark in Bali that dates back to the 11th century. After a delicious lunch at a restaurant serving local fare, we took a scenic two-hour drive to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace in Ubud. This stunning site is one of Bali's natural gems. The cascading padi fields, set in lush green valleys, were absolutely breathtaking. The steep terraces, especially after the morning rain, added a sense of adventure to our walk. Many visitors, particularly young couples and families, were enjoying the famous jungle swing photo services. While we didn't try it due to time constraints, we were amazed at how the locals have transformed traditional farming land into a tourism enterprise. The highlight of our trip was the surprise birthday dinner arranged for me at the beachfront of The Samaya Seminyak Bali Hotel. Dining under the stars, with the waves gently lapping nearby and the soft glow of candlelight around us, was an unforgettable moment; it was an exquisite end to our Bali escape. Although it was a short and whirlwind trip, Bali left a lasting impression on me. It was my first visit to Indonesia, a country so near yet once felt so far to me. The holiday turned out to be one filled with warmth, culture, creativity, and natural beauty. I now understand why Bali holds a special place in the hearts of so many travellers around the world. The views expressed are entirely the writer's own.
The Star
23-06-2025
- The Star
Learning about the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011
We'd love to hear what made your holiday so special! Your story – experiences, tips, advice – should be 700 to 800 words long in Word or Text format. Please attach at least seven photos (1MB, captioned) in a separate e-mail. There is no payment for submissions, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. E-mail star2travel@ with the subject 'Readers Share'. The 'Great East Japan Earthquake' happened on March 11, 2011. I was supposed to go on my maiden trip to Tokyo the following week. Naturally, the trip was cancelled namely for safety reasons. The disaster left a deep impression on me not only because of devastating images and videos shared on the news, but also because March 11 is my father's birthday. That day, I decided to learn more about Sendai, the nearest major city to the earthquake epicentre. Sendai is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in the Tohoku region. It is nicknamed the 'City of Trees' due to the many Japanese zelkova trees lining its main thoroughfares. It only takes 90 minutes to get to Sendai from Tokyo via shinkansen or high-speed train. The Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School where 320 people were trapped on the roof during the 2011 tsunami. Every year on March 11, in remembrance of the quake and to honur the victims, a bell rings throughout the main shopping streets in Sendai to signal the start of a silent tribute at precisely 2.46pm. This was the exact time the earthquake took place back in 2011. A special altar is also set up for folks to place their offerings and prayers. I visited the city on the 14th anniversary of the incident recently, and joined the memorial ceremony. A moment of silence was observed, followed by a special music performance. It was a heartfelt gathering where people of all ages, from preschoolers to the elderly, shared a collective moment of reflection. Yuzuru Hanyu, Sendai's tourism ambassador, is a two-time Olympic champion figure skater and one of the many local residents affected by the disaster. He continues to be a strong advocate for disaster awareness and reconstruction efforts to this day. In fact, I travelled to Sendai not just for the memorial but also to attend his show called Notte Stellata. This is an annual ensemble ice performance held in remembrance of the tragedy. It took place at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena, which served as the largest temporary morgue in Miyagi during the disaster. Watching the show at this specific venue with locals was not just a solemn reminder of what was lost, but of what the future holds. I also visited the Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School to learn more about the disaster. Situated 700m from the coast, the tsunami inundated the school up to the second floor, trapping 320 individuals including students, teachers, and local residents on the roof. Miraculously, everyone survived. The entrance of the Osaki Hachimangu shrine, whose deity is revered as the city's guardian and protector. Because of this moving story, the school has been preserved as much as possible in its damaged state to help future generations understand the incredible force of a tsunami. I couldn't help but notice how barren the surrounding land had become. I was told that the Arahama neighbourhood was once home to 800 households, but today, the only building left standing is the school. Many former residents have relocated inland as the area is now designated a high-risk zone for future disasters. At Arai Station, just 15 minutes from central Sendai, I visited the 3/11 Memorial Community Centre, established in 2016 to preserve and share the experiences and lessons of the disaster. It features a community space with a 3D topographic map, slides, and books detailing the impact on Sendai's eastern coastal areas. Exhibits also showcased the destruction caused by the tsunami, ongoing restoration efforts, and scenes from affected communities. The writer standing between posters of Yuzuru Hanyu, Sendai's two-time Olympic champion in figure skating. By the way, Sendai is best explored by taking the Loople Sendai, a fixed-fare sightseeing bus that stops at 14 notable spots around the city, with a one-day pass costing just ¥630 (RM18.50). With the pass, I was able to visit numerous landmarks: The Zuihoden Mausoleum, the final resting place of the samurai Date Masamune, who founded Sendai; Sendai Castle, once the stronghold of the Date clan; Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, a designated national treasure whose enshrined deity is revered as the city's guardian and protector; and the Sendai International Centre, where I snapped a photo with the commemorative panel display honouring Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu. Just a short walk from the centre is Goshikinuma Pond, considered the birthplace of figure skating in Japan. (Fun fact: Sendai has produced Japan's only two Olympic gold medallists in figure skating so far.) Of course, I couldn't leave without visiting the Ice Rink Sendai, the training ground of the champions. As I left Sendai, I carried with me not just memories of an inspiring ice show and visits to meaningful landmarks, but a deepened respect for the city's resilience and spirit. The legacy of 3.11 lives on. The views expressed are entirely the reader's own.
The Star
19-06-2025
- The Star
119 Chinese evacuated from Israel to Egypt
TABA, Egypt, June 19 (Xinhua) -- One hundred and nineteen Chinese citizens were evacuated from Israel to Egypt on Thursday through the Taba border crossing in Egypt's South Sinai province. After completing the necessary procedures, the evacuees entered Egypt from the crossing around 15:30 local time (12:30 GMT) and were then guided onto buses. According to the Chinese Embassy in Egypt, the people evacuated from Israel include 117 students and two Hong Kong residents, who will be transferred to Cairo. "China is highly concerned about our compatriots overseas. Their well-being and safety are always our priority," said Liao Liqiang, Chinese Ambassador to Egypt. "We completed all preparatory work efficiently within 24 hours and dispatched an action group to Taba overnight to organize the process of entry," Liao said, adding the embassy worked closely with relevant Egyptian departments overnight to request passage permits, necessary assistance, and security guarantees. Sun Xue, a postdoctoral fellow at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said that the journey from Jerusalem to the Taba border crossing took about four hours. "During the entry process at the crossing, staff and volunteers from the Chinese Embassy in Egypt provided warm assistance and coordination. We are truly grateful to them," Sun said.
