The Road Calls: Exploring the Heart of the Balkans

Lepas lebih dua tahun ‘terperap’ sebab pandemik, akhirnya in 2022, I got to spread my wings again. My last proper travel was Guilin, China, in 2019 and honestly, masa tu tak sangka that would be my last trip for a while. But Alhamdulillah, bila dunia mula pulih, I rewarded myself with something I’d been dreaming of. This time, I explored not just one or two, but nine breathtaking countries which are Italy, Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia, Albania, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Each destination had its own magic, stories, and unforgettable memories. Here’s a recap of my journey and a glimpse of what you can expect from each country.

1. Italy

“A country where art, love, and food come together like a masterpiece.”

Italy memang tak pernah gagal. Masa sampai Milan tu, I felt like I walked into a movie Spiderman vibes all over again. The Duomo? Gila cantik. Venice? Tak perlu filter. Naik gondola through the canals sambil dengar abang gondola nyanyi… memang cinematic gila.

And the food? Let’s not even start. Pizza dia bukan main, spaghetti dia buat lidah rasa bersyukur. Italy is not just a destination, it's a feeling.

2. Bosnia

  “Sometimes, the most unexpected places become the most unforgettable.”

Bosnia was a plot twist. I tak expect apa-apa pun dari sini but it ended up jadi antara tempat paling menyentuh hati. Dekat Vrelo Bune, air sungai jernih mengalir tenang, macam healing for the soul.

Tapi yang paling menyentuh, War Museum. Rasa macam kita boleh dengar kisah-kisah yang tersembunyi dalam dinding dia. I came out from there dengan rasa lebih bersyukur dan sedar, betapa kuatnya jiwa rakyat Bosnia.

The food was another highlight. I still can't forget the taste of the fresh fish I had at a local restaurant. It was so fresh that I could taste the quality in every bite. Bosnia is a treasure that more people need to know about. It felt like a place where time slowed down, and I could simply breathe in the natural beauty of the world.

3. Croatia

                      

                    “The sea, the sun, and the serenity — a love story with the Adriatic coast.”

From Bosnia, I made my way to Croatia, famous for its stunning coastline along the Adriatic Sea. It’s a country where modern life blends with history. The streets of Dubrovnik, a medieval fortress city that were like stepping into a fantasy world. It's no surprise that Dubrovnik was a filming location for Game of Thrones. The charm of walking along the ancient city walls with the view of the endless sea was something I’ll never forget.

  

Croatia also gave me a chance to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of its beaches and crystal-clear water. The islands, the sea breeze, and the friendly locals make Croatia one of the must-visit destinations in the Balkans.

4. Montenegro

“A land where mountains kiss the sea, and every view is a postcard.”

Montenegro may be small in size, but its beauty is grand. The moment we drove into Kotor, I was greeted with a dramatic fjord-like bay surrounded by towering cliffs and terracotta-roofed towns. Climbing the fortress steps for the panoramic view was a challenge but absolutely worth every drop of sweat.

The vibe here was peaceful yet adventurous. Whether you're sipping coffee by the bay, cruising through the clear waters, or simply getting lost in the old town’s winding alleys, Montenegro has this quiet magic that stays with you long after you leave.  

5. Kosovo

   

“A young country with an old soul — where resilience meets raw beauty.”

Kosovo was one of the most surprising chapters of my journey. I’ll admit, I didn’t know what to expect, it’s not a country you hear much about in typical travel circles. But that’s exactly what made it so special. As soon as I arrived in Prizren, I was enchanted by the cobbled streets, the river that cuts through the city, and the view of the stone bridge with the grand mosque in the background. It felt like stepping into a living, breathing piece of history.

There was a quiet strength in the air, a sense of pride in how far the country has come, and hope for where it's going. I visited the hilltop fortress at sunset, and the view of the entire city glowing in golden light took my breath away.

The people were incredibly warm and welcoming, always ready with a smile and eager to share their stories. One of the most memorable meals I had was here traditional grilled meat and flaky pastries, served with sincerity and heart. Kosovo may be small, but its spirit is mighty.

6. Macedonia

  

                    “A fleeting stop — but sometimes, even a single statue can spark curiosity.”

Macedonia was just a pit stop, literally tidur semalam and terus gerak. Tapi I sempat nampak statue Alexander the Great dekat Skopje. Besar gila! Rasa macam tengok sejarah berdiri depan mata.

Even though it was brief, it left a spark. Maybe one day I’ll return properly.

6. Bulgaria

“A quiet capital with echoes of grandeur.”

In Bulgaria, our journey led us to Sofia, a city that surprised me with its calm atmosphere and subtle charm. Though we didn’t cover much ground, I remember walking past an impressive building that looked like a parliament house, standing tall and proud, surrounded by clean streets and classic Eastern European architecture.

Sofia had this unique blend of old and new, traces of Soviet-era design mixed with modern cafés and shops. It wasn’t crowded or chaotic, which gave me space to take it all in slowly. The air was crisp, the people carried themselves with quiet confidence, and the city felt safe and steady.

Even though we didn’t do much sightseeing, just being there, observing life unfold in its gentle rhythm, was enough to leave an impression. Bulgaria, especially Sofia, felt like a well-kept secret waiting for travelers to truly notice it.

6. Turkey

“A bridge between worlds — where every step feels like a story.”

Our final stop brought us to Turkey, a country that felt like the perfect ending to this epic journey. We first touched down in Edirne, a charming city near the border, known for its mosques and deep-rooted Ottoman heritage. It was peaceful, almost poetic. The kind of place where time slows down, where the sound of prayer echoes softly through the air, and where history gently whispers through stone arches and domes.

 

Then came Istanbul - bold, bustling, and beautifully chaotic. The moment I entered the city, I felt the energy shift. It was alive. The fusion of East and West wasn’t just something people said, you could feel it. From the grand Hagia Sophia to the Blue Mosque, from the spice-scented alleys of the Grand Bazaar to the tranquil cruise along the Bosphorus, Istanbul was a city that pulled me in completely.

The food? Unforgettable. The kebabs, Turkish tea, baklava, every bite was an experience. Istanbul was a feast for the senses, a place where you could get lost and somehow find yourself at the same time.

It’s now 2025. Three years since this unforgettable journey through the heart of the Balkans. Life has moved forward, new challenges have come and gone, but as I write this today, every memory still feels fresh. The laughter, the landscapes, the late-night conversations, the quiet moments of awe, they’re all etched into my heart like ink on a passport page.

Sometimes, we don’t realize the full magic of a trip until much later. And revisiting these moments now reminds me why I travel not just to see new places, but to collect pieces of myself scattered across the world.

This isn’t just a travel diary. It’s a love letter to the road, to healing, and to the freedom we once missed and finally reclaimed.

Here’s to the memories we’ve made and the many more waiting to be written.