Author Profile: Allan See Toh

Balukoo Travel Blog

Someone with a passion for travelling.
Born and bred in Singapore, I’ve always had an affinity for exploring the world. Originally an engineer by trade, I’ve since became self-employed to allow me the flexibility of pursuing my travelling desires.
Life is short, give it your best shot.

Read this blog


Top 9 Places to Visit in Gold Coast for Families with Kids

Top 9 Places to Visit in Gold Coast for Families with Kids

Gold Coast, Australia

Those whom have had to travel with kids will surely comprehend that not all tourist attractions are suitable and enjoyable for...   view more


Explore Central Helsinki in 4 Hours

Explore Central Helsinki in 4 Hours

Helsinki, Finland

Passing through Helsinki (Finland) and only have a few hours to spare? Stuck in a long and boring transit at Helsinki-Vantaa...   view more


6 Must-See Places in Hue (Central Vietnam)

6 Must-See Places in Hue (Central Vietnam)

Hue, Vietnam

Situated at the geographic mid-point of Vietnam is the historical and mesmerizing city of Hue. Established as the imperial capital of Vietnam in 1802 under the Nguyễn Dynasty, it remained the country’s political, cultural and religious hub for nine dynasties until...   view more


11 - Days of Free and Easy: Japan (Osaka Highlights)

11 - Days of Free and Easy: Japan (Osaka Highlights)

Osaka, Japan

Below are the Osaka highlights of my June 2015 trip. (chronologically listed). Located in the vicinity of Namba station, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi together are one of the most popular (if not the most popular) places to go for shopping, food and entertainment while in...   view more


11 - Days of Free and Easy: Japan (Kyoto Highlights)

11 - Days of Free and Easy: Japan (Kyoto Highlights)

Kyoto, Japan

This is Part#3 (Kyoto Highlights) of my Jun-2015 Japan travel blog. Below are the Kyoto highlights of my June 2015 trip. (chronologically...   view more


11-Days of Free & Easy: Japan (Hakone Highlights)

11-Days of Free & Easy: Japan (Hakone Highlights)

Hakone, Japan

Hakone is a mountainous and scenic region approximately an hour (by train) east of Tokyo. It is renowned for its hot springs, panoramic settings, views of Mt Fuji and various mode of enthralling...   view more


11 Great Places to Visit in Sydney

11 Great Places to Visit in Sydney

Sydney, Australia

Having spent 2 years in Sydney (1999/2000) for my engineering degree, I am often asked for travel suggestions of the city. Below is the compilation of the 11 places in Sydney that I hugely enjoyed visiting during my undergraduate days. Hope you’ll enjoy them...   view more


Top 8 Attractions in and around Reykjavik

Top 8 Attractions in and around Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland has long been famed for its raw and dramatic landscape, a dream destination for any avid landscape photographer. Located between Greenland and Norway, the island nation is at the juncture of the North Atlantic and Arctic...   view more


Lake Tahoe in Pictures, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe in Pictures, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe, USA

At an elevation of 1897m, Lake Tahoe is the largest Alpine lake in North America. With mountains surrounding the lake on all sides, it is an extremely popular skiing destination in winter while the mesmerizing lake/mountain scenery captivates visitors all year...   view more


6 Must-See Places in Da Nang (Central Vietnam)

6 Must-See Places in Da Nang (Central Vietnam)

Danang, Vietnam

Da Nang is a beautiful coastal city in central Vietnam; located midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. It is the third largest city in the country and is within 100km of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Imperial City of Hue to its north and Hoi An Ancient Town to the...   view more


Great Places to Visit in Chengdu (Sichuan, China)

Great Places to Visit in Chengdu (Sichuan, China)

Chengdu, China

Also referred to as the “Country of Heaven”, Chengdu is a major city in Western China and the provincial capital of Sichuan province. Home to a population of ~11million, it is located west of the Sichuan basin in southwestern...   view more


4 Great Tips for Your Japan Holiday

4 Great Tips for Your Japan Holiday

Tokyo, Japan

Planning for a Free & Easy trip can be a mind-boggling process. All aspects need to be well thought out to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Though tedious, those who had done such planning will attest that these efforts add immensely more fun and sense of satisfaction to the...   view more


Motorhome and Car Rental (Western Australia)

Motorhome and Car Rental (Western Australia)

Perth, Australia

If you’re looking for new, cheap, reliable and honest car rental in Perth or Sydney area, look no further. Period. I’ve been using their services (both in Perth and Sydney) since 1999 and I’m greatly satisfied with their cars though their staffs might not be the friendliest folks on...   view more


Places to See in Hanoi, Vietnam

Places to See in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi, Vietnam

From as early as the 11th century, Hanoi has been the political center stage of Vietnam. The city, located on the western bank of the Red River, was only briefly overtaken by the imperial capital at Hue (central Vietnam) during the Nguyễn Dynasty...   view more


Things to Do in Boracay

Things to Do in Boracay

Boracay, Philippines

With its pristine beaches, clear turquoise water and bustling nightlife, Boracay is the Philippines’ undisputed leading tourist hotspot. Boracay is a relatively small island (~10km²), and is nested in the middle of the Philippines’ archipelago, an hour’s flight from...   view more


How to Get to Boracay (Philippines)

How to Get to Boracay (Philippines)

Boracay, Philippines

Boracay is a small island (10km²) within the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is a stone throw (~2km) off the northwestern tip of the much larger Panay...   view more


Airport Bus to Ho Chi Minh City

Airport Bus to Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon/HoChiMinh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon) is the largest city and the economic/financial centre of Vietnam. The city is served by Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is the busiest airport in...   view more


Things to Do in Nha Trang

Things to Do in Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam

For first-time visitors to Vietnam, Nha Trang typically isn’t the first Vietnamese city one would consider visiting. However, in spite of its limited international fanfare, Nha Trang is actually very popular amongst locals and Russians...   view more


Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon/HoChiMinh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city and economic/financial centre of Vietnam. For many international travellers, Ho Chi Minh City is their springboard en route to other destinations within...   view more


How to Get to Huashan From Xi’an

How to Get to Huashan From Xi’an

Xian, China

Famously known as the mountain with one of the world’s “Most Dangerous Hiking Trail”, Huashan (华山, Mount Hua) is one of the Five Great Mountains of...   view more


11-Days of Free and Easy: Japan (Tokyo Highlights)

11-Days of Free and Easy: Japan (Tokyo Highlights)

Tokyo, Japan

With its deep cultural heritage inter-weaved with technology advancements, Japan is an extremely dynamic country with many self-contradictory...   view more


Guide to HuangLongXi Ancient Town

Guide to HuangLongXi Ancient Town

Chengdu, China

HuangLongXi Ancient Town is one of the Top Ten ancient towns in China. Located ~50 km south of Chengdu (Sichuan Province). With a history stretching over 1700 years, its well-preserved buildings and cobbled street makes it a popular scenic destination for visitors and filmmakers...   view more


The Bund, Shanghai

The Bund, Shanghai

Shanghai, China

The Bund is probably Shanghai’s most popular tourist destination. Its row of historical buildings lined the western bank of Huangpu River, opposite the downtown area of...   view more


Adventure in Sarawak, Malaysia

Adventure in Sarawak, Malaysia

Kuching, Malaysia

The Kuching Waterfront is a relatively small area along the river (Sungai Sarawak). This is the old town centre of Kuching which includes the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building and Fort Margherita on the northern banks, and the Old Courthouse and waterfront bazaar on the southern...   view more


Experience Miri (Sarawak, Malaysia)

Experience Miri (Sarawak, Malaysia)

Miri, Malaysia

Situated on the northeastern coast of Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo) and near the border of Brunei, Miri is the second largest city in Sarawak. It came to prominence in 1910 when Shell drilled the first oil well in Malaysia on a hill (Canada Hill) in...   view more


Xi’an Attractions, China

Xi’an Attractions, China

Xian, China

Planning a trip to the ancient Chinese city of Xi’an? Looking for Instagram-worthy Xi’an attractions to fill your itinerary? Then look no further! Based on our March-2018 exploration of Xi’an city, we’ve come up with the perfect list of Xi’an attractions that will surely fire up your Xi’an...   view more


Things to Do in Darwin, Australia

Things to Do in Darwin, Australia

Darwin, Australia

A magnificent harbour city that is also the gateway to several world-class national parks, Darwin is truly an ideal destination for adventure lovers. From lively markets and insightful museums, to majestic wildlife and exotic outback...   view more


Lijiang Old Town Travel Guide, China

Lijiang Old Town Travel Guide, China

Lijiang, China

Lijiang Old Town is one of China’s best-preserved ancient town. The old town is famed for its unique network of water system and ancient architecture styles. Such is its value, Lijiang Old Town was inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage List in...   view more


Must-See Places in Lijiang

Must-See Places in Lijiang

Lijiang, China

Lijiang (丽江) is a stunningly picturesque ancient city located in the northwest region of Yunnan province, China. It is home to the Naxi minority ethnic group and has a history of more than 800...   view more


Things to Do in Langkawi (Kedah, Malaysia)

Things to Do in Langkawi (Kedah, Malaysia)

Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. This tropical island paradise in the Andaman Sea is famed for the turquoise waters surrounding its lush interior tropical...   view more


Penang Street Art Map (Malaysia)

Penang Street Art Map (Malaysia)

George Town, Malaysia

The street art (mural) in George Town is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Penang (Malaysia). These Instagram-worthy wall paintings have, in recent years, attracted a large number of visitors looking for photo ops to spice up their social media...   view more


Ipoh Street Art Map (Perak, Malaysia)

Ipoh Street Art Map (Perak, Malaysia)

Ipoh, Malaysia

In this Ipoh Street Art Map post, let us share with you the locations of some of the most fascinating murals in Ipoh’s old...   view more


Things to Do and See in Penang, Malaysia

Things to Do and See in Penang, Malaysia

George Town, Malaysia

Located at the northwestern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang is the second smallest state (by landmass) in Malaysia. However, it is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, the second-largest city in the Southeast Asia...   view more


Things to Do in Fukuoka

Things to Do in Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Japan

In recent years, visitors to Japan have been increasingly looking to venture beyond the usual mega-cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. One city that has been progressively attracting international arrival is Fukuoka. The city is the gateway to Kyushu (Japan’s third largest island) and its most populous city. Join us, while we show you the Top Things to do in...   view more


Things to Do in Kitakyushu

Things to Do in Kitakyushu

Kitakyushu, Japan

Kitakyushu, situated an hour’s drive east of Fukuoka City, is the northernmost city on Kyushu Island (Japan’s third largest island). Its name translates to “north Kyushu”. As the city nearest to Honshu Island (Japan’s main island), Kitakyushu is separated from it by the narrow Kanmon Straits. Join us, while we show you the Top Things to do in Kitakyushu (and...   view more


Things to Do in Beppu (Kyushu, Japan)

Things to Do in Beppu (Kyushu, Japan)

Beppu, Japan

Beppu (別府) is Japan’s most famous hot spring city. A small coastal city between Beppu Bay and the volcanic mountains further inland, it is home to more than 2000 onsen and produces more hot spring water than any other Japanese city. Other than hot spring baths, Beppu has seven geothermal parks which offer spectacular views of unique thermal...   view more


Things to Do in Kumamoto (Kyushu, Japan)

Things to Do in Kumamoto (Kyushu, Japan)

Kumamoto, Japan

Kumamoto City, located in the heart of Kyushu (Japan’s third-largest island) is a captivating destination known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. The most popular attractions within the city include the majestic Kumamoto Castle and the stunning Suizenji Jojuen Garden. Join us, while we explore the best things to do in...   view more


Things to Do on Sakurajima (Kagoshima, Japan)

Things to Do on Sakurajima (Kagoshima, Japan)

Kagoshima, Japan

Located at the southern end of Kyushu, Sakurajima (Kagoshima prefecture) is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. You can often see smoke billowing from the crater. Formerly an island, a 1914 eruption connected it to the mainland. Sakurajima erupts on a daily basis. Fortunately, there are usually ample warnings before large eruptions happen. It’s safe enough that more than 1000 people currently stay on the island. Join us, while we explore the best things to do on...   view more


Things to Do in Nagasaki (Kyushu, Japan)

Things to Do in Nagasaki (Kyushu, Japan)

Nagasaki, Japan

Nagasaki, a scenic port city on Kyushu Island, played a pivotal role as a key international trading port during the 16th century, blending Japanese and Western cultures. It is also known for its tragic World War II history as the second city hit by an atomic bomb, commemorated at the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. Visitors can explore its unique cultural heritage while reflecting on its profound past. Join us while we explore the top things to do in...   view more