Top Albums and Songs - 2019

For previous years, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013.

Yessss, finally, GVM's Enai Noki Payum Thota got released and Maruvaarthai is easily my most heard song to date and the whole album was fantastic. Mr X didn't disappoint. And, it is Uyiril Thodum from Kumbalangi Nights and its video must be my most-watched on YouTube this year since it was a ritual to watch it every weekend during my lunch.

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, the remix which was still fresh just like its original and in Telugu it was Justin's Kadallale which was catchy from the instant I saw its teaser. And, the best album of this year across languages easily.

And, this year completely moved onto online streaming and to Gaana from Saavn since it has more albums. So, I've given my playlists which has the Top 20 followed by my other favorites as well.

Tamil - Gaana My Favorites Tamil 2019

Top Albums

• Mehandi Circus - Sean Roldan
• House Owner - Ghibran
• Peranbu - Yuvan Shankar Raja
• Asuran - G V Prakash
• Enai Noki Payum Thotta - Mr X
• Irandam Ulagaporin Kadaisi Gundu - Tenma

Top 20 Songs

1. Maruvaarthai - Enai Noki Paayum Thotta
2. Kannamma - Ispade Rajavum Idhaya Raniyum
3. Neethane En Thoovanam - Lisaa
4. Ullaallaa - Petta
5. Irul Vaanam - Irandam Ulagaporin Kadaisi Gundu
6. Anbe Anbin - Peranbu
7. Ellu Vaya Pookalaye - Asuran
8. Vellattu Kannazhagi - Mehandi Circus
9. Theera Kadhal - Monster
10. Mazhai - Kaalidas
11. Nayaname Nayaname - House Owner
12. Inaye - Thadam
13. Sandakari Neethan - Sanga Thamizhan
14. Kulirudha Pulla - Oththa Seruppu
15. Vaa Vaa Penne - Uriyadi 2
16. Varalama - Sarvam Thaala Mayam
17. Visiri - Enai Noki Paayum Thotta
18. The Blood Bath - Asuran
19. Verithanam - Bigil
20. Paisa Note - Comali

Other Favorites

• Marana Mass, Petta Paraak - Petta
• Kannaana Kanney - Viswasam
• Love Polladhadhu, Siragi Un Sirippaala, Kodi Aruvi, Veyil Mazhayae - Mehandi Circus
• Maya Maya, Sarvam Thaala Mayam - Sarvam Thaala Mayam
• Red Cardu, Modern Muniyamma, Vanga Machan Vanga - Vantha Rajavathan Varuven
• Anangae Sinungalama, She Is My Girl, Oru Nooru Murai - Dev
• Yendi Raasathi, Sandaali - Ispade Rajavum Idhaya Raniyum
• Raaja Paatu, Kaadhoram - Kee
• Dhooramaai, Setthu Pocchu Manasu, Vaanthooral - Peranbu
• Mughaiyazhi - Boomerang 
• Kaariga, Megathoodham - Airaa
• Thamizh Anthem, Thimiru Kaattaadha Di, Ethanai Kaalam Than - LKG
• Kerala Song, Aathadi - Natpe Thunai
• Thooya - Rajabheema
• Kollathey Kollathey, Idhamaai Idhamaai - Kolaikaran
• Kadhal Oru Vizhiyil - Kanchana 3
• Merkilae Merkilae, Kaatre Kaatre, Vaa Alaipol -July Katril
• Lesa Valichudha - Jasmine
• Anbae Peranbae - NGK
• Anthimaalai Neram, Ennai Theadi -Monster
• Neeyagave, Saayamal Saaigindra - House Owner
• Kanne Kanne - Ayogya
• Kadaram Kondan, Thaarame Thaarame - Kadaram Kondan
• Takkunu Takkunu, Menaminiki, Nee Nenacha - Mr Local
• Aalankuruvigalaa, Karadu Moradu Poove Joyful - Bakrid
• Oru Naal - Angelina
• Usure, Idhu Dhaan, Aazhi Soozhndha - Sivappu Manjal Pachai
• Nenja Unakaga, Unaalathaan - Sindhubaath
• Thanimai Siraiyinil - Siragu
• Rasaathi Nenja -  Madras Gig Season 2
• Uthira Uthira - Pon Manickavel
• Yen Minukki, Kathari Poovazhagi - Asuran
• Malarudhu Pudhu Naale - Petromax
• Nee Sirichalum, Azhage - Action
• Kamala, Azhagu Azhagu - Sanga Thamizan
• Naan Pizhaippeno, Adadaa Naana, Hey Nijame - ENPT
• Kannale Kannale - Market Raja MBBS
• Murada Murada, Neethan Venumadi - Dhanusu Rasi Neyargale
• Nilamellam, Maavuliyo Maavuli, Iruchi, Thalaimurai - Gundu
• Santiago Saaral - Kaalidas
• Nee Vaanavilla, Oru Naal - Aadai
• Naanum Neeyum, Enda Poovum - Unarvu
• Chittuku Chittuku, Maalai Nera, Priya Priya -  A1
• Agalaathey, Vaanil Irul - Nerkonda Parvai
• Oliyum Oliyum, Hi Sonna Pothum - Comali
• Malto Kithapuleh - Hero
• Thaalelo - Thambi
• Aagayam, Veesiya Visiri - Aruvam
• Singappenney, Unakaga - Bigil

Malayalam - Gaana My Favorites Malayalam 2019

Top Albums

• Kumbalangi Nights - Sushin Shyam
• Oru Adaar Love - Shaan Rahman
• June - Ifthi
• Manoharam - Sanjeev Thomas
• LUCA - Sooraj S Kurup

Top 20 Songs

1. Uyiril Thodum - Kumbalangi Nights
2. Vanil Chandrika - LUCA
3. Manikya Malaraya Poovi - Oru Adaar Love
4. Athippoovin - Oronnonnara Pranayakadha
5. Kavarathi - Pranaya Meenukalude Kadal
6. Pavizha Mazha - Athiran
7. Parayuvan - Ishq
8. Jaathikkathottam - Thanneer Mathan Dinangal
9. Minni Minni - June
10. Aval - OP 160/18 Kakshi : Amminippilla
11. Nee Mukilo - Uyare
12. Kinavo - Manoharam
13. Kaanaatheeram - Helen
14. Sakhiyeee - Thrissur Pooram
15. Aarum Kaanaathe - Allu Ramendran
16. Onnum Mindathe - Kodathil Samaksham Balan Vakkeel
17. Kunkumanira Sooryan - Neeyum Naanum
18. Kudukku - Love Action Drama
19. Njan Jackson Allada - Ambili
20. Hey Song - Valiaperunnal

Other Favorites

• Etho Mazhayil, Enthanee Mounam, Pakalaay, Pournami Superalleda - Vijay Superum Pournamiyum
• Novinte - Mikhael
• Mele Kaavil - Allu Ramendran
• Cherathukal, Ezhutha Kadha, Thillele (Irular Tribe Festival Song) - Kumbalangi Nights
• Akale - 9
• Kaattil Poomkattil - Sachin
• Ishq Kond, Aalam, Thedunna Theeram Nee, Koottilai - Neeyum Naanum
• Freak Penne, Munnale Ponaale, Thanananana, Aarum Kaanaathinnen, Maahiya - Oru Adaar Love
• Babuvetta - Kodathil Samaksham Balan Vakkeel
• Hey Madhuchandrike, Kaathu Kaathe, Eenthola - Argentina Fans Kaattoorkadavu
• Uyarum, Koodu Vittu, Maane Penmaane, Melle Melle - June
• Manasukkulla, Marhaba - Mera Naam Shaji
• Kadavule Pole, Varika Varika, Empurane - Lucifer
• Aattuthottil, Ee Thazhvara - Athiran
• Kaattil Veezha, Pathinettu Vayassila - Uyare
• Kanno Nilakayal, Muttathe Kombile - Oru Yamandan Premakadha 
• Malabari Penne, Athippoovin - Oronnonnara Pranayakadha
• Neeyilla Neram, Ore Kannal, Kaatum - LUCA
• Undh Undh Undh - Ganagandharvan
• Illikoodinullil, Ambaram - Sathyam Paranja Viswasikkuvo
• Deivame - Thanneer Mathan Dinangal
• Aaraadhike - Ambili
• Manamariyunnolu - Porinju Mariyam Jose
• Aalolam, Raathein, Ponvilakkaay - Love Action Drama
• Vennilavu Peythalinja - Ittymaani Made In China
• Njanennum Kinavu - Aadya Rathri
• Kaamukan, Neelime - Pranaya Meenukalude Kadal
• Akale, Thaaro, Munnotithaa - Manoharam
• Tu Hi Rani  - OP 160/18 Kakshi : Amminippilla
• Njanakum Poovin  - Happy Sardar
• Thoomanju, Aganaga - 18am Padi
• Chillayile, Kaanumbol, Mathiyolam, Vidarum - VIkruthi
• Pularaan Neram, Shilayude - Android Kunjappan Version 5.25
• Pon Thaarame - Helen
• Mukkuthi - Mamangam
• Thazhvarangal - Valiaperunnal

Hindi -  Gaana My Favorites Hindi 2019

Top Albums

• Gully Boy
• Manikarnika - Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy
• Bharat - Vishal Shekar
• Kabir Singh - Mithoon, Amaal Mallik, Vishal Mishra, Sachet–Parampara, Akhil Sachdeva
• Malaal - Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shreyas Puranik, Shail Hada
• Dream Girl - Meet Bros

Top 20 Songs

1. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga - Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga
2. Apna Time Aayega - Gully Boy
3. Ik Mulaqaat Unplugged - Dream Girl
4. Bekhayali - Kabir Singh
5. Ghar More Paradesiya - Kalank
6. Nakhrewaali - Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota
7. Odhani - Made in China
8. Chashni - Bharat
9. Jugraafiya - Super 30
10. Naah Goriye - Bala
11. Rajaji - Manikarnika
12. Ghungroo - War
13. Dil Uda Patanga - Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas
14. Dil Hi Toh Hai - The Sky is Pink
15. Aai Shappat - Malaal 
16. O Saki Saki - Batla House
17. Kyun Rabba - Badla 
18. Ruan Ruan - Sonchiriya
19. Teri Mitti - Kesari
20. Rezgaariyan - Mere Pyare Prime Minister

Other Favorites

• Gud Naal Ishq Mitha, Good Morning - Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga
• Vijayi Bhava, Bharat, Dankila, Tak Taki - Manikarnika
• Mere Gully Mein, Asli Hip Hop, Azadi, Doori, Sher Aaya Sher, Goriye, Kab Se Kab Tak, Doori Poem, Train Song, Kaam Bhaari, Jeene Mein Aye Maza, Jahaan Tu Chala, Ek Hee Raasta, Har Gham Mein Khushi Hai, India 91 - Gully Boy
• Baaghi Re, Ruan Ruan - Sonchiriya
• Tum Na Aaye, Badla - Badla
• Kanna Re Kanna - Mere Pyare Prime Minister
• Beh Chala - URI
• Sanu Kehndi, Ve Maahi - Kesari
• Nai Lagda, Bhumro - Notebook
• Title Track, First Class, Tabaah Ho Gaye - Kalank
• Rappan Rappi Rap, Tere Liye, Dreamtime, Kitthon Da Tu Superstar - Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota
• The Jawaani Song - Student Of The Year 2
• Slow Motion, Aithey Aa, Zinda, Turpeya - Bharat
• Chale Aana, Vaddi Sharaban - De De Pyaar De
• Heeriye, Looteri - Happy Hardy And Heer
• Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage, Tera Ban Jaunga, Kaise Hua, Mere Sohneya, Yeh Aaina, Pehla Pyaar - Kabir Singh
• Intezari, Naina Yeh - Article 15
• Aila Re, Katthai Katthai, Zara Suno, Naad Khula - Malaal
• Kis Raste Hai Jana, The Wakhra Song - Judgementall Hai Kya
• Dhoonde Akhiyaan, Ki Honda Pyaar (Arijit Singh), Macchardani - Jabariya Jodi
• Jako Rakhe Saiyan, Rula Diya - Batla House
• Khairiyat, Fikar Not, Woh Din - Chhichhore
• Radhe Radhe, Dil Ka Telephone, Ik Mulaqaat, Gat Gat - Dream Girl
• Kaash, Pepsi Ki Kasam, Maheroo - The Zoya Factor
• Ho Jaa Awara, Maa Ka Mann, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas - Celebration - Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas
• Pink Gulaabi Sky, Zindagi, Nadaaniyaan - The Sky is Pink
• Shaitan Ka Saala, Ek Chumma - Housefull 4
• Udta Teetar, Aasmaa - Saand Ki Aankh
• Valam, Sanedo - Made in China
• Prem Pujari, Makhna - Drive
• Pyaar Toh Tha, Zindagi - Bala
• Sapna Hai Sach Hai, Mann Mein Shiva - Panipat
• Dheeme Dheeme, Tu Hi Yaar Mera - Pati Patni Aur Woh
• Naina Lade, Awara, Habibi Ke Nain - Dabangg 3

Telugu - Gaana My Favorites Telugu 2019

Top Albums

• Mr Majnu -  S. Thaman
• Prema Katha Chitiram 2 - JB
• Jersey - Anirudh Ravichandar
• Dear Comrade - Justin Prabhakaran 
• Oh Baby - Mickey J Meyer
• Ranarangam - Prashant Pillai

Top 20 Songs

1. Kadalalle - Dear Comrade
2. Mouna Hrudaya Raagame - Thipparaa Meesam
3. Priyathama Priyathama - Majili
4. Naa Kallu Chusedhi - Prema Katha Chitram 2
5. Yemainado - Mr Majnu
6. Koyilamma - Sita
7. Oh Baby -  Oh Baby
8. Naaku Nuvvani - Mallesham
9. Talapu Talapu - Brochevarevarura
10. Po Pove - Suryakantam
11. Prema Vennela - Chitralahari
12. Paadhalu Nee Dhari - 118
13. Tholi Parichayama Idhi - Guna 369
14. Gagana Veedhilo - Valmiki
15. Evaro Evaro - Ranarangam
16. Cheliya Maate Chandanam - Jodi
17. Hoyna Hoyna - Gang Leader
18. Gira Gira Gira - Dear Comrade
19. Naa Lonaa - Manmadhudu 2
20. Adhento Gaani Vunnapaatuga - Jersey

Other Favorites

• Entho Fun, Girra Girra, Dhan Dhan - F2
• Mr. Majnu, Koppamga Koppamga, Hey Nenila, Naalo Neeku - Mr. Majnu
• Merupula Merisina, Aakashamantha, First Time Heart Beat - Prema Katha Chithiram 2
• Chandamame, Padhalu Bee Dhari - 118
• Yedetthu Mallele, Naa Gundello - Majili
• Inthena Inthena, Breaking My Heart, Nenena Nenena - Sutyakantam
• Padhe Padhe, Spirit Of Jersey, Prapanchame Alaa - Jersey
• Parugu Parugu - Chitralahari
• Bulreddy - Sita
• Vagalaadi, Doragari - Brochevarevarura
• Ninu Veedani Needanu Nene - Ninu Veedani Needanu Nene
• Sampaddhoy Nanne, Idhivarakepudu, Varshinchana - 7
• Bujji Bangaram, Manasukidi Garalam, Dheveri - Guna 369
• Dasu Bindasu, Paye Paye, Arerey Manasa - Falakunama Das
• Yevathive, Hey Yela, Hey Yela (Sad Version), Nee Naa - Hippi
• Naalo Maimarapu, Changu Bhala, Maha Adhbhutham - Oh Baby
• Kanne Kanne - Arjun Suravaram
• Ningilona Paalapuntha, Kallallo Kala Varamai - Dorasaani
• Nee Neeli Kannullona, The Canteen Song, Comrade Anthem, Maama Choodaro, Yetu Pone, O Kalala Kathala - Dear Comrade
• Hey Menina, Kanule - Manmadhudu 2
• Pilla Picture Perfect, Kannu Kotti, Seetha Kalyanam, Kummeyra - Ranarangam
• Baby Won't You Tell Me - Saaho
• Idi Nijamena, Deniko Emito, Nuvvu Levanna - Jodi
• Roar of the Revengers - Gang Leader
• Sye Raa, Andam Ankitam - Sye Raa
• Reppalu Chate, Chinuke, Em Jarigindemo - Malli Malli Chusa
• Chaalu Chaalu - Meeku Maathrame Cheptha 
• Bullet, Nalage Anni Nalage - George Reddy
• Title Song, Chinnataname - Prati Roju Pandaage
• You Are My Heart Beat, La La La La - Iddari Lokam Okate
• Radha Ramanam - Thipparaa Meesam

The(a) Vera Leval Trip 2.0

My third trip within two months, this time with the KONE boys. Yes, the sequel to our The Vera Level trip is here thanks to the guy who's back to India and another guy who's going to leave India, unfortunately, who couldn't make it to this trip at the last moment. He was the organizer of the V.L 1.0 and also the planner for this trip who never shared the actual plan till the last moment. This also turned out to be a sequel to my Vagamon trip which I went a few years back.

The Gang

The Plan: 

When a group was created out guys shared an extraordinary itinerary which I guess could take at least a week to cover, but after few days we booked a resort for a day in Vagamon and booked a tempo traveler. Other than that nothing was planned or at least not communicated to me till I boarded that traveler.

Plan vs Actual

The Start:

As planned we all started on Friday night from Chennai, the final count was 11 and the destination was to reach Kumbakarai Falls, which was the only thing planned. The traffic was too much on every toll gates even with Fast tags and it was 11:30 when we stopped for dinner near Chengalpet. We finished our idlies, chicken kuruma, veg kuruma, etc. But, before reaching I have been having all the "side dishes" which you can find in a shop near any Tasmac that too after having my dinner at home before the start. And, meanwhile, we were thinking about the plan for the next day.  I asked our driver about how long it will take to reach Vagamon from Kumily and he was like "what and where is Vagamon?". When we booked we communicated about Munnar and he had no idea we are heading towards Vagamon. So, I was like there is a change of plans we are going to Vagamon, but still, we are not sure where we are going to stay on Saturday.

Dinner Time

Day 1: Kumbakarai Falls and Vaigai Dam

After a few stops for tea and to sleep, we finally reach Dindugal for breakfast and to refresh. And, after checking all the possibilities and decided to go to Megamalai and stay there and canceled our plan of staying in Kumily. And, we reach the Kumbakarai falls and I haven't been there before. The place wasn't crowded at all so we had enough time to enjoy there and the first location itself was fulfilling so we decided to skip Surili falls from the plan. And, when we returned we found out we couldn't find a stay in Megamalai and it wasn't feasible to go to Megamalai and comeback to Kumily.
And, our driver suggested there's a farmhouse nearby and we can even stay there tonight, we were open to that plan as well. So, our driver was wondering whether we are going to stay in Megamalai or Kumily or in that Farmhouse since we are open to all the plans. Finally, we decided to stay in Vagamon itself and go straight to Vagamon after Vaigai Dam without stopping.

Kumbakarai Falls

After Kumbakarai Falls, we went to Vaigai Dam, the dam was so big and fortunately, it had so much water so it looked good. After the dam, we started to Vagamon itself and on the way, we booked for a stay on the way and also purchase for the barbecue again just like the last time. And, we will never forget the tea we had after Kumily before heading off to Vagamon. So, we kinda skipped Suruli Falls, Megamalai, Kumily, Thekkady and also Munnar from the initial screenshot. And, it was very late when we finally reached our resort. The weather was so good, it was very hard to stand outside in that chill weather and we booked two jeeps for tomorrow sightseeing and all were so tired and adjusted in the available place to sleep.

Vaigai Dam

Vaigai Dam

Day 2: Vagamon

We asked our jeep driver to come by 9 even though he said he will come by 6, but yet he reached there by 6 itself and made everyone to get up so early.

Finally, everyone got ready and started for our sightseeing maybe by 8 in the jeep. And, unlike the last time, our jeep driver was driving so fast even in those off roads. It was a thrilling experience, looks like this is also a part of the package. We stopped at Idukki Dam's backside view first, with so much water it looked like a sea. Then, we stopped at waterfalls, I've been there before, but this time we went a little farther in and had a fantastic bath, once again without anyone's disturbance. And, we were supposed to return to the room for breakfast, but there was an only shop at that waterfalls' entrance which had idly and Tapiaco with an awesome chilly chutney, so we all finished our breakfast there.

Idukki Dam View

Then, we stopped at few more viewpoints which didn't have any name and back to our hotel. And, we had a break before we head out for the remaining spots in our sightseeing. I've never had a break during the day whenever I was on a trip, but it was nice. We all gathered around outside our resort chatting and had some "side dishes" like chips, mixture and some fruits.

Another View Point

Tunnel near the Waterfalls

And, we head out for lunch, where everyone wanted to have lighta, but ended up eating as usual. And, it started the second set of sightseeing and this time the riding was more thrilling. We stopped at Kurusimalla and Murugan malai, didn't bother climbing any malai. Then we went to another viewpoint where our jeep climbed a mountain and he made a two 360 degrees spin at the top of a mountain which was an awesome experience followed by another viewpoint. After taking a few pictures we moved to Thangalpara, which I've been before and last time it was covered with mist followed by rain, but this time the weather was sunny and had a good view. And, the next spot was the same Vagamon Meadows which was less green than I saw last time and more crowded. 

Another Viewpoint

Viewpoint after the stunt

Thangapara

Thangalpara

Ayutha Ezhuthu pose since 2004 :D

After finishing the sightseeing, we went to the only resort which we booked before the trip. But, it wasn't easy to find since the roads were too bad and difficult to find as well. And, we somehow reached there once again late and we were expecting them to prepare the barbecue with the ingredients we bought, but they asked us to prepare. And, our chef Joeseph, just like last time jumped into action and meanwhile, we started gathering around the campfire, oops firecamp, with songs in BT speaker and "side dishes". It went for some time and we went to sleep after having that awful dinner given by that resort.

 

Another Viewpoint

That round is where the stunt happens

With our Jeep drivers who gave us thrilling rides

Day 3: The Returrrnnnn

The last day was nothing, but to return to Chennai. After getting ready and having the surprisingly good idly and chutney, which was a complimentary breakfast, took some photos around the resort and started our return to Chennai by at least 10 in the morning hoping to reach before midnight. And, of course, we had too many stops on the way, starting from Kumily where people bought Chips and stuff back home. Then, at a grape vineyard where we went and had a look around the grapes plantation, bought some grapes. Then, our people decided to have "lighta" lunch roadside, which was nothing but the ice-biriyani made from the rice provided for our dinner and finish the rest at Venu Biriyani Dindigul. 

The Picture Spot @ our Resort

We decided to play "Alex in Wonderland" to kill time in the TV available and it was the first time for many of us. But, sadly the audio format wasn't supported, so we connected the phone to the audio and played the video on the TV and took some time to sync both and we finally achieved it. It was my 3rd time and I've seen it live also, but it was still enjoyable and the process of syncing the audio and video was even more enjoyable :D :D.

Grape vineyard

And, we did reach Dindigul in the evening and the quantity of a biriyani was too little so we just bought one and everyone tasted it for the sake of reaching there and decided to go Trichy for dinner itself. 

And, we reached Trichy and had dinner and said goodbye to the NRI Ram and a guy did call him to ask "Romba Thooram Poitia Ram?" once he left and said goodbye to all of us :D :D. And, I didn't know whether they stopped after that before reaching Chennai, it was almost 3 or 4 am when everyone reached their homes.

Overall, another satisfying trip which was much enjoyable in a tempo traveler which started with a big plan or without a plan and without any tension of catching trains. Looking forward to the 3.0 next year. And, I've already started planning for my next trip with my Visteon guys.

Our first INTERNATIONAL Trip

My passport was supposed to get expired by next year and till now I've only used it to make photocopies to submit in my companies and as proof for getting a marriage certificate. Same fate for my wife's passport as well. But, finally, we have used it to travel outside India. On my last trip, I got close to a foreign country was Bangladesh border and this time I successfully crossed our border.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

And, the destination Bali was my wife's dream destination, I didn't even have any idea about this beautiful destination.

Day -1: The Start

Our flight to Singapore was on Monday midnight, we started as early as possible. While on the way Uber driver asked as "Domestic ah International ah?", we both were waiting for that question since we started and answered in chorus "INTERNATIONAL". Hearing our enthusiastic answer he would have found out it was our first time. And, after clicking selfies and check-ins finally found that lounge for HDFC cardholders where you can rest and also have a buffet dinner for a mere amount. It was like a myth to me since I've heard it many times and never experienced it. Finally, I found that lounge and had that buffet before boarding.

Day 0: SINGAPORE in a day.

The first stop was Singapore on Tuesday morning. Since our flight to Bali was on Wednesday morning we had 23 hours of transit time, we decided to use that time as an opportunity to make it as a Singapore trip. Singapore was not even in our plan, but this was the cheapest flight available to Bali so we have added Singapore into our itinerary. We have already booked tickets for two attractions in Singapore.

After finishing the immigration, our first country outside India, we decided to look around the world's best airport. But, we were able to see only that giant artificial waterfalls inside the Changi airport and we proceeded to our hotel. It was hot already and after having breakfast in a hotel full of Tamil people from Madurai we took some rest and went out to explore Singapore. We had too many places on our list, but too little time.

First, we visited the Red Dot Design Museum to collect our tickets to The Gardens By the Bay and decided to walk towards that. We visited the Flower Dome first since it was about to close. It was beautiful with so many flowers, we pretty much covered everything before they could kick us out.

Flower Dome

Flower Dome

The next spot was the Cloud Forest. Cloud Forest was too good with an amazing waterfall and the whole place was wonderful with amazing artificial falls and surrounded by forests on the clouds. And, it was airconditioned, thank god.

Cloud Forest's waterfalls

Cloud Forest

We were already so tired we still had too many places to visit. We proceeded to the Marina Bay Sands where we can get a view of Singapore from the 57th floor. The view was absolutely stunning. And, Singapore looks so pretty in the night. 

View from the 57th floor, Marina Bay Sands

That's the view of Gardens By The Bay from Marina Bay Sands

Now, we have to come back to The Gardens By the Bay to visit the final attraction of Supertree Grove, before 8:00, but the time was already 7:40. It's a long walk again so we were in a dilemma whether to try or skip that. But,  OCBC Skywalk above that Supertree Grove was one of the places I wanted to visit since we booked a ticket, we literally made a run for it. We were completely exhausted. When we reached the Sound and Music show was already started and everyone was laying on the ground and enjoying so no one was there to show the way to the ticket counter. Finally, we found it and gave us the next time slot and when we looked up after settling in the line the show was over. The lights were switched off, we were very disappointed. After waiting more than 30 minutes in the line, we went up to that skywalk. It was another beautiful view. And, when we were on that skywalk, they started that show again and it was spectacular to view it from the top as well. And, I was completely satisfied.

Supertree Grove

Supertree Grove, OCBC Skywalk

Marina Bay Sands from OCBC Skywalk

Supertree Grove

And, it was too late and we were too tired and we came back to the hotel. We missed that iconic Merlion Park, we were looking forward to that place. That place is similar to our Chennai Central, in every movie they show Chennai Central for Chennai and that Lion statue for Singapore.

When we reached the hotel our cab driver warned us it was not a good area and asked us to avoid staying here next time. After hearing this I was unable to sleep and waiting to leave this place and go to the airport. And, we started at midnight 2 and reached the airport even 3 hours before. And, after self-check-in which was a new experience, we wanted to look around all those attractions inside the airport terminals. But, they said the trains covering the terminals will open only after 5 and we were disappointed. But, at 5 we decided to go around on that train to see the Butterfly Garden, Enchanted Garden. We went around the terminals 2 and 3 covering those spots, but it was still dark. At least that Skytrain inside the airport was too cool and we were happy we at least made to those gardens before leaving Singapore.

Singapore Flyer

SINGAPORE

The people here were very helpful and polite. The traffic was heavy in the morning. And, it was hot even for a guy from Chennai. And, we should come back to have a look around all those places in leisure soon.

Day 1: Landed in Bali

The next day morning we landed in our actual destination Bali. Thankfully our guide was waiting with our name board. After welcoming us with garlands, we proceeded to our hotel while the guide spoke about Bali and also about him for some time. After, reaching the nice hotel, Jani's Place Cottage, we just roamed around that street which was filled with too many restaurants and spas. And, we couldn't walk much after our tiring day in Singapore and it was hot in here as well. We had dinner nearby and back to the hotel since we had to start early the next day.

Jani's Place Cottage

Day 2: The glorious and hot Nusa Penida

This was an awesome day and also one of the hottest days. We woke up as early as 4:30 to get ready by 6:00 to start to the harbor where we had to take a fast boat to reach the Nusa Penida Island. We were first to reach the harbor so we had to spend an hour there waiting to catch the boat. And, the boat ride was just 45 minutes. Once reaching that beautiful island it was clear that we are gonna get roasted in the heat. Our first stop was at Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach, two beaches with some fantastic views. Just 30 minutes in that place we were dehydrated completely.

Angel's Billabong

Broken Beach

Then we proceeded to have lunch and next to "THE" destination of Nusa Penida, KelingKING Beach which was the mother of all beaches with some spectacular views. Number one in our bucket list when we decided to visit Nusa Penida. We can't believe we were actually there. The T-Rex shaped rock was mesmerizing to watch even from the top. But, because of the sun, we didn't have the energy to climb all the way down. But, still, even from the top the view was amazing which ends our day at Nusa Penida. Back to the harbor and back to the hotel which took longer due to traffic.

T-Rex, KelingKING Beach

KelingKING Beach

KelingKING Beach

KelingKING Beach

KelingKING Beach

Day 3: Bedugul, North Bali

And, today we were on the Northside of Bali, Bedugul. Our first destination was the most Instagrammed Handara Gate where we were given 10 minutes for the pictures. Another destination which was on our bucket list.

Handara Gate

Handara Gate

Next place was Git Git Waterfalls. I didn't expect it to be this good. When we visited it was deserted and that tall falls were amazing which became my favorite spot in Bali. It was a little scary to get all the way near to that falls.

Git Git Waterfalls

Git Git Waterfalls

And, after lunch, we went to Ulun Danu Temple which was by the lake with some amazing views. Contrary to the previous day it started raining heavily which was rare in Bali. And, it was amazing to experience that as well. Overall, another satisfying day and bathing in Git Git was an unforgettable experience.

Ulun Danu Temple

Ulun Danu Temple

Ulun Danu Temple

Day 4: Ubud

And, this day started with a visit to an art market, but things were costlier than the street shops. Then, next to Kopi Luwak coffee plantation place. Where we got to see the process and also we were given some 12 different varieties of teas and coffees to taste. Also, we tasted that famous Luwak Coffee and also bought some tea and coffee powders for back home.

The next stop was Bali Bird Park, which we expected to be boring, but it had many colorful birds and also they let some birds sit on you to pose for pictures.

BirdMan, Bali Bird Park

Bali Bird Park

And, the next destination was another one in our bucket list, Tegallalng Rice Terrace where we experienced that famous Bali Swing, it was really a must-try. And, that place had some amazing views.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Bali Swing, Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Followed that with Campuhan Ridge Walk, where two rivers join and we can go on a trek in that mountain with some amazing views. Then, we visited the local Ubud Market to do that much-needed purchase of our trip with our excellent bargaining skills :D:D. And, the last spot was Saraswati Temple, where there was no Saraswati Idol at all, but the architecture was good. Which ends our satisfying Bali trip.

Saraswati Temple, Ubud

Campuhan Ridge Walk

Day 5: The END

And, this day was nothing but to rest and pack our bags. We boarded our flight to Malaysia (adding one more country to our list :D :D) and spent a few hours at that airport before catching our flight to Chennai. And, the news back home, it was raining heavily on "December 1st" just like it was that famous day. We were hoping to land in Chennai safely and the sky was actually clear and it wasn't raining as predicted. And, that ends our first and successful INTERNATIONAL trip without any hiccups.

That's me at the end of our trip "FULLY BROKE"

Bali was hot and the people here were insanely polite and helpful. Be it any time of the day they always greet you with a smile and they all were very religious as well. Ganesh statues were all over in Ubud. And, looks like they have their own version of Ramayana where the places were changed. And, none of the hotels offer you free water, you were supposed to buy bottled water. And, the landscape especially Ubud with a lot of rice farms looked very similar to our Tamil Nadu.

And, finally, I am very happy and also relieved to finish an international trip. I was so afraid and nervous about my first international trip, but it turned out to be an awesome experience with a lot of sweet memories and we feel like we have achieved something big :D :D

These are very few pictures from a total of 3K pictures we have clicked so far on this trip :D :D.