It was the first time my wife Rina and I had travelled overseas with our daughter’s family, including their two children. Three generations holidaying together – and what a memorable experience it was!
Perth, the vibrant capital city of Western Australia, welcomed us with open skies, friendly faces, and unforgettable experiences.
From the start, it felt like we were in a different world – where nature, orderliness, and ease of living blended seamlessly.
Perth, voted one of the world’s most liveable cities, lived up to its title. As someone who cherishes the outdoors and nature, I must say that given a choice, I would choose Perth over any congested city in the world.
Parks, parks, and more parks. What struck us the most was how green the city is. Beautiful parks are everywhere, all perfectly maintained. We visited the sprawling King’s Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world.
On March 31, which happened to be Hari Raya Aidilfitri, we saw large Muslim families in colourful traditional attire enjoying picnics on the green lawns. It was a heartwarming sight – children laughing, food being shared and the cool wind from the Swan River gently brushing against everyone’s faces.
Perth’s urban planning is also commendable. With ample flat land, houses are built individually with lawns and gardens, creating a comfortable urban sprawl. The result? Less congestion, wide roads, and smooth traffic flow. The infrastructure is excellent, making accessibility easy and efficient.
A word of caution at the airport. While the trip was amazing, it started with a little hiccup at Perth Airport. A Customs dog sniffed my backpack, and I was pulled aside. Only then did I remember I had kept a half-eaten tuna sandwich – a prohibited item! It was confiscated, and I was let off with a reminder. A lesson learnt.
When travelling to Australia, be very cautious. Their Customs is very thorough, and it’s best to double-check your bags and be honest on the immigration form.
Among all the wonderful moments, nothing compared to the two evenings we spent at Scarborough and Cottesloe beaches. The clear skies, calm blue sea, and the golden sun slowly dipping into the Indian Ocean created a picture-perfect moment. The colours of the sky – brownish-orange with a tinge of yellow – were truly spellbinding.
We stood there together, watching nature’s performance in silence. Rina and I held hands, just like we did when we were young. No one spoke. We didn’t have to.
The moment spoke for itself. It was the highlight of our entire trip.
Beyond Perth, we embarked on a 270km road trip to Margaret River, stopping at Mandurah. The journey was smooth and enjoyable. At Rotary Park in Margaret River, we took a refreshing walk surrounded by tall trees, fresh air, and the sounds of nature.
This trip was a vacation (my daughter’s treat), and a time of bonding and appreciation for nature’s beauty. As I turn 75, moments like these are precious. I want to spend whatever time I have left making memories in places like Perth – where serenity, nature, and lifestyle combine so effortlessly.
To all Malaysians reading this: Perth is just a six-hour flight from KLIA yet it offers an entirely different experience.
Clean, spacious, calm, and stunningly beautiful. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, bond with loved ones, and reconnect with the outdoors, I cannot recommend it enough.
We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun – and Perth, with its magic sunsets and soul-soothing charm, gave us all that and more. The consensus was clear – it had been a stress-free holiday.
Main image: The writer and his wife, Rina.
