Kravice Falls, Bosnia's hidden gem

On my trip to Mostar, I didn't really have in mind to visit Kravice Falls. Because the location is just not that published as a tourist spot. To put things into perspective, my friends and I were the only Asians at the falls. Like, ONE INDIAN AND ONE CHINESE (and also one half-half and then some) in the whole place, keeping in mind that's the two largest pop in the world. No obnoxious mainlanders, it's heaven. From the language (that I eavesdrop over) the other visitors spoke, I figured most of them are Bosnians, Croatians or the Eastern European types. 

FYI, it's not even on blogger's location tag as I try to pinpoint the location to this post.

Together with being a hidden gem, Kravice Falls is only accessible via 8-hour walk from Mostar's main town or 1-hour drive. Road trip it is!

Thankfully, we met with the most amazing hotel owner at Hostel Dino and he gave us an amazing tour to Kravice Falls. Dino (that's his name too!) was not only an amazing guide but he was so friendly it feels like we're on an actual road trip with a friend. Come to think of it, we actually talked about meeting in Ultra Europe in the week after but I guess the 'moment' got to me and completely forgot about it.

The Kravice Waterfall is an amazing sight. A series of falls from the Trebizat River provides this amazing view and on a hot day, like the day I visited, the heat actually creates a slight mist (which unfortunately creates plenty of fog on your camera lens). 

The water is super cooling even if it was in the middle of summer. It was cold enough that I took a couple of minutes to gather my courage before cannon-balling inside. Some 'kind' strangers offered to throw me into the pool after sensing my hesitation. No, thank you kind sir.

  

   

The facilities around the fall is bare-minimum. Come to think about it, it is actually slightly below bare minimum even. There's actually only one changing room there, made out of recycled buntings and tarpaulin. No locks on the door, just trust and friendship. 

For toilets, there's only one belonging to the cafe there; and unless you're super thick-faced or really need to take a dump, you're just going to have to hold back. 

The typical Bosnia lunch. Bread, plenty of oily meat and a bowl of salad (aka. cucumber+tomato). That bowl of salad is actually plenty of good because the day was so hot, my body needed the hydrating food. 

I was told Kravice is amazing during spring, because the Trebizat River is at its peak flow and the falls churn out more water. I was there during summer and I can't imagine how much more beautiful this place could get. But if that is the case, I will be back over spring then! 

Lake Bled: 5 activities to keep you busy

In the quiet country of Slovenia, lies a small town called Bled, famed for its lake; Lake Bled. It has one of the most wonderful natural settings and if you think you'll die of boredom in this small town, you can think again. Well, at least for non-sloth people. Here are a list of things that'll keep you going for days around Bled.

1. Cycle

Bike rental is everywhere here. Besides being reasonable, it's actually the easiest mode of transportation within the town because buses don't go anywhere within the town, they only go from town-to-town. So you either walk, or you cycle. 

Cycling is likely the fastest way to get to the nearest attraction in Bled, which is the Vintgar Gorge. 

2. Hiking 

Lake Bled is surrounded by many high points, which makes it so scenic. The higher you go, the more spectacular the view is. Grab a picnic and have a good hike up. I promise, you'll stay long after your picnic is finished. There's no best time to admire the view of Lake Bled, it is always picture perfect.

The Vintgar Gorge is a nearby attraction and this is worth a hike as well as the surrounding hill points around Lake Bled. If you miss out on Vintgar Gorge, you'll never forgive yourself. The hike is easy enough for everyone of any age. There were even super-parents there with babies and toddlers on their back for the hike. The trail is almost always flat and they are nicely maintained pathways. The only downside with the gorge is that it can get quite pack during peak hours, such as the mornings or evenings. Getting there really early in the morning is probably the best idea, less crowd and cooling breeze.

 3. Rowing

There are plenty of row boats here for rental. They are rented by the hour so you have to keep in mind the time. My 'temporary rower' had some good exercise from being rushed by the clock to avoid additional charge. But hey, that's all part of the fun. At least for me!

Just to emphasis on how good Lake Bled is for rowing, the 2015 world championship for rowing was held in Lake Bled the week I was there. Should have seen how fast they row!

4. Swimming

Nothing like a swim in the lake. How does one justify going to a beautiful lake without having a dip in it. There are actually designated areas where you can swim, so you can't exactly just skip off any sides of the lake for a swim. There is also a 'water theme park' on one side of the lake, thou I think it is more suitable for children than it is for adults. 

5. Running (or just simply walking)

I had freaking blisters from Lake Bled because I was walking so much. I walked up and down hills, around and about the lake, in and out of the town. SO. MUCH. WALKING. There fact that I was stupid enough to wear espadrilles instead of my Nike most probably contribute to the blisters too. However, walking is by far the best way to explore Lake Bled. The view of the thousand-year-old church island in the middle of Lake Bled changes from every point of the lake. Better yet, a sunset walk around the lake and returning back to the town just in time for dinner. Why do I even bother with city life?