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Magic City, one of Tashkent's newest entertainment and lifestyle destinations.
Day 19 (05 Jun 2026) Tashkent (23.50) → KLIA.T2 (Batik Air)
Our 19th and final day in Central Asia was a free-and-easy day, allowing each member of our group to explore Tashkent at their own pace before our late-night flight home to Malaysia.
Having already visited most of the city's major attractions, I decided to revisit two of my favourite places.
My 1st stop was Seoul Mun, which I had admired the previous evening when it was beautifully illuminated. Returning in daylight gave me a completely different perspective. Without the colourful lights, I was able to appreciate its modern architecture, landscaped walkways, riverside setting, cafés, and open public spaces. It was fascinating to compare the vibrant daytime atmosphere with the magical ambience of the previous night.
From there, I continued to Magic City, one of Tashkent's newest entertainment and lifestyle destinations. Inspired by European architecture and fairy-tale themes, the complex features colourful buildings, fountains, cafés, restaurants, and family attractions. Although designed primarily for local families and children, it was an enjoyable place for a leisurely walk and provided plenty of excellent photo opportunities.
By late afternoon, I returned to Yoree Korean BBQ & Sushi Restaurant, where the rest of our group had already gathered. We ordered our favourite beers and spent the remaining Uzbek currency we had carefully saved for this final celebration.
As we relaxed together, we reflected on the remarkable 19-day journey we had shared through Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. We reminisced about the spectacular mountain scenery, ancient Silk Road cities, unforgettable off-road adventures, border crossings, delicious local food, and the many wonderful people we had met along the way. It was a fitting farewell to one of the most enjoyable backpacking adventures any of us had experienced.
For our final meal in Uzbekistan, we returned once again to our favourite Qin Qin Mian Guan Chinese Restaurant, enjoying a hearty dinner before preparing for our journey home.
At around 8:00 p.m., we checked out of Hotel Marmaris Saray and took 3 taxis to Tashkent International Airport. Our Batik Air flight departed on schedule at 11:50 p.m. The flight was smooth and comfortable, with good in-flight meals served during the journey back to Malaysia.
Our breakfast at Hotel Marmaris Saray.
A colorful street mural painted on the side of a building.
The lighthouse at Seoul Mun in Tashkent.
Situated in central Tashkent (near the Druzhba Narodov or Milliy Bog metro stations).
My 1st stop was Seoul Mun, which I had admired the previous evening when it was beautifully illuminated. Returning in daylight gave me a completely different perspective. Without the colourful lights, I was able to appreciate its modern architecture, landscaped walkways, riverside setting, cafés, and open public spaces. It was fascinating to compare the vibrant daytime atmosphere with the magical ambience of the previous night.
Seoul Mun, which I had admired the previous evening when it was beautifully illuminated.
Returning in daylight gave me a completely different perspective. Without the colourful lights, I was able to appreciate its modern architecture, landscaped walkways, riverside setting, cafés, and open spaces.
It was fascinating to compare the daytime atmosphere with the magical ambience of the previous night.
A whimsical Masha and the Bear tree-house installation featuring the characters Masha and the bear standing beside a round wooden door framed by a large tree.
A vibrant artificial pink cherry blossom tree in full bloom along Seoul Mun riverside promenade, with wicker chairs and benches set for visitors.
Seoul Mun in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is a modern waterfront promenade and open-air lifestyle complex built along the Burjar Canal. A redesigned canal area featuring fast-flowing water elements, pedestrian walkways, and bridges that evoke a Korean-inspired urban vibe. Nightly light displays and musical fountain shows typically run hourly from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
A giant metallic replica of a Coca-Cola bottle, featuring the words "Brunswick Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Brunswick, CA." and "Bottle 1899" on its base.
A giant Coca-Cola bottle sculpture displayed on a red base, with the words "Bottle 1900" inscribed at its base. The oversized promotional piece is part of a brand activation designed to draw attention and celebrate the company's long history.
A large silver Coca-Cola bottle replica displayed, featuring the brand’s vintage 1916 label design.
I continued to Magic City, one of Tashkent's newest entertainment and lifestyle destinations. Inspired by European architecture and fairy-tale themes, the complex features colourful buildings, fountains, cafés, restaurants, and family attractions. Although designed primarily for local families and children, it was an enjoyable place for a leisurely walk and provided plenty of excellent photo opportunities.
The entrance to Magic City in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, featuring colorful towers, a large archway, and festive decorations including a giant cake and a hot air balloon. The amusement park is a popular tourist destination, offering rides, shows, and family-friendly attractions in the heart of the city.
The colorful facades of Magic City in Tashkent feature a whimsical hot-air balloon sign above.
The colorful facades of the Magic City entrance in Tashkent.
Colorful shopping street in Magic City, featuring pastel blue, cream, and teal facades with ornate windows and decorative street lamps. The pedestrian-friendly area is lined with shops, including a Miniso store, and is adorned with festive lights and string decorations.
A pedestrian shopping street lined with colorful, architecturally themed buildings, including a market stall and a boutique store. People stroll along the walkway under decorative string lights, enjoying the lively atmosphere at Magic City, Tashkent.
A quiet, striped-paved street lined with colorful buildings and a red telephone box, leading toward a tall clock tower topped with a blue roof at Magic City, Tashkent.
A colorful street scene in Magic City in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, featuring striped paving, pastel-colored buildings, and outdoor cafes shaded by white umbrellas. The shopping and entertainment district is known for its vibrant atmosphere, blending modern retail with traditional Uzbek architecture.
The Magic City Amusement Park in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, featuring a colorful fairytale castle reflected in a bright green pool. The park is a popular family destination, offering rides, attractions, and themed areas that draw visitors from across Uzbekistan and beyond.
The Magic City Amusement Park in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, featuring a colorful fairytale castle.
A bright yellow vintage-style electric sightseeing bus parked on a paved walkway beside a grassy area. The retro vehicle features rounded fenders, a classic grille design, and open sides for passengers to enjoy the surroundings.
A bright blue electric sightseeing car decorated with playful black paw prints, parked along a sunny pathway. The retro-style vehicle features multiple passenger windows and is designed for short scenic tours in a park or tourist area.
A bright blue and yellow trackless electric tourist train with star and flower motifs, parked in a sunny outdoor area. Such miniature trains are popular in amusement parks and tourist zones for offering hop-on hop-off sightseeing experiences.
The colorful exterior of Milliy Taomlar, a restaurant with arched walkways, vibrant red flowers, and a bright yellow and red tiled patio. The establishment features a Mediterranean-inspired design with striped cloth awnings and a menu board displayed on the wall.
The outdoor dining terrace of Milliy Taomlar, a restaurant with arched walkways.
The colorful exterior of Milliy Taomlar, a restaurant with arched walkways, vibrant red flowers, and a bright yellow and red tiled patio.
The Magic City amusement park in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, featuring a grand blue-and-white castle-like structure reflected in a calm lake. The park is a popular family destination, offering rides, attractions, and themed entertainment in the heart of the Uzbek capital.
A sunny day at Magic City amusement park in Tashkent with a small boat gliding across the calm waters near a floating café and a fountain in the background.
A colorful miniature train at Magic City amusement park featuring bright red, yellow, and blue carriages with a black locomotive. The amusement park is known for its family-friendly attractions, including themed rides and interactive experiences.
A bright blue vintage car decorated with Pepsi branding, displayed on a Magic City street.
A vibrant shopping street in Magic City, Tashkent, featuring a colorful geometric canopy and a striking blue, yellow, and red patterned pavement. The scene reflects the city's lively public spaces, which often host art installations and festive events throughout the year.
The stone facade and a narrow water channel running alongside Magic City, Tashkent.
The River Park in Tashkent, where a small stream flows alongside a row of shops and a pedestrian walkway. The park is a popular urban green space that offers recreational areas, fountains, and shaded walkways for visitors.
The Ice City logo displayed on a building facade, featuring a stylized polar bear and a smaller bear in blue and white lettering. Unfortunately, this business has been closed.
A colorful mosaic mural on the exterior wall of a building, featuring abstract geometric patterns in shades of blue, yellow, and red. The artwork is framed by the building’s tiled facade and is partially shaded by nearby greenery.
I managed to capture a photograph of a pigeon perched on the roof of a white car parked among green trees. The bird appears to be inspecting the street below, while the car driver remains inside.
By late afternoon, I returned to Yoree Korean BBQ & Sushi Restaurant, where the rest of our group had already gathered. We ordered our favourite beers and spent the remaining Uzbek currency we had carefully saved for this final celebration.
As we relaxed together, we reflected on the remarkable 19-day journey we had shared through Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. We reminisced about the spectacular mountain scenery, ancient Silk Road cities, unforgettable off-road adventures, border crossings, delicious local food, and the many wonderful people we had met along the way. It was a fitting farewell to one of the most enjoyable backpacking adventures any of us had experienced.
Cheers to all for the last day in Central Asia!!! ONE FOR THE ROAD!!!
Our final meal at Qin Qin Mian Guan Chinese Restaurant.
For our final meal in Uzbekistan, we returned once again to our favourite Qin Qin Mian Guan Chinese Restaurant, enjoying a hearty dinner before preparing for our journey home.
Chew Leng Soon with the restaurant's twin boys.
At around 8:00 p.m., we checked out of Hotel Marmaris Saray and took 3 taxis to Tashkent International Airport. Our Batik Air flight departed on schedule at 11:50 p.m. The flight was smooth and comfortable, with good in-flight meals served during the journey back to Malaysia.
Tashkent International Airport.
Tashkent International Airport.
Tashkent International Airport.
Tashkent International Airport.
Our Batik Air flight departed on schedule at 11:50 p.m. The flight was smooth and comfortable, with good in-flight meals served during the journey back to Malaysia.
Day 20 (06 Jun 2026) Arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport @ 11.20 am.
After almost 3 weeks of adventure, our aircraft landed
safely at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 1) at 11:20 a.m.
Although
we were happy to be home, there was also a sense of sadness that our
unforgettable Central Asian adventure had come to an end.
Before saying our final goodbyes, we walked together to the airport Mamak café, where many of us enjoyed something we had missed during the trip—Malaysia's favourite teh halia (ginger milk tea) accompanied by delicious curry rice. After nineteen days of travelling across Central Asia, the familiar flavours of home tasted especially satisfying.
As we sat together one last time, everyone agreed that the journey had exceeded all expectations. From the alpine landscapes of Kyrgyzstan and the ancient Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan to the breathtaking mountain lakes of Tajikistan, every day had brought new discoveries, lasting friendships, and unforgettable memories.
Even before we left the airport, excitement was already building for our next adventure. The ladies had begun planning another overseas trip—this time to Japan at the end of the year.
After warm handshakes, hugs, and countless photographs, we bid farewell to one another, promising to meet again soon for a reunion dinner.
Journey Summary
Over 20 memorable days (18 May – 6 June 2026), our group travelled through three fascinating Central Asian countries—Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
We explored snow-capped mountains, turquoise alpine lakes, dramatic canyons, ancient Silk Road cities, magnificent mosques, mausoleums, bustling bazaars, and remote mountain villages. We travelled by airplane, train, van, taxi, metro, and rugged Russian UAZ 4×4 vehicles, crossed international borders, and met many kind and welcoming people.
More importantly, we returned home safely with countless unforgettable memories, stronger friendships, and an even greater appreciation of the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Central Asia.
Every journey eventually comes to an end, but the memories created will remain with us for a lifetime.
"Travel is not only about the places we visit, but also about the friendships we build, the cultures we discover, and the memories we carry home."
Preparations Summary
Checklist for Backpacking. When packing, consider the weight.
1. Money (local & foreign), 2. Passport, 3. Air ticket, 4. Bus ticket to KLIA2
5. Clothing: Shorts, T-shirts, Trousers, disposal underwear, Swim wear, Jacket, Pull-over, Wind Breaker, Scarf, Socks, Towels
6. Toiletries: liquid soap, shampoo, comb, toothpaste, toothbrush, shaver, dental floss, nail clipper, small scissors
7. First-aid kit: antibiotic cream / diarrhoea pills / Panadol / plasters & others. Vitamins and personal medication.
8. Hand phone & charger, adaptor and power bank under 10,000Ah
9. Walking shoe, sandal, slippers for toilet
Backpack, day-pack, waist-pouch, Cap or hat. Raincoat or poncho
Pen & notebook, reading with spare & sun glasses
Small torchlight, Water bottle, cup, plastic bags for dirty & clean clothes
Optional – Food: 3in1 coffee & biscuits & chocolates
Padlock & key, Strings & cloth hanger, Vietnam sleeping bag, Earplug for bus travel
Medical Kit
Diarrhea is Loperamide HCI
Loperax 2mg – take 2 tablets 2x daily or
Vacontil 2mg – take 2 tablets 2x daily or
Imodium 2mg – take 2 tablets 2x daily
Sore throat : Prednisolone 5mg – take 2 tablets 1x daily
Flu, fewer, headache, running nose: Decolgen FX – take 1 tablet 3x daily
Flu running nose: ZyrtecD 5mg – take 1 tablet 2x daily
Insects bite and allergy: Piriton 4mg – take 1 tablet 3x daily
Heart attack is Disprin: Aspirin 300mg – take 1 tablet 1x daily
Stomach wind
Povil 250mg or Alucid 250mg > 2 tablets 3x daily
Hydrosil 200mg > 2 tablets 3x daily
Sprain/muscle tear is diclofenac sodium 100mg
Zolterol 100mg or Remethan 100R > 1 tablet 2x daily
Pain and fewer – Mefenamic Acid 500mg
Ponstan 500mg – 1 tablet 3x daily or Panadol 500mg - 2 tablets 3x daily
Altitude sickness - Diamox
Antiseptic cream - Burnol or Dettol plus cream
Dehydration salts - Oralite Rehydration Salts
Muscle pain rub - Counterpain cream
Plastic plasters
24 June 2026
True to our promise, on 24 June 2026, our group gathered once more for a celebration dinner to commemorate the success of our Central Asia adventure and to celebrate the birthdays of several members of our travelling family. The reunion reminded us that the greatest reward of travel is not only the places we visit, but also the friendships we strengthen along the way.
2026 Central Asia (Silk Road 2) Adventure
Kyrgyzstan • Uzbekistan • Tajikistan (18 May – 6 June 2026)
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