PART 2 | 9 days in Iceland on a S$1500 Budget (includes diving!)

Iceland - the dreamiest country with its northern lights (if you are lucky!) and the astounding beauty of nature. A nature-seeker would love the works of Mother Nature in Iceland - the natural hot springs, the waterfalls, the craters and the standalone accommodations, with the surreal Northern Lights shining down on you.

Before reading this post, you should pop by PART 1 to read about diving between the 2 tectonic plates!

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Day 5

Selfoss & Dettifoss, Viti Crater, Hverfjall Volcano, Lake Mývatn Thermal Bath

More waterfalls! We visited both Selfoss and Dettifoss and we were still amazed at its beauty!

We headed towards Hverfjall Volcano and I was more amazed at the "geysir look alike" structures than the Volcano itself HAHA

After that, we headed towards Viti Crater and it was.... Underwhelming. I guess it was winter and hence, the bare-looking appearance of it. I would think that the crater would love beautiful during summer! The climb up to the Viti Crater wasn't easy - it was covered with snow and it was truly slippery. You'd need decent shoes to prevent yourself from slipping!

Lastly, to my most FAVOURITE experience I had throughout this trip - dipping myself into a warm natural hot spring! We decided to visit Lake Mývatn Thermal Bath instead of the overly-commercialised Blue Lagoon as it was at least cheaper by half and there were less tourists - also due to its inaccessibility as compared to Blue Lagoon.

Accommodation: around Mývatn area (Airbnb - S$180 for 5 people)

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Day 6

Photography day!

How could one not stop and take pictures with the beauty of Mother Nature?! On the way to our accommodation - Guesthouse under the Sun (S$190 for 5 people), we stopped by many places to take pictures and absorb the beauty of Iceland.

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Day 7

Small Town of Stykkishólmur

As we had a day or two more to spare, we decided to explore the small town of Stykkishólmur before heading towards the most appreciated/loved cottage ever! This accommodation was a standalone cottage in the middle of NOWHERE. Not only was it cosy, it was beautiful on the inside!

Did I mention that we managed to see the Northern Lights JUST OUTSIDE our accommodation?! It has got to be one of the most convenient accommodation to stay at to watch the Northern Lights!

Accommodation: Cottage on Airbnb ($145 for 5 people)

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Day 8

Exploring the capital - Reykjavik

On to way towards Reykjavik, we were also greeted by the Icelandic beautiful horses :") Truly love watching animals in their most natural state :")

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Day 9

Travelling home from Reykjavik Airport

Leaving Iceland has got to be one of the most heartbreaking decision to do... Having been a nature lover and one who studied Geography back in her secondary school days, I was overawed by the works of Mother Earth. I have never been to a country with such natural beauties, such unforgettable sights and such funny words, which is almost impossible to decipher or read :")

I am thankful to have gone with this group of friends, who made the trip so much livelier, and enjoyable. They brought out the best in the most mundane attractions e.g. Viti Crater. They made the most challenging 8km walk against the wind to Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck a fun one. They made "chasing" Northern Lights feel like Amazing Race. They made the most pathetic meals - tasteless pastas - delicious by adding paprika found in the Airbnb (not sure if it's even spoilt). Lastly, they made Iceland an unforgettable destination for years to come. I would never trade them for another else :")