12 Things to Do in the Scottish Highlands

Things to Do in the Scottish Highlands

I’ve been seeing many posts on social media lately about Edinburgh becoming one of the favourite destinations for Indonesian travellers, and it has also become a popular conversation among my circle of friends. It’s easy to understand why. With its historic streets, fairy-tale castles, charming little tea rooms, stunning architecture – all wrapped in its dark and misty atmosphere -Edinburgh is a city that feels magical no matter how many times you visit. And for Potterheads, the city is filled with Harry Potter connections and spots that feel straight out of the wizarding world, from winding cobbled streets to old buildings that look like they could belong in Hogwarts.

But while you’re there, don’t stop at the city centre. Go on a road trip and head north, where the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands are waiting to be explored. Driving in Scotland should be easy for us as they drive on the left side of the road too, so get your international driving licence ready and start planning your journey. I was lucky enough to have a local as my tour guide, who showed me some beautiful spots along the way, so I’m sharing this list with you to inspire your own Scottish Highlands adventure.

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Lunch and snack stop at the House of Bruar

If you’re driving from Edinburgh to the Highlands, the House of Bruar makes the perfect first stop. More than just a place to stretch your legs – it’s a destination in itself. Inside, you’ll find shops filled with classic British country wear, from cashmere to tweed. There are also restaurants serving comfort meals, including their must-try steak pie, along with gift shops packed with local treats like biscuits, chocolates, fudge, cheese, and wine. To top it off, there’s also deli with a tempting selection of ready made meals like Scotch eggs, as well as ham, cheese, jam, and other local produce.

Things to do in the Scottish Highlands - House of Bruar

Explore Dunrobin Castle

Looking like something straight out of a fairytale book, Dunrobin Castle was originally the home of the Earls, and later the Dukes, of Sutherland. Today, this beautiful castle is open for visitors to explore its grand interiors, perfectly manicured gardens, and views stretching out towards the North Sea. Dunrobin is considered one of Scotland’s most enchanting castles, located in Golspie, Sutherland, on the northern coast of Scotland.

Things to do in the Scottish Highlands - Dunrobin Castle

Walk around Inverness

Known as the capital of the Highlands, this charming city is a mix of history, nature, and cosy corners. Take a stroll along the River Ness, wander through the historic streets, and go to Inverness Castle for beautiful views over the city. And don’t miss the iconic Leakey’s Bookshop – a dream for any book lover. With its train station and airport, Inverness is also a great starting point for your Highland adventures.

Things to do in the Scottish Highlands - Inverness

Whisky distillery tour at Glenmorangie

Located in Tain, Scotland, Glenmorangie offers whisky tours ranging from 45 minutes to two hours, where you can see how their whisky is traditionally made and learn a bit about the distillery. You don’t need to book to visit the Visitor Centre, Shop or Tasting Bar, but you need to book ahead if you want to join a tour or tasting. Just make sure to check their website before you go, as opening hours change throughout the year and they close for around two weeks over Christmas and New Year.

Shop at Anta

It’s a lovely little stop for Scottish-inspired ceramics and other beautiful crafts. Founded in the Highlands, Anta creates timeless homeware, textiles, and hand-painted stoneware inspired by Scotland’s landscapes and seasons. The place itself is humble, quiet, and not too big – the kind of spot where you can take your time browsing and pick up a little piece of Scotland to bring home, whether it’s a cosy wool piece, a tartan mug, or a hand-painted thistle plate.

Things to do in the Scottish Highlands - Anta

Play a round of golf at Royal Dornoch

I’m not a golfer, but even I could see why so many people make the trip to Dornoch, especially in the summer. The town is best known for its legendary golf course, but you don’t need to play a round to enjoy being here. Spend some time wandering through the charming streets, take a walk along the beach, and grab a sandwich to enjoy with the sea as your backdrop. There are also some lovely places to eat, including The Castle Hotel, which has a lovely beer garden at the back.

Things to do in the Scottish Highlands - Dornoch

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Seafood feast at La Mirage, Helmsdale

From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by an eclectic interior filled with quirky décor, unusual lamps, and a police statue that adds to its unique charm. Known as Helmsdale’s go-to seafood restaurant, it’s famous for its fish and chips, but I couldn’t resist ordering the scampi instead – and it didn’t disappoint. The portions are incredibly generous, so don’t be shy about asking for a takeaway box if you can’t finish it all. After lunch, take a short walk down to the beautiful river, which is just steps away from the restaurant.

Things to do in the Scottish Highlands - La Mirage

Watch the salmon leap at the Falls of Shin

Sometimes, happiness is as simple as sitting by the river and watching salmon launch themselves out of the rushing water. Located on the River Shin near Lairg and Bonar Bridge, it’s an easy stop on a Highlands road trip, with the falls just a one-minute walk from the main car park. There’s also a visitor centre, restaurant and walking trails, so you can grab a bite and have a little wander around while you’re there. The best time to see them is between May and September.

Drive to John O’ Groat

It’s a cute little village and one of the northernmost points of mainland Britain. It’s a popular stop if you’re driving around the northern coast of Scotland, with dramatic coastal views, and fresh sea air (by fresh, I mean…cold). It’s also a fun landmark to tick off your Scotland road trip list.

When I visited John O’Groat, it was in autumn, almost winter, and it was freezing and suuuper windy. So if you’re heading up this way around this time of year, bring your warmest jacket and a beanie, and maybe even a pair of gloves.

Drinks at the Crask Inn

It’s known as the most isolated inn on the British mainland. Dating back to 1815, this little inn started out as a drovers’ inn and has been welcoming travellers for generations.

Today, it’s still wonderfully old-school, with a cosy bar, hearty home-cooked food and a few rooms if you want to stay the night. There’s not much around it besides the beautiful, wild Highland landscape, which is kind of the whole point. If you’re road-tripping through the Highlands, it’s definitely worth making a stop here and soak in the peace and quiet.

A walk along Oldshoremore beach

It’s just one of the many beautiful beaches scattered around the Scottish Highlands, but unlike the beaches you’d find in tropical countries, the experience here is very different. Instead of warm, crystal-clear water and palm trees, you get dramatic mountain and cliff views. It feels peaceful and remote, especially when you’re there with hardly anyone else around.

Things to do in the Scottish Highlands - Oldshoremore

Take a scenic drive through any part of the Scottish Highlands

You will find yourself going “whoahhhh” every five minutes. If you’re lucky, you might spot cute Highland cows just chilling in a field, or stumble across a charming old castle. Stop at a random little vintage tea room, pop into a cosy pub for some classic bangers and mash, and just pull over and soak up the fresh air and incredible scenery. It’s the kind of road trip you’ll remember forever.

I hope this guide inspires you to explore beyond Edinburgh city and discover more of what Scotland has to offer. From charming Highland towns and dramatic landscapes to cosy cafes, there’s so much beauty waiting to be explored.

P.S. Since I frequently travel around the UK, I started Kata Bella UK Instagram page to share the places, experiences, and little discoveries I come across along the way. If you’re planning your next UK adventure or simply looking for inspiration, feel free to follow along!

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18 Feb 2026 by Bella in Asia

How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days

If you’re Indonesian, you probably already know that Thailand is among the countries we can enter without a visa. But I only recently found out that not many people realise you can actually stay for a total of 90 days. You get 60 days visa-free when you first enter, and then you can apply for an extension at the local immigration office. At first, I thought I needed a visa agent because I’d never done anything like this before and was scared of getting rejected. But when I went to the immigration office in Chiang Mai for the first time, they happily explained the steps. It was surprisingly easy - and you can absolutely do it yourself. Check how many days you can stay in Thailand visa-free on Thai e-visa official website You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know The first 60 daysArriving in ThailandAfter your first 30 daysApplying for your extensionFinal Thoughts The first 60 days After checking several trusted official websites, the rule (at the time I’m writing this) hasn’t changed. Indonesians can enter Thailand visa-free and stay for 60 days, despite the uncertain news you might have seen on social media. What shocked me was that during check-in at Soekarno–Hatta, when I showed my return ticket, the staff questioned my 60-day stay - even the immigration officer seemed unsure. But don’t worry. If you’re ever in doubt, you can check the official Thai e-visa official website and enter your nationality (if you’re not Indonesian) to confirm whether you can enter visa-free and how long you’re allowed to stay. Fill in TDAC online before you fly Arriving in Thailand Don’t forget to fill in the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) form before arriving in Thailand - you can do it a day before your trip to stay organised. In the form, you’ll be asked for your return flight details. When you’re in the immigration line, you just need to scan the barcode sent to your email. As long as you haven’t been going in and out of Thailand a suspicious number of times in the past few months, you should be fine. I landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, and after scanning the QR code, they didn’t even ask me any questions. You may also like this article: What It’s Like to Live in Bali: Cost, Culture, and Everyday Life After your first 30 days Depending on where you’re staying in Thailand, you can look up the nearest immigration office. I was based in Chiang Mai, and the immigration office there is conveniently located inside a shopping mall called Central Festival Chiang Mai. After you’ve spent a month in the country, or basically before your 60 days run out, you can apply for a 30-day extension. Here’s what you’ll need: Applying for your extension It’s actually pretty straightforward once you have all your documents ready. You can show up during opening hours, but like most administrative offices, I’d suggest going early. I’m not sure about other cities, but in Chiang Mai they’re closed for lunch from 12–1pm. When I arrived, an officer checked our documents first. They’ll let you know if you’re missing anything or forgot to fill in a section. If everything’s in order, they’ll sign it off and give you a queue number. After that, you just sit inside and wait for your number to be called. When it’s your turn, hand over the checked documents and pay the 1,900 Baht fee in cash. Then you wait another 15–30 minutes (depending on how busy it is). Your name will be called, they’ll take a quick photo of you, and hand back your passport with a new stamp giving you another 30 days to stay in this beautiful country. In my personal experience, I wasn’t asked a single question, and the staff were actually pretty nice - you know how immigration offices can sometimes feel a bit intimidating? Anyway, that’s it. The whole process was done in one day, which was great and super efficient. Final Thoughts So yes, staying in Thailand visa-free for 90 days is completely doable for Indonesians and many other nationalities, and you don’t need an agent to make it happen. It might feel intimidating at first (especially with all the mixed information online), but once you understand the steps, it’s actually very manageable. My biggest tips are to double-check official sources, prepare your documents properly, and go early to the immigration office. That’s really it. Hope you find this article useful and happy holiday!

12 Mar 2026 by Bella in Asia

Chiang Mai Food Markets: 8 Popular Spots to Eat

Chiang Mai Food Market If I live in Chiang Mai (which I kinda do now), I honestly don’t see why I’d ever need to cook. You’re spoiled with food options here, across all kinds of cuisines and prices. Sure, every few metres you can find a decent Thai restaurant, but while most of them are good, I find eating at the markets much more interesting because you can try a little bit of many different things in one place. Here are some of them that I've been to. Chiang Mai Walking StreetLanna SquareKalare Night BazaarWaroros MarketTon Lam Yai MarketJing Jai MarketOne Nimman Street Food MarketCoconut Market You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai - 4 Things to Know Chiang Mai Walking Street This is probably the biggest market in Chiang Mai, held every Sunday. It stretches from Tha Pae Gate all the way to Wat Phra Singh - if you walk the whole route, it’s around 1 km long. Most vendors sell handcrafted items, clothes, and souvenirs, but you’ll also find buzzing food markets inside the courtyards of two temples along the way. Once your tummy is full, you can browse the street vendors or surrender to the joy of a foot massage which you can find right outside the temples - like....a whole street of pop up foot massage chairs. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: chicken and pork skewers, grilled oyster mushrooms, pad thai, longan juice💵 Prices: 10 - 150 baht⏰ Opening time: Every Sunday, 4pm – late📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town – walk from Tha Pae Gate🚽 Toilet: At the temple entrances (bring a 5-baht coin) Chiang Mai Walking Street, image credit: Destino Chiang Mai Lanna Square Still in the Old City area, there’s this outdoor food court - a good starting point for beginners, hehe. Why beginners? Because I feel like it's more geared towards tourists; prices are slightly higher, and the food selection is more international, not just Thai. You’ll find everything from Japanese dishes and Western comfort food like beef brisket and loaded fries, to ice cream. There’s even Burmese cuisine I've never tried before. There’s also live music on the front stage, which adds a nice atmosphere. It’s usually busy, but in a comfortable way - not too hectic and not overly loud. It does get a bit quieter when the Chiang Mai Walking Street market is on. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: prawn pad see ew from Thai Taste, black sesame mochi, chicken satay💵 Prices: 60 - 300 baht⏰ Opening time: Every day, 5pm - midnight📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town - 5 Ratvithi Rd , Tambon Si Phum🚽 Toilet: At the entrance of the market (bring a 5-baht coin) A busy night at Lanna Square, Image credit: Lanna Square Facebook page You may also like this article: How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days Kalare Night Bazaar Every time I come here or bring friends along, I have one very important mission: to eat the crispy pork belly from this stall right in the centre of the market. There are plenty of other tasty options too, but from what I’ve observed, many people come here for the seafood feast. It can get quite busy around dinner time and seating is limited, but if you’re patient and keep an eye out, you’ll eventually find a table. The market is part of the Night Bazaar, so it’s also a nice area to wander around and do a bit of shopping afterwards. And in case this helps with planning, there are a few five-star hotels nearby, like Marriott and Mövenpick. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: crispy pork belly, chicken and pork gyoza, pad see ew, fruit smoothies💵 Prices: 50 - 250 baht⏰ Opening time: Every day, 5pm - midnight📍 Location: 2 Changklan Rd, Chang Khlan Sub-district🚽 Toilet: Inside the market (bring a 5-baht coin) The lively ambiance at Kalare Night Bazaar Waroros Market Some people call it Waroros, some Warorot, and maybe both are correct? It’s a traditional market where people come to buy herbs, kitchen ingredients, and everyday essentials. I first went to Waroros to buy mango and orange jellies (they're very good!). But there are also street food stalls around the market, plus a food court inside if you get hungry in the middle of shopping. There are also fresh fruit vendors - I bought lots of strawberries and rose apples, and the prices here are cheaper because it’s not a tourist spot. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: Thai grilled sausage, Thai iced coffee💵 Prices: 60 - 150 baht⏰ Opening time: Monday - Sunday, 6am - 5pm📍 Location: 10,12 14 Wichayanon Rd, Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District🚽 Toilet: Ask the market vendors, because I didn't find any Image credit: Say hi Thailand website Ton Lam Yai Market While I was at Waroros Market, I noticed that right behind the busy market area, there’s another market filled with local food stalls. It’s more of an everyday market, selling fresh produce and local goodies, and it feels even more local compared to Waroros with fewer tourists and more locals doing their daily shopping. There’s a Michelin-recognised noodle spot here, but my personal highlight has to be the little donut shop that makes the animal-shaped donuts. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: animal-shaped donuts 💵 Prices: 20 - 100 baht⏰ Opening time: Monday - Sunday, 7pm - 5.30pm📍 Location: 88/1 Wichayanon Rd, Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District🚽 Toilet: Ask the market vendors, because I didn't find any The place I got donuts from Jing Jai Market Lots of people go to Jing Jai for shopping - there are so many amazing local brands, handmade items, crafts, ceramics, and other interesting things here. But it’s become my Sunday ritual to have lunch here every week. Please note that even though Google says it’s open every day, the actual market stalls are only here on Saturday and Sunday until around 3pm. The area with restaurants and the supermarket, though, is open daily. It took me three trips to figure that out, so I’m sharing this to save you the disappointment of turning up on a random weekday expecting the full market vibe. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: pork satay with peanut sauce, crispy fried chicken💵 Prices: 60 - 200 baht⏰ Opening time: Saturday - Sunday, 8am - 3pm📍 Location: 46 Atsadathon Rd, Pa Tan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District🚽 Toilet: Within the market Very pretty Thai snacks in one of the stalls at Jing Jai market One Nimman Street Food Market This market is located in an open-air shopping space called One Nimman. They have a backyard area that regularly turns into markets and events; from vintage markets and wine festivals to flower festivals. On weekends, it usually hosts a street food market. If you’re going with friends or a group, I like how convenient the place is: you can explore the food stalls, sit and eat in the market area, and then grab coffee at one of the nice cafes afterwards. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: steamed buns, pizza, gyoza, Thai tea💵 Prices: 50 - 200 baht⏰ Opening time: Friday - Sunday, 3pm - 10pm📍 Location: 1 Nimmanhemin Road, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai🚽 Toilet: Within the shopping centre There's also live entertainment at One Nimman Street Food Market Coconut Market Just when you think you’ve already been to all the food markets in Chiang Mai, there’s the Coconut Market. At first, I assumed everything there would be coconut-based (which I don’t really like - ironic, I know). But it turns out it’s just a regular market, though yes, coconuts and coconut ice cream do make their expected appearances, hehe. I think the name simply comes from the setting: an open field surrounded by coconut trees. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: tom yum noodles, som tum salad, grilled chicken, watermelon slushies💵 Prices: 20 - 100 baht⏰ Opening time: Saturday & Sunday, 8am - 3pm📍 Location: 94 Soi Ban Tong 2 Mu 3, Fa Ha, Chiang Mai🚽 Toilet: Inside the market The relaxed weekend vibe at Coconut Market Food markets are honestly one of the best ways to experience Chiang Mai. They’re lively, affordable, and full of little discoveries - whether it’s a new snack you’ve never tried before or a stall you keep coming back to for that one dish you can’t stop thinking about. If you’re visiting the city, try to explore at least one or two of these markets. Hope you find this information useful, and thank you for reading! 😊

09 Mar 2025 by Bella in Europe

A Playful Stay in Copenhagen: My 25hours Hotel Experience

Those who know me know I’m not the luxury type - whether it’s what I wear, where I go, or how I travel. I always choose charming boutique hotels with characters over lavish ones (nothing against them, they’re just not me).Last year, I was lucky enough to be able to travel to Europe, with Copenhagen as one of my destinations. While scrolling through all the beautifully designed, Scandi-chic hotels, one instantly caught my eye: 25hours Hotel Indre By, Copenhagen.“It’s very electic!” - that’s probably the first thought that comes to mind when you see the bold, colourful, and unconventional design. As soon as you step through the front door, you’re greeted by a pastel-coloured bar right in the middle, leading the way to the lobby. Past the bar, there’s a music room on the right and a lounge on the left. I did spend some time in the music room - not to listen to music though, just to chill - and it was nice. The interesting design of the lobby, and the lounge The lobby itself is full of character, with a striking display of stacked books in the centre and a cosy corner with typewriters for guests to write poems. There’s also a little shop that I only glanced at quickly, but it seemed to have all sorts of quirky, novelty items (I would expect nothing less!). The staff were friendly, check-in was smooth, and then came the most exciting part… the room! My husband and I booked the Superior King Room because we wanted extra space for our big suitcases and coats. The interior was, again, bold and colourful - like stepping into a Wes Anderson film. There was a vintage phone that actually worked (this millennial had to figure out how to use it, haha!), and the bathroom had underfloor heating, which was a dream. Everything about the room made me want to scream, Aaaaaa! I love, love, love this hotel! If I had to be really picky, I wasn’t sure about the pillow selection, it was a little too soft to my liking - but honestly, that was such a minor thing compared to the overall experience! Oh, and as you head to the rooms, the corridor has this fun wallpaper that gives off Toy Story vibes. Spacious room, and unique design of the public toilet But that’s not the only thing I loved about this place. The breakfast was great - they had all the usual Western favourites, plus plenty of bread and cereal. But since I was in Denmark, I made it my mission to eat as much fresh salmon as possible, and eating it with rye bread was the highlight of my mornings! They also have a gym. It’s not huge, but it does the job. There’s a sauna as well, though if I’m not mistaken, it only operates at certain times. Overall, I had such a fun stay in 25hours Hotel Copenhagen. Not only did they wow me with their playful design and cool features, but the location was also super convenient - within walking distance of shops and restaurants. In fact, we averaged 20,000 steps a day just exploring the city! If you love contemporary, quirky hotels with personality, I highly recommend this one for your stay in Copenhagen.

12 Things to Do in the Scottish Highlands - The Kata Bella Guide