Poland is a country that is situated in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Ukraine, Slovakia, Russia, Lithuania, Germany, the Czech Republic and Belarus.

A long time ago, the first ruler for Western Slavic tribes, Duke Mieszko I had converted to Christian and by baptism, Poland automatically became a Christian country.  It has also brought the country to the community of Western nations. Therefore, this is how Poland was created. The son of Mieszko has conquered a few territories and he has managed to spread the Christianity to those who did not feel impressed during the baptism of his father. With all his doings he has become the first king in Poland. In the year 1025, Poland became a kingdom. However, the power of royal line Mieszko become gradually decreasing. After a while, the Polish queen Jadwiga gets married to Grand Duke of Lithuania. In the year 1385, the union between Poland and Lithuania has formed and Lithuania accepted Christian religion. It was a long lasting union even though there was a treat emerged from the Teutonic Knights, the united force between the two nation managed to destroy the knights.

In the 16th century, it indicated the Golden Age of Poland. The country has become the first multiracial states and they are using democratic monarchy for their political system. Poland has also advanced culturally. Moreover, they have also expanded territorially. The Union of Lublin was signed forming the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

In the mid of 17th century, the politics of union became weak. The country was attacked by Sweden. Therefore, the Commonwealth has suffered from internal disorder and devastating wars. Besides that, the upsurge of Russia, the Kingdom of Prussia, and Sweden, as well as the Ukrainian Cossacks’ pursuit of independence, resulted in the Commonwealth’s territory and political significance gradually shrinking.

In order to reform back Poland, the country has elected a new king named Stanisław August Poniatowski and received great support from Catherine the Great of Russia in the year 1764. During his rule, Poland has a new monarch which is well educated and they are aware of the fragility. However, throughout the reformation process was not enough to bring back Poland as before this. The rulers of Russia, Prussia, and Austria successfully conquered Poland and the country’s territory has been partitioned. Since the territory already had been partitioned, the Commonwealth automatically terminated. Moreover, in the Europe map, the name of the country has disappeared and until the year 1918, there was no independent in Polish state. However, the country still fights for their independence. They have formed an army to fight with the Napoleons but it was unsuccessful and the Polish organisations tried to join Spring of Nation but again it was unsuccessful. They also had faced another battle during the Uprising in January in the year 1863 to the year 1864. However, they still received some great achievements in arts and science at that time.

During the outbreak of World War I, this was the chance for Poland to regain their independence. There were about 2 million Polish armies and supported by the Triple Entente soldiers has fought during that period of time. At the same time, Poland has sought the endorsement of the French-Russian-British alliance for the independence of the country. Hence, Poland has managed to get independence and the country has appeared back in the map of Europe on 11th November 1918. After that, the Second Polish Republic was established.

On 1st September 1939, Poland was attacked by Nazi Germany and this is when World War II began. The country has also been attacked by the Soviet Union and Poland was again separated between western and eastern power.  After the World War II ended, Poland was ruled by the Soviet Union and Soviet satellite state has created with the Poland communist. Due to the effect, Poland has lost its traditional multi-ethnic character. In the year 1989, the first election of the Third Polish Republic was held. After that, the state has turned to a state that applies an economic system of capitalist and liberal parliamentary democracy. In the year 1999, Poland became a member of NATO. A few years later, they joined the European Union.

The capital city for Poland is Warsaw. Back then, Warsaw is a small fishing village situated at a riverside called Warszowa. In the year 1569, Warsaw became a real powerhouse. After that, Cracow was moved to Warsaw by King Zygmunt III Waza.  Warsaw continued to be on top when the rest of Poland has declined. Warsaw became the capital of Poland at the end of World War I. However, they have suffered by poverty during the World War II. At the end of the war, a majority of the population in the city were killed or fled. Then the city was ruled by the communist. In the year 1991, Warsaw once again became the capital city of Poland. The area in Warsaw is 517 square kilometres and the populations are over 1.7 million people in 2015 and are expected to become more in 2018.

Poland’s main language is Polish. It is because a majority of the population in Poland speaks Polish. The other languages are Lekhitic language, Czech, Slovak as well as Upper and Lower Sorbian. They have several dialects such as Great Polish spoken by the northern people, Little Polish is spoken by the southeast, Mazovian, and Silesian. Next, the majority of people in Poland practice Roman Catholic with 87.2 percent. Following is Orthodox with 1.3 percent, Protestant with 0.4 percent, the others such as Buddhist, Jewish, Muslims with 0.4 percent and unspecified with 10.8 percent. Poland has a very cold winter and warm summer.  From December until February, they will be having a cold winter and in the north-western area is the coldest with -4 Celsius. During spring, the weather is still cold and the highest temperature so far was 20 Celsius. Poland will experience summer during June to August. During this period of time, there will be a moderate amount of sunny days even though it will be a rainy season. Then, the weather will be dull and cold during the autumn season.

Polish dishes are mainly influenced by Central European dishes such as Slovak, Czech, German, Austria, Jewish, French and Italian cuisines. The most famous dish that is loved by the Poland citizens is Bigos. It is also one of the traditional dishes in Poland. The ingredients of this dish are shredded sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, meats and sausages, dried mushrooms, spices, onions, and prunes. The next dish is the Pierogi. It is a Polish dumpling that made of thin dough. For the filings, the Polish will put in meat, mushrooms and sauerkraut, fruits, buckwheat, boiled potatoes with fried onions. This dish is always served during Christmas. For desserts, the tourists can have a try on their traditional croissants cookies.  The croissants are made of puff pastry and jam for the fillings.

How to Get There?

By plane

If the tourists are travelling by plane from Malaysia, then they will depart from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Selangor. There are several flights from Malaysia available to go to Poland.  The ticket price per person is range from RM3000 to RM6000. The price of the ticket will be much higher during peak seasons such as public holidays and festive seasons. The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Warsaw Chopin airport will take about 15 hours and 35 minutes. Once they have landed at the Warsaw Chopin Airport, the tourists can grab a taxi or rent a car to reach their place to stay.

What to Do There?

Warsaw Uprising Museum

For those who are into history, they can try to visit museums in Warsaw. One of the best museums in Poland is Warsaw Uprising Museum. This museum was opened in the year 2004. By visiting this place, the tourists can learn about Poland’s life during the rule of Nazi. There are dive bombers, machine guns displayed in this museum. Besides that, there is also film detailing their battle, a Soviet puppet state, and a hall of remembrance. The tourist can have a look at the film which it took 2 years to make and they used some old pictures and with new technology to recreate the desolation picture of Warsaw in 1945. Other than the Warsaw Uprising Museum, the tourists can also make a visit to other museums such as Polin Museum of The History of Polish Jews, National Museum in Warsaw and The Fryderyk Chopin Museum.

Tatra Mountain

Poland is also known for its beautiful countryside view. If the tourists enjoy outdoor activities, then Tatra Mountain is a right destination to visit. Tatra Mountain is located along the border of Poland and Slovakia. There are many tourists turn up at Polish Alps annually. The mountain is made up of three distinct parts which are the High Tatra, Western Tatra, and Bielski Tatra. The main attraction for the High Tatras is the crystal lakes. For the Western Tatras, it is more to wildlife. Therefore this mountain is nice. The tourists are able to watch the stunning view from the Morskie Oko Lake and Czarny Lake. Moreover, the tourists can do some outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking as well as skiing.

Where to Stay?

Warsaw Hostel Centrum

Warsaw Hostel Centrum is a perfect choice to stay for backpackers and travellers who came in groups. This hostel is also the right choice for those who want affordable accommodation. Moreover, the surrounding of this hostel is very nice and quiet.  The decoration of the hostel is also great since the wallpapers of this hostel are filled with Warsaw buildings and Polish people. This hostel has many different types of rooms. The guests can easily choose which rooms that they are comfortable with. They can also access a free Wi-Fi in their room as well as in the public area. Besides that, the rooms are always clean and well kept. Other than that, there are public transportations for the travellers to explore the city of Warsaw.

City Comfort

City Comfort is situated just 20 minutes away from Warsaw Chopin Airport. This apartment hotel is a high-class accommodation in Warsaw city. For those who want to stay in Poland for a long time, City Comfort is an ideal place. Every guestroom is well equipped with amazing amenities such as a refrigerator, flat-screen television complimentary bottled waters, desks, an electric kettle, private bathrooms with showers, and toiletries. Besides that, this hotel provides the best service to their guests. There is also a restaurant for the guests to have their breakfast and a coffee shop to have some chill time. The guests can also have some light snacks and drinks at the bar. The location of this hotel is also good because it is near to historical sites.

Hotel Klimek SPA

Located nearby Jaworzyna Krynicka Mountain, Hotel Klimek SPA offers a top class accommodation in Muszyna. There are many facilities and services for comfort and convenience of the guests. The rooms in this hotel are filled with luxury amenities. Besides that, the rooms are also clean and well kept. The guests are able to relax in a spa centre. This hotel has also provided a fitness centre, billiard and tennis court for the guests. The children can enjoy the children pool and water slides. Moreover, the restaurant in the hotel offers great dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The tourists can also visit several attractions places nearby the hotel.