SG50Getaway - Shanghai

Some would say that I am not patriotic for not celebrating the SG50 in Singapore. It’s the same throughout 50 years with March passes, vehicle and air showcase and of course the firework. It would be better if I was offered the NDP tickets but never had I received it. With all the SG50 offers going on, there will be bound to be crowded all over. To save me the hassle, I offered myself a SG50 Getaway.

Let just say it is part of SG50 celebration, going back to the main “Contributors” to our great independence. They provided lineage to our founding father somehow. I’ll be heading to China where most things are made.

I intended to travel with my family to Kuala Lumpur but they decided to go Tanjung Uban instead. I had to make my own plans and go elsewhere since I’m not interested in the Indonesia. Ironically, I wanted to go to Bali but luckily I wasn’t drawn by it because the Denpasar Airport was closed due to volcanic ash on the Jubilee Weekend. I would rather explore places that I’ve not been to, such as Ho Chi Min or even crazily to Manila. Comparing budget flights to this places, I could have gotten a full-fledge flight to Shanghai by just topping additional $100. So, I did.

I’ve booked a China Eastern flight to Shanghai for an overnight flight on August 6th, arriving in the wee hours. The flight cost me $650 with 2 luggage allowance. The flight was pleasant and not as rowdy as my Beijing flight via China Airlines. I had a row to myself and surprisingly managed to sleep on the flight. I don’t normally sleep, mostly due to the eagerness or discomfort.

There are many options in getting out of the airport. My favorable options were taking the Maglev or the Metro. Since I arrived early in the morning, I had to consider between the Metro which operates at 05:45 and the Maglev at 07:00. I had to choose the Metro as I wanted to check in early. That wasn’t the best idea. To satisfy myself, I still managed to ride the Maglev on my return to the airport.

Taking the first service wasn’t the best idea. As the stops progresses, the train became super packed with the locals trying to get into the city. They were mostly farmers and they had produce with them. It was already packed with travelers with luggage and had to include farmers with their produce. I was cornered to the wall and passengers were squeezing as close as possible just to get more in the carriage. I had a proximity discomfort.

Even though the Metro runs under the same line 2 to my destination, we still have to transfer to the opposite train at Guanglan Road station. That was the most chaotic scene I’ve ever seen. Peoples were pushing to get on board just for seats. Poor passengers who were disembarking got pushed back into the train. There were definitely quarrels and calling them IDIOTS, but they still managed to alight. I had to take the next train hoping for an ease but I was wrong. Before the train came, another airport train arrived and people were rushing out. I was already by the door when they pushed me. I had to elbow someone just to be patient and accidentally hit some woman’s boobs. No guilt there because she was still pushing to get into the train.

After the horrendous train journey of 18 stops, I finally arrived to Nanjing Road East station, the closest station to the Baron Business Hotel at Fuzhou Road. I got a good deal for a superior room at only $250 for 3 nights via Agoda. However, there wasn’t any room available for early check in. So I had to wander around until check in time at 14:00. I had mix reviews on this hotel but the location was just stone throw away from The Bund and the surrounding are quite rustic during the day, eerie at night. Furthermore it’s cheap. 

The key point of this trip is that I’ve made a local friend before coming over and it has been quite helpful. I managed to prepare myself for the weather and getting around. I met Greg on day 2 for Lunch and he also brought me along for a toy hunt. He had an unexpected surprise by his family visiting him so he had to attend to them before meeting me again for dinner. I had a great time getting to know their culture and behaviours.

I will share more on my adventures and places visited on the next post. Stay tune.

Really Impulsive Gluttony

Who would expect me returning to Kuala Lumpur for another food fare within a month? I really didn't expect that either. Hakimbo asked me to join him in the food fare and I rydikulez-ly said yes since I wasn't satisfied with my last glutton expedition.

Again with the usual food hunt especially those that I didn't get during the last trip. With Hakim along, I get to experience new places and try new cafes though I'm not much of a cafe hopper.

From the last trip, I got a mental shopping list and finally decided to get my desires. I got me my t-shirts from Star Wars t-shirts from Uniqlo and additional books from Kinokuniya.

Travelling with Hakimbo is easy, less hassle because he does all the planning again, with little input from me like hotel selection.

Impulsive Gluttony

I've been planning to travel to Kuala Lumpur right after my exams but held back due to some commitments. However as the day grew closer, which should be fully concentrated on my exams, I decided to impulsively book the flight a few days before my last paper.

I managed to ask a classmate to follow, sort of a travel companion tryout for my study trip in 2016. He passed but need some ground rules set especially those time related matters.

My urge to Kuala Lumpur was basically to satisfy my cravings for food before the Ramadan month starts. I craved for the local Burger Ramli special, Pesto Spaghettini at Ben's, Nasi Ayam Hainanese, kerepok lekor and sorts. The results ended pathetically. Many of the food stall that I know were closed due to the MRT construction in the area, and/or we didn't had sufficient time to look for them.

I knew a 24 hour stay is very limited but it was fruitful when an objective was set. I had my list of things to do and my classmate didn't. He was there to follow but his time sensitivity was quite lacking as we were rushing for time. We were one of the last few passengers to finally board the plane. It was so close to missing our flight due to the journey to the satellite terminal. 

Though I have to admit that we were able to tolerate each other which was crucial for our study trip. We need to set some ground rule for that.

Down Under 02 - Melbourne

It was a bright shining day when I checked out from the hotel in Sydney. Why wasn't it like that the whole time I was there? Alas, I had to catch my flight to join Hakimbo and Izad in Melbourne. 

The flight took about an hour and I had to pick up the rental car via Apex Car Rental upon arrival. The rental centre was about 10 mins away from the airport which was accessible by a shuttle service every 15 mins intervals.

That was my second overseas car rental and I managed to get the same Hyundai Elantra like the one I used in Jeju. Apex was one of the cheapest for AUD60 per day including CDW and GPS navigation.

Since the boys were out and about in town, I had to meet them at Fritzroy area. Driving was a breeze but parking was a heart ache. An hour parking was about AUD 3-5 per hour. 

There wasn’t much to do at Fritzroy; we were only there as a centralized meet-up with myself and Izad's friend, Sheereen. A walk down on Fritzroy and we moved on towards Swanston Street for dinner at an Indonesian Restaurant. 

We managed to walk around the CBD and I've started to shop as there was some good stuff on sale. I was TARGETed. I love Target, they have awesome items and mostly cheap too. I went crazy with clothes and some gaming peripherals. Screw the Apple Watch that I planned to get. I'll just get the next version once more reviews are up. 

Since I crash the Melbourne trip, most of the itinerary was Hakimbo and Izad's, so the choice of accommodation was theirs. They picked a superb AirBnB loft and host at York Street in Richmond. The place was lovely and the host, Damien wasn't home much. We stayed up till late on my first night. That was when I got to know Sheereen and also matched mate with my doppelgänger. Well that's another story if I'm up for it.

Since we were staying in a loft, Hakimbo had the liberty to cook. I fetch Sheereen from her hotel nearby the next morning and had a lovely breakfast before driving off to Brighton Beach. 

We were after the box houses and erroneously dropped at the wrong beach front. We drove to the correct beach and went crazy snapping photos. Since it was winter, there weren’t people soaking in the water except some crazy ones. Though I heard it was slightly therapeutic to soak in the freezing water. Next, we made our way to Bridge Road for brunch before dropping Sheereen off for her to prepare for duty. We then made our way to Chapel Street. 

My god, it was a long stretch of road. I wasn't daring enough to park by the roadside due to the hassle of hourly limit hence I parked in Jam Factory. Luckily, it was a Sunday and the charge was per entry at AUD 8. Hence we had the liberty of time. 

Hakimbo planned to go to one of the Weekend Market but they were closing very soon hence we had to divert elsewhere and ended back at CBD where we had more groceries to stay in. 

The third day started quite late. We set out for a drive to Philip Islands for the penguin parade. Since it starts during sunset, we made a stop at Chadstone Shopping Center for more Target and some other chain stores. The mall was huge and by far one of the largest mall that I've been to. If it wasn’t for the time constrain, I could have ran around the mall looking for stuff.

The drive to Philip Island took forever, which was actually 2hrs only. It was truly a nice drive thru the country side and I had a blast. After crossing over to Philip Island, we made our way to the Koala Conservatory first. It was a combined pass, costing about AUD38 for both Koala Conservatory and Penguin Parade. We were told that there were only 6 Koala in the conservatory and we were challenged to find them all. We found all 6 but they were high up the branches and some other animal in the compound.

We spent about half an hour at the conservatory before driving off to the Penguin Parade which was about 5-10 mins away. The place was densely packed with tourist and students. We were led to the beach stand where we waited for the complete sunset before the penguins appeared.  It took almost 1.5hrs from getting good seats and to viewing the first pack of penguin emerging from the sea. We were quite far off from them but we managed to get up close to them near their burrows. Sadly, photography was not allowed in the whole compound so I’m unable to share the experience.

Everyone thought that driving back would be slower as I might be tired, but it was so much smoother and faster, even in the dark. We even managed to stop for dinner at McDonald’s at Cranbourne. The drive back was roughly about 2 hours inclusive of the stop and congestion. We returned around 10pm and packed our baggage.

We were bound to return to Melbourne CBD the following day where we did some last minute shopping and a check at Hosier Lane. The café at Hosier Lane enables you to pay advance for anyone in need. That was really a nice thought and I paid mine for a small beverage. At least I contributed back to the people of Melbourne before I return back home.

I truly enjoyed Melbourne more than Sydney as it was more laid back. I’ve spent most of the time driving, so I didn’t get to immerse in the local activity of taking public. I would really like to come back to Melbourne someday just to enjoy the peace and scenery.

Photos of Melbourne,

Down Under 01 - Sydney

On the rarest occasion, I’d celebrated my birthday in Singapore this year all due to a friends wedding. So, I had to delay my trip a few days later. 

I never had the intention of going Australia and it wouldn’t really be my choice of destination. Since Hakimbo planned a trip to Melbourne with Izad for his birthday, I thought of crashing their trip. However, I decided to go ahead to Sydney first since I have a few more days to spare.

Since Sydney was my solo trip, I had to plan the entire itinerary. I flew in by Emirates/Qantas so I could return back to Singapore in the same flight as Hakimbo and Izad. Hotel was an excruciating decision where rates, location and convenience were a factor. I booked Park Regis City Centre, which is located within the CBD, so it was convenient to get around. 

Day 1

I decided to venture the city first instead of going to Bondi beach as initially planned. I didn’t managed to get the Opal Card for my transportation usage. So I walked the entire CBD to check the Sydney Opera House and walked along the Rock to underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I wanted to climb the bridge but the climb would have cost me AUD 280. It would have been an experience but the price was just to steep. So being underneath was just satisfying.

From there I walked to the Sydney Eye Tower which was about 1 train stop away. It’s located at Westfield Shopping Centre and the cover cost was about AUD 26. I managed to plan my route for the next few days from up on the tower. However, I was super groggy from my overnight flight and I had yet to freshen up. By then it was almost time to  check into the hotel and that pretty much summed up the day. Went out for dinner and returned back to the hotel by 6pm. Knocked out since I was up the whole of the day before.

Day 2

Got up early to catch the scheduled intercity train to Katoomba, to check out the Blue Mountains. By then, I had gotten my Opal card and it was a breeze getting around . The train ride was about 2 hours long and there would be a connecting bus awaiting to transit to Scenic World. 

I missed the bus because I had to change due to the wet weather. The bus operates at 30mins interval and walking to Scenic World is the same duration. It took me slightly more than an hour because I managed to have breakfast first. The walk to Scenic World was thru residential and then by some campsite. After the rain subsided, the whole neighborhood seems so eerie like those from from Silent Hill due to the fog. 

After that eerie trail as a lonesome traveller, I've reached Scenic World. Admission was AUD 38 which covers unlimited rides of their 2 cable car and the tram. The fog made the whole place last scenic. My horizontal cable car ride went through the fog and unable to view the vast Blue Mountain, waterfalls and the 3 Sisters. The highlight however was the world steepest tram ride which I took quite a bit. I was also literally dampened during the trail because it was raining. Thank God for my overpriced umbrella and forest canopy to keep me slightly dry. 

Made my way back to the town center by bus and on time to connect the intercity train back to Sydney. I managed to find a way to cross the Sydney Harbor and made my way to Milsons Point. Beats paying the AUD 280 and the view is about similar. 

Australian day ends early but I managed to stay out till 8pm that day. Yah, such achievement.

Day 3

The day started bright and early and I made my way to Bondi Junction. I decided to walk around Bondi Westfield for a meal before heading to Bondi Beach. Waited for bus service 333 but took a chance by taking 380 which also landed me at Bondi Beach.

The bus journey was disheartening however as it started to rain, heavily. I've disembarked opposite the beach at the row of shops and waited for the rain to stop. I had Churros and coffee, exactly the same scenario waiting for the rain to stop at Scenic World. Once the rain stopped, I rushed out to the beach.

Due to coming winter, the beach was empty besides tourist and surfers. My intent of Bondi was actually the trail from Bondi to Bronte. The walk along the cliff was magnificent. Every passerby were so friendly and welcoming. While enjoying the sound of waves crashing underneath, a police helicopter was hovering by and it turned and hovered closely to where I was standing. I was holding my camera and point at it, smiled and waved. I think they thought I was suicidal, standing by the cliff. HAHAHA...

The trail was relaxing and I ended it at the Bronte Bath. I should have brought my swimming gear because swimming there would be awesome especially in the current weather. The water was just right next to the crashing waves and the temperature was just suitably warm.

I returned back to the city and made my way to Darling Harbor. There wasn't much there beside Madam Tussuads, Sealife and Wild Life. I just walked around the harbor and ended at Starbucks for a familiar comfort. I also got to book an appointment with a Thai masseuse for the rejuvenated self before venturing onto the next city.

It has been raining in Sydney most of the time I’m there which was sucky. I didn’t managed me to do something or time was mostly delayed waiting for the rain to pass. I did all those in my itinerary just did not fully enjoy it due to the weather. If given the chance, I would do come to Sydney again and re-do some like Scenic World. 

Sydney Album

Staying Young As We Grow Older

A week from now, I will be celebrating my birthday. By numerical age, I am considered old within my peers but I can still fool others by my outlook and well being. Products are not the only thing that can mask your age but something I came to realise when I set up this whole blog, The Journey Beyond Quarter Century.

I stopped counting my age by 25 (quarter century) and looked into the journey that I ventured on. I don't really celebrate my birthday by parties and gatherings. I don't expect my family and friends to pour me with gifts like how I've spoilt them. Of course I will be grateful for the gifts but it has been a fact that giving me a present would be head-bursting ordeal as I've satisfied myself with all the material needs/want like those in SINs.

I prefer to stay away on my own that very day and count my blessings instead of my age. That is why I am always away that very day. I found satisfaction by immersing myself into new experiences and surroundings. That has always been the best present I've gotten either by myself or others.

My First Solo Trip - Hong Kong and Macau
Experience Business Class Flight (Pure Orgasm)

Another adventure to South Korea - Busan, Jeju and Seoul
A very rewarding trip as I got to try and converse in Korean

A crashed birthday getaway by Hakimbo that I was grateful of.
I've gotten to experience more than just bumming around

Back to Hong Kong with Diane for Disneyland.
Broke my stubbornness of not going to theme parks and actually had fun

Well, it does not mean that you have to be on a trip on your birthday. Just find something new to do that you can enjoy. Remember that materialism is a temporary happiness. That smile will turn to a frown once it's broken or lost. The memory of experience will be everlasting which will continuously bring back a smile when you look back. Invest once and the reward will be recurring.

So, the actual secret of staying young is being HAPPY and GRATEFUL. Count your blessing and experience, and not by the materials you hope people will get for you. Life is temporary, we don't get to bring them all when we passed on. That wrinkle that appears when we smile is more beautiful that the wrinkle from stress.

So remember, I like my moment of introversion on my birthday. I'll be grateful of your present of staying away from me. I'll still be grateful of gifts and blessing too. Gastronomical experience are most welcome also. HAHAHAHA...

Island Getaway

It is becoming a yearly affair for the group of friends that went to Bangkok back in 2014. In 2015, we had a simpler getaway to Tioman Island, off the Malaysian eastern sea. I've been there twice and the last was in 2010. Tioman is really meant for a stress free holiday.

With the help of the same travel agent Hakimbo used, we got a superior chalet at Paya Beach Resort, inclusive of return coach to Tanjong Gemuk, return ferry to and fro the island, 5 meals and snorkelling activity all for just $250 per head.

Before 'it' began

For some, the 3 hours bus ride was gruesome until we experience 2 to 3 hours of ferry ride in a bad weather condition. The ferry had to go slow to cut through the rough waves. The start of the ride was merry until the first wave. It really felt like a roller coaster ride (like I know since I rarely ride one). I plugged in my earphones tight, grabbed my bag close to my chest and closed my eyes to sleep. I could faintly hear the screams and puking noises all around. I refused to open my eyes and ears as the ferry was still rocking furiously against the waves.

From a normal 2 hours ferry, it took us almost additional 30mins to 1 hour to reach the first jetty. Ours was the second. All that nausea passed as I stepped on steady land.

I had the privilege to stay in different rooms during my stay in the resort. I had a bigger room at the newer wing where the swimming pool is just in front of the room. Since there wasn't any activity on the first day, everyone dived into the pool after our stomach had been fed. I however had to complete my assignment due on the day I returned. So I stayed in the room like a confined student on a holiday. Once done, of course I dived into the salty pool.

Even with dinner, we still grabbed food at the warong. I have to admit, it's a must to get food there. The local delight and the infamous burger Ramli are must try. Not to forget the ever refreshing NesLo (Nescafe and Milo concoction). We stuffed at either warong till our stomach cried to stop.

So what do you do for a beach holiday, head to the beach of course. A little familiarisation with the snorkelling equipment by our dear Hakimbo at the beach till sunset. The boys minus the mummies, kiddies and me, crossed over to the nearby island. I was left out because I was in the water when they were looking for me. Hence I ended playing sand play with the kids and mummies. The sunset was mesmerising that we had multiple photo shots. I didn't bother with my camera because I didn't waterproof them. At least our main guide had prepare all the necessaries.

The silly things we do

Day 2 is activity day which was mostly snorkelling the first half of the day. The boat picked us up from the jetty and brought us to Renggis Island. I was amazed by Rayyan who was only 6 year old jumped into the open sea (with a life vest of course). Too bad, he's not used to the snorkelling gear to see the underwater beauty.

After 45mins at Reneges Island, we boarded the boat and headed to Marine Reservation center for another snorkelling. Usually we would be able to drop into the water from the jetty but the low tide didn't consent. We had to walk to the mainland and swim out to the sea. It's basically the same kind of activity but at least the mummies and kiddies were able to get into the water from the low tide. After a long and hot day, we headed back to the resort.

Kids nowadays are so sheltered from parents who prevent them from getting sick or hurt. On our way back to the resort, it started to rain. We were out on the boat from and had no shelter. Since we were all yet, we embraced the rain together with the kids. That's when the parents realised that something does not really harm the child.

Once back to the resort, it was practically dozing off, eating and swimming in the pool. We were also hoping that the ride back would be smoother, praying that it won't rain.

Again, the family had an ease of holiday. Everyone had fun and had our bellies filled happily. We did discuss our 2016 plans and it will definitely be a bang, in experience and our pockets. I can't wait for it that both Hakimbo and myself will scout the place first. HAHAHAHAHA....

Seoul-Ful New Year

After a great trip at Jeju-Do, we made our way back to Seoul city. I've recommended to return to Seoul Backpackers after a hospitable stay previously but it was quite different now under a new management. It's not that I had any hiccup, it's just a totally different atmosphere altogether now. The consolation is that it's within walking distance to many great places (besides the hill to climb with luggages during checking in).

My main intention in Seoul were mostly shopping but with someone with me, I had to put in some touristy itinerary.  I have summarised the tourist itinerary that we did since I've covered it mostly in my 2012 1/2/3 trip. However I will cover those that were not in the 2012 list.

Day 1:
Bukchon Hanok Village
Insadong
Cheonggyecheon stream
Myeongdong

Day 2:
Ski trip to Jisan Forest Resort
Government Ginseng Centre
Myeongdong
Bosingak for New Year Countdown

Day 3:
Sejong Square
Gyeongbokgung
Apgujeong Rodeo Street (Gangnam)
Itaewon
Hongdae
Dongdaemun
The first 3 days were mainly tourist locations and I was disheartened that Sopi was not keen in what the places had to offer. Since it was winter, majority of the places were gloomy and dull especially Cheonggyecheon which I loved. It was so grey this time round.

However, day 2 have been splendid. We were awoken to snowfall which lasted for about 3 hours but we were mostly aboard a bus en-route for our ski trip to Jisan Forest Resort which I booked through DMZtours.

Ok, I have to admit that skiing was not easy as it seems. I only managed to get the hang of it after 5 hours which was also the end of the session. Sopi didn't quite got it and I've sprained my wrist breaking his fall. I would still love to try skiing again and the next time would be a proper all-out skiing session which would probably cost a bomb.

As part of the tour package, we were brought to a Ginseng Centre like the other DMZ tour so I ended up at the back of the group.

We wanted to check out the New Year Celebration in Seoul and were hoping for some firework. Even with all the research, we didn't managed to find a location that boast fireworks. The main NY celebration was ringing of the bell to usher in the new year at Bosingak. It was a new experience to me since I do not go to concerts and gigs. I believe it was the same kind of crowd control. After counting down in Korean and the bells rung, people started dispersing like there's nothing more. True, there wasn't anything more.

I noticed that my travel mate was not satisfied with the itinerary and I admitted that I was not satisfied as well. I've decided that we went separate ways to conquer our own agendas. I've brought him to key areas of Seoul which he noted for a revisit and went ahead on day 7. So what did I do on my own solo day?

I woke up early in the morning to catch the first train to hike up Bukhansan since we've got defeated at Hallasan. Bukhansan is on the northern part of Seoul and I've picked the Dobongsan Trail. There are a few tracks and peaks that I got misdirected but I still ended at the targeted destination. The trail started with a snowy terrain and the destination at 739.5m above sea level was extremely cold and rocky.

Climbing may have been torturous but climbing down was worst. Due to the snowy slippery tracks, I slipped a couple of times. I didn't had that problem going up. I could have used the spikes that I've brought but the layer of ice was very thin and I would have damaged the spikes and also make my steps unbearable. It took me about 3 hours to complete ascending and descending Bukhansan that I had to rush for my remaining itineraries.

I made a quick stop to Yeongsan to check the Gunpla shop and lunch. I knew I shouldn't expect much for toy collection in Seoul but I did remember seeing great stuffs back in 2012.

I've actually been saving the best for later, especially after hiking Bukhansan. It's time for a Jjimjilbang visit. It almost similar to Japanese onsen but there are more things that you can do there. However, do note that it'll be a culture shock to most, bare skin throughout the bathing area. I remembered what the Ski instructor advised, "You are in a different country, so no one actually knows you to talk about you." True that, and that is the reason I chose the visit on a Solo day. I don't want to be stuck thinking of my friend stark naked. That changes the whole dynamic of a Singaporean society.

Anyway, I've decided to go to Siloam Sauna for the experience. It's located near the Seoul Station and it is quite easy to navigate. You make payment of around $10 to the front counter and proceed to the respective changing area. Lock up your shoe in a locker and exchange the key for a key to a locker for your other belonging. STRIP DOWN BARE and proceed for the bathing area.

From this point on, it may get NSFW.

Wash yourself thoroughly before stepping in the sauna. There are many tubs with different temperatures to try. After soaking for 20 minutes, I proceeded to go for a scrub by the employees in speedos. For a fee of around $15, they will scrub your ENTIRE body of dirt and you'll end up feeling sparkling clean. My attendant asked whether I want to add massage for what he said "10-10 thousand won". I didn't know the value he was referring to and just agreed to it.

That was the best bath of my life. After the scrub, he requested me to rinse again to rid the dirt that he managed to scrub. Upon returning, he started massaging using liquid soap to ease the strides throughout the whole body, nothing was spared. Then he did some cracking which felt so good. Facing up, I was ensuring that the little bugger was down and he was. Don't want to get any wrong vibes after that splendid feeling. He then place a mask over my face and and continued massaging on the front, dabbling minimally on the little guy. From top to bottom, he moved last to the hair by shampooing and rubbing my head. 

After a good hour or so I believed, he tapped me and said that it was over. I felt so refreshed that I didn't felt that I had a torturous morning. After the whole bath, I didn't had time to check the jjimjilbang as I have places I need to go and of course packing up. I knew I shouldn't be shocked at the price of the bath but that was also the most expensive bath of my life. The attendant actually meant 10 of 10 thousand won, hence it's about $120 for a bath.

Still smirking at the most expensive bath, I made my way to Hongdae and lastly Myeongdong to get al the items that I've mentally keeping track. I had the best time shopping and managed to control with spare expense.

Check out Satisfaction of Irrelevant Needs for more details of my list.

Also check out Facebook for more photo.

Overall, I didn't expect that I would still enjoy Korea, let alone Jeju again. Shopping is still great and the jjimjilbang is an eye-opener, not on the things I see but on the amount I paid. I foresee I will come again to conquer Hallasan. Till then... 

South Korea - Jeju

I can't believed that I've headed back to South Korea for the year end. I've been wanting to go back Korea for no apparent reason and I finally got the chance when my friend, Sopi wanted to tag along for a winter trip. So again, I've became a travel guide.

We were hoping for snow and I want some activities such as skiing/snowboarding and hiking. Hence, we concluded South Korea would be the destination. We got a cheap flight by Malaysia Airlines and will be staying at Seoul Backpackers again. Since we have 8 days, Sopi requested for another city. After much research, flight to Jeju with Air Busan was cheap and finalised Jeju as our go-to city.

As I mentioned way back on my 2012 Jeju Blog, getting around in Jeju is most convenient by car or taxi rental. Since I have someone this time, it was logical to rent a car instead. I managed to book a Hyundai Avante via KT Kumho at about $175 for 3 days inclusive of insurance and navigation. The cars are generally in good condition and fuel efficient. I received the car full and only need to return as such which I top-up only half tank at about $50. That's a half tank for a complete 3 days with hundreds of kilometres mileage.

The car rental also includes a complimentary GPS unit. The best way to input the destination is by keying in the telephone number of the establishment of the destination. Keying in the destination by name might lead somewhere else because of similar names.

The advantage of renting a car was that I can stop anywhere I wish. My last taxi ride brought me to amazing roads and views which were great for a photo stop. I managed to it this time, stopping at an empty road for photo shoots and windmill photos. I could even stop by the roadside to fool around with snow. Many of the Hallasan drives went through snowy bending roads which were fun.

Another great experience of renting the car was basically driving on the left side. That was totally a different yet familiar experience.

Accommodations in Jeju is relatively cheap. I got a good deal with Jeju Four Seasons at about $240 for 3 nights. It's located in Jeju-si so food are convenient however most attractions are quite far off. With the car however, anywhere is possible. The hotel also consist of parking for rental cars.

With the convenience of travelling by car, I did more attractions. The first attraction was Jeju Loveland which was nearby the hotel. Once we checked in and washed up after a whole day of travelling, we headed to Jeju Loveland during dusk. Somehow, it would be better to be visited during the day but there wasn't anything exciting. It was mostly erotic statues.

Day 2 was more attractions. We started early in the morning for sunrise at Seongsang Ilchubong. I still enjoyed this place especially the climb and beauty. Since it's a cloudy forecast, the sunrise was covered. Sopi was quite disappointed until I brought him down to the Women Divers Cove. Again, I was super excited because I decided to venture further in the cove. I got to take amazing photos of myself and the surrounding beauty.

Once we're satisfied and after breakfast, we headed to Jeju Kimnyong Mazeland. We took an estimated 22 minutes to complete. The Mazeland is also home to many cats which Sopi was excited about. While resting, one of the many cats jumped on my lap and snuggled in my coat. Carpet would so be jealous but she's snobby anyways.

Just a short drive up the same road is Manjanggul Lava Tube. I've a lot of hiking up activities that we could use a hike down. Apparently, there wasn't much in this attraction. Just set yourself to walk for 2KM to the end for some rock formations.

While driving to the next destination at Seogwipo, we drove along Hallasan until we've drove upon snowy roads. Sopi really wanted to stop but there wasn't any clearing for stopping until we reached a long row of parked cars. We did the same and noticed that it was one of the many Hallasan trails. Since we managed to parked, we were like kids playing in the snow. I got to throw many snowball this time, unlike the time I tried with the dirty snow in Beijing.

We continued our drive to Seogwipo for the waterfalls. I've only brought Sopi to Jeongbang and Cheonjeyeon since I've been to Cheonjiyeon. Among the 3 waterfalls, I preferred Jeongbang the best as the waterfall streamed into the sea and its the fullest stream that I've seen of the 3.

Since it was very close to sunset, we set to our destination to Songaksan at the west of Jeju. Again the forecast was cloudy and we didn't really managed to view a perfect sunset. After a quick bite since I've became to tired from all the long driving and climbing, we returned back to the hotel.

Day 3 was set solely for a hike up Hallasan. I've planned to track along Gwaneumsa trail which is 9KM long and one of the only 2 trails that leads to the peak. However, we came in slightly unprepared. Once we reached the 3.2KM marked, Sopi was struck with fear as he was unable to climb a snow covered stairs. Even with some persuasion, he decided to give up. We could climb up if we had spiked shoes. At that point I was very disappointed that we can't continue on but to back tracked. I mentally told myself that I'm with someone and safety of each other is most important. I had to keep telling myself that so that I would forgive the situation.

Luckily there are alternate routes and one of them even allows us to drive up. Once we were out of Gwaneumsa Trail, we've bought the spike attachments and drove to Yeongsil Trail. However, the road to Yeongsil entrance was heavily covered in snow that we had to park 3KM away and make our way by foot. Again, Sopi had another anxiety attack. He had a hard time breathing after we passed roughly 1KM away. Judging by the cloud movement, we were high above sea level. He decided to return to the car and wait for me to complete the trail.

I continued on, with spiked shoes for easier movement and reached the trail entrance. By then, I only had 3minutes before they refuse entry at 12pm. I would continue on but knowing I'm not travelling alone, I decided to return back to my travelling companion. At least I got up 1.28KM above sea-level point of Hallasan.

We drove down to World Cup Stadium for lunch and grocery shopping and drove back to the hotel.

After 2 failed attempts up Hallasan, I had this urge to return back to Jeju to complete what I failed (similar to Mt Inari of Kyoto). Somehow I see myself returning back to South Korea again just to conquer Hallasan. I don't really care of the other attractions.

Honestly, I didn't expected not to get bored of Jeju since this was my second trip there. I experienced new things and a failed challenge will urge me to return. Till then, enjoy the Jeju gallery and coming up, the Seoul portion of the trip.