Da Nang 4 days 3 nights trip!

We did a very impulse decision to head to Da Nang for a short vacation during our 3 weeks long break. For those who doesn't know where is Da Nang, i have included a short description of the place I copied from Lonely Planet:

"Known during French colonial rule as Tourane, Danang succeeded Hoi An as the most important port in central Vietnam during the 19th century, and it remains the principal one for central Vietnam.

In March 1975 Danang, the second-largest city in South Vietnam, was the scene of utter chaos. Saigon government forces were ordered to abandon Hué, while Quang Ngai had fallen to the communists, cutting South Vietnam in two. Desperate civilians tried to flee the city, as some soldiers of the South Vietnamese army engaged in looting, pillage and rape. On 29 March 1975, two truckloads of communist guerrillas, more than half of them women, drove into what had been the most heavily defended city in South Vietnam and, without firing a shot, declared Danang liberated."

Place: Da Nang
Country: Vietnam
Currency: VND (Dong)
Distance: 2.5 hours from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Since the location is by the coast, you know most of the activity are related to water activities. We decided to book our accommodation at Intercontinental Danang. There are a couple of beautiful resort in Da Nang namely: Four Seasons Danang, Hyatt Danang and etc. Of course there are also some small hotels there.

A summary of what we did / eat during our 4 days in Da Nang.

	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Where	Da Nang	Da Nang / Hoi An	Da Nang	Da Nang
Morning	Touched down in Da Nang	Da Nang City	Long Bar	Fly out of Da Nang
Afternoon	Resort	Hoi An	Barefoot
Evening	Vietnamese dinner	Barefoot	La Maison 1888
Stay	Intercontinental Da Nang	Intercontinental Da Nang	Intercontinental Da Nang	Intercontinental Da Nang

There are only very limited direct flight into Da Nang. If you are from Kuala Lumpur, only AirAsia flying directly into Da Nang with 1 or 2 times per day. If you are from Singapore, only SilkAir flies into Da Nang with 1 or 2 times per day.

There are 3 restaurant within the hotel compound and we have tried all 3 of them. With Vietnamese (Citron), Italian / Western (Barefoot) and French (La Maison 1888) restaurant, there is something for everyone!

Once we touched down Da Nang, we have arranged an airport pick up which bring us directly to the resort. A guy with our name on it was waiting for us at the baggage area. He waited for us to get our local sim cause we like to stay connect during our stay in Da Nang. The local sim card will cost about USD 7 or less. Just keep looking around and you will find the plan suit your needs!

Traveling around Da Nang is easy with hotel limo, local taxi or Grab app. The app will connect you with local driver which will show exactly where they are and how long it take to arrive. You will also pre agreed the amount of the ride before the accepting each other. It works just like Uber but the South East Asia version. You can click on this link Grab Download to install the app and get going!

We did a city tour during the second day and I will blog separately relating to that day.

Stay tune for the more information on the places we went! Can't wait for the updates? Like and follow my blog in order to get the latest updates on the trip!

Driving around in Jeju Island - Day 2

After a great night sleep in December Hotel (please do take a look on the post on my accommodations during my stay in Korea), we started our day with a great breakfast from Paris Baguette bakery Cafe. There are no direction there cause it is actually everywhere in Jeju island just have a walk around your resting area and you might find one! 

We continue on with our second day in Jeju island with visiting waterfall. There are a couple of waterfall in Jeju island namely Cheonjiyeon Waterfall (near Seogwipo), Jeongbang Waterfall and Cheonjiyeon Waterfall (at Jungmun resort). 

We then proceed to the so call "MUST-GO" places in Jeju island which are Teddy Bear Museum, Alive Museum, Chocolate Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum and etc. We did not manage to visit all of them due to time constraint. Therefore, we only went to Teddy Bear Museum and Alive Museum. 

We had so much fun specially in Alive Museum, we had thousand and one photos and we over spent our time there. Therefore, for those who really have a tight schedule please do set timer or something cause you will easily overrun your time there.

During our stay in Korea or Jeju Island, we did not really research much on food however some of the famous ones were mentioned during our research of places. Most of the time we will just pick whatever we think should taste good. Just go with the flow. 

Looks good? This was found near Teddy Bear Museum but I am really sorry cause we were so hungry and rush of time I forgot to jot down the name of the shop. If you did come across this shop please do leave me a comment as then I could amend the post. Thanks in advance!

Night time in Jeju was mainly shopping and very limited famous locations that are still open. As for us, we went to Loveland and Mysterious road. Loveland mainly for sexual education (it's website state that it is a sexual theme park) and because it closes at midnight, therefore we went there just to have a look. If it is your first time going to Jeju and would like to just kill some time during the night, do check out this place and let me know what do you think. 

For those who are wondering what is mysterious road, It has earned its name, as objects and liquid appear to roll and flow up the hill instead of down, when, in fact, such image of gravity defiance is an optical illusion rendered by the seemingly high surroundings. However, by the time we reach the place it was late and pitch black. Therefore, we did not manage to witness any of the mysterious things as claimed. Do let me know if you manage to witness them.

This ends our trip in Jeju island as we would be taking the morning flight back to Seoul the next day. Do check our my post on our arrangement for car rental including most of the famous destination phone number for GPS location in Jeju island.

~ciao~

Teddy Bear Museum - Adults 8,000 won / Teens 7,000 won /  Children 6,000 won
Alive Museum - Adults 9,000 won / Teens 8,000 won / Children 7,000 won
Loveland - Adults 9,000 won

Driving around in Jeju Island

I have been talking a lot about my time in Jeju Island, but it is not possible if we did not rent a car to drive around there.

Prior to going over to Korea, I did my homework in searching for the best deal for car renting in Jeju Island. There are plenty of companies dealing with car renting in Jeju island e.g. Hertz and Avis. It is a well known Sime Derby subsidiary company call Hertz. 

But after doing some homework I realized to go ahead with KT Kumho as the rate is reasonable together with their cars are really new. Don't really have a full picture of our rented car but manage to find one of it as below:-

I can really say that I am very satisfied with what we got which is Hyundai Avante. Total damage is 94,600 KRW which includes 65% of insurance for our 3 days 2 night stay. 

There are a couple of things if you would like to drive in Jeju Island. There are plenty of speed track along the highway. Do take note that speed limit is about 80km/h over there unlike in Malaysia we even complained about 110km/h. 

Something to take note about during car rental in Korea is that some of the car rental services only provide Korean GPS. Not to worry about that cause the Korean GPS is designed easy to be used even by people like us. By just clicking a few buttons, you are able to key in the last 7 digit of the destination and it will lead you directly to there.

Below is a compilation of some of the famous destination in Jeju Island. Please use it at your own risk as some of it have not been verified.

Manjanggul Lava Cave: 7834818

Gimnyeong (also spelt as Kimnyeong) Maze Park: 7829266

Yeomiji Botanic Garden: 7351100

Jusangjeolri (Jungmun and Daepo Coast – Columnar Jointed Lava or called Jungmun Cliffs): 7381521

Mount Sanbang: 7942940

Oedolgae Rock: 7328027

Chocolate Land: 7381197

Chocolate Museum: 7923121

Teddy Bear Museum: 7387600

Teddy Bear Safari: 7994820 (this is NOT the Jungmun Resort Teddy Bear Museum – it is nearer to Jeju City)

Dongmun Market: 7523001

Jeju NANTA theatre: 7238878

Hello Kitty Museum: 7926114

Loveland: 7126988

Mysterious Road: 7103314 (This number is NOT accurate – to get to the road – key in the number for Loveland: 7126988 and then when you are nearing Loveland, follow road signages saying Mysterious Road and follow big tour buses and vans – they will likely be going there)

Sangumburi Crater: 7839900

Hallim Park: 7960001

Jeju Folk Village: 7874501

Jeju Glass Castle: 7727777

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall (often misspelled as Cheongjiyeon Waterfall – this is the waterfall near Seogwipo City): 7331528

Jeongbang Waterfall: 7331530

Cheonjeyeon Waterfall (often misspelled as Cheongjeyeon Waterfall – this is the waterfall at Jungmun resort): 7381529

Alive Museum (a version of Trick Art Museum at Jungmun Resort): 8050888

Black Pork BBQ place (popular among locals): 7628588

Recommended Ginseng Chicken place near Feliz Telcon Hotel: 7623319

Yongduam Rock (Dragon Head Rock): 7283918

Black Pork BBQ Street: 7217869

Raw Fish Street: 7583945

Pork Ramen Street: 7277056

Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak): 7830959 or 7107923

Recommended Lunch Place near Seongsan Ilchubong (Black Pork Tofu Kimchi Hotpot): 7841794

~ciao~

Driving around in Jeju Island - Day 1

During our stay in Korea, we also had the chance to Jeju Island one of Korea most popular vacation spot for both Koreans and foreigners. It also known as the "Island of the Gods" and remains one of the top honeymoon destinations for Korean newlyweds.

Sorry for the blur picture but however this is the full map of Jeju Island

There are 3 airlines that fly into Jeju from Seoul mainly Eastar Jet, Jeju Air and Air Busan. While for me we manage to get Air Busan as we wanted to fly in on a certain timing. We flew in at 7.00 am as due to our tight schedules we would not want to waste so much time just for traveling. Flight to Jeju Island will depart from Gimpo Airport so please make the correct arrange with your taxi driver or your hotel arrangement as you don't want to miss your flight.

Even before we depart for Korea, we already made all the arrange for our rental car. Please read my post on our car rental experience during our stay in Jeju. First in our itinerary is Manjanggul Lava Tube. 

Manjanggul Lava Tube

Gimnyeong (also spelt as Kimnyeong) Maze Park
Next is the nearby Gimnyeong (also spelt as Kimnyeong) Maze Park. This is the smaller maze park in Jeju as compared to the one filmed by running man - Maze Park. There are a couple more other maze in Jeju but we think this is sufficient as we just want to have a feel of how maze looks like.

 Getting ready to enter the maze.

 An overview of how the maze would look like. The brushes are of course taller than you.

Our main aim of the whole maze. To "ring" that bell.

Sangumburi Crater A big crater created 12,000 years ago. You can see beatiful scenery around.  During fall, you can also see magnicficent silver grasses all over this place.   A very unique designed bench of the name of the place Sungsan Sunrise Peak The day is getting colder and colder as night is approaching. Next, we went to Sungsan Sunrise Peak. A peak formed by volcanic eruption 100,000 years ago. One of the 7 wonders of nature. One of the best attractions in Jejudo. I am sure you all have some how saw the volcano picture, it was even on the advertisement for World Cup Japan & Korea. I think most of us saw before this picture right? Although this is a sunrise peak. But you can never miss a beautiful sunset.

Jeju Nanta
You will never want to miss this show in Korea. There are a few it showing around Korea, both in Seoul and Jeju Island. Because we find that we have more time in Jeju, therefore we decided to watch it in Jeju instead.Please always pre book your tickets through their official website Nanta Jeju and do check out if there are any promotions that are ongoing. I bought my tickets with a 10% discount due to early bird.

A word of advice, please do sit at the center side as you might have a chance to be called up stage and join in the performance. =)

And let the show begin

Black Pork Street
Jeju Island is famous of it's black pork. There is a street of it together with many many shops selling black pork BBQ. I not sure of which restaurant is the best because they all seems alike to me. At last we chose the shop with the most award and media interview.

 The street title. *translate as black pork street*

 The sizzling sound of black pork 

This ends our first day in Jeju. Stay tune for the next post on the second day together with other tips about traveling in Jeju Island.

~ciao~

Manjanggul Lava Tube - 2,000 won per entry
Gimnyeong (also spelt as Kimnyeong) Maze Park - 3,300 won per entry
Sangumburi Crater - 6,000 won per entry
Sungsan Sunrise Peak - 2,000 won per entry
Jeju Nanta - 60,000 won (VIP seats) & 50,000 (regular seats)

Autumn Sonata @ Nami Island

I am sure many of us either heard or even watch one of the most popular Korea Drama of all times.

Winter Sonata (冬季恋歌) some of us can even sing or at least heard the song of this drama before. It is currently playing in my head. LALALALA~

Well some of the scene or I can say most of the scene are actually shoot at this very place Name Island (南怡岛). During our days in Korea my girlfriend and even my colleague were very much looking forward for this day. For this visit.

Namiseom Island was formed as a result of the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam. It is a half moon shaped (462,809㎡) isle, and on it is the grave of General Nami, who led a great victory against the rebels in the 13th year of the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo (reign 1455 ~ 1468). Namiseom Island is 63 km away from Seoul in the direction of Chuncheon, and is famous for its beautiful tree lined roads. The island is 30 minutes away from Chuncheon and an hour away from suburbs of Seoul. Since it is not far from Seoul, many couples and families come to visit. 

A special feature of Namiseom Island is that there are no telephone poles. This is because all electric wires were built underground to keep the natural feeling of the landscape. The complex is 553,560 square yards with chestnut trees and poplar trees around the isle. In the middle of the isle, there is a grass field about 316,320 square yards. It is composed of education and training facilities, camping sites, swimming pools and water-sports facilities for motorboats and water skiing. There is also a theme park with merry-go-rounds, a shooting range, roller skating rink, and there are lodging facilities such as resort villas and bungalows.

(credit to visitkorea website)

Early in the morning we got up and head towards Gapyeong Station. Get a map on which station your homestay going to be as then you could try arrange on the route to reach Gapyeong. Check out my post on our accommodation during our Korea trip. 

Picture taken while waiting for train to Gapyeong. It was a long journey as we need to change to different lines just to get there. *thumbs up* for my friend who planned all these things.

Once you reached the station, there would be plenty of cab waiting at the taxi stand and the trip to the ferry wharf would take about 6 minutes costing KRW3,000. For those who like to venture into more places such as Petite France can take the Gapyeong tour shuttle. For more information can visit the tourism center when you reached Gapyeong station.

Found this cute little photo stop during our wait for our ferry. We bought out tickets and the ferry would be 30 minutes intervals. So you would not expect to wait long for your turn to be on the ferry. 

Having to be a tourism attraction, you would expect people from all over the world. See if you could spot Malaysia or your own country from here. They say that you will regret if you did not visit Nami Island if you were there during Autumn. The best place to enjoy and have a feel of Autumn is here in Name Island. Don't believe? Take a look at these photos.

Don't worry if you would get lost in the island cause there is a huge map when you reached the island.

Getting Here: 

Subway (cheaper but more transits)
Please go to Sangbong Station (line no.7) and take Gyeongchun Line. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Gapyeong Station (1800 won one way). Get off at Gapyeong Station, take a taxi to Namiseom parking lot (travel time: 10-15min, 3000 won). Take the ferry from Namiseom Dock to Namiseom Island. (travel time: 5-6min)

Shuttle Bus (From Seoul to Namiseom Island)
* Bus Stop
1) Insa-dong (Jonggak Station, Subway Line 1, Exit 3): Next to Tapgol Park
2) Jamsil Station (Subway Line 2, Exit 4): In front of Lotte Mart

* Shuttle Bus Schedule:
Insa-dong, Jamsil Station → Namiseom Island: 09:30
Namiseom Island → Insa-dong, Jamsil Station: 16:00
※ Advanced reservation required. (Inquiries +82-2-753-1247)

*Fare
7500 won one way trip
15000 won two way trip
23000 won round trip+entrance visa to Nami Island+ferry ticket.

Korea 7 days 6 nights trip!

Annyeonghaseyo,

It has been some time since the last post I wrote about Gua Niah. It is a very beautiful cave in Miri where I am so fortunate to visit. For those who missed the post, please refer to the below link to have a read on it.

Trip to Gua Niah

Every year I made an effort to at least visit a place or country that I have yet gone before. This enables me to mingle about people with different culture and lifestyle. Students like to put this phrase inside their essay, "ALLWALKS OF LIFE".In addition to relax and get away from the busy town of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This year the beautiful country I managed to visit just before the year ends is, "DANG DANG DANG DANG!!!"

KOREA

Now you understands why do I started this post with annyeonghaseyo? It means "hello" in Korean. This time my trip is made up of 2 couples, me and my girl together with my colleague and her boyfriend. Just to update that Korea is GMT+9 which means is 1 hour ahead of us here in Malaysia.

The happy us in Incheon airport (Seoul, South Korea) having still unaware of the cold weather there. During our 7 days 6 nights trip there, the temperature is about 14 degree Celsius in the day time and about 8 degree during the night.

This is just the beginning, stay tune for next posts on things we did in Korea and approximately how much we spent there. Here is a brief summary of our itinerary during our stay in Korea. (credit to Xin Wei for preparing and arranging everything)

	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7
Where	Seoul	Seoul	Seoul	Jeju Island	Jeju Island	Seoul	Seoul
Morning		Nami Island		Jeju Island Day 1	Jeju Island Day 2
Afternoon		Nami Island		Jeju Island Day 1	Jeju Island Day 2
Evening				Jeju Island Day 1	Jeju Island Day 2
Stay	Kimchee Dongdaemun Guesthouse	Kimchee Dongdaemun Guesthouse	Kimchee Dongdaemun Guesthouse	December Hotel	December Hotel	Lee's Garden Guesthouse	Lee's Garden Guesthouse

Stay tune for the more information on the places we went! Can't wait for the updates? Like and follow my blog in order to get the latest updates on the trip!

However, let's settle and strike off something from our wishing list. Accommodation!

Yes yes we all know that accommodation would be an issue as you want to get something that is value for money. Well a big shout out for the 3 places that we stayed and am going to review them individually.Don't worry if you don't know Korean because MOST of the signs have English subtitle.

First of all! Our very first guesthouse in Seoul, Kimchee Dongdarmun Guesthouse. This Guesthouse is just walking distance from Jongro-5-go station Exit 4. Just a short direction on how to reach the guesthouse. From the station, walk straight until you reach the first traffic light, you will see a pharmacy on your left. Turn left into the street next to the pharmacy and keep walking until you see a first alley. Left left and a signboard for Kimchee Dongdarmun Guesthouse will be seen.

This is a photo stolen from their website. Sorry I forgot to take a picture of the guesthouse even my room to post in the blog. The guesthouse have a weekly Friday gathering aka party at the rooftop where you have beer and musics and people from all over the world sharing stories and meeting new friends. I think it is a very good place to know people and make friends. Whereas for us, we were too tired for the mini gathering therefore we decided to sleep. HAHA! This guestroom also offers baggage storage and even early check-in if you reach before 12pm. You can even put your luggage there when you going to Jeju. No need to carry along all your "战利品" which means your shoppings!

Kah-Ching! KRW55,000 per night here for a deluxe double room. Cheap Cheap!

Next up! December Hotel at Jeju Island. This is the most specious place we ever stayed during our entire trip. I mean among the 3 accommodations. How to get there you asked? Actually we not very sure on how we got there. In Jeju the public transportation is not as advance as Seoul, therefore we rented a car and drove us around there. Please refer to my blog about the car we rented.

Kah-Ching! RM160 per night here for standard double room and just to bare in mind the room is huge! You can practically roll-around and it can fit like 10 people in a room! HUGE!!

Last but not least is Lee's Garden Guesthouse. It is situated in Myeongdong Station and is surrounded with shops and restaurants! This is one of the advantage in staying here. It is also somehow of Korean lifestyle guesthouse as one of the room we rented, we need to put tilam and sleep on the floor. Do also check out other guesthouse at Myeongdong area and it is packed with them!

That's all for the most important bucket list. Till next time on our itineraries! See ya!