Snapshot Sunday: Paradise Island

Went to two of the world well-known islands this year during their peak season; Phuket, Thailand in early of Jan and Bali, Indonesia which I just came back there last week. Just like what my horoscope, Pisces (an icon of two fishes) is a water sign and for sure, I am truly in love with beach and island getaway. To find out more your travel destinations based on your horoscope - click here. So, have you been to these two paradise islands before? If not, which will be your choice? For me, both amazingly gave me 100% satisfaction and relaxation.

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Cheonjiyeon Falls, The God's Pond

Date of Visited: 13th September 2011

Continue from here.

After fulfilling our empty stomach by having light meal at G25, a 24 hours convenient store, we began to wander around Jeju Island by visiting Cheonjiyeon Falls which situated just 10-15 minutes away from our accommodation location. By the time we were in Jeju-do, it supposed to be early of autumn but quite surprisingly, the weather is super hot and humid. Three of us sweat a lot!

Cheonjiyeon Falls is being listed as one of the top 10 destinations must visit in Jeju-do. Jeju-do has another  famous waterfall which almost has the similar name too, Cheonjeyeon Falls. Two of these waterfalls are located at different locations, so don't get mix up and confuse with both of that.

Literally, Cheonjiyeon means "God's Pond", derives from a legend in which seven fairies serving the King of Heaven came down to the pond on stairs of cloud and bathed in its clean waters. The waterfall is 22m high and 12m wide. Along the way to see the waterfall, we got to see variety of koi fish, rocks and trees which makes the walk is so pretty relaxing and enjoyable. Plus, before we got to see the waterfall itself, we could even heard the magnificence sound of waterfall.

If you are one of a kind who love nature, this place is highly recommended. Just look at this stunning view of the bridge - make you wanna take thousand shot for the same spot only.

From the entrance to the waterfall, it took less than 5 minutes of walking.

This is the waterfall that every tourist wanna take photo with. At the bottom of the waterfall, it's actually a 20 m deep of an artificial pond. Spot the rock that many people were standing? It's a large volcanic rock that form a landbridges that allows tourists to stand in front of the fall and pose for photographs.

We across this impressive bridge before leaving.

There is a souvenir store located nearby the entrance. As usual, we stopby for few minutes to buy few souvenirs and I bought keychain and fridge magnets for myself. It's pretty cheap to buy here where a keychain of Harubang (the icon of Jeju-do) cost 1,000 won only.

The final shot before we went back to our accommodation for proper check-in.

The admission fee for Cheonjiyeon Falls is 2,000 won for adult and 1,000 won for children. If for group of 10 or more, you might get discount.

[Credit To: Wikipedia, Official Site of Korea Tourism Org]

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Bali Trip 2012 (Sneak Peek)

My 6th trip for the year. Check out my travel list for the year (click here)

And this Bali trip can be consider to be my 5th international trip for this year (after Phuket, Brunei, Philippines and Vietnam).

It supposed to be a reunion trip with my collegemates but ended up I am going with my university's housemate and my friend's sister. This is because my collegemates didn't manage to purchase the cheap airfare during last year promotion whereas I managed to book so.  Despite only 3 of us going to Bali, I still continue with my flashpacking trip around Bali. Had you read my flashpacking post yet? If not, check out HERE.

So, here's a lil bit of sneak peek of what my friends and I did for the past few days:

Arrived at Bali Airport (Ngurah Rai) Denpasar last Saturday

Immediately we went and watched sunset from Uluwatu Temple and also watched Kecak dance at the same time.

Did like every other tourists did - having our seafood dinner at Jimbaran Beach. Nice atmosphere but frankly speaking, the bill was really cutting our throat.

Visiting Bali's temple is one of the things must do when in here.

Green scenery of Tegalalang Rice Terrace

*Non-halal food* - Babi guling (suckling pig) is one of the local delicacies that is highly recommended to try.

And you know what? A trip for 4 days 3 nights is seriously never enough for me. I never expecting that Bali Island has tons of things to see and do. So in case if you plan to have a trip to Bali, plan well ahead.

In between, spot the new watermark? Oh yeah baby, I am using Sony Nex 5N currently, my new toy!

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Flashpacking

When I on board, I am not those type that would bring books along while travelling. I tends to prefer to read the inflight magazine instead. So, as usual when I went Ipoh for a non-organisation formal functions last May, once the flight took off, I grabbed the AirAsia inflight magazine from the seatback pocket. While browsing through, I came across this article which caught my attention. Hence, I decided to share it here:

Flashpacking might sound like a made-up word but it's actually a hip travel term. Flashpacking is essentially a mode of travel that involves technology. Flashpackers - the people who indulge in flashpacking - are techno travellers who never leave home without their iPad, iPhone, laptop and other technological wonders and, need WiFi or Internet facilities wherever they roam. Although flashpacking and flashpackers might sound suspiciously like backpacking and backpackers, they are not the same. The key element that sets them apart? Flashpackers, unlike backpackers, tend to have a more flexible budget that allows them to indulge in a meal at a good restaurant or a stay at a boutique hotel. - 3Sixty AirAsia Inflight Magazine.

Frankly speaking, I never heard of flashpacking before. But then I recalled that one of travel blogger, Lily Riani did blog about this too (click here). Guess, this flashpacker terms suit me more instead of backpacker. Why?

1. First and foremost, I am not those type that able to carry on a large internal frame backpack on my back - cause my shoulder easily get hurt. Hence, I prefer to travel with trolley dolley just Lily Riani too, unless for a very short period of travel, let's said 1-2 days. I know that backpacking is much more convenient and flexible than bring along trolley bag, but what can I do. Really hope that someday I can learn how to travel with super duper light.
2. I am more towards a flexible budget when travelling especially in choosing accommodation where I ever experienced staying in a mixed dorm with 10 people in London (where I saw a Caucasian guy wore nothing but just underwear around the dorm - oh dear!) and even stayed in a backpacker lodge in Philippines for less than USD6 but then my friend and I had a worst nightmare where both of us bitten by bed bugs. But sometimes I would love to indulge myself to stay in more comfortable place especially when I have more disposable income such as staying in one of the luxury hotel chain in Shenzhen, China - Sofitel Dongguan Human Oriental.
3. Last but not least, I can't live without tech gadgets. Blame all the social media network for that. Therefore, no matter how high and low of the cost of accommodation I am going to stay, I will make sure there's a free WiFi connection. Not just a smartphone and camera, I also brought along my notebook. It's a must especially in order to transfer all the photo into the hardisk to avoid from running out of memory and also at the same time, to transfer all the photos that took by my friends. Below are DT's Tech Gadgets that I'll definitely bring along while travelling and each of them had their own unique name as well (based on my favourite places and cities):

HTC Desire HD - Maldives

Reason to bring along: To check-in in facebook, twitter and foursquare. Don't tell me that you guys never did like what I did. Please don't bluff! Like I will believe.

Asus Eee PC 1015PW - Australia

Reason to bring along: As what I mentioned earlier.

Canon Ixus 130 - Hong Kong

Reason to bring along: Of course to take photos! This compact camera is much smaller than my smartphone as it has the size of credit card. Travel along with me to more than 10 countries and overall, I quite satisfied with the performance. However, on the con side was not performing well at night.

Sony Nex 5N - Santorini

After doing sufficient research and asking plenty of professional advises from my fellow friends and some bloggers, finally welcoming this as my new toy. Did a lil bit of testing within these few days, but from a long-term point-and-shoot camera, suddenly shifted to semi DSRL, oh boy, for sure I have many things I still need to learn.

So, now you know what is flashpacking and can you define yourself in which travel element you are? What and how many tech gadgets that will you bring along while travelling? Anyhow, regardless whether backpacking or flashpacking, we all are towards the same motive - travel with heart and soul, right?

By the way, if you are reading this at this moment, I am currently flashpacking at somewhere (after hibernate from flying for more than 2 months). Have a great weekend ahead.

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Arrived Jeju Island

Date of Visited: 13th September 2011

We woke up as early as 3am to catch our flight to Jeju Island at 6am. The night before, we had requested the guest house's staff to provide us for shuttle service to the airport. Just like what I had shared in my previous post before, it is advisable to inform the staff or the driver that heading to Gimpo International Airport for depart to Jeju Island. Because they will simply assume that we, the foreign tourists are mostly heading to Incheon International Airport. For your information, all flights to Jeju Island are depart from Gimpo International Airport.

The shuttle service from our guest house (Namsan Guest House, MyeongDong) costs 30,000 won for a trip and it can fits up to 4 pax and the journey took less than half an hour. My friends and I travelled with light this time around because we will only spending 2 days in Jeju Island and will flight back to Seoul again before depart back to Malaysia. While for our heavy and huge luggage bags, the guest house's staff allows us to left inside the guest house itself. See, I told you the staffs are so nice and kind.

Gimpo International Airport, which is now the second largest airport in Korea used to be the main international airport for Seoul before it was replaced by Incheon International Airport.

The airport seems empty cause it was too early in the morning and I was really felt very sleepy at that moment. But to witness Jeju Island with my real naked eyes, it worth for me to do so.

That is Jeju Air's plane

From Seoul to Jeju Island, we flew with Air Busan, the subsidiary of Asiana Airlines because we would like to reach Jeju Island as early as we can and after doing an intensive and sufficient research, Air Busan gave us the most preferred time within the affordable and friendly budget. The airfare that we bought was 59,050 won per person (approx. RM170). You might get the cheapest fare if you are flying to Jeju Island in the evening. 

If you plan to book air ticket from Seoul to Jeju Island by yourself, you can do so and here is my sharing on the list of airlines flying out from Seoul city to Jeju Island (click here).

Air Busan allows us to pick our preferred seat for free and for sure, I will pick the window seat. I love to watch aerial view everytime I on board. And here I present you, the aerial view of Jeju Island.

Reached Jeju International Airport finally. The flight duration from Seoul to Jeju Island took roughly more than an hour.

Don't underestimate Jeju Island like we did as we thought it was just a small island but turns out that even though spending 2 days in Jeju Island itself is seriously seems never enough. This volcanic island which known by the local as "Island of the Gods" comprised of two major cities; Jeju City (Jejusi) on the central northern and Seogwipo City (Seogwipo) on the southern coastlines. And because Jeju Island's public transport seems to be not so pretty convenient, plus most of the attractions are scattered around the island, you might find difficulties to get around.

Source

Once we landed Jeju International Airport, immediately we searched for Gate 5 to take Airport Limousine Bus to our accommodation which situated in Seogwipo City (will blog about the place that we stayed in Jeju Island in the upcoming post).

After an hour and 30 minutes of bus ride, we arrived at the bus stop which located not so far away from our accommodation. But because we were too early for check-in, we decided to have our meal at G25, a 24 hours convenient store since we didn't had any breakfast before boarding. 

Energy drink in orange flavour and different kind of onigiri. Oh dear! I damn miss Korean onigiri while blogging this post because they were absolutely so delicious and flavourful as well.

Oopss... I am running out of time at this moment! Will continue blog more of Jeju Island and its attractions in the next coming blog. Check it out!

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Airlines To Jeju Island From Seoul

If you like to go Jeju Island by your own just like what my friends and I did, you can do so by taking domestic flights from Seoul to Jeju Island. There are other alternatives way by either taking train or ferry but mostly not recommended for doing so. You will be surprised that taking round-trip flight would be much more cheaper than taking train or ferry.

Basically, there is vast majority of domestic flights from Seoul to Jeju Island which you can choose from but you may encounter problem in some of the online booking especially in language barrier and some only accept Korean Credit Card for online payment. Therefore, it will be an advantages for those who know Korean language or have any Korean friends. But afraid not, cause even myself managed to get through all these hassle and booked myself without knowing any Korean language or getting help from my Korean friends.

Jeju Island - you must go at least once.

Here is the list of airlines flying out from Seoul city to Jeju Island:

1. Korean Air - http://www.koreanair.com/

There are like more than 20 flights fly in and out from Seoul city to Jeju Island everyday and you might able find your own preferred and suitable departure time. Website is available in English language too. However, the airfare is quite pricey and not suitable for those who are on shoe-string budget. 

2. Asiana Airlines - http://flyasiana.com/gateway/gateway_en.html

Website is available in English language. However, just like Korean Air, the airfare also could be pricey. Mainly because both of them are considering the largest airlines in South Korea and comes with all frills.

Like I did mentioned above, you still can travel to Jeju Island with a cheap and affordable thrill by considering the smaller and low-cost airlines. Just like AirAsia, although these airlines listed below come with no frills but sometimes they offer an absolute great deals where you might manage to purchase return ticket for less than RM200 (including taxes), especially if you search for a few months in advanced and have a sufficient research.

3. Jeju Air - http://www.jejuair.net/

Offers a very cheap airfare but no English language available on the website.

4. T'Way Air - http://www.twayair.com/

Just like Jeju Air too, you might need someone who know Korean language to assist you in booking the ticket.

5. Jin Air - http://www.jinair.com/

This subsidiary of Korean Air also doesn't comes with English language in its official website too.

6. Eastar Jet - http://www.eastarjet.com/book/index.htm

Thanks to Tommy Ooi (a luxe traveller I met through online) for recommended this airline to me and yes, I managed to buy my flight for approximately RM100 per pax. Got no problem with the online booking as English language is available and it accepts international credit card too. If you book in advanced, you might get as low as 19,900 won (approx. RM60).

7. Air Busan -http://en.airbusan.com/
A subsidiary of Asiana Airlines, you may try to book air ticket to Jeju Island from this airline as well. Just like Eastar Jet, no worries of the language barrier and also the credit card payment. You can also choose your own preferred seat for free. Depart either from Seoul - Gimpo International Airport or Busan - Gimhae International Airport.

Tips:

1. Before booking online, some of the above airlines require to register as a member first. 
2. Flight to Jeju Island from Seoul city is depart from Gimpo International Airport, not Incheon International Airport. So, remember to inform your taxi driver which airport are you heading to if you want to fly to Jeju Island.

See, it is actually so easy to plan a trip to a country eventhough our language is different from them and it's definitely not a big deal as long as you got the heart and soul and also not forgetting to spend a lil bit of your time to plan a trip. Seriously, I managed to book a return ticket for my friends and I from Seoul to Jeju Island without any help from travel agent or even from my Korean friend.

So, my upcoming post will share about "Island of the Gods", the Jeju Island since I almost done with my trip around Seoul city. Hope this post is helpful for those who want to plan a trip to Jeju Island from Seoul.

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Foodie Friday: Chub's Grill, Karamunsing Capital

NOTE: Non-Halal Food Post

This eatery is like smoking hot topic when I just came back from my half year of professional study in KL and most people I met told me that I must go and try it especially their grilled meals. Quite surprisingly Chub's Grill has also makes my dad likes craving for it and he will visit like every once a week. I'm kid not!

No surprised that this eatery has becomes my family favourite spots for dining since most of my family members are meat eaters. Plus, all of Chub's Grill meals are serve in a huge portion which suits my family members who are big eaters too.

#1: Their menu on huge hardboard

#2: Beverages - Chub's Grill also served free flows of soft drinks for just RM4 only.

Can choose either just for the meat - Chicken, Beef, Pork, Lamb, Duck, Prawn or even Salmon Fish OR in a set of platter which is served together with fresh garden salad, garlic toast, buttered corn and a choice red bean rice or chips as the side dishes.

#3: Flame Grilled Lamb Shoulder (Platter: RM25; Just Meat: RM17)

#4: Flame Grilled Pork Belly (Platter: RM25; Just Meat: RM19)

This is my dad's favourite and for sure, he will order this everytime come here.

#5: Flame Grilled Quarter Chicken (Platter: RM18; Just Meat: RM11)

#6: Flame Grilled Duck Breast (Platter: RM36; Just Meat: RM29)

Oh dear! All the grilled meats are incredibly well-marinated, juicy and delicious until you feel like wanna lick your cutlery.

Besides serving meats, Chub's Grill does serves 2 different kind of spaghetti too, which comes with a small bowl of fresh salads and garlic bread.

#7: Spaghetti with Flamed Grilled Chicken Alla Bolognese (RM12)

 

 #8: Spaghetti with Flamed Grilled Chicken Alla Carbonara (RM12)

So, thinking want try to something new and haven't visit Chub's Grill yet? Why don't come and try here cause each and every dishes you pay its worth the real value of money you pay. Besides the friendly and attentive services, the food serving time in this cozy restaurant is quite fast and efficient as well.

By the way, Chub's Grill stands for Cool, Honest, Unpretentious Borneo's Grill.

Location:

B-0-7, Ground Floor, Block B,

Karamunsing Capital,

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

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