South Korea Travel : 안녕하세요!

"Anyeonghaseyo!" ,"oppa”，“sarangheyo" -- these are the first few words that I learned after being hooked on watching korean dramas, listening to kpop music and mostly, seeing their very own hallyu stars. I had been a korean fanatic for years now -  but before I even became one, I always felt weird to those who were really into korean stuff during that time - mainly because of the the language. I thought that it would just be like other foreign dramas that will be a big hit for just sometime, like some Spanish and Taiwanese dramas that became a craze that it was even dubbed into Tagalog for the Filipino viewers. Secondly, apart from learning English, I had been learning Mandarin since I started schooling, so I thought that I would never be interested in learning another language. But I was wrong. It all started when a friend of mine during my college days suggested a korean drama, if I'm not mistaken, that was "Boys over Flowers", a korean version of "Metoer Garden" wherein Lee Min Ho was one of the lead actors. And the rest is history! That is why it had always been my dream to be able to tour and visit South Korea, and this August, my dream did come true!

It was December of last year that I was able to booked a promo fare through AirAsia, and it only cost us less than 20 thousand pesos for 3 person with checked-in baggage. I was really thrilled and excited just by merely thinking that I will be able to visit my dream country soon.

And like any travel adventure, I started to do some research for places to visit, estimated expenses and others. I did most of my researches through the official site of Korean tourism. This website has all the travel essentials and information that you will be needing during you tour such as sight-seeings, korean transport system, city tours and some directions. I suggest that you checked their website here.

After doing some research, it is almost time to apply for a visa. It is not hard to apply for Korea Visa. You just need to comply to all their requirements and go to the Korean Embassy which is located in 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. The visa is free for less than 30 days. For more information, you can check their webiste here .

I don't want to be bias since I love Korean stuffs, Korea is my most favorite place that I had visited. Seoul has the traditional and modern look of Korea which really amazed me. Even though in it their summer time, but the weather for me is not that hot. During the morning, you can still feel a cool breeze when you walk along the streets, and even if it noon time, the sun is up, but you can still feel the breezy air.

TIP: 1. Airport Bus. At Incheon International Airport, they have airport buses that can drop you to the nearest bus stop of your choice, so you need to know where is the nearest bust stop for you hotel or place to stay in Seoul, which is very convenient especially if you have some baggage. You can also take the MRT going to Seoul, but if there will be transfer station, and you have your baggage with you, it would be not that convenient.

2. T-Money Card. For your transport, you can buy the T-Money card in GS25 convenience store for 1,000won. You can only top it up on MRT stations and you can also use this as payment for convenience store, and some shops. If you had been to Hongkong, its usage is like the octopus card. You can also refund the money left on your T-Money Card to any GS25 convenience store, but 500won will be deducted as service fee.



Here are some of the places that I had visited in South Korea:

1. Namsan Tower

This is where the well-known locks of love is located, wherein the concept is the same of Pont Des Arts bridge in Paris. This is also wherein you can see a 360 view of Seoul. How to get here: Just look for Namsan Shuttle Bus No.2,3 or 5 depending on you location and bus stop, the last stop is in Namsan tower.

2. Myeongdong, Seoul

This is the most well-known shopping place for the youths, especially when it comes to cosmetics. 

3. Gyeongbukgong Palace

Change of Royal Guards can be viewed every 10AM, 1PM and 3PM. 

4. Bukchon Village in Anguk

This is a middle-school located on the top of a hill on Anguk.

5. Hongdae (Hello Kitty Cafe )

6. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

 Martial arts performance in Suwon Fortress.

7. Dongdaemun Design Plaza

This is where the well-known Korean drama "My Man from the Star" set is being exhibited until August 15,2014. I won't miss this chance and decided to give it a visit! :) 

Overall, I would definitely go back to Korea to visit more must-see places like Nami Island and Jeju Island. I really admire the historic preservation and culture of Korea. Though I can understand and speak a very little Korean language, but I saw how thoughtful Koreans are, especially their elders. I have met some elders wherein we were still able to communicate through actions and context clue and still are fun to talk with. I am really looking forward for my next visit, see you again soon, Korea!

Singapore Travel: Meeting the Merlion

I just came from my week-long Singapore vacation courtesy of my auntie. And I would like to share some highlights of my stay and travel in Singapore.

1. Great Transportation System

They have 2 kinds of MRT card, one is the E-Z Link card and the Standard ticket Card. For those who will be in Singapore for more than 4 days, E-Z link card is more advisable but if you will be staying for 3 days or shorter, the standard ticket will be more advisable for you.

TICKET	ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGE
E-Z LINK CARD	CARD COST:  5SGD INITIAL ADD VALUE: 7SGD TOTAL AMT: 12SGD 1. This can be bought just before you ride the Changi Airport MRT station. 2. You can add value in any MRT station. 3. Life span : 5 years	1.  Smallest add value amount is 10SGD. 2. Excess value amount is non-refundable.
STANDARD TICKET	1. 10cents as ticket deposit	1.  You need to add value in every trip, you can choose as single trip or roundtrip.

2. Chinatown 

Chinatown is where we stayed for our first 2 days in Singapore. I’ll give you 2 reasons why it is the best place to say. First, it is near an MRT station – Chinatown, and as tourist, MRT is the best mode of transportation to tour around the city. Second, food is like everywhere. We just need to walk a block or blocks away and we can buy yummy foods to satisfy our hungry stomachs. You can choose along Smith street ( home of Chinatown Food Street),  Temple Street, Maxwell Food Court, Chinatown People’s Complex and Chinatown Point . The only advantage that I liked it here is that I can speak Mandarin, and everyone else do, but if you can’t, it's all right because Singaporeans can speak their Sing-lish (Singaporean English) so there won’t be any communication barrier.

A. Food Trips

Chicken Curry along Smith Street

 Dessert in Dessert Hut 

Egg Tart in Tak Po located in Temple Street

 B. Must See Place

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Sri Mariammam Temple (Day View)

Night View 

3. Singaporeans can speak English and Mandarin, so there is less to none communication barrier if you’re going to talk with the locals.

4. Universal Studio Singapore

3D ride + roller coaster ride = one of the most memorable enjoyable ride for me

My aunt pushed me to try this, it is kinda scary for me, but I'm proud to say that I was able to make it, SOLO! :)

One of the best zone for me in USS is the Ancient Egypt

TIP: We bought our ticket in Chinatown Point Underground level wherein travel agency can be seen. My aunt read that they sell it in a cheaper price. And as expected, we were able to purchase our USS ticket for 65SGD instead of 74SGD for adult 1-day pass, and 49SGD for a child instead of 54SGD. Same goes with our Singapore Zoo tickets, we bought it for 20SGD for adult instead of 28SGD, and 15SGD for child instead of 18SGD.

5. Singapore Zoo

My favorite attraction: Polar Bear Show

Feeding the Polar Bear

African Penguin

Hi my dear Hippopotamus!

 My closest encounter with the family of monkeys JJ

Elephant Show

 TIP: They won’t be checking your bag, so you can bring food and drinks inside to save up a little, as well as in USS. J

6.  Garden’s by the Bay

** MUST SEE: They have daily night show in Garden's by the Bay every 7:45PM and 8:45PM. 

7. Marina Sand’s Bay

** They also have daily lights show here in Marina Sands Bay, but it is not as spectacular as the one seen in Garden's by the Bay.

8. Merlion

9. Singapore Flyer

During my week-long stay in Singapore, I am really impressed on how discipline Singaporeans are, how they are able to maintain the cleanliness of the entire city, how safe their country is and most especially how convenient their transport system is.  Overall, I am really happy and contended that I was able to visit Singapore once again. Thank you for all the wonderful experience, ‘till next time, Singapura! 有缘再见咯， 亲爱的新加坡！