Saturday, July 13, 2024

Throwback A-Z


Let’s see how many cities or places I’ve been in these 11 years

A Agra ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ

B Bangkok ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ Bali Bandung Bukittinggi Brastagi ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Boracay ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ Bicester ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง

C Chiangmai Chiangrai ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ Colombo ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Changi๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ

D Delhi ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ Donxao ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฆ

E England ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง

F Fuji-san ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Fremantle ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ

G Gold Coast ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Gili ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Guangzhou ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ Gapyeong ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท Gotemba ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต

H Hangzhou ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ Ho Chi Minh Hanoi Halong ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณHong Kong ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Hatyai ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ

I Incheon ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท

J Jakarta ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Jeju ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท Jaipur ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ

K Krabi ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ Kandy ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Kalibo ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ

L London ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Lancelin ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Lampang ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ

M Medan ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Macau ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ด Mekong ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณ Mekah Madinah ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ

N Negombo Nuwaraeliya ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Nambung ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Narita ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต

O Oxford ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง

P Perth ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Padang Puncak Parapat ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Phuket ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ

S Surabaya ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Shenzhen Shanghai ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ Seoul Seoraksan ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท Songkhla ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ Salisbury ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡งSingapore Sentosa ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ

T Taipei ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Tokyo ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต

W Windsor ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง

Y Yala ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Yehliu ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ

Z Zhuhai ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ


Sunday, July 07, 2024

Seoul 2024

It’s been almost 5 years since the last time I travelled overseas. And the final destination I've been before the Covid-19 hit was Jeju Island, South Korea, and that was in December 2019. my first trip to Seoul, South Korea, was 10 years ago and it was end of winter/ early spring. Yeap, I know it’s been a while...

I supposed to join my husband on his business trip to Seoul last Autumn but something came up. When he told me that he’s going to Seoul again this Summer… alright, no more excuses, Az! Just book your ticket, pack your bag and let’s go! We make it happen this time #semangatnakberjalan although I am fully aware.. it’s Summer!

Actually last June, my husband went to many places. All around the world. So it’s either Istanbul or Jakarta or Seoul. And of course, I choose Seoul for #seoulsearching

Since I’ve been to Seoul before, this time around I decided to make my own plan. There’s no proper itinerary, no tour guide, just Free & Easy and whenever with my husband – we play by ear. As long as we are covering the main attractions i.e Namsan Tower, Nami Island, Gyeongbokgung Palace and few shopping places.


Few highlights of the trip…

-          The ticket price for the NANTA show at Myeongdong starts from 50,000 won but we took the VIP ticket at 70,000 won per ticket for better seating. The 1.5hrs show is totally worth-watching. The performers are very entertaining, funny, energetic and well-engaging. It was pack with live-action and humor from the beginning. With simple storyline, yet they are super multi-talented.

-          Seems like Summer season is more greenery and aesthetic in Nami Island. Better than my previous visit during end winter/early spring. The ticketing machine is available at Nami Island Immigration Ticket Office. The ‘entry visa’ and the return boat ride is at 16,000 per adult. Apparently, there’s no couple rate as mentioned on the internet.

-          Last time I took a bus ride to Namsan Tower or also known as N-Seoul TV Tower. This time, I decided to experience the Namsan Cable Car. Bear in mind that there’s lot of walking uphill (from Myeongdong Station to the tram station) and climbing the staircase. Make sure you are physically prepared! The 1-min tram is FREE. But the 5-mins cable car ride is at 15,000 won per adult for 2-ways. We went there around 4-5pm. We didn't stay long, but I do believe that the night view from the peak must be magnificent. We didn’t take the elevator up to the Observatory and I think the rate is around 15,000 won per pax.

-          Entering Gyeongbokgung Palace with Hanbok is FREE! Seriously, you can save 3,000 won of the entrance ticket if you are wearing the full-set of Hanbok. Just go to any rental shops outside the palace (across the street around 30m away), and the Hanbok is available for you to rent around 15,000 won per person up for 2hrs. And luckily, they have a big size of Hanbok for my husband. We went there close to 9am and apparently, we were the 1st person who entered the palace. I'm so blessed we did that because we managed to have good pictures and selfies with less people around and no queue. 

And this time, I managed to watch the morning session of Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. The ceremony starts at 10am. 

Then, we walked a bit to King Sejong statue and Museum in front of the palace – The Story of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sunshin. And it’s FREE! If you are K-drama fan and you watched “The Great King, Sejong”, you can understand more on the Creation of Hangeul. The museum is very big, cozy, and pack with interactive games & simulation. And there’s a replica of Turtle Ship too.

-          Near to Seoul City Hall, there’s Deoksugung Palace. I was so lucky; it was FREE admission due to Culture Day (last Wednesday of every month) on the day I came. If I’m not mistaken, the admission is around 1,000 won only. The palace is not as big as Gyeongbokgung, but the palace has 9 areas in total. My favorite area is the Junghwajeon area. When I was there, I can feel like I am in Iljimae; my favourite historical K-Drama TV series. Unfortunately, I've missed the guard changing ceremony at 10am that day. 

Restaurants we went…

In Myeongdong area

-          The best restaurant we went is Mutton BBQ Restaurant – highly recommended. It was too delicious and I was too hungry, then I forgot to snap the photo of the menu and the meals. haha

-          There are there (3) Busanjib restaurants at the very same aisle. Which one you prefer? Chicken or Seafood or KBBQ (Beef)? I tried the Busanjib Chicken on 1st day of arrival. I highly recommend the Garlic Chicken at 30,000 won per set, and it is suitable for 2-3 pax. We also tried Busanjib Seafood on the 2nd last day in Seoul. Must try the Squid Chili (35,000 won) and the seafood chive pancake (20,000 won). The restaurants are opens from 12noon to 9pm.

-          We also tried Kampungku Restaurant, near to Mutton BBQ Restaurant. Quite cheap compared to another restaurant. The Bulgogi with rice at 10,000 won only. And the restaurant has a Surau for prayer. 

-          We heard that Kimseri belongs to Malaysian. Yeap, they served Halal Malaysian cuisine but not something we are looking for. We prefer local delicacies, but we still want to support Malaysia people in Seoul. So, we tried their popiah (spring rolls) at 6,000 won. The restaurant is near to Myeongdong Station – exit #1. You can try their Ayam Masak Merah with plain rice at 12,900 won.

In Itaewon area

-          My husband was craving for the Fried Chicken, so we went to Korean Halal Restaurant for the best and cheap Halal Chicken – most recommended! We also tried their Bulgogi Hansang.

-          Another best Bulgogi is at EID Restaurant. The restaurant is on the same road to Seoul Central Mosque. And they also have the best topokki ever (for me) because it is a fried topokki. A lot of other Halal restaurants near to EID, such as Itaewon Kitchen and Kervan Cafe. 

-          There’s a lot of Kebab restaurants in Itaewon. I went to Taksim Kebab, because it is just in front of the hotel we stayed. The mix (chicken & lamb) kebab is at 8,900 won.

As in Nami Island, we went to Asian Family Restaurant Dongmoon for the 13,000 won Fried Chicken Karaage, 15,000 won Bulgogi and 15,000 won Spicy Stir-fried small octopus. The restaurant is quite big, with nice set-up and nice view, and what I love most is they served free-flow kimchi (no need to ask the server each time you want to refill, just have it on your own).


 

Some tips that might be useful for you…

-          Apply for k-ETA before travelling to South Korea for 10,000 won and it’s valid for 3 years

-          Public trains are very punctual, safe, reliable, and cheap. Way cheaper if you are using Tmoney card – the card is available for 3,000 won at most convenience store (especially CU or GS25, and you can use the balance credit for shopping at CU or GS25 too), plus the Tmoney has no expiry date. Tmoney card can be use to all train services including A’REX (Airport Express), Seoul Metro, KORAIL etc.. For better travel planning, please download the Seoul Subway apps. It helps you to save time, to use which train line (the interconnection), how far you need to walk, it shows the train fares (so that you can plan in advance how much you want to topup the Tmoney), it shows how many station before you reach your destination and the estimate time arrival. And the best part is the “Realtime” feature. There are lot of English signages at the train stations and inside the coach. Trust me, you won’t get lost.

-          At first, we got confused with the location of the NANTA show. We went to Myeongdong Theatre, but the actual location is actually at the UNESCO building opposite of the Myeongdong Theatre.

-          It’s been 10 years since my previous visit, right. So, I barely remember which shopping area for which product. Here’s for my future reference:

o   Myeongdong Street – for skincare and cosmetic products. I noticed that Olive Young offer cheaper prices that other shops. We can get some K-pop or K-drama stuff too such as the album, poster, light stick and the best shop for these items is K-Mecca. This street is more happening at night with more people and hawker stalls – including some halal stalls such as kebab.

o   Namdaemun Market – The place is really huge, so look for 2nd floor Daedo Jewelry Wholesale Market for high quality brooch and women’s accessories. We also bought a high-quality bedsheet set for my husband’s friend for 200,000 won. And souvenirs also cheaper here; for example, Korean spoon (5pcs) here at 4,500 won only, whereas at Myeongdong sells at 10,000 won and Dongdaemon Street sells at 8,000 won. You do the calculation.

o   Plenty of Underground Shopping Center (similar in Jeju) and it’s everywhere. To name a few - Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center, Sogong Underground Shopping Center, Dongdaemun Underground Shopping Center etc etc etc. I bought some idol’s poster, sticker & calendar for my beloved sister at Myeongdong subway station.

-          For me, it’s not worth to go to these places:

o   Dongdaemun area is famous for clothing and all kind of textile, material, suits, Korean cotton, Korean silk for hanbok etc. and I guess this area is more suitable for those fashion designer and those who want to do business. From Kwang Jang Market, DFWM – Dongdaemun Fashion Wholesale Market, Dongdaemun Shopping Complex, Pyounghwa Market, Dongmun Market, Dongdaemun Shoes Market, ShinPyungHwa Fashion Town, Nampyeonghwa Market, Jeil Pyeonghwa Market, up to Kwanghee Fashion Mall… market after market.

o   I wasn’t amused with Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), although the building is huge and modern. Or perhaps, my expectation was too high after watching it in someone’s TikTok. To make the things worst, I got lost and confused with the layout and maps. I circled the place for few times (the area is too big to circle for few times) until I finally found the entrance of the Art Hall (it’s quite hidden and we really need to explore the whole building to find the hall). Since I’ve spent a lot of time and walked for thousand steps, I decided to enter the Art Hall for the “Cartier,Crystallization of Time” exhibition for 18,000 won. To make my 'treasure hunting' worth. 

o   No wonder the tour guide didn’t bring us to the Cheonggyecheon Stream 10years ago. The stream looks nice in the K-drama but actually... nothing interesting.

-          Things or places I might be going or doing in future:

o   Seoul City Tour Bus available in front of DDP. 20,000 per pax (day tour) 15,000 (night tour)

o   Gapyeong Tour Bus available in front of Gapyeong Station. Only 8,000 won per day. It includes Petite France and Garden of Morning Calms etc, but not the admission fees. If I'm not mistaken, the entrance fees around 11,000-12,000 won. 

In a nutshell, our total expenses around RM 6,000 only for 2 person. Not bad, huh!

-          Air Asia X very cheap during Summer. I spent only at RM489 per way. But for flight back to KL, I’m taking Malaysia Airlines and it cost me almost RM 1,400 per way. It’s because my husband is taking Economy Flex, he upgraded my seat for 70,000 won. But still, it is a good bargain - very comfortable because the Economy Flex zone is just behind to Business Class.

-          For the first few nights, we stayed at the Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong. The cost was covered by my husband’s company due to his official mission. It's a nice hotel, friendly staff, good breakfast, with self-service laundry at 10,000 won and most importantly - a very strategic location where it's really close to subway station and near to Myeongdong street and Dongdaemun. We stayed the remaining nights at Hamilton Itaewon. We got a good rate at RM 455 per night. Not only the subway station in front of the hotel, but there are also Hamilton Shopping Mall, Olive Young, Kebab, and the police station. Luckily our room is on the 8th floor, so we can see the Seoul Central Mosque from my room, and less noise pollution from the bar and pub on the street that opens until 4-5am. For that, I love hotel's initiative when they provides the earplug. And they also provide the phone charger for all types of mobile phone and I like the toilet functions too. But I quite surprise when they charging for swimming pool usage – 11,000 won (weekdays) to 14,000 won (weekend) per person. It's OK to charge for Sauna. But swimming pool??? seriously?

-          We spent less than RM 1,000 for meals. However, we do spend a lot for beverages due to hot weather and because we love to try their local coffee and other signature drinks. Most recommended cafรฉ are A Twosome Place, Paik’s Coffee, Cafรฉ Deli artisee, and Mega Coffee…

-          Travelling using public transportation is cheap. In total, we spent less than RM 200. I still can’t believe I travelled all the way from the airport to the city on my own, carrying my 10kg luggage. And I noticed that I was the only foreigner who have done that in every coach I've been.

-          Another less than RM 1,000 is for the attractions, admission fees and hanbok rental. The most expensive ones were actually the NANTA show ticket. And the rest are affordable and reasonable.

Monday, December 04, 2023

Officially MBA graduate!

 Alhamdulillah... 

with CGPA 3.797
I'm at thisss ๐Ÿค๐Ÿปclose to get the Silver Award (pointer 3.8 and above)
but it's OK. I know that I've done my best!

May 2021 - December 2022

Friday, June 09, 2023

Langkawi after Covid

It's been.. quite some times since my husband and I have not been travelling. May I say... since Covid? Not to say that we have not been to anywhere.. Because, we are still attending few wedding ceremonies in Johor Bahru and Penang. We still have our weekend getaway, or you can called it 'staycation' at Mandarin Oriental, Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Cyberview Resort & Spa. And, we went to Hard Rock Hotel Desaru last September for my husband's company Family Day.

But compared to those days before Covid.. you know, I was a frequent traveler back then.

Honestly, being a full time student and at the same time you are an employee to a big organisation, it is no joke. You won't have time for yourself. When your weekdays are packed with meetings, programmes, events (you name it).. and your weekend are tight with classes, group discussion, assignments, research paper.. I am happy that it's over now. For 20 months (from May 2021 to December 2022) journey for a MBA scroll, with 14 subjects.. there were 88 coursework need to be done! including 36 individual assignments, 22 group assignments, and 30 presentations, plus 13 exams and 1 project paper. I am glad that I pass with flying colors. Thanks Putra Business School, UPM.

Well, Work Hard Play Hard!

Although it was just a domestic trip, but for us, the Langkawi Trip in March was so wonderful and memorable. Well, for us.. we considered this trip is to celebrate my mini achievement and marks myself as a MBA graduate! And at the same time, me as a 'covid survivor'. I've been infected with Covid-19 last 22nd February 2023.

3 - 6 March 2023

Although this is my 9th time to Langkawi, yeap I've been to this island quite a lot. Been to many attractions in this magnificent island. But, you know what? This is the first time I step my foot at the Chenang Beach. no kidding! and Alhamdulillah, even it was a school holiday but it's not a peak season in Langkawi. 

Of course I enjoyed myself with the parasailing, jet skiing, sunset cruising with saltwater jacuzzi, and many other beach activities that I never experienced before. And at night, Pantai Cenang now has fire dance performances. Seeing that fire dances, it reminds us with the one in Boracay


... about the cost, we spent almost RM4k for the whole trip. By taking MAS, we paid for RM 426 per pax, but seriously it was wayyy cheaper than Air Asia. we stayed at Mercure Langkawi Pantai Cenang (4*), it is a new hotel in LGK @ RM 415/room/night without breakfast. and with RM 350, we managed to have a 'private' Parasailing trip that take-off directly from the boat, instead of taking off from the shore. The boat took us 2x rounds for more than 10mins. we also booked for a 4hrs shared Sunset Cruise with saltwater jacuzzi for RM 99 per person (we added RM 30 for packed grilled chicken) which departed from Royal Langkawi Yacht Club. we had a perfect photo with the big Eagle and the beautiful sunset as the backgrounds during the cruise ride. Other than that, we spent the rest of our money on FOOD!!! totally worth it

Monday, March 13, 2023

New Me


I am now a Senior Executive at Petronas Leadership Centre!


I am part of Leadership Academy
who manage leadership training for the Signature Programmes in PETRONAS
for newly appointed manager, Senior Manager and General Manager.

Who knows..

from an ordinary travel agent, 
now I am an executive in a big organisation
in Malaysia


Can't believe myself..

I'm now doin' HR