Jumat, 27 Juli 2012

Chin Swee Temple

This time I share my trip to Genting.
From LCCT we took bus to KL Sentral (bus ticket one way RM 8).

There were 2 way to reach Genting (First World hotel) from Kuala Lumpur :
  1. From KL Sentral
Ride Aerobus to Genting RM 8,5 (include cable car).
Bus stop at cable car station.

  1. From Titiwangsa
Take LRT to Titwangsa station, then ride bus direct to First world hotel RM 6.

Actually we going to ride Aerobus, but the bus ticket already sold out. And we need to wait for 2 hours for the next bus, so we skip Aerobus, directly take LRT to Titiwangsa station.
Information about Genting : http://www.gogenting.com.my/

Luckily we didn’t ride Aerobus, since it’s rainy. I can’t imagine ride cable car when rainy and the wind will blow too.

About 1 hour later, we arrived at First World Hotel.
Then we had breakfast. I ate sandwich. I’ve been here before (play outdoor and indoor), so I’m not explore First World. We just walk around, take picture.

At 2 pm, we went to Chin Swee Temple. In Chinese it supposed to write Qing Shui Temple.
: Qing = Clean
: Shui = water
: miao= Temple
Web : http://www.csc.org.my/

There were 2 easy way to go tp Chin Swee Temple:
  1. By bus
From First world hotel, there were free shuttle bus every an hour to this temple. The bus is white color
Or take green bus to Highland hotel, then change to another bus to Chin Swee temple. The green bus frequency is more often than the white bus.
http://www.rwgenting.com/en/getting_there/shuttle.htm

  1. By Cable car
Take cable car, fare RM 6.

We wait for white bus to Chin Swee Temple. It’s rainy days, the rain fall and stop and fall again. Luckily when I arrived at Chin Swee Temple the rains already stop.

It’s only take 15 minutes from First world hotel.
First we had lunch here. The place was cozy and nice. Many lotus hang on the restaurant roof.
Menu was delicious – all vegan (no onion), a little bit pricy.
I order Soup rice with vegetable RM 9.



Finished our meal, we went upstairs to the temple.




First is Milefo statue, in front of this temple there was dragon statue at mini pound.
Then we continue walk to giant Sakyamuni statue. There were Journey of Enlightenment beside the statue.


I walk to the Journey of Enlightenment, while my friends wait at downstairs.

The journey was about 10 level of the hell. Narrated that after human dead, they will go to the registration office, and there were officer there, read all his/her crime.
The more heavy crime had been done, means higher level of hell to go. It’s means the heavier punishment had to do.

There were replicas in every level of the hell. Also write down there the crime and the punishment (in two versions, English and Chinese).

After the punishment done, they will queue to drink water (to forget all things had been done in the hell) then reincarnation again in the world.

There were giant Avalokitevara statue here.
Beside these statues there were Queen of Heaven ride cart pull by Phoenix bird.

Then I go down to the pagoda (I didn’t enter it). Many people pray inside. Since it’s rainy so there were many fogs, I can’t see the scenery clearly.

There were stairs to go up, the gate write Tian Tan (in Chinese) – Heaven gate.
Upstairs there were Rulaifo Temple and huge yard. 

At the Yard there was Lim Goh Tong statue (founder Chin Swee temple).

I walk back to the restaurant, shuttle bus stop at here.

Behind the restaurant the were many Chinese legend write down at the wall.

At 4pm the free shuttle bus came, we ride it (it was the last bus) back to the First World Hotel.
At 5.30 pm we ride Aerobus back to LCCT (book on line, since the ticket always sold out) RM 31,5 (expensive, but exclusive and direct to the airport). The journey took 3 hours to LCCT.
Arrived at LCCT already 8.30pm, we check in to fly back to our lovely country.

Thean Hou Temple, Bukit Bintang, Suria KLCC


It’s my third times visit Kuala Lumpur. This time I visit one famous temple at Kuala Lumpur – Thean Hou Temple.

From LCCT, I bought Aerobus ticket (round way) RM 14, it’s cheaper rather than buy one way (RM 8) to KL Sentral.
Takes 1 hours to reach KL Sentral from LCCT.

Arrived at KL Sentral, we take elevator to go upstairs. And since we (I visit Kuala Lumpur with my friends) brings luggage, so we need to storage it first.
At KL Sentral there were storage luggage locker, medium size RM 15 (per days), large size RM 20 (per days). We lean large size, it‘s fit with 4 luggage (all medium size). It’s cheaper then storage luggage at LCCT – RM 18 per luggage.

The locker located below the stairs. From elevator just walk straight to the exit.

Food at KL Sentral is pricy, there were western food, and asian food.
Also there were some stall sold merchandise (I didn’t know the price since we not interest with it).

Then we take cabs, not buy ticket (take taxi from KL Sentral needs to buy ticket), we ride taxi which drop passanger to KL Sentral.
The driver ask RM 15, but as I know it’s only RM 10, and the deal is RM 12.

The driver is Malay (it my first time take taxi with Malay driver). I prefer Chinese driver, I avoid India Driver (they always ask higher price). And now I also had one new experience, avoid Malay driver (he talk too much and soo mumble, also not informatif).

It’s only 10 minutes to Thean Hou temple from KL Sentral by taxi, if walk maybe it takes half hours.

Thean Hou Temple in Chinese alphabet suppose to read Tian Hou Gong天后.
: Tian = sky
: Hou = queen,
: Gong = Temple
Address : 65 Persiaran Endah, off Jalan Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

It’s feel like in China, the building was nice. And the atmosphere was quite, calm and shady.
The temple was huge but, only had one 1 main building.
At the park there were 12 Chinese zodiac statues. At the other side there was small gazebo with mini waterfall.

Not like other temple I ever visit. This temple only had 3 statues inside the building.

In front of the main building, there was small Milefo Statue (Smiling Buddha), inside the building there were 3 giant statues. At centre is Queen Sky statue, at the right is Avalolokitesvara (or Kwan Im) statue, at the left (I didn’t know).

Outside the main building hang many lantern. And the roofs ornament also the giant pilar and the wall all beautiful.

Beside the building there stairs to go upstairs, just follow the arrow.
At the upstairs there were nothing, only Gazebo, but can see Kuala Lumpur city from here. It’s very nice to visit here at 6pm. Maybe it’s beautiful at sunset or sunrise.

We go down from different stairs to the back, turtle pounds.
There were many turtle here, with different kind of turtle.
I personally recommended this place to visit. It’s worth to visit.

After finished surround the temple, we went down to merchandise store. We bought ice cream RM 1,5. The weather was extremely hot.
Down here like mini Chinatown, all stuff sold here similar with Chinatown at Singapore.

Then we continue to our next destination. Suria KLCC, to Petronas Tower, since 2 of my friends had visited it yet.
Take taxi from Thean Hou Temple to Pavillion RM 17. Why Pavilion, not directly to Suria KLCC. Because I wanna try vegetarian food at Republic Food Court. And It’s delicious, every food was tasty and not too expensive.

After finished our meals and take photograph during our walk at Bukit Bintang, we continue to Suria KLCC by LRT.

Arrived at here we took elevator to G Floor, then go to the park.
Unfortunately the fountain was under reconstruction so we can’t see the fountain. We just walk spending time there. It’s nice walking at afternoon at the park, many people jogging, doing yoga here.
The view, the park all was good – Recommend place to visit.

At 7pm we went to Signatures Food court - Suria KLCC (1st floor) for dinner.
Finished our dine we take LRT to KL Sentral, take our luggage, then ccontinue ride Aerobus to LCCT.

Kamis, 26 Juli 2012

Seoul Vegetarian Food


Here I shared my meals during my trip at Seoul.
For vegetarian traveller at Seoul is easy, many vegetarian food, so don’t worry. Out of Seoul is hard to find vegetarian food.
During my trip when I visit out of Seoul I bring my own food, bread or biscuit.

Loving Hut
There were Loving Hut at every country I ever visit and it’s tasty.
At Seoul Loving Hut had many branch but I try at Sinchon.

Address : 33-10, Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu
Web       : http://www.lovinghut.kr/kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=restaurants_kr_en&lang=_en
At the web there were food name also the price. All seems delicious.

To go Sinchon Loving Hut :
Take Subway, get off at Sinchon station, exit 2.

Just walk straight from the exit to the Sinchon Church (probably 10 minutes). Also there were bus stop in front of Loving Hut. From exit 2, take bus number 5. But I prefer walk, it’s not far.
Loving located next to Starbuck café and in front of Sinchon church.

We ordered
Jajangmyung (small size), price won 4.500 (contain with onion).

Rice Noddle Soup, price won 4.900 (contain with onion) serve with kimchi.

Soft Tofu Pot Stew, price won 5.000 (no onion) serve with kimchi.


Balwoo 2nd Branch
발우공양2호점 콩

Address :  71 Gyeonji-dong - Jongno gu
Web        : http://www.baru.or.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=eng_02

The restaurant was at 2nd floor. Locate exactly in front of Jogyesa Temple.

To reach Balwoo 2nd branch :
Take subway, get off at Angguk station exit 6.
From exit 6, there were small alley, just walk straight, then turn right, then walk straight till Insadong main street. Turn left, walk straight till Insadong Tourism Centre board, turn right, then just walk to the main street.
Balwoo just at the end of the street.

The food was pricy, it’s Korea food.
At here we order : 
Lunch Box price won 10.000 (no onion)

Mushroom rice (I forgot the name) price won 9.000 (no onion)


Oh Sae gae Hyang

Address : 14-5 Insa-dong 12-gil, Jongno-gu (종로구 인사동 12 14-512)

To go to Oh Sae Gae Hyang :
Take subway, get off at Angguk station, exit 6
From exit 6, turn to small alley, walk straight, then turn left, walk to Insadong main street. From there ask people.

Not all food pricy, it’s tasty.
We order : Bibimbap and again stew tofu (all no onion), price won 9.000. Below was picture of bibimbap set.

Other place for vegetarian I didn’t had enough time to visit:
Sticky Fingers vegan bakery - all vegan
(Shinsaege Dept store Branch)

To go there:
Take subway, get off at Hoehyon station, exit 7
A : Stinky Fingers Vegan bakery
B : Shinsaege Dept Store



Hungry Girl
554 Sinsa Dong

To go there :
Take subway, get off at Sinsa station, exit 9, then take bus number 4419, 8 stop.


Jageumseong (자금성)
(It’s not vegetarian restaurant but can serve vegetarian menu)
51-8, Myeongdong 2-ga, Jung gu, Seoul

To go there:
Take subway, get off at Myeongdong, exit 10

Other Place : http://visitkorea.or.kr/ena/CU/CU_EN_8_1_7.jsp

Visa Cina


Bikin visa yang paling gampang, paling ga bikin deg degan, santai dengan persyaratannya..... ya visa ke Cina. Ini kali ke 2 bikin visa ke Cina, tahun 2008 pernah juga, pakai travel agen, waktu itu minta bukti keuangan (soalnya waktu itu belum ada kantor konsulat di Surabaya).

Di Surabaya, sekarang sudah ada kantor kedutaan Cina (sejak tahun 2010 kalo ga salah), dekat kantor. Cuma berhubung repot ga bisa ke sana, ya pake travel agen. Pilih travel agen yang paling murah, yang selisihnya paling sedikit sama kalo ngurus sendiri.

Alamat Kantor kedutaan Cina Surabaya :
Jl. Mayjend. Soengkono No. 105 Surabaya
Telp. (031) 5675825
Fax. (031) 5674667
Jam layanan pengurusan visa : 09.00 – 11.30, kalau sesudah makan siang saya lupa jam berapa.

Lama pembuatan visa 4 hari kerja.
Biaya pembuatan visa untuk single entry :
Visa                 Rp. 300.000
Administrasi    Rp. 240.000
Total                Rp. 540.000

Naiknya banyak tahun 2008 lalu saya urus visa Cina Rp. 425.000 (kilat 2 hari selesai).
Bila visa sudah selesai dan tidak diambil, akan kena denda.

Syarat pembuatan visa :
  1. Pasport asli yang masih berlaku
  2. 1 lembar Foto 4x6 berwarna (background putih)
  3. Isi formulir (pengajuan visa)

Kalau pakai travel agen ditambah copy KTP & KSK.
Tapi ga perlu isi formulir, formulir diisikan sama travel agen.

Biaya pembuatan visa ke Cina dengan travel agen (sejauh ini – ini biaya yang paling murah) Rp. 580.000.
Selisih 40.000 sama kalau ngurus sendiri. Yah anggap aja uang bensin ambil/ngirim dokumen ke rumah sama transport ke kedutaan plus uang cape.

4 hari kemudian jadi deh visanya.
Ini web kedutaannya : http://surabaya.china-consulate.org/indo/lszj/fhqz/t368057.htm

May trip to South Korea - 3


I recollect all my memories to write down this blog. It’s been 2 month after I back from South Korea.

OK, last day at South Korea (what a short holiday). After breakfast, we check out and storage our luggage at Sinchon Hostel.

Today Destination : Gyeongbokgung Palace – Gwanghwamun Square – Nanta Show/Myeongdong – Namsan Tower

Before we went to the subway station, we take picture nearby Sinchon Hostel. There were many good spot and cute building here. There’s one hair saloon with unique building there (giant cat).

We took subway to Gyeongbokgung Palace (exit 5). Exit already inside Gwanghwamun gate. When we arrived it’s going to 10 am, and the palace already crowded. I hurry stand in front of the field (there were changing guard at 10 am – South Korea time, everyday).

At 10 am, one man (wearing Korea traditional costume) standing in front of a drum (near ticket locket) beat the drum 3 times. After that from behind the ticket locket enter 12 man (wearing Korea traditionally costume) playing traditional instrument +/- 5 minutes and line up into 2 line.

After the music stop, the man beat the drum 3 times, and the parade play music again, then there were troop with traditional costume with flag enter the field, they also line up into 2 line. After the music stop the troop follow one man (the commander) instruction to changing the line.

+/-5 minutes later the parade started play the music, then the troop went to the gate and the parade go back to behind the locket ticket.
For me the changing guard not too interesting.

After that we buy ticket, admission fee won 3.000.
The palace was not too big, too crowded, it’s similar building as I saw at Korea drama series.

Since there were too many people at main building we decide to go inside the palace. Inside the palace was more comfortable, the building was smaller compare with main building but the atmosphere more relax and quite.

Maybe there were going to held a cooking class inside, since they arrange tables, or sold food (I didn’t know). Also there were Dang Jang Geum (one of korea famous drama) giant banner, and we queue a while to take picture.

The building more feminine since the roof ornament was paint with pink and red colors (main building ornament was green color). Each building had theirs own names (all in Hanja – Chinese alphabet).
We walk cross to the garden (very small garden) till the pagoda (but it’s forbidden to enter). Under the pagoda there were Korea Traditional Museum, but I didn’t enter it. It’s free (no admission fee) to enter.

We didn’t walk till the end of this Palace, since all the building were similar (all building was forbidden to enter). So we walk back to main building from different path. To a giant building surround with pound.

Beside (or maybe in front) this building there were small cafeteria (sold merchandise, coffee and snack), also there were a hanbok (Korea traditional costume) stall for free. Just fill the form, name, country, email address, and wait for our turn.

We queue about 1 hour for this. There were 4 hanbok, pink, white (not pure white), green, and blue. The skirt was blue green color. They borrow the shoes too (light blue and brown), each can wear it for 5 minutes. So we hurry take photograph as many as we can.

Finish take pictures with hanbok, we walk outside the palace and take photograph with the guard.
Then continue to Gwanghwamun square.

Even it’s 12.30 o’clock, but we enjoyed walking toward Gwanghwamun square.
First statue was King Soejong (founder of Hangul – Korea alphabet). Then we continue to Admiral Shi statue. 
On our way there were small stall lean King costume for free. There were 2 colors, red and yellow. I got red color.
So today I took picture with 2 Korea traditional costume, and all was free, I was soooo happy J.

On our way to Admiral Shi, there were fountain music = 12.23 Fountain (City Hunter Drama Ep 1). In front the fountains there were Kyobo book store (one of 4 biggest book stores at Seoul). Since we didn’t have enough time, we skip it.

At the end of Gwanghwamun Squre, there were Yeonsu Festifal statue (held at Cheonggye Cheon – locate at the right Gwanghwamun Square). We stop to take picture for a while before continue to Myeongdong.
Actually we going to visit Cheonggye Cheon at noon (yesterday we can’t see anything since it too crowded and already night), but we didn’t had enough time, so we skip it.

We took taxi (we didn’t want to walk inside the subway station anymore) to Myeongdong (Unesco Building to watch Nanta Show), it’s only take 10 minutes, fare won 3.700.
At 13.20 we arrived at Unesco building, 2nd floor. I already inquiry by email, so I only need to show the inquiry and pay the ticket won 40.000.

There were locker (size 2 small backpacks) for free also mini cafeteria (sold snack and drinks). Also Nanta Show cartoon. We take picture before enter the theatre.

At 13.50 the theatre was open and we enter it. It was small theatre, and there were balcony (economic seat). At Seoul there were 3 theatres, Hongdae, Myeongdong, other at Jung Gu.
Seats also divide into VIP, 1st and economic. Even at economic I still can enjoy the show.

I like this show, since I already tired and my feet (my poor feet, they had to walk all along day) can get rest now.
At noon sitting inside, drink coffee latte, with air condition, hmmm…. relax and felt sleepy..

Nanta Show was recommended by many people, and now I highly recommend it too. Why?
For me this show is good – daebak – I laugh out loud till my tears drop during their performance. And the chef, how to describe – he’s kinda a little bit stress and crazy, but act cool, calm and think he was handsome guy.
Watching this show it’s like charging energy, relax, laugh, smile and satisfy.

After finished watch the show, we continue our trip to Namsan Tower. We didn’t explore Myeongdong. Myeongdong was crowded, but the merchandise was expensive, and for me it’s not too fascinated.
For me Myeongdong is similar with Ximending at Taipei, but Ximending cheaper.

We walk to Euljiro 1 subway station, took subway to Chungmuro – take exit 2, to Daehan Cinema. Actually we going to take taxi to Namsan Tower, but the Taxi driver told us, no taxi can go upstairs, only bus can go upstairs.

So, we waiting bus #2 or 5 (yellow colour). I think this is the most convenient and efficient way to go Namsan Tower.
There were 3 ways to reach Namsan Tower :
  1. By Walk (Only for healthy and athletic person).
  2. By Bus.
    • Public bus number 2 or 5, from Daehan Cinema.
    • Seoul City Tour Bus.
  3. By Cable Car.
Cable car station – 10 minutes by walk from Myeongdong Subway Exit 3,
Or ride Namsan Oreumi (elevator) to Cable car station (better option, trust me).

I Thankful to my friends, who agreed with me to take bus, not take cable car. The cable car is ok, to reach cable car needs a lot of effort, energy, and prepare foot. If I had opportunity to visit Seoul again, I still choose ride bus to go to Namsan Tower.

About 20 minutes ride bus (the view went up stair ok, many trees, but for me who already visit many hills at Indonesia, the view not too attractive) we arrived at the Tower. From Bus stop we still need to walk upstairs +/- 5 minutes. And DON’T WEAR HIGH HILLS….

Namsan Tower, had 1 gazebo and nice place to relax. Nice place for couple.
Take photograph at lock tree, and many other spot.
Then we bought Teddy Bear Museum ticket, fee won 8.000. There were café and snack store here, but we didn’t try it.

After buy ticket we went ticket booth upstairs, there’s many lock. I try to find Khuntoria Lock (big and long – as I saw at WGM), but I can’t find it. Nickhun ssi really smart to hide the lock.
Take photo with a couple ajuma and ajoessi.
View from up here not too good, Victoria Peak at Hongkong much better.
So we decide not to go to observation deck (nothing much to see).

Then we went to the museum. The museums not too big, only need 15 minutes to surround it. Out side the museum there were café and Namsan merchandise (but it’s really… really expensive).

Namsan Tower is good place for jogging, doing exercise. For sight seeing? Well, not much things Namsan Tower can offer for it.
At 6pm we took bus back to Daehan Cinema. The queue was long, and we queue for half hour. Many people going to down.

Get off at Daehan Cinema then we took subway to Insadong, take Angguk subway,  exit 6 – direction Oh Sae Gae Hyang.
Since we have buy anything yet, so we bought here. Even as people said don’t buy things at Insadong (it’s pricy) but we had no option.

I buy, socks (Lee Min Ho and Gyeongbokgung – picture for Bigbang and CNblue not too clearly), Namsan Tower/Hanbok bookmark.  The price for each won 3.000. I’m not interest with the merchandise, I didn’t know it’s because too expensive or it’s just common merchandise.

Then we walk to Oh Sae Gae Hyang – one of vegetarian food place must try. I Order bibimbap, cost won 9.000 – it’s delicious, must try. They can not speak English, but they speak Chinese.

Finished our dinner, we took taxi back to the guest house, from Insadong to Ehwa fare won 6.000.
Get our luggage, and we take subway to Incheon Int’l airport. That’s all my journey at South Korea…..


Here my expenditure for the last day : 

Expenditure (per person) :
 Won
T-Money
Reload
             10.000
Gyeongbokgung
Entrance fee
               3.000
Taxi
To Myeongdong
               1.000
Nanta Show
Ticket
             40.000
Coffee Latte
Nanta Show
               4.000
Namsan Teddy bear Museum
Entrance fee
               8.000
Dine
Oh Sae Gae Hyang
               9.000
Taxi
Insadong - Sinchon Hostel
               1.500
Total

             76.500

Rabu, 04 Juli 2012

May trip to South Korea - 2


Second day at South Korea. Today is Friday, a bright day, as the weather forecast said.
As usually, we wake up early in the morning.  After take shower, we go down stair (our room at 2nd floor).

Sinchon hostel had 2 building, not connected each other. We seperated into 2 room with different building. I stay at another one with my friends not at the main building, other stay at main building.. Registration, kitchen, at main building.

Our breakfast is noodle (we cook it), toaster bread with strawberry jam, and a cup of cereal, just a simple breakfast. After finish my breakfast, I check email from available PC.
Since we’re already at the kitchen at 7 o’clock in the morning, so nobody there, only 4 of us, like private home. And we didn’t have to queue to cook.

Today trip: Nami Island – Petite France – Jogyesa Temple – Cheonggye Cheon – Dongdaemun.

At 8 o’oclok we depart to Nami Island by subway.
Many way to reach Nami Island (in hangul : 남이섬 namisoem).
  1. The simplest way.
By bus from Insadong (Tapgol Park), Seoul - fare won 23,000 (round trip bus fare include admission fee).  (02-753-1247) - 09.30 s/d 16.00.
Book before depature day – the bus always full book.
  1. By Train.
Go to Cheongnyangni Station, take train to Gapyeong station. Fare +/- won 3.500. Then ride taxi to Nami Island.
Train Schedule (Cheongnyangni→Gangchon): 06:15 07:05 07:55 08:50 09:45 10:30 11:35 12:45 13:35 14:25 15:20 16:15 17:30 18:20 19:10 20:05 20:55 21:40 22:20
Don’t forget to pay attention with the notification, get off at Gapyeong station.
  1. By Subway.
Just take Subway to Gapyeong station. Fare +/- won 2.000 and continue with taxi to Nami Isand.

Of course we took subway. The journey take 90 minutes, exchange train at Sangbong station. But we get off at Wangsimpri station first, we had to change train here. And walk to exit 4 toward to wangsimni square. Wangsimni train station was here, exit 4.

Why we had to go there (wangsimni square)?
Because I’m gonna take photograph with angels wing, as I saw at Suju KRY MV  “FLY”. The MV was made at here.
Address : Wangsimni-ro-20-gil (왕십리로20)

But the picture already change. At the MV there were 3 angel wings, but now there were only one. Even the painting was great, compare with angels wing at the MV, I still prefer the wings at the MV, because it’s show many side of the wings.

After that we continue our journey, back to subway station. Take subway to Gapyeong station.

Arrived at Gapyeong station. How to go Nami Island from here, there were 2 ways :
  1. Simplest one : take taxi – fare +/- won 3.000 (max).
  2. The other: by Gapyeong City Tour Bus – fare won 5.000, but you can go to many destination, only with one tickets. Buy ticket on the bus (with the bus driver).
Gapyeong City Tour Bus route : Cheongpyeong station – Cheongpyeong terminal - Petite France – Nami Island – Gapyeong station – Gapyeong terminal.
      3.    By Local Bus – Number can be found at bus stop – fare won 1.000

I planned to take Gapyeong City Tour bus (since we’re going to visit Petite France too) – but when we arrived there, it’s already 10 pm, the bus already left, last bus is 09.15 and the next bus is 12.15. So we take taxi – fare won 2.700 (+/- 7 minutes).

Arrived at Nami island tourist information, we bought ticket won 8.000 (include round trip ferry) +/- 15 minutes.
There’s another way get in Nami Island with out ride ferry. By Nami Skyline Zip Wire, cost won 38.000, round trip include admission. Only take 5 minutes. http://www.ziprider.com/rides/nami-island/
It’s too expensive for us, so we get in by ferry.

Last night I watch WGM – Dimple couple – Teukso (one of variety show at SBS TV) Ep 24. They went to Nami Island with Skyline Zipwire. First, they go upstair with elevator, then made registration. There were only 2 line upstair (side by side), they sat on the “chair” with leg bend at “the door”, and the officer help them tight “the rope”.  After they ready, the officer open “the door” with button.

Beside the Nami Skyline Zipwire, there were Bungge jumping. When I pass it, there was a man prepare to jump. I have no information about the bungee jumping.
Back to our trip. There were many people already queue at the warf, most of them was tour tourism.
Here is the ferry schedule :
to Namiseom Island: 07:30/08:00/08:40-18:00 (Every 15-20 minutes / On weekends and holidays, every 10-15 minutes) /18:30/19:00/19:30/20:00/20:30/21:00/21:30
From Namiseom Island: 07:35/08:05/08:40-18:00 (Every 15-20 minutes / On weekends and holidays, every 10-15 minutes) /18:35/19:05/19:35/20:05/20:35/21:05/21:35

The ferry was small, many flag from many countries, not chair inside. So we decide to go to the deck. But there were already many people there, not too convenient. Nothing much to see, and for me cross to Samosir Lake from Prapat – North Sumatra, Indonesia was much much better, with beautiful sky, beautiful scenery.

Nami Island site : http://www.namisum.com/
Opening hour : 08.00 – 21.00

Arrived at Nami Island, we were welcome by welcome gate and 3 officer wearing Hanbok. Many people take photograph here, of course we’ve got to queue.
As we walk inside many small statue in front, there were snack store (but not Naminara special snack, just common snack). Also there were toilet there, so I went to toilet first. Actually there were toilet inside, near the restaurant, but deep inside the island there were no toilet.

First things to do : rent bike.
As we walk to rental bike, we cross many good spot to take photograph. Get in Naminara early in the morning is the best time, since at noon it will be crowded.

We rent bike for 1 hour, cost won 5.000 (half hour won 3.000, 2  hour won 10.000, etc) . We choose single rider, there were double rider bike too.
To rent bike, we had to leave our ID card behind. Just for guarantee we’ll return the bike. And there were late charge won 1.000 (every 10 minutes) if we were not on time return it.

So our adventure begin. As my personal opinion, Naminara view wasn’t good enough. One place I like the most is Winter Sonata pinus tree, and Naminara was good place to picnic. So don’t forget to brought some meals while visit it.


At noon we start to eat, we bring our own food. Choose one table (available many table there) and start to eat, while other peolple staring at us. And they said, “oh... they had lunch...”. Many people picnic here (I guest it was local people, since they brought mat).

After finish our simple meals, we decided to end our journey at Naminara. At 13.00 we leave naminara, at 13.00 the ferry already stand by at the warf.
After back to naminara Imigration, we go to minimarket, the were Naminara merchandise, such key change, wallet, towel, bag, for me not too cute.

I ask direction with the officer how to get bus from Nami Island to Petite France, and she said that we already miss the bus, the bus (Gapyeong City Tour Bus) already leave at 12.30, she advise to take cabs, fare won 40.000 – journey +/- 35 minutes.
To go Petite France with bus, just go to Family mart (pink building), the bus stop at there.

So we went to Family mart, buy some water and snack, and I decide to ride taxi back to Gapyeong station. From Gapyeong station we take subway to Cheongpyeong station (2 stop).

Arrived at Cheongpyeong station, I ask the officer for nearest Cheongpyeong bus stop. But the officer can’t spoke English.

Annyeonghaseyo, yeongeo (read : yong o) hal jul aseyo?”
안녕하세요, 영어 아세?
“Hallo, do you speak English?”

As the officer went to the office to ask other officer to help, suddenly there was a kind ajoessi help, “ May I help you?” Then I ask direction to go to Cheongpyeong bus stop.
And you know what, the bus stop was far away from the station. To go there, we had to walk to main street, then go straight till first turn, turn right, then walk straight, then turn left, then just walk till you find the bus stop. Ajoessi said, it was far away, I said thank you to him then back to my friends.

I don’t think I gonna walk that far, I told my friends to ride taxi. When we walk to exit from the station, suddenly ajoessi offering a ride to Petite France. I was kinda surprise, there was a nice person offering a ride to Petite France.
Omo.... God must know that all of us already tired, so send a kind person to us. Thank you God, I love you so much.....

Direction to Petite France, from Cheongpyeong bus stop fare won 1.200, by cabs to Petite France fare won 16.000.
Do you want to know why ajoessi want to give an offered to me?
He said that my English is good, and he told me that I was brave – travelling to country that I didn’t know the language. Oh, what a lucky me. So learn language.... even my chinese language can be used here.
Also he surprise that a tourist know about Petite France. Petite France not too famous.

Along the way to Petite France, we cross a dam (dry dam – no water), similar with I saw at Running Man. I think Running Man (one of Korean TV Variety Show), become my guide traveling to South Korea. The street was winding, and the scenery was beautiful.

With car it takes 20 minutes to reach Petite France.
We say thank you to ajoessi.

“neomu gamsahamnida
너무 감사합니다
Thank you very much

“annyeonghigyeseyo”
안녕히 계세요
Good bye

“mannaseo bangapseumnida
만나서 반갑습니다!
Nice to meet you

Petite France became famous because of Korea Drama Series “Beethoven virus”, “Secret Graden”, but what made me want to visit it because of “Runnning Man – ep 40”, guest star 2PM, Nihckun and Taecyeon.

Petite France admission fee won 8.000
Opening hour : 09.00 – 18.00
Location : Cheongpyeong-myeon Goseong-ri 616, Gyeonggi-do Gapyeong-gun

I also ask bus schedule and bus stop at petite France to Cheongpyeong station.
Here is bus schedule :
14.50 (won 1.200), 15.50 (won 5.000 –Gapyeong city tour bus), 16.50 (won 1.200).

It’s a small France village, just take your time, try korean snack. Also there were stamp hide inside the room, if I can collect 10 stamp, it can be exchange with Petite France merchandise. But I only had 2 stamp, since I’m lazy to find it.


I like this place, not too crowded, nice place, nice view, just relax and enjoy it. At 16.00 o’clock there were classic performance at Amphetite theater, about +/- 15 minutes.


At 16.50 we went to bus stop back to Cheongpyeong station. There were direction inside the bus (English alphabet), and the last stop is Gapyeong, but I wanna get off at Cheongpyeong bus stop so I had to listen carefully for the notification.

How to ride bus at South Korea, when get in the bus, tap the card beside the bus driver. When going to get off, before the station, stand beside the door, and tap the card, so when the bus stop, we directly get off.

We get off at Cheongpyeong bus stop and wanna reach Cheongpyeong station with taxi. But no empty taxi there. So I went to a store, to ask direction.
But unfortunately, the shopkeeper is a couple of haraboeji and halmeoni, which can’t spoke English. Aigoo....

So I try to speak korean :
“Choneun Cheongpeyong station ga.....”
Means : I want to go to Cheongpyong station..
But my sentence wasn’t complete (Korea Grammar : Subject + Object + Predicate, but the predicate had particle) – luckly halmeoni understand what I want, she said :
aegi, noneun Cheongpeyong station gasipseoyo”
ne”

Then haraboeji said no taxi here, I’ve got to made a phone call to ride taxi. Even I didn’t know korean language, but I understand what they said.

Halmeoni said : “Teksi number opssoyo?”
“opssossoyo”

Haraboeji directly made a phone call to order taxi and tell them my destination.
Oh, what a lucky day – by the way to day is brithdays, such a nice gift from people I didn’t know.
I was so happy and say thank you in many language, Korea, English, China hehehe....

Haraboeji told me it’s only take 1 minutes, and he told me to wait in front of the store. I didn’t knew korea language, what I know is il fun = 1 minute.

1 minutes after that, a taxi came, and the drive was good looking oppa. I say nothing just get in and he drove to Cheongpyeong station, fare won. 3.900.
The driver was polite, when we get off, he say “annyeonghaseyo”, and I reply “ne, annyeonghaseyo”.

So we take subway back to Seoul, get off at Angguk station – exit 6.
Destination : Dinner - Balwoo 2nd branch.

From exit 6, I turn left (small alley), walk straight, then turn left to main street at Insandong, turn right, then walk till I saw Insadong Tourism Information Center, turn left, just walk till the end of the street, Balwoo 2nd branch at the corner of the street.
Infront of Balwoo is Jogyesa Temple.

Balwoo 2nd branch (Vegan) was one recommend place to eat, but the menu was expensive. I order mushroom rice menu – cost won. 9.000. Taste not too good, all type mushroom was at my plate. My friend order a set of complete meals cost won 10.000 (seems like it was korean traditional menu). The other eat at different place (they eat bulgogi – meat).
At here I taste kimchi, and I didn’t like it.

After finish our meals, we just cross the street to Jogyesa temple. Since we visit Seoul at May – there were lanterns festival held on May every year, this year they held tomorrow – Saturday May 19, 2012.
So the temple was full lanterns hang above. Since it’s already night, the light was turn on, it was beautiful. Not only at the temple, along Insadong street, main street at Seoul was hang with lantern.




Jogyesa temple not too big. It’s only one main building. Inside the Building, there were 3 giant Budha statue – like Sakyamuni Budha. Some peolpe pray, not using dupa, I only had short visit at here.


After that we continue to next destination : Cheonggye Cheon
To go there, we cross the street then walk to the left to bus stop. Bus number : 9710 – red colour. Only 1 stop, get off at Cheonggye Plaza.


From Insadong to Cheonggye Cheon, the bus cross Gwanghwamun Gate – the gate was beautiful at night, and Gwanghwamun Square – King Sejong statue and Admiral Shi statue also fountain at Gwanghwamun square was beautiful at night too.

From bus stop, cross the street, go down stair, there were Cheonggye Cheon.
Cheonggye Cheon at night was beautiful, many lantern and 12 china zodiak (with lamp) along the river.
And there were bazaar tomorrow at Cheonggye Cheon, so it’s crowded and cold. And the artist already testing the stage. She sing traditional song, as I herad at Heartstring Drama series.
I think best time to visit Cheonggye Cheon is 18.30 (South korea time).

Since it’s crowded we can’t sit there and it was cold, so after we finish take photograph here, we moved to next destination – Dongdaemun Market. It’s already 21.00 pm.

One mistake I made here. We suppose to go Dongdaemun by taxi, of course it can be reach by subway, but it wasting a lot of time for walk inside the station. And Dongdaemun market was far away from the subway station.

From the exit we just walk, till we saw Dongdemun gate, and take picture at here. Then visit to Daiso, all price is Won. 1.000/2.000/3.000. At here I buy Manicure set won 1.000, Spon and chopstick set won 2.000.


The I ask direction with the pedestrian, she said that it still far, we need to walk just go straight. I better take taxi to here. It’s really really far. And before it we went to wrong place, it’s seem grocery place.

We walk till front of Doota, many pedestrian food there, and many local people gathering there. It’s crowded, but we already tired, and it’s aleady 23.45, we decide to go back to hostel. And no taxi infront of Doota, we’ve got to stop taxi at the street. And It’s really hard to find it, since many people stop taxi at the street too.

The driver charge us won 25.000 to Sinchon hostel. I know it was far, but the fare was too expensive, and since it’s already late night, and the driver know we’re not local peolple. My friends all already tired, so we take that taxi.

The taxi driver was young, but not polite at all.
Suggestion from me, take taxi with driver is ajoessi, better and save.

Here my expenditure for the second day :

Expenditure (per person) :
 Won
T-Money
Reload
              10.000
Taxi
Gapyeong - Nami Island
                  675
Nami Island
Entrance fee
               8.000
Rent Bike

               5.000
Taxi
Nami Island - Gapyeong
                  750
Petite France
Entrance fee
               8.000
Taxi
Choengpyeong station
                  900
Dine
Balwoo 2nd branch
               9.000
Taxi
Dongdaemun - Sinchon Hostel
               6.250
Total

              48.575