Taejongdae Recreation Area of Busan, South Korea

Date Visited: 21 March 2014

There are plenty of things to do and see in Busan but because we only spent 3 days and 2 nights, it's impossible to cover all with only limited of time given. Right after we spent our wonderful times in Gamcheon Culture Village, we proceeded to Taejongdae which is well-known for its rocky cliff overlooking magnificent deep blue sea.

As Taejongdae Recreation Area is situated at the southern-most tip of Yeongdo-gu island, it took almost an hour bus ride from Busan Subway Station. It might seems long ride but all along the journey, I was pretty fascinating with all the scenery and without we realised, finally we reached - the final and last bus stop. From the bus stop itself, a short walk before reaching Taejongdae and in case worry of getting lost, no worry cause it's easy to spot with many tourists and travellers outside the main entrance.

#1: Danubi Train Ride tickets 

Admission to Taejongdae is free of charge but I personally would recommend to take the Danubi Train ride which cost 1,500 won for adult and 600 won for children, if you are lazy to walk. It stops at 5 main attractions:

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Ayubowan Sri Lanka (2016)

"Once a year, go somewhere you've never been before" 

And so I did. I just came back from Sri Lanka, my third South Asia country, after Nepal and Bhutan. 

Originally it supposed to be another gathering trip with a group of friends which we had been travelled together to Cambodia, Myanmar and Nepal but because majority of them have their own plan and tight schedule, at the end only me and another of my girlfriend went ahead with our plan to Sri Lanka.

#1: Kandy, large city in central of Sri Lanka. It's our favourite city in Sri Lanka

Throughout our 8 days and 7 nights trip, both my friend and I didn't hire any driver like most travellers did. We took and experienced almost all the possible public transportation, such as taking the public buses from one city to another city which took 3-4 bus ride, notable scenic train rides, mini van and not forgeting, well-known tuk-tuk.

#2: Managed to climb up Sigiriya Lion Rock, a rock fortress which has approximately of 1,200 staircases

#3: Nuwara Eliya, the Little England of Sri Lanka. This photo is took in front one of the main attractions, the red bricks Post Office. 

#4: Scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella 

#5: Sri Lankan crabs with Spicy Ceylon Speciality Sauce. The sauce itself is simply irresistible. A bowl of this cost less than RM25.

Throughout our trip, we encountered the power shortages problem frequently, in order word the entire area of Sri Lanka constantly blackout, including the airport as well. What an unlucky week when we were there!

However the more we explore the local transport, the more we tend to blend ourselves with the local easily, I can conclude that besides the Japanese, the Sri Lankan are probably the most friendly and helpful local I came across. They keep giving up their seats to us, whether on bus or trains. How thoughtful they were! I guess this is the beauty of travel independently.

#6: The friendly, thoughtful and helpful Sri Lankan

#7: Both of us have been bitten by travel bugs. Now looking forward for another trip. 

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2015 Tokyo Trip With Family (8D7N Itinerary)

DAY 1: Kota Kinabalu to Tokyo 

• Flying with Malaysia Airlines to Tokyo, Japan. 
• Touchdown at Narita International Airport from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. 
• Taking N'EX (Narita Express) from the airport heading to Tokyo city center.
• Exploring around Akihabara district, known as the Electric Town of of Tokyo.

Malaysia Airlines - Our breakfast before reaching Tokyo

Taking N'EX (Narita Express) from the Narita Tokyo airport to the city center.

Our first dinner in Tokyo before start to explore around.

Akihabara, the Electric Town of of Tokyo.

DAY 2: Tokyo 

• Start our day by visiting Shibuya - taking photos with the iconic Hachiko statue, buying our Tokyo Disney tickets at the Disney store
• Lunch for Tonkotsu Ramen at Ichiran Shibuya  
• Continue to Harajuku where it's famous with vintage clothing stores and cosplay shops along the Takeshita Street. Plenty of dessert shops to try especially the sweet crepes.
• Leisurely stroll at Ikebukuro and dinner Coco Ichiban

Our breakfast nearby our hotel

Bought 1 Day Tokunai Pass

Shibuya - a-go-to spot for entertainment, shopping, fashion and restaurants. 

We got our Tokyo Disneyland tickets on third floor of Disney Store in Shibuya 

My first time of having Ichiran Ramen and what can I say, it's indeed oishi! 

When in Harajuku, must try their sweet crepes.

Had Coco Ichiban for dinner in Ikebukuro. 

DAY 3: Tokyo 

• Spending half day in Odaiba for a life-size Gundam statue in front of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
• End our night at Tokyo Tower

DAY 4: Yokohama  

• Day trip to Yokohama from Tokyo (less than an hour train ride) 
• Visited Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse and Yokohama Chinatown 
• Went Nakano Broadway because my brothers want to go to this place but then I found 8 layers of ice-cream there. 

DAY 5: Tokyo Disneyland  

• Fun and enjoyable day at Tokyo Disneyland. We spent whole day here, from morning to evening just to witness the firework. 
• We got our tickets from Disney Store in Shibuya so that we don't have to be in the long queue when arriving Tokyo Disney Resort. 

DAY 6: Hakone 

• Day trip to Hakone for Mount Fuji but unfortunately, it wasn't fruitful one due to the adverse weather. 
• We bought 2-Day Hakone Free Pass at Shinjuku Station. You can purchase this pass at Odakyu station.  

DAY 7: Tokyo 

• Final shopping and strolling day at Asakusa.
• Must visit in Asakusa is Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. 

DAY 8: Tokyo to Kota Kinabalu 

• It's time to say sayonara to Tokyo.
• We took N'EX (Narita Express) heading to Narita International Airport. 

OUR HOTEL IN TOKYO 

Throughout our 8 days and 7 nights trip in Tokyo, my family and I stayed at the same hotel - Smile Hotel Asagaya. 

Smile Hotel Asagaya is conveniently sits adjoining to JR Asagaya Station. This is my family's favourite hotel in Tokyo because not just that there's a Starbucks, McD and plenty of eateries nearby but there is a 24 hours department store within the walking distance from the hotel. 

The only downside of this hotel is that the nearest metro station (Minami-Asagaya) takes approximately 10 minutes walk from the hotel, which my family members consider it's slightly far for them. 

Date Stayed: 4th July - 11th July 2015 (7 nights)
Room Rate Per Night: RM280 per night for a twin bedroom.
Nearest Station: JR Asagaya Station

MY SHOPPING HAUL 

It's really hard to leave Japan with empty handed. Everything is so cute and fascinating. Japan makes me want to buy everything I see but I need to behave myself, or else my wallet will be bleeding badly. 

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