Showing posts with label #2017. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #2017. Show all posts
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Tokyo Airports; Narita & Haneda And Best Option To Get To Downtown Tokyo


Apparently Tokyo has two main international airports; Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). Almost all international flights will arrive at Narita, except AirAsia and ANA (All Nippon Airways) which are currently flying to both Narita and Haneda. So which airport is better? 

Many visitors mistakenly thought that Narita is within Tokyo city but the truth is, Narita is actually nearly 70km away northeast of Tokyo whereas the closest to the city is literally Haneda. So far, I only been to Haneda Airport once cause most of the times, I arrived at Narita International Airport since I flew with Malaysia Airlines.    

NARITA AIRPORT TO DOWNTOWN TOKYO
Narita International Airport Terminal 2

Now, let's us start with Narita first since I more familiar with this airport rather than Haneda. Before deciding which is the best option to get to Tokyo from Narita, you should take these three factors into consideration; easiest, fastest and cheapest. 

1) Easiest and Convenient Options
Airport Limousine Bus is the easiest and hassle-free way to reach almost all major destinations within Tokyo and surprisingly, Yokohama too. For a single trip costs ¥3,200 (adult) and ¥1,600 (child), the buses drop-off at train stations and major hotels in each area, making this a very fine-tuned and breeze service. Depending on your destinations, it takes roughly around 75-125 minutes to travel from Narita Airport. You can reserve your ticket for Airport Limousine Bus from the official website (here). Alternatively, you get from Klook, my most favourite travel platform.

Airport Limousine Bus Check-In Baggage Rules:
Each passenger can only check-in baggage for up to 2 pieces in the baggage compartment.

Tokyo Airport Limousine Bus

2) Fastest Transfer (Two Options)
  • Skyliner under Kensei Electric Railway - 36 minutes to Nippori Station and 41 minutes to Ueno Station. One way ticket costs ¥2,470; or
  • Narita Express under JR East Company - Reach Tokyo Station under 55 minutes and also stops at other major stations such as Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yokohama. A single trip costs ¥3,190 but if you bought the N'EX Tokyo Round Trip, the fare would be ¥4,000 for both return trip. Even more worth the value. 
  • Both of these two train stations situated on the basement floor of Terminal 1 and 2. As for Terminal 3, you need to walk to Airport Terminal 2 (the closest one) on foot for about 15 minutes, or catch the free shuttle bus which takes about 5 minutes. 
Tokyo Keisei Skyliner

Tokyo Narita Express

3) Cheapest and Economical Transfer
  • Airport Shuttle Bus - One way costs ¥1,000 (¥900 for advance booking from Tokyo Station and ¥2,000 for late night departure) heading to Tokyo Station and Ginza area. 
  • The Access Narita Bus - A single bus ride to Tokyo Station costs ¥1,000 (¥2,000 for late night fares).  
  • Kensei Limited Express/Access Tokkyu - The Access Express train will bring you to Oshiage Station under 47 minutes for the costs of ¥1,170 or to Nihombashi Station within an hour for a fare of ¥1,330. Another one, express train will can get you to Nippori Station (66 minutes for ¥1,030) or Ueno Station (70 minutes, ¥1,300) from Narita Airport. 
Access Narita Bus
Tokyo Narita & Haneda Airport to Tokyo Main Locations
If you want further info and details about Narita Airport to Tokyo, you can refer to this post. I summarise my post from there.

HANEDA AIRPORT TO DOWNTOWN TOKYO
Haneda International Airport

Like I mentioned earlier, I have been to Haneda Airport only once. And what comes to my horror is that my flight was delayed and thus, I landed at Haneda almost reaching to midnight. So if you are planning to fly with AirAsia to Haneda, always make sure to come out with backup plan - what if the flight is delayed?

If your flight arrive Haneda Airport on time, you can easily take the Tokyo Monorail running to Hamamatsucho Station for ¥470, and from there you can connect to almost anywhere in Tokyo under the JR Yamanote Line. The ride is about 20 minutes from the airport and the last train is around 11.30pm. Although the monorail is not under JR line, but it is fully covered with either Japan Rail Pass, JR Tokyo Wide Pass and JR East Rail Pass.

The other option is by catching the private Keikyu train line which runs to northeast of Shinagawa Station (15 minutes for ¥410). Some Keikyu trains from the Haneda Airport continue on to the Toei Asakusa Line to Nihonbashi and Asakusa Station. However, JR Passes are not valid for Keikyu trains.

Last option in the case where your flight is delayed and didn't manage to catch any of the trains above, Airport Limousine Bus is your final resort. Thankfully, it's not that expensive and time-consuming comparing taking from Narita Airport as Haneda is considerably closer to central Tokyo. The bus fares are vary according to your destinations, from ¥620 to ¥2,000. The first bus starts around 4.30am and the last bus will be around 2am.

Haneda Airport International Limousine Airport Bus

TRANSFER BETWEEN NARITA & HANEDA AIRPORT
Only two options are available at this moment:
1) Airport Rapid Express trains on the Keikyu Line. The cheapest way to travel between Narita and Haneda Airport for the fare of ¥1,760 within 90 minutes.
2) Limousine Bus. Although it is quite pricey for the costs of ¥3,200 one-way, but it operates more frequently than the train.

Wondering why I never talk about taking the taxi? Cause it's only cater for the crazy rich people. Taking taxi in Japan will cost you rather a lot of yen. For a ride less than 10-minutes, the fare is roughly around ¥1,000 (approx. to RM40). Imagine the distance from Narita Airport to Tokyo is about 70km away whereas for Haneda Airport is about 30km ride, I bet that even hasn't start your trip yet, you have already burned such a big hole in your wallet.


Other Posts Of Tokyo:
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Tokyo - 1 Japanese Inn, 1 Capsules, 1 Hostel, 1 AirBnB & 5 Hotels I Stayed Before

What a long title. Plan to simplify it but it seems like plain boring. 

Searching for accommodations can be pretty tedious, especially when Tokyo has been labelled to be one of the most expensive cities and to keep within budget it's not an easy task. For this scenario, I always set a price range between RM200-300 per night for a hotel room of two. Before one proceed to book any sleeping accommodations, here are few tips I would like to share:
  • Get to know the area you plan to stay cause Tokyo's main attractions are scattered around. Much of the Tokyo's budget stay including hostels can be found in the Taito area, especially Asakusa and Ueno. Taito area is not a bad idea to save your cost but bear in mind, in order to get to more popular areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku might takes 40 minutes to an hour by train. 
  • The most cheapest option of course would be the capsule hotels but do take note, majority of them cater for male guest only. There are few can accommodate for female guests but quite limited. 
  • Search for more affordable local chain hotels like APA, Sunroute, Smile, Tokyu Stay, Toyoko Inn and more. The rooms are usually tiny and cramped, but most of them are conveniently situated near to stations. 

That's all for my sharing. Now it's time to check out the kind of sleeping accommodations I stayed before. To date, I've stayed and experienced 9 different type of sleeping accommodations throughout my 6 trips to Tokyo. And normally I don't book the same accommodation when going back to the same country/city, unless that particular stay creates the best, a pleasant and unforgettable one.
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Summary of My 9D8N Australia Melbourne & Sydney (2017) Travel Expenses & Travelogues

At last, I managed to complete another of my backlog travelogue - Australia (2017): Melbourne & Sydney.  I know it took me more than a year to blog about this but then, it's better late than nothing, right. 


MY TRAVEL EXPENSES
For this round, I began with sharing my travel expenses breakdown first. For your information, this is my favourite part to share. Once an accountant, always an accountant. I can conclude that almost everything within our budget; like I budget our stay for RM150 and below per night, food allocation RM100 per day but however, there's one thing for sure which it's hard for me to control is spending for shopping. I tend to buy more supplements and vitamins compare to my previous trips to Australia.

PARTICULARS
AMOUNT
AU$
RM
Airfares
KUL – Melbourne via AirAsia
Sydney – KUL via AirAsia
Add: Luggage
Melbourne – Sydney via Jetstar

Accommodation
Arrow on Swanston (Melbourne) – 3 nights
Carisbrook Cottage  – 1 night
Lido Suites Hotel (Sydney) – 4 nights

Melbourne Car Rental
Apex Car Rental
Fuel & parking
Searoad Ferries

Transportation Within City
Taxi & Uber around Melbourne
Myki Melbourne
Taxi around Sydney
Opal Card Sydney

Admission Fees
Puffing Billy
Scenic World
Featherdale Wildlife Park
Koala Encounter

Food & Beverages
Melbourne
Sydney

Others
Australia ETA Visa
Optus Sim Card
3S - Souvenirs, supplements & snacks

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-


-
-
24.25


-
16.00
-
40.00


54.00
39.00
31.00
20.00


170.00
100.00


-
20.00
354.00


301
523
192
347


410
132
528


78
68
80


130
52
102
130


176
128
102
65


555
327


25
65
1,155
TOTAL (RM)
5,671
Exchange Rate:
AUD1 = RM3.26 as at September 2017

MY TRAVEL HAUL
As for the things I bought throughout my trip:

2017 Australia Travel Haul 1
#1: Chocolates, biscuits, coffee, tea and more food

2017 Australia Travel Haul 2
#2: Perfumes, supplements and vitamins

2017 Australia Travel Haul 3
#3: Caps and tissue holder from Paddy's Market of Sydney and as for hoodie, it bought from Queen Victoria Market of Melbourne. 

2017 Australia Travel Haul 4
#4: Sweater and body lotion from Big Q department store

SUMMARY OF MY TRAVELOGUE 

Day 1: 20th May 2017
Touched down Melbourne Tullmarine Airport and wandered around Melbourne city

Day 2: 21st May 2017
Puffing Billy

Day 3: 22nd May 2017
Road trip to Great Ocean Road

Day 4: 23rd May 2017
Continue to Mornington Peninsula

Day 5: 24th May 2017
Leaving Melbourne to Sydney 

Day 6: 25th May 2017
Blue Mountains - The Three Sisters & Scenic World

Day 7: 26th May 2017

Day 8: 27th May 2017
Featherdale Wildlife Park

Day 9: 28th May 2017
Leaving Australia

Extra Post:

2017 Australia Sydney Opal Card
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2017 Australia: Vivid Sydney Festival

What's the main reason behind causing me to visit Sydney for the third time? 
Simple - it's all because of Vivid Sydney Festival. It's Australia's largest event held annually which involving lights, music, colours and ideas. As the sun sets beyond the horizon, the whole city of Sydney gets drenched in colourful light installations and projections for more than three weeks between end of May to early of June. 

2017 Vivid Sydney Cover

That's explain why I purposely booked my ticket to visit Australia end of May last year solely to witness myself of this creative and most-awaited lighting festivals. Finally another thing checked off from my bucket list. 
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2017 Australia: Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney

If you are planning to visit Sydney and intending to get up close and personal with Australian wildlife, there are few choices to cater your need and preference such as Taronga Zoo, Wild Life Sydney and Featherdale Wildlife Park. After read through all the comments and feedbacks, I decided to go ahead with my choice - visit Featherdale Wildlike Park. 

Sydney Featherdale Wildlife Park 01
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2017 Australia: From Melbourne to Sydney & Places of Interest in Sydney

Day 1: Landed Melbourne and wandered around Melbourne CBD
Day 2: Riding on the Puffing Billy train 
Day 3: Road-tripping to Great Ocean Road
Day 4: Continue road trip to Mornington Peninsula and return to Melbourne CBD

As for the day 5, right after we had our breakfast in Naughty Boy Cafe, we went back to our apartment in order to pack and get ready to the airport. It's time to hit Sydney, again! Yes, again for the third time. They said the third time is the charm and I'm absolutely agreed on this. Why? I will share more on the next few blog post. 

FROM MELBOURNE TO SYDNEY 
Once again, we hired taxi straight to the airport from our apartment since each of us was carrying huge luggage with us. In case you are not pressed by time, you can consider to travel from Melbourne to Sydney via road by self-drive which takes about 8 to 9 hours, or even by train where the travelling time is around 12 hours. Due to limited of time, my friends and I can only opted to travel via plane. There are four airlines provide services from Melbourne to Sydney directly; Jetstar, Tigerair, Virgin Australia and Qantas. So far, I found Jetstar offers the cheaper deal and we got AU$97 for one way trip from Melbourne to Sydney, including 20kg of baggage allowance.

2017 Australia Melbourne to Sydney Via Jetstar
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2017 Australia - Desserts & Cafes in Melbourne


You know what? A trip with a group of ladies is incomplete without having desserts and cafes hopping. When my girlfriends and I were in Melbourne for four days, we managed to visit at least two lifestyle cafes and even ended our day with desserts right after having satisfying dinner. There's always a room for desserts, like they said! 
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2017 Australia - Road Trip to Great Ocean Road & Mornington Peninsula

On the first day touched down in Melbourne Tullmarine Airport, we wandered around the city and visited places like Queen Victoria Market, State Library of Victoria, Flinders Street Railway Station and ended our night by admiring the graffiti art in Hosier Lane.

As for the second day, we took ride on Puffing Billy - the oldest stream train in Australia and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. It was my second time on this train ride and because I blogged about this before, there's no point for me to do it again. You can check out my old post on Puffing Billy, Australia's Favourite Stream Train (here).

Third day, we went breakfast at a cafe which I will blog soon and went back to Arrow on Swanston for check-out. We left our huge luggages and just carried our light and small backpacks. Why? Cause we're heading for road trip - that's the main highlight of my Australia trip. I always wanna do self-drive road trip around Australia cause it's one of my bucket list. Previously when I went Melbourne alone, I signed up local tour operator for Great Ocean Road and Mornington Peninsula trip but I don't feel the excitement and fun during the trip. 

Cut the story short and now let me share which car hire service we booked from. I ended up with Apex Car Rentals Australia mainly for one reason - cheap. In Melbourne, they have two branches; airport and city center along Spencer Street. We went the latter one to pick up our car by taking Uber from our apartment. Only those persons named as authorised drivers are allowed to drive - hence, it's best to remind your friends or family members to bring along passport and valid driving license if you need more than one driver. The minimum age for drivers is 21 years old. Unlike Japan, you don't have to apply International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive around Australia. 

Right after checking the car, start the engine and prepare ourselves for another road adventures!

2017 Australia Melbourne Day 3 Road Trip to Great Ocean Road 01
#1: We rented Hyundai Elantra - compact and comfortable for the four of us. Bear in mind, we don't have huge luggages with us as we placed in the apartment we stayed earlier. 
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2017 Australia - Revisit Melbourne For The Second Time

Last year, I got the chance to visit three of my favourite countries and one of them is Australia. At first, I plan to include Tasmania as part of my itinerary but at the end, I have to scrap this out due to time constraint. How I wish I could have a longer holiday? That's why, I stick with Melbourne and Sydney cause three of my friends who join along for this trip have never been to any of these two cities before. 

2017 Australia Melbourne Day 1 Melbourne Tullamarine Airport
#1: Hello Melbourne for the second time

We touched down Melbourne Tullamarine Airport early in the morning. I'm not sure why but somehow I felt like Melbourne doesn't welcome me. Not just once but this is the second time I couldn't get through the immigration clearance smoothly. I was being asked sort of questions by the immigration officer but luckily I always well-prepared with itinerary as I planned everything for this whole trip.  
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2017 Rainforest World Music Festival

To be honest, I never ever like to attend any events or festivals lately cause I dislike surrounded by large crowds. Not until one of my BFF suggested to have our first ever girl trip by attending the Rainforest World Musical Festival which held in Kuching, Sarawak - it's hard for me to say "No" when it comes to trip with my beloved friends. 

#RWMF2017

The Rainforest World Music Festival is a three-day internationally renowned world music festival held annually by the Sarawak Tourism Board. This event is takes place at the Sarawak Cultural Village, situated at the foothills of the legendary Mount Santubong. This festival has been running for exactly 20 years and I can't believe this is my first time attending one of Sarawak's biggest event when I, myself have been to Kuching like for almost hundred times (I'm both Sabahan and Sarawakian by the way).
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Otaru, My Favourite Spot in Hokkaido

I've been to Hokkaido twice.
The first time I went was during end of winter and the second one, during the autumn a year later. 
Both seasons have their own distinctive sense of beauty and charm, therefore it's hard for me to justify which is the best season to visit Hokkaido.

Among few of the top destinations I went in Hokkaido, Otaru has always been my favourite spot.
Twice I went to Hokkaido, twice I went to Otaru as well. Hence I decided to combine and simplify my two visits into a single post instead.  





HOW TO GET TO OTARU FROM SAPPORO STATION
Otaru is situated on the northwest of Sapporo and it takes 30 minutes by rapid train or 45 minutes by local train along JR Hakodate Main Line. The first train leaves as early around 6am and the last train is at 10pm. Hence, it's possible just to do a day trip without considering to stay one more night, unless you feel like want to. 
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Summary of My Solo Trip To Europe & Travel Expenses

A quite number of friends and blog readers of mine actually requested for my Europe trip itinerary. Let me be clear here. It's not that I'm not willing to share but because for this time around, I wrote it down instead of typing in the computer. Yes, a handwritten itinerary like the old-school time. 

2017 Europe Itinerary

Besides referring to the Lonely Planet and few travel books I got from the previous MATTA Fair which held in Kuala Lumpur, most of the times I was fully relied on the sim card I bought from Taobao (my friend helped me to purchase it cause I can't read Chinese. Yes, I'm a banana) 

Lonely Planet Europe

In case you unable to purchase from Taobao, don't worry cause I found Malaysia's online site that selling travel sim card - Hello1010 (check out their site here). Of course the price would be slightly higher comparing to Taobao but I can't find any better online store than this one. Why I don't use pocket WiFi? Let me do a simple calculation. The cheapest rental rate per day is RM28 and because I will be travelling for 18 days, the total I have to bear all by myself is RM504. One of the downside of travelling alone - no one to share the cost with. 

Hello1010 Travel Sim Card

Here is the summary of my trip to Europe covering 6 different countries and 9 cities:


Day 1: 8th September 2017 BKI → KUL
Initially I supposed to fly with Thai Airways with short transit in Bangkok but due to all the flights delayed caused by MAS, they compensated me by switching to fly with Emirates. Of course, flying with Emirates there would be short transit in Dubai.

Day 2: 9th September 2017 KUL → Dubai → Copenhagen, Denmark
Landed in Copenhagen's Kastrup Airport. Exchanged money in the airport and took train headed to Central Station. Didn't wander around the city much cause not in the mood due to missing luggage.
Stay: Copenhagen Backpacker Hostel

Day 3: 10th September 2017 Copenhagen → Budapest, Hungary
Flew with Norwegian from Copenhagen to Budapest. Took bus 100E from the airport to the city center. Shopping around Vaci street (one of the main shopping and restaurant street in Budapest) cause I don't have any extra clothes to wear. Visited St. Stephen's Basilica, Szechenyi Chain Bridge, Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion.
Stay: Essential Hostel

Day 4: 11th September 2017 Budapest, Hungary
Kicked off my day by visiting Great Market Hall. Then, proceed to Liberty Statue or Freedom Statue, Liberty Bridge, Shoe on the Danube Bank, Hungarian Parliament Building, Hősök Tere, Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Buda Castle. 
Stay: Essential Hostel

Day 5: 12th September 2017 Budapest → Vienna, Austria
Took train from Budapest-Keleti Railway Station to Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Main Station). Bought Vienna Card (24 hours - €13.90, 48 hours - €21.90 or 72 hours - €24.90) for unlimited public transportation ride and discounts for the museums and art galleries. Visited Schonbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Graben Shopping Street, Imperial Hofburg, Wiener Rathaus and Vienna Opera House. I even visited Cafe Central for a cup of Viennese style coffee and cake.
Stay: Wombats City Hostel Vienna - The Lounge

Day 6: 13th September 2017 Vienna → Salzburg, Austria
Took OBB train from Vienna to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (Salzburg Main Station). Upon reaching the hostel, I signed up with them for a Panorama Tours: Sound of Music. It offers two tours daily; leaving at 9:15am and 2pm and the duration takes about 4 hours covering Leopoldskron Palace, Hellbrunn Palace, Mondsee and Mirabell Garden. Once the tour completed, I went to Mozarts Geburtshaus (Mozart's birth house) but it was closed by the time arrived. 
Stay: International Youth Hostel Salzburg

Day 7: 14th September 2017 Salzburg → Hallstatt, Austria
Left Salzburg to the magical town of Hallstatt. Took bus #150 from the bus terminal outside of Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (Salzburg Main Station) to Bad Ischl. Once arrived Bad Ischl, board on the train to Hallstatt. Continue the journey by taking ferry to across the Hallstatt Old Town.
Stay: Gasthof Bergfried

Day 8: 15th September 2017 Hallstatt → Cesky Krumlov → Prague
From Hallstatt to Prague, I booked shuttle service from CK Shuttle with a brief stop at Cesky Krumlov before continue another second leg to Prague. If possible, do include this picturesque town of Cesky Krumlov besides visiting Prague. I was utterly regret for didn't plan my trip well.
Stay: Ritchie's Hotel & Hostel

Day 9: 16th September 2017 Prague 
Because my train to Krakow was expecting to depart at 11.09pm, I have almost a day to venture around Prague. Visited Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, Prague Dancing House and hiked up the hill for Petrin Lookout Tower. Then, continue to Lesser Town for St. Nicholas Church, Prague Castle and John Lennon Wall. Took overnight train to Krakow which takes about 8 hours train ride. 

Day 10: 17th September 2017 Krakow, Poland
Arrived in Krakow Glowny, the Central Train Station of Krakow. Check-in into my hostel for quick bath. Practically I didn't do nothing much when arrived Krakow cause I need to do my laundry. Right after I done with my laundry, I went to Galeria Krakowska, a shopping mall nearby my hostel because it rained whole day and I can't do any sightseeing. 
Stay: One World Hostel

Day 11: 18th September 2017 Krakow 
It's bright and sunny day on the second day in Krakow. Therefore, immediately I went to Old Town for Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and St. Mary's Basilica in Main Square. Then, continue to picturesque street of Kanonicza for Saints Peter and Paul Church. Next, Wawel Hill for Wawel Castle, Wawel Cathedral and Dragon's Den. Ended my tour in Krakow by visiting Kazimierz, once a former Jewish quarter.
Stay: One World Hostel

Day 12: 19th September 2017 Krakow → Warsaw, Poland
From Krakow to Warsaw, I took PolskiBus which the journey took about 5 hours bus ride and arrived in Dworzec Autobusowy Warszawa Zachodnia (Warsaw West Bus Station). To get to Central Station, board on the train heading to Centrum Metro Station. I was being penalised while taking bus from central station to my hostel. Another bad day again!
Stay: Dream Hostel

Day 13: 20th September 2017 Warsaw, Poland
Did sightseeing around Warsaw including Stare Miasto (Warsaw's Old Town), Wilanow Palace, Chopin Monument and Lazienki Palace in Lazienki Park, Warsaw Uprising Museum and Warsaw Uprising Monument. I bought a 24-hour ticket to get around Warsaw by using the extensive public transportation including bus and train.
Stay: Dream Hostel

Day 14: 21st September 2017 Warsaw → Helsinki, Finland
Flew with airBaltic from Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport to Helsinki with short transit at Riga, Latvia. From Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, I took airport train P or I to get to the city centre.
Stay: Hostel Diana Park

Day 15: 22nd September 2017 Helsinki, Finland
Started my day by taking bus to Sibelius Monument. Then, took bus to the market square (known as Kauppatori in Finnish) for Old Market Hall, Uspenski Cathedral and Helsinki Senate Square. I even took ferry to Suomelinna, a World Heritage Site. Bought a HSL Day Ticket which includes unlimited ride on bus and ferry.
Stay: Hostel Diana Park

Day 16: 23rd September 2017 Helsinki → Copenhagen, Denmark
Finally, back to Copenhagen again by flying with Norwegian, a low cost airline but it offers free WiFi to all passengers on its transatlantic flights. Done with check-in into the hostel, straightly took bus to Nyhavn, The Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Square, Amalienborg Palace and Frederick's Church. Before going back to the hostel, I stopby and wandered around the City Hall, Statue of Hans Christian Andersen, Tivoli Gardens and more. 
Stay: Danhostel Copenhagen City

Day 17: 24th September 2017 Copenhagen → Bangkok → Kota Kinabalu 
My flight leaving Copenhagen was expecting to depart at 2.25pm. Hence, I took the opportunity to visit Christianborg Palace before leaving the capital and largest city of Denmark. Home sweet home on the next day with Thai Airways. 

2017 Thai Airways
My virgin experience flying with Thai Airways. And guess what, they served pork as in-flight meal.

CURRENCY
Travelled across 6 different countries, four different currencies were involved. As some of the currencies are not easily found in Malaysia, hence I decided to change to Euro first and changed at the respective country upon arrival.
  • Countries like Austria and Finland are using Euro.
  • Denmark's national currency is Danish krone. The ideal place to exchange currency is at the Central Station. €1.00 = 6.90 Kr on average*
  • The official currency for Hungary is the Hungarian forint (HUF). I found out Great Market Hall offers the best rate. €1.00 = HUF295 on average*
  • The currency for Czech Republic is koruna. €1.00 = CZK24.80 on average*  
  • Poland's national currency is Polish zloty. €1.00 = PLN4.2350 on average*
    *The rate I exchanged in September 2017

    TOTAL TRAVEL EXPENSES 
    I have shared majority of the breakdown of the total damages in the respective previous posts (refer below). Here, I simplify everything for easy reference - which include means of transportation, hostels, entrance fees, food, shopping and misc I spent throughout the 16 days in Europe.

    PARTICULARS
    AMOUNT
    RM
    Flight with Thai Airways

    Cities
    Budapest – 2 days
    Vienna – 1 day
    Salzburg – 1 day
    Hallstatt – 1 day
    Prague – 1 day
    Krakow – 2 days
    Warsaw – 2 days
    Helsinki – 2 days
    Copenhagen – 2 days

    Transportation
    CK Shuttle
    Overnight train

    Miscellaneous
    Travel sim card (Bought from Taobao)
    2,591


    805
    496
    572
    676
    318
    370
    619
    1,473
    1,286


    319
    177


    95
    TOTAL:
    9,795

    The list of accommodations:
    CITIES & COUNTRIES
    NAME OF THE ACCOMMODATIONS
    NO. OF NIGHTS
    AMOUNT
    Local Currency
    RM
    Copenhagen, Denmark
    Copenhagen Backpackers Hostel
    1
    395kr
    276
    Budapest, Hungary
    Essential Hostel
    2
    HUF10,000
    185
    Vienna, Austria
    Wombats City Hostel Vienna – The Lounge
    1
    -
    122
    Salzburg, Austria
    International Youth Hostel Salzburg
    1
    €22.10
    111
    Hallstatt, Austria
    Gasthof Bergfried
    1
    €61.70
    316
    Prague, Czech Republic
    Ritchie’s Hostel & Hotel
    1
    €18.00
    92
    Krakow, Poland
    One World Hostel
    2
    PLN91.20
    116
    Warsaw, Poland
    Dream Hostel
    2
    PLN106
    131
    Helsinki, Finland
    Hostel Diana Park
    2
    €68.00
    352
    Copenhagen, Denmark
    Danhostel Copenhagen City
    1
    -
    204



    TOTAL (RM)
    1,905

    Bear in mind by the time I exchanged to Euro last year, the rate was €1.00 = RM5.12 which consider very high cause currently the rate for Euro is RM4.76. Deng! Feel like want to cry now. 

    As for my travel and shopping haul, most of the times I bought fridge magnets, postcards and stamps in each and every city I visited.


    2017 Europe Travel Haul 02

    And hereby I'm proud to conclude that this is my final post for my solo trip to Europe travelogues. Like finally! Now I'm thinking which travelogues should I blog next - New Zealand, Tokyo, Hokkaido, Sweden & Norway, Vietnam or even Nepal and Bhutan.

    Previous Posts on my 2017 Solo Trip to Europe
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