Thursday 7 April 2022

Sabah Trip Testimonials

Hi, I am Joanne (Dora's daughter). Using my mum's blog for record on our trip to Sabah. This blog post is about our testimonial on how me (and we both) encounter God's lead and protection throughout our whole 10 days Sabah trip. 


Testimonial 1 (Cancelled and delayed flight) :

Our Sabah flights were supposed to be on 17/3 (KL-Tawau), 21/3 (Tawau-KK), 26/3 (KK-KL). However, on 16/3 evening (a day before flying), we received a notification that our flight on 21/3 (Tawau-KK) was cancelled and there are no other available flights on that day. Concurrently, we received notification informing our flight on 26/3 (KK-KL) was extended from 12pm to 6pm.

I was worried as we could not make any planning for our trip in KK/Kundasang without our flight from Tawau to KK confirmed. We could not do anything but to wait, hoping that there are new available flights on 21/3 from Tawau to KK. We waited till 19/3, still there are no flights on 21/3. Therefore we extended our stay for one night at Semporna and flew to KK on 22/3. 

We thank God that we didn't book any accommodation nor transportation in KK and Kundasang beforehand. Otherwise they could have been forfeited in some way. We thank God also that we got the flight at the same price as what we booked previously, hence no extra charges needed.

(Lesson learnt : Leave everything to God and Trust that He has the best plan. He leads and protects in every single way.)


Testimonial 2 (Delayed Luggage) :

When we arrived at Tawau Airport at 10:30am on 17/3/2022, we noticed 2 out of our 3 luggage were missing. We were very worried as our snorkeling equipment, handphone charger and other important items were in the missing luggage. If they really went missing, it means we literally have to buy everything including mum's 10 days clothing, which will cause us a lot. We blamed ourselves for not locking our luggage thinking that it is only a domestic flight. Suddenly the thought of people stealing luggage slipped through our minds.

Tawau Airport is not as advanced as KLIA. There was only a person in charge for enquiry and complaint. The PIC had to contact KLIA Airport to check if the luggage were left at KLIA or were stolen. While waiting for their reply, I called AIG our flight insurance. We were thankful that we bought flight insurance. However, all these processes took time and both our handphone batteries running low. We went up and down in the airport looking for someone to borrow us their charger. Thanks God I found someone at the ticketing office with the same cable. (Lesson learnt : at least bring alongside power bank with cable or the whole charger. Do not check in.)

After nearly 1.5 hours, we were informed that our luggage were left at KLIA. They informed us the system could not detect bag tags printed from the kiosk. (Lesson learnt : Print bag tags at the counter directly, not at kiosk.) Thanks God they were not stolen and they will deliver our luggage in the next flight. Thankfully, we received both luggage at 8:30pm. Thanks God nothing were missing. Thanks God we took the earliest flight on that day which allowed us sufficient time to receive our delayed items. Thanks God that it was a free and easy day where we don't need to use the swimming equipment. Thanks God it reached just in time for us to change for bed. Thanks God for teaching us a few new knowledge (lock our bags, print bag tags at counter, bring charger alongside, insurance claiming process).

At this time of blogging, we were still waiting for our claims to be processed. Let's continue to pray for a good outcome. If we successfully receive the claims, that will be another testimonial to share on how God bless in a totally unexpected way.


Testimonial 3 (Change of hotel) :

Due to our personality which prefer to clarify everything in advance, we asked about our accommodation in Semporna before paying our tour agent. We were given Neo Paly Hotel (a new and more modern hotel, but without breakfast). As we were early birds and breakfast is a must for us, we changed to Pacific Inn Hotel for the breakfast (at no extra charges).

On our last day in Semporna (where we had an extra day due to the cancelled flight), we walked around Semporna town and encountered Neo Paly Hotel. We were shocked as the hotel is in middle of the busy hustling town. We also found out that there is no lift in the hotel which means my mum had to climb the stairs if we were to stay there. God knows us best. He knows we love peace, ocean and sunrise. Hence, He provides us with Pacific Inn Hotel whereby it is by the sea (more peaceful), facing ocean right at the front of the hotel. We did not Google and made such request except for the breakfast. We were thankful and grateful with God's arrangement.

View from King size room balcony


Testimonial 4 (Bee stung) :

We arrived KK on 22/3 evening. Our original plan was to rent a car ourselves so we could drive in KK and Kundasang. We actually really love doing so as we could take our own sweet time. However, God always has a better plan. One of our friend told us the road to our hotel in Kundasang (H Benjamin Residences) is very steep and dark at night. Concurrently, while staying in Kapalai Hotel in Semporna, we met with a Sabah tour agent whom introduce us to his friend in KK that could drive us around KK and Kundasang at a reasonable price. Hence, we ended up not renting a car but following this agent friend.

After staying at KK for one night, we departed to Kundasang and checked in at Hill Lodge at Sutera Sanctuary Park. They have tour guided trail (Silau-Silau trail). It was the last tour guided trail for the day and we quickly joined, forgotten to spray the insect repellent. 5 mins into the trail and I got stung by a bee. I took it for granted, believing that it will be okay and continue the trail for half an hour. While being asked if wanted to visit a clinic in town, I chose not to as the leg was not swollen back then. At the same time, I would really want to wait till I could see the peak of Mount Kinabalu. As such, I ignored the stung until it started to get swollen at around 8pm. It was too dark to visit a clinic at that hour. We could only hope the swell will ease the next day.

Finally we saw the peak of Mount Kinabalu!

My swollen feet


The peak was so clear in the morning. It was a good night sleep and my leg was still swollen.

Clear view of Mount Kinabalu!


 Today our planning was to visit the hot spring, fish farm and dairy farm. At this moment, only I realised why we somehow did not managed to rent a car as per our original plan. God knew in advance that my leg will swollen and I could not drive! True enough, the hot spring and fish farm are all the way in Ranau (half an hour drive for one way).  Walking itself is a problem, not to say driving. Thanks God we had someone driving so we could still travel around. Along our journey, we bumped into Klinik Kesihatan and got both injection and medication at only RM1. 

Visiting Klinik Kesihatan for injection and medication


Around 5pm, we checked into H Benjamin Residences (another hotel in Kundasang). The road to H Benjamin was a long steep road as informed earlier by our friend. Thanks God we were not driving ourselves as it was considered challenging for first timers. After resting my feet for another night, the swell had reduced and I could finally put on my shoes the next morning (which is the day we were flying back to KL). Thank God we travelled to Semporna before heading to Kundasang. Otherwise it will be another headache. Sometimes I could not be anymore amazed with God's leading and planning. He allowed us to enjoyed the beach and ocean till the max at Semporna, and let us fully chill and rest in Kundasang.


Thank you Sabah. You've been great! And thank you Lord for all your provision, protection and guidance.

Desa cattle dairy farm


Hike up to Boleh Dulang

Our first diving experience


Sunday 11 August 2019

Jeju Korea 7 days 6 nights trip

We are excited when seeing there is AirAsia promotion to Jeju for only 600+ per person return ticket, and we immediately booked it for our upcoming trip in only 7 days! Of course, there is many things to do, including car booking, hotel booking, itinerary planning etc.. Some of the maps we downloaded online....
A simple map of Jeju island
 A simple guide on our 7 days planning:
Day 1 - Arrive to Jeju > Check in hotel @ Jeju city > Late lunch > Loveland > Dongmun Market
Day 2 - Check out hotel > Manjanggul Cave > Gimnyeong Maze Park  > Coastal drive > Check in hotel @ Seongsan
Day 3 - Check out hotel > Seongsan Ilchulbong > Jeju Folk Village > Coastal drive > Check in hotel @ Seogwipo
Day 4 - Mt. Halla hiking at Yeongsil Trail
Day 5 - Check out hotel > Yeomiji Botanical Garden > Alive Museum > Seognimgyo Bridge > Teddy Bear Museum > Check in hotel @ Jungmun
Day 6 - Coastal drive > Check in hotel @ Jeju city
Day 7 - Check out hotel > Mysterious Road > Yongduam Rock > Depart to KL
Slightly complex map detailing the place of interest (left)

Slight complex map detailing the place of interest (right)
A useful government website introducing everything about Jeju.
http://www.visitjeju.net/en/index.jto

On the day of departure, after we arrived at the airport, only I realised we forget to bring our passports and money! Thanks to my younger daughter and her bf for speeding home and get it, only we managed to check in just right on time! Phew.... It is a 6 hours flight from KL to Jeju, therefore we pre-booked add-ons to our main meal.

Air Asia pre-book meal with add ons
After passing through customs upon arrival, we headed to get our rental car. Oh yes, we booked a mini car so that we could tour the island leisurely at our speed. It is a mini Kia Morning, booked through EasyRentCars at RM1,100 for a full 6 days. 

Our Mini Kia Morning

Things to take note for car rental:
1. You MUST present your International Driving Permit (IDP) (even though we through our Malaysia driving license would be sufficient). You can do it at JPJ, it is only RM150, and it is valid for 1 year.
2. Koreans drive on the LEFT! So please do not be surprise that the signals, wiper and gear are all in the opposite direction. However do not worry much. Jeju has not much traffic except in the town center.

International Driving Permit

So, how to get your car?
Head to Gate 5 upon arrival > cross the road and turn right to the rental car office > there will be shuttle bus to bring you to the respective car rental offices. (This is because the airport is not big enough to accommodate the car rental offices.)

Rent-a-car office seen from Arrival Gate 5

At the car rental office, present your booking number and International Driving Permit (IDP), place your signature on the high-tech machine, and you are good to go.

Signing at the car rental office
And don't be surprise that all cars in Jeju are mostly white and grey. This is to ensure safety as their seaside are mostly black basalt rocks. Luckily we booked with FULL insurance covered as we did scratch the car a little when accidentally drive onto the road kerb XD 
Walking towards our car
As it was drizzling slightly, we decided to check-in first and fill our stomachs with food. We randomly found a building that looks like a restaurant, and headed in to order. Oh well, we did not understand a single word on the menu, but don't worry, they mostly have english translation on the menu book.

Oh! And just a head's up, the phone number that you see on their signboards can all be found in our car GPS. So do not worry too if you don't know how to read koreans :)
Local restaurant
Menu on the wall

One interesting is that, Koreans serve the side dishes for FREE! Personally I quite like their Kimchi and "ikan bilis"
Free side dishes


Bibimbap for my daughter...
Bibimbap
Guk-su (Noodle soup) for me. (Somehow quite tasteless as we are used to malaysian heavy taste food)
Guk-su (Noodle soup)
Cost: 11,500 krw for 2 bowls

Our first tourist destination: LOVELAND! When a picture speaks a thousand of words..

Map of Loveland



GPS: 7126988 (Loveland)
Cost: 12,000 krw / adult
Time estimation: 1 hour

We were suppose to try driving on the Mysterious road as it was just in front of Loveland. However due to foggy weather, we had to head back to the town center for safety purpose.

Next, we head to Dongmun Market. Too bad, it was late and not much things left to see but luckily there is there night market!





鲍鱼鸡蛋卷紫菜包饭


Cost: 1,400 krw (parking) +  6,000 krw (egg wrapped rice roll) 

And so, this ends our first day at Jeju.

Day 2

After the hotel breakfast, we quickly check out for our next stop - Manjanggul Cave (万丈窟). 

Some basic info for the cave: 
GPS: 7834818 (Manjanggul Cave)
Cost: 2,000 krw / person
Time: 2-3 hours return (our stamina not that good)




As we were not sure of the difficulty of this cave, we asked a local group and being cheated that it takes only 2 mins hahaha... maybe because they saw us quite worried and they were trying to comfort us XD

At the beginning, there is a few flights of steep and slippery steps to head down to the cave. We need to be extra careful. Oh! A few tips before heading down: bring your umbrella / raincoat as there will be lots of water dripping inside the cave.

Heading into Manjanggul Cave
Slippery steps
At the start of the Manjanggul Cave





Watery floor

Lava Raft





Too dark for a picture together
When you see the lava column at the end, means it's time to U-turn back. And yes, it is a U-turn just when you are thinking there is an exit at the end. LOL....
Lava column at the end of the cave
Climbing back up the stairs we took down at the start




After Manjanggul Cave, we head to Gimnyeong Maze Park which is only 500m away.
However, we DO NOT RECOMMEND this maze park for adult as it is too simple and not worth the price at all. It is more like a playground for kids. Nevertheless, we still tried to enjoy ourselves by taking some pictures along the way.

GPS: 7829266 (Gimnyeong Maze Park)
Cost: 4,400 krw / person
Time: 15 mins only!


Start





Ringing the bell at the end

Yay we make it! LOL
After all these tourist destinations, we started to drive along the coastal road as we wished, heading to Seongsan.

Guess what we see along the way? Haenyo! = Women divers. It is a must see in Jeju whereby the women dives without machinery to collect seaweed to sell for a living.

Haenyo floating in the sea

Photoshoot with the local blue truck
The colour matches quite well with the background
And we found a super cheap stay along the coastal line. Only RM40 a night! Too bad we already done our booking. You may refer to their website link to make booking: https://hisea.modoo.at
We visited their room. Super clean + awesome view + amazing stay. Highly recommended.



And we continue driving and stop by (forget which beach) to take some photos.




Continue driving again to this blue strip of fish port (forgetten it's name).





And we continue again to (forgotten which port). Basically there are many ports along the way. Just continue driving along the coastal line, and stop by wherever you like to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. 



And finally, we reached at Seongsan, and checked into Hotel Mare. It is about 6 mins drive away from Seongsan city center. We purposely choose the location for the sunrise view. Cost? Only RM70! HAHAHA. That's our cheapest stay throughout the whole Jeju trip. Overall comment: nice view + clean room + room system a bit too high tech + not walkable to city center + good service




After checking in, it is already time for dinner. We drive towards Seongsan Ilchulbong and found Abalone Porridge! It is a must try in Jeju! Cost of the abalone porridge is 13,000 krw a bowl.


Seongsan Ilchulbong at sunset
Abalone porridge

Day 3

We set the alarm clock at 5:30am to ensure we catch the sunrise. Well, we took it from the rooftop of Thira Hotel, which is just next to Hotel Mare.







After checking out, here we are, at Seongsan Ilchulbong (城山日出峰) !








































We spent quite long enjoying the mountain, therefore couldn't make it enough time to fit another destination. It was already noon by the time we reached back to the carpark. Feeling hungry, we looked for the famous Ginseng Chicken Soup (Samgetang) 参鸡汤.





After lunch, we quickly headed to Jeju Folk Village Museum. 









 And then there is a traditional performance 3 times daily. We managed to catch the one at 1:30pm. Others are at 11am and 3pm if not mistaken.


And we reached the Daejangeum section (大长今) where they filmed the famous korean drama






We saw many traditional hut along the way, with displays of the method of living of the traditional folks.










After visiting Jeju Folk Village, we continue head to Seogwipo. Basically we skipped visiting Udo Island and Seopjikoji which were supposed in our itinerary too due to time constraint.

Just on time while driving, we managed to see the women divers carrying seaweeds back from the shore.



It is heavy she said




We continue to drive towards Jeju Aurum Pension. We were supposed to book there for the view but there is no more availability. Took some pictures for memory.

Jeju Aurum Pension cafe
The front yard in front of the cafe
Jeju Aurum Pension rooms
Cross the road to the parking area and you will see this.




We are quite near to our hotel by now. Seeing there is still time, we head to Soesokkak Estuary. It is a pond form by the sea. Nice place for great picture!





And then, we checked in to Days Hotel Seogwipo for 2 nights stay. We quickly headed to the rooftop to catch the sunset view. And here is what we got.



Knowing that we were already in day 3 and have not tried their famous black pork bbq, we quickly found one by the sea. Just enter the phone number into the GPS to find it.




Day 4

Early morning after breakfast, we head up to Mt. Hallasan. Mt. Hallasan was a volcano before that formed Jeju Island. There are a few route to hike up the mountain. Planned earlier and start your day early as you would need ample time to climb up and back down.

Only 2 routes that will take us to the Baeknokdam crater which is the Gwaneumsa Trail (North) and Seongpanak Trail (East). No doubt, these 2 routes are the hardest of all too. 

The easiest trail is Yeongsil Trail (Southwest), whereby you will see Yeongsilgiam (a spectacular cliff with series of unusual rock formations).
























































The Mt. Hallasan - Yeongsil Trail that was supposed be 2.5 hours return hike, we took 5 hours in total as we do not have much stamina. Nevertheless, it was a good hike. Suggestion: try to put in at the last day of the whole trip as we suffered from muscle pain for the next 2 days.

As we did not have lunch yet, we headed back to the same area where we had bbq pork last night for our late lunch.



Day 5

Next morning, after checking out, we quickly headed to Jungmun area as we had quite a few places to cover. Due to the suffered leg muscles, we had to just skipped Jusangjeolli which was suppose to be our first stop for the day.

So, we started with Yeomiji Botanical Garden as we were hoping to see some spring flowers. Unfortunately, not as what we expected. Maybe it is not the right time to visit.






















As we are getting sleepier, we decided to head to Alive Museum for some laughter. And obviously, we were much energetic after coming out from Alive Museum.
























After much laughter at the Alive Museum, we were already hungry. By accident we found this restaurant nearby. Oh yes they can speak Mandarin! Finally, we could order our food properly.

Braised cuttlefish + Abalone stew in hot pot + Grilled Mackerel

As we couldn't finish the meal, we packed and took it back with us. Then, we continued to Seonimgyo bridge and Cheonjaeyeon Falls.




1st : Cheonjeyeon waterfall = the pond of Emperor of Heaven
Reflecting colours of Cheonjeyeon waterfall
2nd : Sojeongbang waterfall
Seonimgyo bridge
View from Seonimgyo bridge
View from Seonimgyo bridge
View from Seonimgyo bridge

Next, we visited Teddy Bear Museum. Knowing that it won't be worth visiting, so I entered the museum myself whereas my daughter was searching for a hotel for the night. (Yes we have not booked our hotel yet).







After surveying a few hotels, we checked in at You Us Hotel for 66,000 krw a night including breakfast.

Day 6

The next morning, we have to drive 1/3 of the Jeju island to head back to Jeju City for our dinner appointment with another group of tourist. Not wasting any time, we quickly headed to O'sulloc Tea Museum after breakfast.

Along the way we saw a few tourist attractions as we quickly stopped by for some pictures.

At the Aerospace Museum...






At the Soinkook (small tiny country) Themepark...





At the Automobile Museum...



Finally, we reached O'sulloc Tea Museum.











After done all the eating and shopping, we headed to Mt Sanbangsan 山海山.




After visiting Mt Sanbangsan, we could finally drive comfortably towards Jeju City.













After checking in at the hotel, we quickly headed to Self Bar for the bbq buffet dinner. After dinner, we were backed to the hotel and packed.

Day 7

Next morning, we checked out and headed to Mysterious Road before the traffic starts.





And then a quick breakfast at a local restaurant.



Final stop, we headed to Yongduam Rock.


Finally, we were back to the airport for our flight at 3pm.