3 months' break

I'll be starting my Europe travel next week. It's been a while since I took a long long break and I am looking forward to the trip. Will post pics here as often as I can..

Seoul & Jeju Dec 2015

This post is out-dated. Went with my mum, sis and bro-in-law. I prefer Jeju to Seoul for the nature and the sea side apartment we stayed at had a really good sea view. The guide/driver Mr Kim arranged our itinerary and meals really well. Although the sea side apartment is an hour away from the city, it provided a good respite for us holidayers. I would highly recommend staying 3-4 nights in Jeju, the apartment and Mr Kim. There was not much shopping to do in Seoul in December except for skincare and cosmetics.

Tips:
- this is the Jeju apartment with sea view https://www.airbnb.com.sg/rooms/6148331?checkin=28-12-2015&checkout=31-12-2015&guests=4&s=UfwooIQx
- must-see sights in Jeju: the mysterious road, Seongsan Ilchubong (hike up), Cafe Bomnal at Handam Beach (very pretty cafe by the beach), eat black pork, eat fresh seafood eg. live abalone in hotpot, Jeongba waterfall (there are 3 waterfalls there but you dont have to hike or walk too far to reach Jeongba waterfall), teddy bear museum (there is more than one), take a walk in their local market eg. Olle market, visit the Manjanggul lava cave and hear the story about the Jeju female divers and why Jeju guys don't work
- in Seoul we stayed at the Yeungdongpo area which is opposite the Times Square Mall and near to train station
- in Seoul, must try fried chicken with beer, roadside tents (they sell almost the same stuff), korean bbq, the host pointed out that E-Mart is where the locals shop rather than Lotte Mart (more expensive), try ginseng chicken (there's one famous restaurant near the palace) and bingsu and don't buy cosmetics from Myeongdong (cater to the China tourists), if you are going to the Lotte Dutyfree make sure you plan it in the morning to avoid hordes of China tourists and visit the live seafood market and try the live octopus (apparently the like of korean young ladies) if you dare.

Yogyakarta & Borobudur Jun 2016

A short but satisfying trip. I find everything great apart from the spooky hotel room. Borobudur was indeed mesmerising; the immense size of the temple and the endless sculptures... It was very worth it to stay at the Manohara Hotel which has a connecting entrance to Borobudur and comes with unlimited number of visits to the UNESCO-listed temple.

Tips:
- in Yogyakarta, stay at the Malioboro area which is close to the shopping mall and market. Perhaps you can try the Ibis Hotel as it has a direct link to the mall. We stayed at the Pyrenees Hotel
- food in Yogyakarta is generally sweet. Try the "gudeg" - chicken cooked with jackfruit
- Wanderlust Cafe is a good chill-out place that offers good drinks and food
- the Batik Restaurant opposite Pyrenees Hotel has a friendly backpackers' vibe and is pocket-friendly
- the drive from Yogyakarta to Borobudur is 1.5hrs and costs between 250,000 and 350,000 IDR
- the drive from Yogyakarta to the airport is 0.5hrs and costs between 100,000 and 250,000 IDR
- stay for a night at the Manohara Hotel in Borobudur. It is more expensive but you can save time and the hassle of finding tours to bring you to Borobudur. You can explore Borobudur upon arrival in the late afternoon and join the sunrise tour the following morning. Walk up the hill for a bird eye's view of Borobudur