Travel Diary: Korea Winter Wonderland 2016 (Part 3)

Hi all! I’m terribly sorry for the delay for this series. It took a lots of time to recover my raw videos for this series. I know its Spring already in Korea, but this part, particularly can be done in any season. We took a lots of picture and go to places outside Seoul and experience Korean traditionally and modernly (?) This part might be the highlight of my trip! So, if you are interested, keep on reading and don’t forget to watch the video!

P.S: All information about the trip will be provided below the post.

Day Five

Cute wall made from tiles with Korean arts near the subway exit

I went to Insadong for the first time on my fifth day. I was meant to go to Anguk Station, but I just found out that it is the way to go to Insadong area. The first thing we do was eating at Miss Lee Cafe. Their specialization is old-style menu, such as lunch-box, ddeokbokki, snacks, and even they displayed old-style games. The way to eat the lunchbox is very unique. It was supposed to be shaken. The idea came from long time ago, students brought their lunchbox from home to school. Their mom usually put it on a lunch box which include rice, sausages, kimchi, and dried seaweed. On the way to school, usually the lunchbox was shaken. So, when it was lunch time, the lunchbox are not pretty anymore. Then to make it looks tasty, they shake it and make it like a bibimbap. 

We ordered the package for two which include 2 lunchbox, 1 ddeokbokki, and 1 snacks. Also, we ordered sweet potato latte, drink that the couple really like. It was my first time to try it and it was nice! I didn’t like matcha latte or taro latte, but this one was nice. I recommend you to try sweet potato latte. 

Food we ordered

This cafe is unique with thousands of memos hanging around the cafe. Goguma couple aka Yonghwa and Seohyun couple from WGM, went to this cafe slash restaurant. We found it cute on that TV show and it turned out that the food are also very delicious.

Miss Lee Cafe with it's memos hanging around

Goguma Couple @ Miss Lee Cafe (cr: as seen)

After the our brunch, we went to explore the Invading area. It is only few walks away from Miss Lee Cafe. It was a brand new neighborhood for me. Insa-dong is an area that is known for its traditional Korean vibes. They wrote english words in hangeul, for example Starbucks, Innisfree, Nature Republic, etc. We make a stop at Ssamziegil. I don’t know how to call this place, maybe I can call it as a shopping center which sells cute stuffs and foods. We walk through all the floors in Ssamziegil and took a lot of photos. Also, we tried poop-shaped pancake with chocolate rice cake inside. The shape makes it funny and made us want to try it.

The shape is so cute and delicious when it's hot

Then we went back home to prepare for my family dinner. We went to Riverside Hotel in Gangnam and have a buffet there. Not all of my family was there, but it was one of a lovely dinner I had while in Korea. Actually, we didn’t have much time to catch up, so one dinner is such an important time for all of us. Thank you aunt, for the treat!

Snippets of my Korean family

Day Six

Meet the traditional and modern Seoul from this spot!

We went to Gyeongbuk Palace, which located in the heart of Seoul. From this point, you can see the modern and traditional Seoul at the same time. It was always fascinating to visit Gyeongbuk Palace. This time, my visit to this famous palace was a bit different. We are renting Hanbok (Korean traditional cloth) to get free entry and to recreate the traditional vibes. My friend was in love with the drama “Scarlet Heart”, while I’m in love with the drama “Love in the Moonlight” (aka Moonlight Drawn by the Clouds). Both dramas’ setting was set in older dynasty, so the casts wore Hanbok and film in traditional setting. The weather was quite nice that day. It doesn’t really cold so we can wear Hanbok without our coat.

We took a lots of photo, but we hardly have a picture of both of us. We also made a mistake by taking our coats, but not wearing it, so when we took pictures it took a lot of effort in one hand because of our heavy coats. The renting cost for the Hanbok is different depends on the design and style and time. For royal Hanbok, it cost around 30,000-40,000 won. The one I wore is around 20,000 won. Actually, there are a lot of places renting Hanbok nowadays. Even you can find it on Instagram. There are some places that rent for around 10,000 won around Insadong. But, you have to walk a little bit from Insadong to Gyeongbuk Palace. Since, we have another schedule in the evening, we don’t rent around Insadong, but near the Gyeongbuk Palace instead. We also rent for 2 hours only, so we spent time only at the palace.

By the way, beside taking photos and sightseeing the palace, you can watch the changing guard ceremony at the given time. If i’m not mistaken they do it every one hour or every 2 hour. I recommend you to visit this palace when you came to Korea. It can be visited by taking MRT to Gyeongbuk Station and you can explore both the palace and the traditional area nearby.

After visiting the palace, we went back home, because my friend have a doctor appointment. No, not for plastic surgery, but for laser her scar. Then after the appointment, my aunt make dinner for us and the main menu is samgyupsal aka pork belly.

Day Seven

I can’t believe my time is almost over in Korea. On this day, we went to Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do. Our plan is to visit Pettite France. This place is known for a French village in Korea and it has shown up in few Korean variety shows and dramas. For example, You Who Came from the Stars, Oh My Geumbi, Running Man, and many more. We took the new MRT route to Gapyeong. All we need is to take the MRT to Gapyeong Station. But before that, we make a stop at Guri to have lunch there. We went to a Jjajangmyeon place in Guri that have been shown up in one episode of Running Man. I tried so hard to find the address of the restaurant. Thanks to Naver, I finally found it. 

It's located on the second floor

The reason why we go to this restaurant is because of its unique jjajangmyeon. When you watch the Running Man episode 249, Kim Juhyeon and Yoo Jaeseok team went here and have a jjajangmyeon with a dome cracker on top of it. As you can see in the episode or in my video, we need to crack the dome with a hammer and then eat it. The noodle it self is soft and the sauce is nice with a little hint of chili powder. Beside that we also ordered Tangsuyuk, which is a sweet-sour pork or beef. We cannot leave Korea without eating Jjajangmyeon once. Next time, we should try Jjajangmyeon delivery. 

Sweet-sour beef (Tangsuyuk)

The unique Jjajangmyeon

After lunch, we go straight to Gapyeong Station. It took around 1 hour 40 minutes to go there, because Gapyeong Station is located near the end of the line. After arriving ate the station, we need to take a tourist shuttle bus to the Petite France. Beside it is easier to do so, it also cheaper than you take a taxi. You can buy the ticket right beside the bus stop.

It took around 2 hours to go to Petite France, because we have to stop at few stops. When we arrived, we pay for the tickets. It cost around 6,000 won. Then we took a lots of photos and do sight seeing. We remembered few scenes from “You Who Came from the Star” and “Secret Garden”. I really liked both dramas.

Petite France at night

After finished sightseeing in Petite France, we went to Garden of Morning Calm. We took the shuttle bus again and it took around another 40 minutes. When we arrived, it only 1 hour left until our last shuttle bus stop working. We didn’t get to explore much of the garden and my friend also not feeling quite well. So we did a quick sightseeing and taking picture. The garden is very beautiful at winter night. They lit up the lights all over the garden. It fits perfectly for winter. By the way, Love in the Moonlight drama is shoot at this location. Well, I couldn’t really tell it because it’s dark already and the flower might has changed since the shoot. 

Garden of the Morning Calm

We were almost missed the bus, but fortunately we got another bus that stopped at another station. We got into the bus jammed with passengers. We were barely sit and we could eat our corn-dog that we bought before we went home.

It was a roller-coaster day, but I got to know new neighborhood and I learned to go anywhere in Seoul with public transport is pretty convenient. That was one of the reasons why I want to live in Korea.

BONUS PICTURE:

Best ending scene ever! (cr: Google Images)

So, That’s all for now. I’ll post up something new as soon as possible. Thank you so much for reading till this part! Love you guyss! Have a nice day!

Details:

Miss Lee Cafe (Insadong Branch)

Address: 144, Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu 2F, Seoul

Phone: +82 2-739-0939

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Missleecafe/

How to get there: Take MRT to Anguk Station, exit 6. Then you only need to go straight and see GS 25. The cafe is on the second floor, above the GS 25. 


Liha

Address: 875-3 Sutaek-dong Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea

Phone: +82 31-551-6533

How to get there: Take MRT to Guri Station, then take a bus that go to Jajang Park.

 
Petite France

Address: 1063, Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Phone: +82-31-584-8200

Website: www.pfcamp.com

How to get there: Take MRT to Gapyeong Station, then take the shuttle tourist bus. 


Garden of the Morning Calm

Address: 432, Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Phone: +82-1544-6703

Website: morningcalm.co.kr

How to get there: Take MRT to Gapyeong Station, then take the shuttle tourist bus. 

VISIT INDONESIA: Kuta & Tanjung A'an Beach Trip

Tanjung A'an Main Entrance

Lombok has dozens of beautiful beaches. Two of them is Kuta and Tanjung A’an Beach. Unlike Kuta in Bali, Lombok’s Kuta has unique sand and connected with the Indian Ocean. Not far from Kuta Lombok, there is Tanjung A’an beach that is 180 degree different from its’ neighbor. 

Kuta Beach is located at the southern Lombok, around 30 minutes from Lombok International Airport. Kuta beach’s sand is like a peppercorn. It is harsher than other usual sandy beach. Even though it is harsh, Kuta beach has many to offer. The wave here was a haven for surfer (and any other Southern beaches in Lombok!). Restaurants are lining up along the beach. You could do snorkeling or diving, but I didn’t recommend it. What I like the most is the scenery. It was not too crowded like Senggigi Beach. 

Taking some touristy photo

Kuta Beach has its own legend. There was once a princess named Mandalika. She is very popular because of her beauty. Because of the popularity, she is confused which man she should pick to be with her. She wants all of them. In the end, she killed herself by drowning into the sea. Soon after that, there were lots of sea-worm came up to the surface and the locals believe it was the Princess's incarnation. That’s why around February the locals celebrate Bau Nyale at Kuta Beach. 

My favorite photo on a beach - no sweat!

 

Look! My very own paradise

Sands as smooth as cotton

One of the Highlight Background in Tanjung A'an

When my family and I arrived here, we are stunned! I found no one on the first beach. But then we went north, and found wonderful crystal water and a perfect tide. The weather was not good for me - it was really hot. So I didn’t dare to swim, because I could get a sunburn and it is not good to get a sunburn when you have to work in the afternoon!

How to know which is the main entrance of Tanjung A'an, you have to see some stalls, a lot of rocks on the seaside, and the water is very clear! But don't worry about it, just explore the beach! You won't regret it. When you came here, do visit Batu Payung or Umbrella Rock, when the tide is low, you can take a photo there. Unfortunately, I've never got the chance to get a photo there.

The first beach I stopped by- The Extension of Tanjung A'an

The Lighting is so Wonderful

Excuse our weird #ootd

My little cutie cousin - look at his tummy!

After we finished adoring the beach, we stopped by at Sade Village. It is a traditional village of Sasak’s Tribe, the authentic tribe of Lombok Island. Unfortunately, the village itself is not really authentic, it became a “showcase” instead displaying the real culture of Sasak. But, I still recommend everyone to come here and see the traditional house and how Sasak’s people live. The local guide will help you to understand about the life as a Sasak people. If you want to see the authentic village, not for tourist purposes, you can visit Rambitan Village, it is nearby the Sade Village.

Guess! From what material is this house made?

The Sky is Ridiculously Pretty!

#nofilter

The Main Enterance - Look for this sign, okay?

Well, that was my first time to the Southern Beaches. But, ever since then, whenever new guests (not my clients, but my friends or family) coming, I took them to see those beaches. And all of them are stunned! I was pretty proud that I could visit those beaches and reminded myself that God is good. He gave Indonesia wonderful scenery evenly. From Sabang to Merauke, He gave each of them one uniqueness and let Indonesia became the diamonds of the world. 

So here is some tips, when you are going to visit the Southern Beaches in Lombok:

• Be aware of the little kids selling souvenirs. They can be pretty aggressive and annoying. If you are international tourist, I suggest you to stay near your guide or driver or do not try to look at the souvenir at all if you don’t have the intention to buy it.
• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, hats or anything that shield you from the bad UV.
•  Bring an appropriate swimwear. Lombok is very different from Bali. Especially in the Southern part, they are still have a strong norms applied. You have to wear a cloth or swimwear - you must not be naked.
• Learn few words in Bahasa. There aren’t many people in the beach that can speak English. As I’ve said before, Lombok is very different from Bali. You cannot find the street vendors near the beach can speak English fluently.
• Bring small changes to pay for the toilets or shower. It costs around Rp. 2.000,-
• Watch out your belonging. The southern people can be pretty aggressive; they were used to be the most dangerous area in Lombok before. They are can quite jealous with people who have more than them, so make sure you keep your valuables safe with you.
• If you don’t use tour operator in Lombok, prepare yourself a driving license and learn how ride motorbike. There aren’t many car rental, but there are lots of motorbike rental.

Interested to visit Lombok and need assistance? Ideal Tours & Adventure is ready to serve! You can mention my name (Jennifer) and the staff will serve you like a family and gave you a very best price!

For more information:

idealtour.reservation@yahoo.com or Whatsapp: +62 817 579 3554 (Mrs. Atun)

VISIT INDONESIA: Bogor Short Adventure Getaway

Hi there!

My Adventure Team Mates!

So, today I'm going to tell you my little adventure in Bogor last week. On Saturday, my friends and I went to Sentul, which is an area near Bogor, West Java. It took us 4 hours drive from Jakarta to Sentul. Well, actually it is not that long, but we stopped at the rest area quite long. Sentul is famous with elite neighborhood, Jungle Land (a kind of theme park), and Pasar Ahpoong. But, this time, I did not go to any of those places. We went to Curug Barong, a hidden waterfall in Sentul. One of my friend, really wanted to see waterfall. Actually, we were planning to go to Bandung to see another waterfall, but since a few shortcoming, we cancelled the trip to Bandung, and going to Sentul/Bogor instead.

Curug means waterfall in Sundanese language. So, Curug Barong means Barong Waterfall. Barong in Indonesia, is a kind of popular mythology character especially in Java and Bali. But, I don't have any idea of why the waterfall named after it. Any ways, finding the waterfall is a thrill adventure to all of us. Oh, I forgot to mention that I went with 4 friends of mine. They are my high school friends. The trip went smoothly until we arrived at the front gate of Jungle Land. Then, we faced an extreme narrow path! We have to pass a narrow gangway in some unidentified place on the GPS. We have to hike those path for about 45 minutes I guess. We also saw a lot of bikers on our way to the waterfall. While on our way, we saw an woman 'bule' fell down from her bike. We asked her if she needs a help, but she is perfectly fine and continued to bike to the top. Cool woman! 

To break-up those long writing...

At around 10 AM, we have arrived at the parking lot of the waterfall. The sun was perfectly striking through our skin! It was damn hot! FYI, Bogor area is known for the city of rain, so it should not be that hot. Thanks to global warming, it was freakin' hot! Plus, I wore a wrong ootd at that time. :( From the parking lot to the entrance of the waterfall took us for 10-15 steps. HAHA! Then we have to walk up and down the hill to get to the waterfall. Going to the waterfall was quite okay, but coming back to our car was extremely tiring. Plus we wore sandals when we went back to our car. Nevertheless, it was very fun! :D

This place is a secret tourist destination. But, there are some local tourists that have come to this waterfall. Curug Barong cannot be apart from Leuwi Hejo. Leuwi means pool to take a bath (tempat pemandian in Indonesian) and Hejo means green or hijau in formal Indonesian. The water from the waterfall run through to the river and it is used by the local. The waterfall itself does not look like other waterfall. Since, the waterfall is quite short. But, it is unique, since it looks like a water park pool. But I do like it here. The water was cold and it perfectly match with the sunny weather at that time. Especially if you come with your friends! The waterfall looks like this:

 

Yes, it is the waterfall.

Oh! There is a monk up there!

Blissful day

Unlike most people say about Indonesian water, this waterfall is almost perfect! It has the clear water, quite clean, since there are some people that are still smoking in this beautiful scene and throw away their cigarettes in the bushes! I DO NOT GET THE IDEA OF SMOKING IN THIS KIND OF PLACE. What a freak! :S 

By the way, if you are interested to come here, I'll let you know how to down below. If not, just skip this part, and see my other adventure, which is culinary adventure in Bogor here.

How to visit Curug Barong:

1. If you come from Jakarta, just use GPS and search for Jungle Land. It is just a regular way if you go to Bogor. Jungle Land is located in Sentul, just before the exit to Bogor. 
2. If you have already found the front gate of Jungle Land, do not go inside the Jungle Land. When you see the gate, turn left, and you will see a small path.
3. Then follow the path all the way up until you see the banner of Curug Barong and Leuwi Hejo. Ask the locals if you are not sure. Oh by the way, you might have to across a terrible bridge. It feels like you are riding a roller-coaster. LOL. But, your car will be just fine. ;)

There you go! Have fun there! Don't forget to share your experience if you come here. :D 
Oh! By the way, not only this waterfall that is located here, but there are some other waterfall that you might like to visit. Also, another famous location is Gunung Pancar. It is a pine tree forest, and it was good also. I've never been there, but my other friends does. So, if you prefer forest than waterfall, you might check that out. 

Note for anyone who will visit this area, first there will be no signal. Second, wear light (in term of weight) outfit or use a swimming suit if you want to swim there. Third, bring a water-resistant bag or you put your belongings into a plastic bag then put it on your bag. Fourth, don't forget to bring sunblock, towel, underwear and cloth, and camera! :D

Well, that's all!! Have fun there!
See you soon on my next post! 
Bubyeee

Bonus picture! THANKS FOR READING!

XOXO,