Asia Backpacking: Jeju Island, Korea

5/16/2015

I took a flight from San Francisco to ICN airport by myself. I bought a wrong ticket and end up a day earlier in Seoul from all my friends. In the history of my life, I spent the whole day being a zombie in the airport and I really appreciate it.

Tip 1: Bought a T-money card from the airport

5/19/2015

We took an early flight to Jeju Island from Gimpo airport. We arrived to the nearest LRT and it was not open. We called the tourist center from the public transportation and they advised to take the taxi to the airport. (UBER did not exist yet at this time). The taxi fees surprisingly is super cheap. We rented a car once we were in Jeju Island.

Tip 2: Get an international licence. It so much easier to drive in Jeju Island. The driver is on the left side.

Destination 1: Hallasan National Park.

The first destination that we chose would obviously be a hiking place. We were not prepared for the hike and were super shocked when everyone was wearing their hiking gear. But really, we do hike with our pretty clothes. Interesting fact, most of the hikers are locals elders and they are super healthy. Like seriously, stronger than us.

Our first authentic Korean meal. It was okay.

Destination 2: Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff

We drove to this cliff. If you squint your eyes, you can see that the rock is hexagonal shape. It was caused by the erosion of lava stone from the waves. The best part of visiting all these places in Jeju Island was that the entrance fees would be 1000 won ~ 1 USD for youth. 

Destination 3: Cheonjiyeon Waterfall

This is the famous waterfall here. Obligatory to come here too. We did not have the chance to meet up with the Dol Harubang that was said can grant all our wishes. No wonder my wishes did not come true yet. Hahaha

Dstination 4: Jeonbang Waterfall

Another waterfall because why not. It is bigger that the previous one. 

5/20/2015

Destination 7: Seongsan Illchibong Peak

Another hike in Jeju Island. Truthfully, I am a mountain person, and I do not mind hiking at all. The entrance fees would be 5000 won ~ USD 5. This hiking is a lot easier that Mount Hallasan and more people were here. It was crowded and you did not have the chance to stop walking as people was in line behind you. 

Destination 6: Manjanggul Cave

This is an overrated cave but it worth the walk. 

Destination 7: Udo Island

We did not plan for this one, we were lost due to putting too much trust on the GPS. We saw this ferry and they said it would be a day trip to Udo Island. Without any clue, we said yes to them. And I did not regret going here. We have no idea what to do here. We saw people rented bicycle and we decided to do the same. 3 hours rental is 10000 won ~ USD 10. 

So we basically explore the whole island on bike for three hours. I used my energy to the maximum. I felt like my legs are leaving me behind. 

After returning the bicycles, the owner told us to jump on the back of his truck so that we can catch the ferry. Now I can feel like a local Korean. 

End of our Jeju Island journey. Wait for the next part in the main land! 

Najwa A

USA Backpacking - San Francisco

Salamualaik,

I finished my finals on Wednesday, only Allah knows how relieved I was. But still, I am so worried about my results. I want to get all A's but He knows the best. Kerja kita, tawakal dan usaha selagi masih ada masa. 

So I took the 8.30 am to Chicago on Thursday, and have almost 10 hours sitting in the bus. I was so worried that I might miss my flight. But Alhamdulillah everything happened so smoothly. 

I thought my flight to San Francisco only took about 3 hours, but I was wrong. I forget to consider the time difference and it actually took about 6 hours.

I reach San Francisco at 11 am and I need to check in my hostel before 12 am, because that is their policy. So I called the hostel and said that I might be late. Thank God, she willingly to wait for me. 

The next morning, I strolled alone in San Francisco downtown. I went shopping, and such. I wonder why I never do this before. After doing some shopping, I went back to my hostel to rearrange my luggage, and I found out that I make a mistake by buying a duffle bag. I want to return it but I am too lazy to walk to the store and I thought maybe sometimes the duffle bag might have its use. 

I really fall in love with San Francisco, the downtown is so beautiful, but the living cost is so damn high. Other than that, San Francisco is full with migrates. Like almost every shop is owned by Chinese. Everywhere I go, I could spot Chinese first. 

Then I get hungry, I tried to google for halal food and while walking, the google maps seems to bring be to a weird place. So I decided to get back and find something vegetarian. While walking back, I decided to off my gps and start walking where my legs lead me too. And Allah knows I haven't eat anything since the morning, so He leads my legs to a halal cart. I am so grateful to meet the truck. 

Sebabkan tangan Najwa dah nak patah, tarik bag macam hape je tadi, so I will only upload a picture for you. This is the famous tram in San Francisco.