Travelog Australia 2015: Alice Spring, NT & Heritage Caravan Park.

Date: June 29th, 2015

Today, we're crossing the border from South Australia to the Northern Territory. It was another long journey of 688km along Stuart Highway. One interesting fact about Stuart Highway is that there are NO SPEED LIMIT on some of the leg in the NT, all the way up to Darwin. The hway was literally straight that u can see miles ahead of u.

Today, we reached the camp park quite late since we stayed a lot longer roaming around Coober Pedy earlier in the day. Again, the office was already closed and no one picked up the phone when we called the cell number. We cant go in since the gate required a combination number to open. We spent quite some time walking around but we couldnt find the staff either. A lovely lady let us in using here code but we had no idea where we are and where to park. We even parked at others' site and get kicked out. That's then when the staff finally called us back and said that she left an enveloped TAPED on the office doors. Gosh! it's so dark with no lighting turned on! How could i see the envelope although it's white -_-'

Only then, we know where to park. It was actually at the other end of the park. Less crowded and with bigger space right next to the pool. This time, we could align our van so that it'd be easier for us to pray. However,the space came with a price. The toilet was waaayyyyyyy further up. Luckily there was a water pipe nearby making it easier for us to clean up after dinner.

 The caravan park was big. It has cabins as well as multi space for campervan and RV as well. It kind of divided into 2 main area, left or right side (from the entry gate). Left side was where the smaller camp sites, cabins and the toilet/laundry building were. Then to the right, u could see an opened hall with a lot of seating area, a huge pool, bigger camp sites and a designated fenced area for dogs to run and play around. So, being our site next to the pool, right around us were RVs (more like buses).

Overall, the caravan park was well maintained and pet friendly. A lot of parking spots for the campervans with clean facilities. 

Travelog Australia 2015: Coober Pedy - Opal Inn Motel & Caravan Park; Old Timers Opal Mine

Date: June 28th-29th, 2015

It's a bright sunny day with a perfect weather. It was a long drive since the cruising speed of the Van was only 110kmph. We rotated and finally reached Opal Inn around 6pm. Nothing much was done that night other than settling in and cooked dinner. Opal Inn itself is located right in the middle of Coober Pedy. Coober Pedy itself as a very small mining town. Well, the town is small surrounded by the vast area of opal mines.

 The next morning, we went to the Old Timers Mine.

"The Old Timers Mine and Museum opens a window on the fascinating history of opal mining in Coober Pedy, revealing not only the hard physical grind and the occasional bonanza that was mining in the early days, but also an intriguing mystery at the heart of the mine.The original mine dates back to 1916, but the old miners, whoever they were, concealed its existence by back-filling the shafts. The mystery is why they never returned to dig out the opal that remained. Perhaps they went to the First World War and never came home again.  It was not until 1968 that the hidden mine was discovered by Ron Gough when he was digging an extension to his underground home and broke through, exposing three large seams of good quality opal, as well as opalised seashells. These have been retained and can be seen by visitors today."-http://www.oldtimersmine.com/

It was a self tour but it started with a briefing by the staff outside next to a mining truck (it looks like the truck at the town signage above). I forget what the name of this machine but basically, this machine sucks up the excavated dirt from the mine and then dumps it in a heap at the edge of the hole. Few of us had the opportunity to try on the suction capacity and it was strong. It could easily sucked a fist size dirt and stone easily from our hands and the guide said there're numerous count of sunglasses as well LOL (from those hang on the shirt collars).

Inside the mine, we saw how the raw opal was processed into the well shaped stones in the workshop. The uncle working there was really kind to show us with all the machines in there. The rest of the time, we explore and climb our way around hehe.

For those who doesnt know what  Opal is. Opal is the national gemstone of Australia. Australia supplies 85-97% of Opal around the world and 80% of them originates from South Australia and Coober Pedy is the main mine source.  The largest and most valuable opal found to date, The Olympic Australis Opal, valued at AU$2,500,000 was found in Coober Pedy.

Ya, I know. You must have expected it to be luxurious and sparkling, right? But due to the uniqeness and purity of the opal (99% gem), it was decided that the opal will remain exactly as found.

Anyway, we spent couple of hours here before continuing our journey to Alice Spring.

Travelog Australia 2015: Adelaide Shores Caravan Park, West Beach.

Date: June 27th-28th, 2015

Our 1st overnight stay was at the Shores Caravan Park. By the time we drove in, it was around 9pm. The office was already closed so we had to call the number at the door.

Couple of minutes after, one of the staff came and handed us an envelope with our cabin number and map. The park was huge and luckily the cabin area was at the front side. There were a lot of camper van but not a single soul in sight. it's not even 10 but everybody  was asleep? Yes, that is how Australia is.

It was really cold so we hurriedly brought our stuff out. We tried to on the heater mode on the aircond but despite of our attempt, it just didnt work. The temp was set at 26C but it was as cold as outside temp. In the cold night, we cooked fried rice for dinner and set for our plan tomorrow before going to bed.

We stayed in a 1bedroom cabin, a family type cabin. They're 2 bunk bed in the room and 1 double bed in the main living area. The room was really small where the space was just enough for me and Nad so it was more like a room for small kids. We initially wanted to stay in the living area but changed our mind since the living area was a bigger space and colder. 

The cabin has everything including a fully equipped kitchen but NO ENSUITE TOILET/bathroom. All 'business' need to done at the nearby common restroom (50m away)..

We started the not-so-early day by walking around. There was a beach nxt to the Park but  since we're tight on schedule, we just quickly walked around. No photo here since they're all in my lost camera.

We left around 9am for our furthest distance leg of the trip- to Coober Pedy, 893km away

Travelog Australia 2015: Greenhouse Backpackers Hostel, Melbourne CBD

Date: June 25th, 2015

This post will serve both as continuation of my Travelog as well as the partial hostel review.

Continue from the checking in. During the check-in, we're required to fill in a form which asked us for our passport number. It was then I realized I couldnt find mine. I've searched through my bag and still couldnt find it so I just wrote my IC number huhu. Since it was late (around 10.30pm), we want to just get into our rooms. We're both located in the same floor but different room - Me and Nad into the female shared room and Eki to the male shared room. 

It was already dark when both of us went into our room. I have to take everything out of my bag in the dark using only a small torch to look for my passport. Still, I couldnt find it. Afraid that the noise might woke everyone up, I just repack and settled down to sleep by then. There was nothing much I could do other than waiting for the next day....

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Hostel Review.
Location: 228 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (5mins walk from Flinders St. station)
Web: www.greenhousebackpacker.com.au/

This hostel is located at Flinders Lane, which is close to Swanston Street and Flinders Street. The main reason we chose the hostel was due to its location- near to the main train station as well as our tour pick up point.

I booked the room directly thorugh the hostel webpage. Female dorm share costed AUD29 per night We didn't know which type of room ure in until we checked in. There were 5 people in the room (2 double deckers + 1 single bed) and since it's a dorm type, the bathroom is a shared one. Dont worry, although the floor itself is a mixed floor, the restroom is separated between male and female. There is also a small toilet near our room so we dont need to walk all the way to the main bathroom. I couldnt take the photo of the room since it was a mess and already dark. But they're basic and clean - bed and locker available but u need to bring ur own lock.

Common area included the kitchen, dining area, reception area and laundry room. There is a roof top area but we didnt hv time to take a look. The kitchen was huge. There were few fridge to put your food as well as a lot of stoves to cook. Since it was Ramadhan, we just woofed up sandwiches for our Sahur the night we checked in.

Wifi is free at the dining/lounge area at the reception floor. There are few PCs available to be used. The rooms are all on the top level. Dont worry, there is a lift in the building so you can skip the stairs if u want. There is also a free luggage room available next to the reception if u want to drop ur bags prior checking in or after check out.

Outside, the police station is next door within the same building. If u turn left at the entrance, u'll come out to Swanston Street, facing St. Paul's Cathedral. If u turn right, u'll come out to Elizabeth Street, right at the main Tram Station. Coles and Macca are both located 5mins away :)

All in all, I will definitely recommend this hostel. I myself will stay again if I visit Melbourne again.

YEHA Guesthouse (Terminal Branch), Jeju City, South Korea

Date of Stay: 25th-26th February, 2014.

My cousin and I stayed at this hostel during our trip to South Korea (SoKor) last February. 

Being that it was an estimated-high-expense-trip after searching on the Net, I realized the highest amount that we would be spending was on our Acco. Since both of us prefer staying in a private room WITH ensuite bathroom, we had to find the best place within our budget. After few trip together, we KNOW that we usually leave our stuff around the room during our trip so sharing a dorm with strangers was out of the story. Plus it'd be easier to take showers and perform prayers in our own room.

YEHA Guesthouse comes with a high rate review for thousands. I have friends that had stayed here before. The main reason for me to choose this hostel was for its location. It's only a 5mins walk from the main bus terminal.

Booking was made at YEHA guesthouse website. Of course, there are options for private room or dorm type. We opt for the Twin Room (2 single bed with ensuite bathroom). Do note that there are 2 BRANCHES of the guesthouse in Jeju City. Another one is at the Jeju City Hall. This is the Terminal branch.

The room costed KRW60,000 per night. Upon booking, a KRW10,000 deposit is required which I paid using my debitCard. U can use any Visa/Mastercard for the transaction (and that means international card as well). The balance was to be paid during check-in. 

We checked in around 4pm and the staff showed us around. We dropped our bag and had our meal first before going out. 

Facilities:

• Kitchen (with utensils for MUSLIM)
• Computers (with internet)
• Fridge (free flow of rice, kimchi and radish)
• Washing machine (free detergent)
• Very friendly staffs

Room

• Wifi in the room 
• Acond and heated floor
• TV, hairdryer
• Ensuite bathroom: hot shower, shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste
• NO TOWEL provided

TIPS:

• Again, bring a towel.
• Bring your own extension cord. They usually provide 1 international adapter so it's really useful to have your own country extension. We all know how gadget dependent people are nowadays.
• Hostel is located next to the mainroad and only 5mins walk to the bus station.

Hostel Info:
Website: http://www.yehaguesthouse.com/
Address: 561-17, Samdo 1-dong, Jeju-si.
How to get there: Take the number 100 bus at gate no.2 of the 1st floor, Jeju airport and get off at Hankook hospital (next to Jeju bus terminal). Take the alley just next to "Kumho Pharmacy " near by the bus stop, "Hankook Hospital". Walk one block and turn right. You'll see it on your right. Just look for the hostel signage.

Seongsanpo Village, Jeju Island, South Korea

Date of Stay: 27th-28th February, 2014.

I came to know of this place when I browsed through my Lonely Planet book. I then googled and found very few review of this place. There is a picture but no website. After corresponding with a fellow blogger, she said that if it's not a high season; most likely i could just walk in. So we decided to gamble for this round.

And our bet was well worth it.

I dont really know the exact location of this place. And mind you, the phone number of the restaurant was not helping either (the GOS doens't recognize it). I only knew it's by the seaside on the south beach of Seongsan area. BUT even for me, we accidentally found this place when we drove from Seogwipo towards Seongsan Ilchulbong.

So after rushing for Haenyo performance and climbing Seongsan Peak, we checked in around 5pm before going to Seopjikoji.

To check in, go to the restaurant's counter. If u come from the door, it's on the right once u go in. The ahjumma speaks NO english but we managed to get a room for 2 using sign/body language hehehe. I basically said "2" and pointed to me & my cousin; and said "1 night".

The ahjumma even asked us if room 302 is Ok for us. Pretty weird since we usually were given the room. Maybe she asked in case we're concerned on the feng-shui or numbering.
At that point, we only know it's on the 3rd floor.

Off we go to get our stuff in the car and then climbing the stairs to the 3rd floor. The atmosphere is a bit dark and gloomy and the room is located at the end of the floor. But it was nothing to compare with what we're about to step into.

Room 302. We're shocked when we opened the door. The room was HUGE. And it was facing the sea, with glass window and sliding door throughout the room. Even my cousin asked me whether it was a correct room. A KRW60,000 room shouldn't be this big. It can simply fit a group of 10 comfortable with the 2 double bed and (your own) toto. The room looks old but well maintained and clean. The aircond was a bit of a challenge as it's really very ancient-looking. We basically just pressed whichever button as long as there're some air out hehehe.

Room

• NO Wifi.
• 2 double bed and ensuite bathroom ( i thought i took photo of the bathroom, but i guess not).
• Bathroom: hot shower, (big) towel, shampoo, shower cream and toothpaste.
• Kitchen in the room: full utensils and fridge.
• NO international adapter or extension but plenty of power points.
• NO LIFT, only stairs.

TIPS:

• Plenty of parking area in front of the pension.

Hostel Info:
How to get there: Refer photo below. It's right at the Y-junction. U wont miss the colorful building :) 

All in all. I will definitely stay here again. Thumbs up!

Mr. Egg Hostel Original, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea

Date of Stay: 1st-2nd March, 2014.

Busan was a very short stop. Very ironic as our point of entry was through Busan. We spent most of our trip in Seoul instead of Busan. And because of fatigue, we missed a lot of things in Busan (another excuse to visit Busan again! hahahaha).

As before,  we opted for a Twin Private Room. I've realized by then that PRIVATE usually means ENSUITE Bathroom. The twin room originally costed KRW55,000 but they had a promotion where u can get KRW5,000 if u LIKED their facebook page. So, they room only costed KRW50,000 per night for us. No deposit is required. However, do note that they only accept cash for payment.

We checked in around 4pm. This is earlier that our stated check in time when we booked. Apparently if u arrived earlier and the room wasn't ready, u had to wait. Lucky for us, our room was ready. From the web, the building is a 2-storey building but our room is located at the ground floor (phewww no stairs climbing here. u'd understand once ure in SoKor).

Had a quick rest and meal. then off to explore Haeundae.

Facilities:

• Kitchen (with utensils)
• Computers (with internet)
• Fridge 
• Washing machine (free detergent)
• Free breakfast (9-10am)

Room (sorry, forgot to take photos but it's exactly as in the web)

• TV, international adapter
• Wifi in the room
• Acond and heated floor
• Ensuite bathroom with hot shower, shampoo, shower cream, toothpaste
• Face towel provided.

Mr.Egg provide Postcard service. They also give 1 postcard for free for each room.
Had mine sent and safely arrived :)

Overall, it was a great stay. Facilities, room and the bathroom is squeaky clean and cozy. Room size is also spacious, mainly due to the double-decker type bed. U got a 2.5m x 2m space between the bed and TV to enjoy the heated floor hehehe.

Would definitely recommended to stay.

TIPS:

• Again, bring a towel.
• Check their webpage for discounts.

Hostel Info:
Website: http://mregghosteloriginal.com/xe/main/
Address: U-dong 618-41 Haeundae gu Busan
How to get there: Take Metro Station Haeundae, Exit 3. (Refer instructor on the website). The place is about 5mins walk from the subway exit and 5mins to Haeundae beach (it's a downhill walk towards the beach. Intersect junction at Busan Aquatium)

Girl's Generation (GG) - Big Bang Hostel, Seoul, Korea

Hi rakan-rakan pembaca. Kembali kite ke posting blog yg dh bersawang nih. Hahaha tetbe rase skema plak.

Anyway, back to business. After a very long hiatus, I've finally found the mood to write. Well, I got a lot of things I'm supposed to write but I just feel like writing a short entry. So what's better other than Reviews?!?

Here comes my 1st review on Accommodation.

Date of Stay: 21st-25th February, 2014.

My cousin and I stayed at this hostel during our trip to South Korea (SoKor) last February. Yes, finally there is a SoKor entry after 4+ months. I know.. I know.. 

Being that it was an estimated-high-expense-trip after searching on the Net, I realized the highest amount that we would be spending was on our Acco. Since both of us prefer staying in a private room WITH ensuite bathroom, we had to find the best place within our budget. After few trip together, we KNOW that we usually leave our stuff around the room during our trip so sharing a dorm with strangers was out of the story. Plus it'd be easier to take showers and perform prayers in our own room.

Booking was made at Girls' Generation Website. Of course, there are options for private room or dorm type. Oh and yes, do note that this hostel is ONLY FOR LADIES (although the owner is a GUY with his MUM). We opt for the double private room (2 single bed with ensuite bathroom). There is another option for a double-decker room (with fridge in the room).

The 2dorm private costed KRW45,000 per night. 4 nights from our Seoul trip will be spent here. 4nights costed KRW180,00 (if u book minimum of 5nights, u can get 10% off but we planned to experience jimjilbang during the 1st night). Upon booking, a 20% deposit is required which I paid through Paypal.

We checked in around 6pm. Apparently, the 2nd floor is the GG hostel and the 3rd floor is the Big Bang hostel. Check in was done on the 2nd floor and our room was located in the 3rd floor.

Facilities:

• Kitchen (with utensils)
• Computers (with internet)
• Fridge (free flow of rice, kimchi and tea)
• Washing machine (free detergent)

Room

• Wifi in the room (there is modem in the room), extension plug and international adaptor
• TV, hairdryer, hairbrush
• Ensuite bathroom (with hot shower, shampoo, shower cream, toothpaste)
• Only FACE TOWEL is provided, so please BRING YOUR OWN TOWEL.
• there is a bar to hang your clothes on the ceiling

TIPS:

• Again, bring a towel.
• Bring your own extension cord. They usually provide 1 international adapter so it's really useful to have your own country extension. We all know how gadget dependent people are nowadays.
• You can try out Hanbok there with a payment of KRW2,000. You'll be suited by Mr.Kang's ommoni. We want to but never managed to due to our tight schedule. Her mum will be around usually until 10pm daily.
• Hostel located at FLAT groundy. No climbing is needed. Elevator is there but we take the stairs daily, faster that way.

Hostel Info:
Website: http://www.girlsgenerationhostel.com/
Address: Arista Building 3F 291-45 Euljiro 3-ga, Jung-gu
How to get there: Take Subway Line 2 or 3, Euljiro 3-ga Station Exit 7. (Refer instructor on the website).