The Kuala Lumpur Tower

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Here's my first blog post for this brand new year - a Christmas visit to the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.





I absolutely had the most memorable dining experience in one of the world's highest revolving restaurant situated in Kuala Lumpur Tower on the eve of Christmas 2010. Yes, indeed, Kuala Lumpur Tower which is originally known as Menara Kuala Lumpur ('menara' means tower in Malay) is my featured itinerary for today. 

Standing statuesque in all its architectural perfections, the Kuala Lumpur Tower is the most aspiring, gargantuan projects ever undertaken in Malaysia. It appears higher than the Petronas Tower for the reason that it is perched atop Bukit Nanas which by itself is 94 meters above sea level and, hence, the tower rises to a height of 421 meters; a highly visible and prestigious landmark the country ever made.





The KL-Tower acts as the country's main telecommunication and multimedia tower and proudly ranked as the fourth tallest in the world. 

It also claims to house the highest fastfood restaurant in the world - McDonalds. 





The structure comprises of five basic stations: the foundation base, the touristic level, the tower shaft, the tower head and the antenna mast. The base consists of three basement floors to serve as storage house and maintenance departments. At the touristic level, you will find a 146m pedestrian mall with cascading pools, souvenir shops, ticketing counter and the administration's office. The tower shaft on the other hand, comprises of a stairwell with 2,058 steps and four high-speed elevators that will zoom you up the KL-Tower to the observation platform in 60 seconds where a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city awaits. The tower head  houses a public observation platform on the first level and a revolving restaurant on the second level. It is clad in a double-glazed with gas in filled  glass, arranged in the traditional Islamic form of the 'Muqarnas' of the Shah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran as well as illustrates the layers of the sky with the rays of the sun in the middle. It also represents the journey to perfection in human life. Crowning the tower is the 86 meters long antenna mast which is used for telecommunications and broadcasting transmissions.





The KL-Tower is the first pit-stop in the mostly watched reality TV show in Asia - the Amazing Race Asia 1.





So much about the tower, now let me talk about my dining experience at its revolving restaurant.

Restoran Berputar Seri Angkasa, the restaurant's name, provides ambience where patrons can enjoy an exquisite selection of food complemented by an entertaining music from the piano lounge for a one of a kind dining experience. It provides an excellent panoramic views of the city with the opportunity to admire the ornate architecture of the Petronas Tower and the financial district most especially at night when the city is dazzled by shimmering lights. It specializes in buffet-styled dining and offers a variety of local and continental cuisines which are served on separate islands equally spaced around the restaurant. It also has a special dessert counter which is just phenomenal especially when you dine in on an important festive occasion where a delightful blend of flavors will surely excite your tastebuds - a sea of gastronomic delights that makes your olfactory go on a high alert the moment you gazed upon the various desserts on the counter. You will certainly be swamped with multitude of options for that sweet cravings! Oh-la-la!!! 





The restaurant opens daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for dinner. Prices for lunch buffet starts from RM 60++ for adult and RM 35++ for child on weekdays and RM 70++ and RM 40++ for adult and child, respectively, on weekends and public holidays. Dinner buffet prices are RM135++ for adult and RM 75++ for child.





Below are panoramic views of the city during the day.

Give Kuala Lumpur Tower a stop when visiting the capital city of Malaysia. This unique architectural heritage has become a prime tourist attraction in the city that offers an experience you will never forget!

    

Phoenix Park Ski Adventure in South Korea

The world shrank and the only sounds I heard were my breathing and my heartbeat and the blaring Korean pop music. The chilly fingers of the night surreptitiously crept in shrouding all in uncanny darkness while I was on a leisurely stroll at the most stunning ski resort presented  before my eyes. Temperature seemed to drop rapidly sending in shivers of penetrating coldness beneath my thick woolen clothing. The frigid night air stung my cheeks pink as I rubbed my numbered fingers adorned with gloves and my toes curled in the comfort of my thick woolen socks.

A mix hullabaloo of excitement manifested my facial expression. I had finally set my foot to the main destination of this winter getaway. Clouds of ski adventure hovered my restless imaginations. I was all hyped up for the next day to come!

Where was I specifically?

I was at Phoenix Park Ski Resort so enough with my descriptive introduction... Let me give you an overview of this featured travel destination for today....

Located seven hundred meters up the side of Mount Taegisan (1,261 meters above sea level), approximately one hour and fifty minutes from Seoul, Phoenix Park Ski Resort boasted a number of facilities including ski resort with twelve slopes authorized by International Ski Federation, an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus for members only, a 9-hole golf course to cater for the public and beautiful hotel and condo accommodations. The resort was also equipped with the first gondola lift in the nation as well as the key lift system that enabled the skier to make the choice among the beginner, intermediate and the expert courses. With eight ski lifts, state-of-the-art cable cars and six conveyor belts to ferry visitors around the park more quickly and efficiently, visitors were sure to be pampered with endless fun and adventure!

Phoenix Park offered various snow activities for all winter sports enthusiasts, adrenalin junkies and visiting families on all scales. The resort had the full advantage of topographical features to satisfy both beginners and advanced skiers. Though most of the slopes were for beginners and intermediates, there's not to worry for all those adrenalin junkies as the ski resort had have enough black diamond runs including Dizzy, Panorama, Paradise and Mogul to keep you wildly interested and defy your guts!

Skiing is both fun and exhilarating but it can be pretty dangerous too with slips and falls often leading to accidents and injuries. Don't take your chances on this if you are not sure you can actually do it. As for me, I had many attempts of trying to learn it the moment I set myself on the beginner's slope. It did result to many crashes and falls and it definitely frightened the heck out of me! It was fun nevertheless. I enjoyed every moment of it. But I reckoned I might not be on this sort of adventure track after all. Perhaps for the fun of sliding down below I would do it again but never would I wish for more than that.:)

How to ski? Here's what I learned from my coach. First of all is to find your balance. I did not seem to have that. I did stand on my skis, put my weight slightly forward (always keeping my balance right), tucked my behind in and bent my knees most importantly, exactly the way my instructor taught me. But the moment I started moving forward and skiing halfway through the beginner's slope, the skis seemed difficult to maneuver  to a V-shaped position to put a halt to  my momentum and prevent myself from toppling over and crashing to fellow skiers, the worst. I fell as a result of course! 

So here's what to remember: Make sure to keep your balance on your skis - knees and ankles slightly bent and weigh over the balls of your feet. Stay off your heels and resist leaning back - stay forward or else you will risk yourself from falling over. Keep your skis straight if you wish to go fast and open your legs sideways and spread out the tails of your skis wider to make a bigger wedge if you desire to keep it slow or cause it to stop. This is not an expert advice by the way so please don't take my words if you are really doubtful about it. It is always important to seek the guide of a professional ski instructor to teach you and to be able to learn skiing the right way.

Give Phoenix Park Ski Resort a visit. It is definitely one of the best ski resorts in South Korea to boast from the continent of Asia.

Mt. Seorak National Park, South Korea

A new day beckoned, the morning sun cast its brilliant rays across the land, creating a masterpiece. The stinging chill of daybreak was like a slap to my face, turning it rosy in a heartbeat. This day was filled with much anticipation for my trip to one of the most popular and breathtaking peaks in South Korea.





After a fun-filled day on Jeju Island, we boarded for a domestic flight yet once again and this time to Gimpo to take us to our next destination for this tour. We were headed to Gangwon province in eastern South Korea to experience the most visited peak of Mount Seorak National Park. On board the tour bus that would take us to the place, I was ecstatic to finally have my first winter discovery unveiled!





Mt. Seorak is the third highest peak in South Korea about 5600 feet and is part of the 300-mile long Taebaek Mountain Range running along the country's east coast. According to locals, Mt. Seorak was actually one of the world's  largest single slabs of granite. In November of 1965, the Mt. Seoraksan Mountain District was designated as a Natural Monument Preservation Area and in August of 1982, A Biosphere Preservation District by UNESCO. It was named Mt. Seorak due to its whitish granite face which looked like white snow capped on a mountain.

So Mt. Seorak National Park is my next featured itinerary for my trip in South Korea.





My heart palpitated wildly and somersaulted in excitement as the tour bus came to a halt to our featured destination of the day. I alighted from the bus and smelt the richness of my surroundings. In the distance, scenes of eternal snow dusted the mountain range. It felt like I was teleported into another realm of life, away from my city-inducted reality, and was warmly welcomed (though chilly in a sense) by a breath of fresh, cool and crisp mountain air. A perfect start to realign myself with nature's rhythm.

The entrance to the park was marked by a statue of a great 'Black Bear', proudly guarding the park from its great pedestal.

Our real adventure was just about to begin as we took a scenic gondola ride (cable car ride) that would take us to the viewing deck of the peak. From there a hiking trail would lead us up to the summit with spectacular view of the beautiful earth's elevation covered in white powdery snow.

The foliage of trees with snow-covered branches and the snow-dusted mountain range were beautiful canvas of winter whites slate, with ornate details of brown, green, grey and blue hues. The snow-filled stairwell paved a narrow meandering path through the snow covered surroundings that was just awe-inspiring.

I began my climb effortlessly beforehand, but as I got higher, the ascent had become grueling and the snow turned everything very slippery, pretty dangerous if ever I tripped and slid down below, crashing myself to fellow hikers following my trail just like a domino!





The sight of the breathtaking mountain range had emboldened me to climb to the very top of this peak if only to get an encompassing view of this dramatic vista and my self-pride, of course! With so much determination, I made my ultimate ascent to the summit. Oh my, it was just a jaw-dropping view that yet again I had never seen in my entire life! The granite rock formation were so huge and dominant and the snow capped peaks made the whole area almost mystical. I was just so thrilled I made it there! A feeling like I was on top of the world, literally!

After having a marvelous time at the peak, I started the most dangerous descend ever on a slippery, snow-filled pathway, always being meticulous in my every single step. After being successful with the demanding gravitation, we headed back to the foot of the mountain but the journey to the park had not ended there.





I proceeded with a leisurely stroll towards the Sinheungha Temple....

And, stumbled upon a magnificent Buddha statue along the way... It was just the most eye-catching figure in the park, perfect for photography lovers!

Indeed, it was a memorable trip to the Mt. Seorak National Park. There were many more things to see around the place and a day was certainly not enough. 

Seoraksan gets a tremendous number of visitors almost every season. But the best time to visit it according to frequent visitors to the place is during the fall season when the leaves turn color in sweet and lovely autumn hues, so beautiful and colorful it is always on canon-perfect angle. During this time, it brings traffic to the surrounding areas to a standstill. 

Give Mt. Seorak National Park a stop whenever you plan to visit Korea. I'm sure you will be delighted to see  what I'm talking about.

Jeju Island, South Korea

For many years, the city dwellers in Korea have flocked to Jeju Island for a respite from the daily hustle and bustle of urban life. Jeju is my second featured travel destination in South Korea.





On board the Asiana domestic airline due south of Seoul for about an hour flight, my next pit stop lay 60 miles off the southern tip of Korean peninsula, the 'Honeymoon Island' of South Korea. Looking out of the plane window, my mind was diverted into reels of fun and excitement, unable to contain my joy of finally touching down the island's ground.





Jeju is the only special autonomous province of South Korea which garnered major attention when Seongsan llchulbong was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is undoubtedly Jeju's magnificent landmark out of dormant volcano Mt. Halla with its lava tubes and the 597-foot-high coastal crater. 

The island enjoys a mild climate which makes it a destination favorable to visit all year round. With its lush greenery, azure coasts, scenic extinct volcano, unique scenery of black lava rock walls, verdant hills covered with evergreens and palms and its subtropical climate as I mentioned earlier, no wonder the island is regarded as the 'Hawaii' of Korea - the country's prime destination for honeymooners.

The majestic ball of fire made its dramatic entrance signalling the start of a new day of fun and adventure. This day was filled with many places to visit to this beautiful island. Thanks to our excellent Korean tour guide, Mr. Wong, we set off the day with our first stop to another of Jeju's famous landmark, the Yongduam Rock (Dragon Head Rock), an unusual lava formation in the shape of a screaming dragon  with its body submerged in the sea. Then, we proceeded with our next stop to the World Heritage Site, the Seongsan Sunrise Peak.

I felt a tinge of chill as the morning breeze whipped past me early Sunday morning. The damp musky scent of morning dewdrops still  lingered in my nostrils. I took a deep breath of the crisp invigorating cool air before commencing my arduous climb to the top. The scenery was fabulous but the hike was almost in comparison to the Great Wall.

Seongsan llchulbong or also known as Sunrise Peak is an archetypal tuff cone formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions upon a shallow seabed about 5000 years ago. Dominating the eastern seaboard of Jeju Island like a gigantic castle, this 180m high tuff cone, not only preserves its bowl-like crater but also provides excellent sea-cliff exposures of diverse internal structures. 





There's something magical when standing on the rim of this crater overlooking the sea. Scenes of clouds moseyed across the cerulean sky, highlighted by blurred mountains from afar and beautiful azure seas would make you stop for a moment to contemplate with the island's marvelous scenery.

The walking trails were a perfect guide for a pleasant hike to the peak and down to the foot of the crater. It reminded me of my steeply ascent to the Great Wall of China, slightly easier in comparison. But still it was a climb to the peak, so it's not as easy as you thought it would be. 





Our third stop was a fascinating Submarine tour on which we could get a spectacular view of the oceanic floor as far as 30m undersea. It was my first time on board the submarine and I was really excited about it. But the experience was not so much of a thrill because each group of visitors were only given a small circular viewing window, which was a disappointment. I managed to see the so-called 'treasure boxes', coral fishes and coral reefs and a diver who swam past the window surrounded by adorable fishes. 

The day was indeed loaded with various itineraries to this island. I had a great time 'Horse Riding' at the outback horse farm. Dress in a cowgirl suit and hat, it was one of my beautiful moments in Jeju! I was terrified to ride on a horse at first but I managed to overcome my fear somehow. Fancy riding on a horse for the first time in my life! The experience was just awesome!

Next, we enjoyed fruit picking at a Tangerine Farm. Then, we stopped by the scenery of lovely flowers at the Rape Seed Flower Farm. What a great way to indulge in a vast spread of yellow flowers! Thereafter, we proceeded to the Glass Art Museum, a glass themepark, that showcased the different shapes and figures made of glass before heading down to the Teddy Bear Museum which exhibited everything about teddy bears of various countries, time and themes and different sizes. An absolute paradise for teddy bear lovers!

Moments like this...

Immersed in my tangerine indulgence!

Wouldn't it be so nice if it wasn't a glass diamond after all? 

We ended our tour to this island with Korea's first non-verbal stage performance which dramatized culinary art and customary Korean percussion - the Nanta Show. An excellent comical show to end the day! I had a burst of laughter watching it. Definitely, a must-watch stage show when you visit Korea.





It was nice visiting Jeju Island in South Korea. In fact, there were still more beautiful places to visit in this island including its beautiful beaches and majestic waterfalls. Time was just not on our side to completely tour the entire island. Maybe next time though!

Nami Island, South Korea

Love is in the air in Nami Island! This is the first featured travel destination for today.

Nami island is an island located in Chuncheon, South Korea, which name originated from General Nami, a controversial figure from Joseon Dynasty of Korea. Presently known as Naminara Republic after it had declared independence on 1 March 2006, it can be reached by a ferry ride from Seoul.





The island is best known as the filming location of the popular drama series, 'Winter Sonata'. Metasequoia, is where it is specifically located in the island - a scenic, tree-lined path of birches and Korean tall pines. It has a romantic and quiet setting which will certainly make you fall in love - a must go destination for couples especially on a cool autumn season when colorful leaves cover the grounds and pathways as well as on a winter season when the place is just covered with snow. Unfortunately, it was not snowing when I was there but it had left traces of autumn scene that was already captivating and awe-inspiring. With such mesmerizing beauty and lovely scenery, you could only hope to stay and be with your special one, holding hands as you stroll around the neat surrounds of tall, bare trees that seemed dead, and a tranquil environment ablazed with beautiful color.

It was a cold Saturday morning, negative three degree in Seoul. Together with a group of other holiday-makers, we embarked on a journey to our first itinerary by bus. It was a long bus ride from the Incheon International Airport to the island's terminal where we would then be transfered by a ferry ride towards Nami island. Upon arrival, the place was already thronged with many avid visitors going in and out of the ferry. It was biting cold as I endured the bleak and frigid wind swished past my exposed face. I was all covered from head to toe, only a small portion of my face was left unadorned. Well, I needed to breathe somehow... What a silly statement this is! Nami Maid was the name of the ferry we rode on and it was just a horrendously crowded short ride. Here, people were seen getting out of the ferry from all directions, excited to set their feet on the island. I was as well exhilarated!





Cold and piercing wind whistled through my surroundings. A crisp of cool, fresh and invigorating air tickled my nostrils. I began my stroll along the wide pathway surrounded by majestic towering trees that rose like giant pillars resembling an army of soldiers welcoming their master. I was feeling like a princess immersed in my fantasy! A beautiful sight captivated my attention at the distance. A picture of small bridge that cut across the silent lake. This enabled the visitors to get to the other side of the island.

The landscape was dotted with pretty cottages, bungalows, exhibitions, lake, chestnut trees, birches, gingko trees, maple trees and pines. Traces of autumn leaves were still on the ground.

I continued my stroll till I reached the main filming site of the drama series, 'Winter Sonata'. I was flabbergasted right away upon seeing an enchanting beauty I had not witnessed in my entire life! Romance filled the air... if only I had someone to cuddle with while on a leisurely and chilly walk along the brown pathway surrounded by tall and bare magnificent trees. I was immersed in my dreamy world once again! I had never felt such feeling of falling in love with the scenery. I could only imagine I was holding hands with someone. The site was just a perfect place that provided young people with romance, lovers with reminiscence and families with affection. It would have been better if it was snowing. But unfortunately, my visit was too early for winter snow to cover the place. It would have been more of a romantic setting. Below are some of the photos I would like to share to help you picture out the place.  

The air was light and chilly. I trembled slightly as I pulled the thick, brown jacket closer to me. The feeling of winter breeze was just around the corner. Oh, if only it started snowing! The whole place was bathe in dirt colored glow with some intricate details of red, orange, yellow and green hues. What a perfect place for photography lovers! I managed to capture a few scenic areas of the filming site. A day at this island was certainly not enough. I would love to book a place to stay in the island if given another opportunity to visit it once again.  

I stumbled upon a picture of the stars of 'Winter Sonata'. They looked obviously in love with each other. Koreans are beautiful people and the main actors of this drama series namely, Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji Woo are without a doubt to go crazy for.

Like a leaf floating on Cheongpuyung Lake, Nami island has become rather a blooming tourist attraction, kudos to the creation of  Winter Sonata that chose this place as the filming site. Fans of the drama series throng to this island every now and then.

After spending time in Nami island, we were bound immediately for a domestic flight to Jeju island.

My Very First Winter Trip!

Where am I going for that winter getaway?





It's not in Europe nor in America but in the vast continent of Asia!

Where specifically?

South Korea!

How about the tension?

I'll brave my butt off to face it!

Hahaha! I'll become part of history if war is really going to happen between the North and South Korea.

But of course I'll be praying really hard nothing will break out! I just don't want to consume all the negative news about the country right now! South Korea is a fabulous country and its constant tension between North Korea has been ongoing for already quite a long time now and the people there have already been used to it. Despite that, the country was successful in holding the 1988 Summer Olympics and the World Cup in 2002 which was jointly hosted alongside Japan.





I am excited that's all I know! This is my first time going for a winter holiday trip. And boy, do I have to say that it's going to be a really expensive trip for a first-time, winter holiday-maker, like me! I had been very busy shopping for winter clothes the last few days. From winter jacket, to sweater, long johns, gloves, boots, scarves, socks, etc. The list did not seem to end and the prices, extravagant! I had been doing malls hopping looking for suitable winter thermals and of course, those that were easy on my budget! It was fun nevertheless! Thank goodness the ski gears are provided. Huhu! This is definitely not my kind of holiday, expenses wise, not unless if I get to my destination and see it right before my eyes.





I love winter and I haven't tried it for real! So beat it, I'm going there before all the beautiful things in South Korea come to an end (that's 'if and only if..')! The brochure shows beautiful pictures of Nami Island, the filming location of the popular drama series 'Winter Sonata', the ever-loved Honeymoon Island of Jeju, the skiing and gondola ride fun-tasy in Mt. Sorak and the endless shopping in Seoul! I'm sure South Korea has a lot to offer.  And, my luggage are now packed and I'm so ready to go! Sparkling Korea here I come!