april-2012

SOUTH KOREA
INCHEON (SEOUL)
COUNTRY CODE +82
CURRENCY KRW100 = PHP3.79/US$0.09
TOUCHDOWN Look for taxis with stickers that
say “Foreign Language Service.” Cabs can be
shared except for those with black and yellow
tops. Thanks to a new bridge, the trip takes 15
minutes. Eight subway lines serve the main areas.
BY DAY Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung are
two palaces that showcase Korea’s culture and
history. For shopping, head to Insadong for Korean
goods like hanbok (traditional clothing), hanji
(traditional paper), teas, pottery and folk crafts.
BY NIGHT A must-see attraction during late
afternoons is Namsan Tower via cable car. A visit
to the Teddy Bear Museum will make you wistful
about your childhood. If the weather permits,
catch the light show display at 8pm.
SLEEP Green Residence in the heart of
Myeongdong shopping district is close to the
Myeongdong Cathedral. 17/F Tae Heung Bldg.,
Myeongdong; www.seoulgreen.com
Roocie
Lumaad
blogger,
ruff eecola.
blogspot.com
BEST BREAKFAST Paris
Baguette opens early with lots of
pastries and cheap milk and coffee.
BEST SOUVENIRS Postcards
with local stamps sent from Nami Island
or N Seoul Tower.
MUST-TRY An hour away from
Seoul is Nami Island. It’s known as
the location for Korean novela Winter
Sonata, but it has a lot to offer!
trip journal
SOUTH KOREA
BUSAN
COUNTRY CODE +82
CURRENCY KRW100 = PHP3.79/US$0.09
TOUCHDOWN From the Busan Gimhae
International Airport, take the bus, the Busan
Subway Line or railroad line. Make sure to plan
your transfers carefully, so you don’t miss your
fl ights. gimhae.airport.co.kr/eng
BY DAY In the summer, head to Haeundae Beach,
which has been immortalized in many Korean
fi lms such as Haeundae, the 2009 tragedy. Visit
the Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood
market, and enjoy fresh raw fi sh there.
BY NIGHT Seomyeon provides lots of fun options
for bars and restaurants. Stroll along the boardwalk
of Gwangali Beach — you’ll see the Diamond Bridge
lit up, with many cafés and restaurants that offer
great views of the water.
SLEEP Sunset Business Hotel in Haeundae Beach
is a three-star hotel with spacious rooms and
affordable rates. Each room has LCD/plasma TVs
and Wi-Fi, with options for beach views.
{ 144 }
Hyungdae
Cho
airline sales
dept. staff
BEST BREAKFAST Enjoy a
lovely brunch in Dalmaji hill, near
Haeundae Beach.
BEST DINNER In Jagalchi
market, the variety of amazing local
seafood will surprise you.
BEST NIGHT OUT Head to
the Kyungsung University area —
crazy youngster’s clubs are waiting
for you!
INDONESIA
JAKARTA
Gunther
Scherz
business executive
BEST BREAKFAST The Café at
Hotel Mulia serves international cuisine
in an oasis-like setting.
BEST SHOPPING Find
exceptional deals at Mangga Dua
Wholesale Shopping Complex.
BEST SOUVENIRS Source ethnic
items like batik fabric from Tanah
Abang, the largest textile market in
South-East Asia.
LESTER LEDESMA
COUNTRY CODE +62
CURRENCY IDR100,000 = PHP467.04/US$11
TOUCHDOWN Hire a Bluebird or Silverbird
taxi from the airport to the city, which costs
IDR180,000 (PHP841) plus toll. Alternatively, the
DAMRI bus goes to any city bus station for a very
manageable IDR15,000 (PHP70).
BY DAY Go shopping in Senayan City Mall
(senayancity.com/mall), a premiere entertainment,
retail and dining complex in Jakarta where you’ll
fi nd quality local goods as well as international
brands and shops.
BY NIGHT Jakarta has been described by many
as rivaling Manila’s nightlife. For a delectable
seafood dinner, go to Bandar Jakarta Seafood City
or to Segarra, a beach club that features al fresco
dining with a view of the water.
SLEEP Two of Jakarta’s best hotels are the
Shangri-La Hotel (JL Jend Sudirman Kav 1, www.
shangri-la.com) and Hotel Mulia (Jl. Asia Afrika
Senayan, www.hotelmulia.com).