Hong Kong: Shopping Paradise

Assalamualaikum and Ni Hao buddies!

I bet you guys have already know travelling tips; what should you bring, what to wear, what to EAT and so on from the previous posts. Am I right? But if you haven't read them, feel free to scroll down the blog to catch up about what we've discussed before. Or...just click one of the links, Don't Be Travelling Zombie and Top 5 Best Food!

So, are you guys all prepared? I think it's time that we really travel to one of our dream cities, which is *drum rolls

HONG KONG!

Oh! I'm super excited!

Well, the first thing you need to do is, of course, to book the tickets. Make sure to know how much days will you spend there, the hotel room, and also check out the places that you want to visit during your trip. You don't want to go to HK and spend like half of the vaca searching the place or even deciding where to go! Oh no no! That's not the Escapers way! LOL

*Extra tip: Also if you are a shopping maniac (like me! lols), please please make sure you have enough baggage check. Just pay around $20 - $50 more instead of paying hundreds more went you really go overweight!

After the touchdown, you might want to go straight to Handy Hong Kong's counter at the airport arrival hall.

What is Handy?

"Handy is the first fully customizable smartphone for hotels.

Handy provides you unlimited internet, local and international calls, hotel information and informative city guide content." 

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Yes I know!!! Unlimited calls, local and international, unlimited 3G mobile internet, WiFi hotspot and tethering, city guide, exclusive deals, who would reject these heaven-like service?! And it cost only HKD$ 88!

Alright, you have your unlimited-calls-and-internet phone now. So, let's check out the interesting places that you HAVE to visit in Hong Kong.

Repeat: HAVE TO!

ARGYLE CENTRE: Shopping Spree!

cr: Trip Advisor

Address: No.688 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

Directions: Mongkok MTR, Exit D2

Argyle Centre is famously known by its floors and floors of DIRT CHEAP clothes and handicrafts! It is always crowded with people. Better if you go at night as there are less people. It's more convenient to shop without having to push people etc. It's sometime irritating and might just blow out your shopping mood.

FOREVER 21: Another shopping spree

cr: secondharvest.asia

View at night. Still so many people!

Address: 19 Jardine's Bazaar, Causeway Bay

Opening Hours: 10am to 1am

Direction: Causeway Bay MTR Exit F

Sorry it's a shopping place again. I can't contain myself from inserting another must-go shopping spot in HK. LOLS! The Forever 21 outlet in Hong Kong have 6 stories at Causeway Bay. Yes its really HUGE! Also, there is a whole level dedicated only to accessories and shoes gals!

Come on! Book your tickets now! And don't worry about getting lost to find it cause it is right outside the MTR exit.

Happy shopping! >,<

OCEAN PARK: Play like a kid!

Whoa!! The roller coaster is so sexy! I need to get on this! cr: themeparkreview.com

Aqua City Fountain. Cr: themeparkreview.com

Address: Aberdeen, Hong Kong, China
Directions: Admiralty MTR, then take bus #629

Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm

Well, the pictures explain everything. Ocean Park is a theme park. They have cable cars and sea creatures. And it's fun there! I think you might spend a whole day to play all those stuffs there. LOL Also, Ocean Park is a HUGE place! You better have your flats on!

Australia Dairy Company: FOOD!

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Address: G/F 47-49 Parkes Street, Jordan
Direction: Jordan MTR, Exit C2
Opening hours: Mon - Sun (closed on Thurs): 7:30am to 11pm

No trip to Hong Kong would be perfect without a visit to Australia Dairy Company. It's actually have nothing related to Australia and whatnot. It is a restaurant that is overly famous because of its scrumptious egg and milk-based products. Particularly, scrambled egg sandwiches and steamed milk pudding are their signature dishes. Well-known by its notoriously rude but extremely service, you'll be given your food as soon as you sit on your table and expected to eat and leave.

So, there you go. Some of the places you can visit during your trip to Hong Kong. Any suggestions or comments, feel free to drop it below.

See you soon, Escapers! ^^

Full credit to these websites for providing us such useful information:
shirlynnyang.blogspot.com // gollylocks.com // openrice.com

HARRY POTTER, DIVINE ESCAPERS AND UNITED KINGDOM

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All of the Harry Potter series has been written and filmed very well. Thanks to J. K. Rowling for her creation of Harry Potter as our hero of all time.

Hello Divine Escapers and Potterheads!

Do you know that you could be part of Harry Potter series just by Divine Escape-ing?

First thing first, I'm going to take you to the imaginary magical places of Harry Potter in our real life places located mostly in the United Kingdom. You can visit all of these wonderful places and get to know how it feels like walking through the filming sites of Harry Potter by yourselves.

• Privet Drive where Harry lived with his muggle-born family since he was a baby is located at the Town of Bracknell (Picket Close). 

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• Harry was brought to a zoo where he spotted a snake who actually could understand his sayings is located at London’s Zoo Reptile House in Regents Park.

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• Hagrids brought Harry to the entrance of Leaky Cauldron pub that lead to Diagon Alley which is actually located at 42 Bull’s Head passage. 

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• Diagon Alley was filmed at Leavesden Film Studios

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• The interior of Gringotts Wizarding Bank as the goblin-runs bank where Harry was brought by Hagrids to withdraw his money was filmed at the Exhibition Hall of Australia House ( Home of Australia Embassy). 

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• Harry departed at Platform 9 3⁄4 to Hogwarts after he penetrated a wall between Platform 9 and 10 at King’s Cross Station. 

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• The red steam train lead to Hogwarts travelled on the trail of  Fort William-Mallaig at Scotland.  

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•  Harry attended Professor Snape class which is located at Lacock Abbey

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• Harry had his first lesson to drive a broomstick is at Gloucester Cathedral

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•  Dark Forest where Harry, Ron and Hermione entered several times is located at Swinley Forest area of Windsor's Great Park

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•  Hogwarts Library is the Duke Humfreys Library at Oxford

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• Some magical places was filmed in Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden and Pinewood Studios.

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• Harry also was brought to London where they are several United Kingdom landmarks such as Tower Bridge, London Eye, Big Ben, Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

LONDON EYE

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BUCKINGHAM PALACE

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BIG BEN

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• The exteriors of the Ministry of Magic also was filmed at the real government office of Whitehall.

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Basically if you escape to these Harry Potter’s magical places, you already cover the most outstanding places to visit in the United Kingdom.
 
So, whatcha waiting for? Let’s go for a Divine Escape in the U.K.

GUNUNG STONG STATE PARK : A Hidden Paradise!

Hi, Hello, Howdy!

Sometimes, after a stressful week of studying/working, we need a break to let go all the stress. To calm our minds and to re-energized our body. And an escape from the hectic lives in the city would be the best remedy.

Shall I introduce to you a local waterfall spot which sadly, not many people realize its existence. A hidden paradise just located near you. Have you ever heard about 

Stong Mountain

Gunung Stong is located in Dabong, Kelantan and you can clearly see the waterfall from far away as it is really high. It is one of the highest waterfalls in Malaysia, the seven-tiered Jelawang Waterfall. 

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The rugged landscape of Gunung Stong offers many exciting adventures such as hiking and jungle trekking. With the assistance of qualified and knowledgeable trekking guide, your exploration of Gunung Stong will be more meaningful as interesting aspects about the biodiversity of the area are pointed out.

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A cave-like formation, named The Bogo Shelter is a suitable resting point on the way to summit of Gunung Stong. Meanwhile, the highest peak which named Gunung Ayam is an ideal spot to catch beautiful sunrises and sunsets. 

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When you get there, it is such a breathtaking to feel such a fresh and clean air. You also get the chance to get the refreshing bath and its the time for you to explore the natural environment. 

So, how to get there?

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#1 By Road -  Coming from Kuala Lumpur, take the North-South Highway and exist at Kuala Kangsar. From there, follow Gerik and head on to East-West highway to Jeli. From there, head towards Dabong.

#2 By Train - At KL Sentral Station, board the express train to Kota Bahru, and it will lead you through small towns including Dabong. Get off at Dabong and cross Sungei Galas and head towards Jelawang, which is approximately 3km away.

It will take quite a few hours but you won't be regret after getting there!!

These are the places that you must visit when you arrive at Gunung Stong State Park. Don't miss it!

• Trap Door Spider
• Ginger Family / Bamboo Area / Giant Pitcher Plant
• Track Down Animal Tracks – Tapir, Bear & Elephant
• Rock Shelter
• Seven Level Waterfalls / Princess Well / Princess Pool
• Panaromic View & Sunrise from a top of First Waterfall
• Insects
• Species of Monkeys / Gibbons

So, what are you waiting for? Let's escape to Gunung Stong State Park!

Source: kelantan.attractionsinmalaysia.com // tourism.gov.my

HERE WE ARE IN SOUTH KOREA!

Assalamualaikum and Anyeonghaseyo everyone!

Dear Escapers, our next entry is about a divine escape to South Korea. All of us know where the South Korea is especially for the K-pop's lovers.

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, and commonly referred to as Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. We will reveal the interesting and must-visit places when you are having a vacation at there.

If you missed one of these places, it certainly wouldn't be a divine escape. Let's check it out!

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#1 Jeju Island : The Hawai Of Korea

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Jeju Travel Tips:

•  Don't worry if you have not booked the hotel yet, unless you want to stay in one of the luxurious ones such as the Hyatt. There are plenty of rooms available, even during the high season.

• Make sure to pick up a map from Tourist Information at the airport. It will prove itself invaluable during your trip to Jeju Island!

• If you are using the public transport to get around the island, it is not convenient. So if possible, rent a bicycle, scooter or car and use the "coastal road." It's beautiful!

• Click here for more information and services:

Bigblue33

This expert company provides you an enjoyable diving

Jeju Oil Trail Official Site

A lots of informations and gude before you walk around Jeju Island

Don't waste time!

Things you should do in Jeju Island

#2 Busan : The Most Popular Beach Spot in Korea

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Busan Travel Tips:

• Haeundae is outrageously popular and crowded but the other beaches in the area are just as nice.

• Check out the Busan Shark Dive while you're in Busan. It's an experience to remember!

• You can take the KTX (bullet train) which is fast, and surprisingly cheap. Then, make sure to buy your tickets at least a few days in advance if you plan on traveling during the weekend.

• Wondering where to stay in Busan?Seomyeon! It's very central and makes a nice base from which to explore. Plus, it's at the intersection of the 2 major subway lines, so you'll never have to worry about getting somewhere quickly, cheaply and conveniently besides having sufficient facilities.

#3 Gongju and Buyeo: Ancient Capitals of the Baekje Dynasty

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The former capitals of the Baekje Kingdom, Buyeo and Gongju are tucked away in the heart of Chungnam provinces. They are filled with cultural and historical relics from 2000 years ago. Tombs, fortresses, and temples can be found at every corner. The best way to see the sights would be by car, so either rent one or get a Korean friend to take you.

Gongju + Buyeo Travel Tips: 

• These places are best explored on bicycle, motorcycle or by car. Beg, borrow or steal! Or, rent a taxi for the day to take you to the sights.

• If you have own transport, it's entirely possible to see both these places in one day. If not, choose one and have a relaxing trip.

#4 Seoraksan National Park: Beautiful Fall Colors



Seoraksan Travel Tips:

• Rent a car and travel during off-peak hours (leave at 5am!) if you're coming from Seoul. You'll hit lots of traffic if you leave on Saturday morning at 10am.

• As with the busy roads at peak times, the mountain gets crowded too. Try to hit it away from the prime-time weekends because it is not ideal to experience a line-up when you're hiking.

• If you go hiking, especially in spring/summer/fall wake up early (with the sunrise). It will be much cooler and you won't be climbing in the middle of the day.

#5 Nami Island

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Located 63 km away from Seoul, Nami Island is famous for its beautiful Korean pine tree lands and the shooting location for Korean drama, Winter Sonata. No trip to Seoul would be complete without a visit to Nami Island.

Namiseom Island Tips:

• It is recommended to tour the island in an ultra slow pace to kill time if you are taking the 4 pm shuttle bus back to Seoul.

• Traveling by bus is definitely an ideal mode of transportation but I guess it’s more adventurous to travel by train.

• You may click here for more inquiries and informations:Budget Travel Guide South Korea

Till next time Escapers!

Source : http://wikitravt/50-beautiful-places-visit-korea-873093 // wikitravel.org // travel.cnn.com