Gwangjang Market 광장시장
In Seoul Korea during both my visits, I ate at Gwangjang Market.
How to get there, take a cab or uber, you can also try the metro.
Here are just a few of the many delicious street foods that you can find at Gwangjang Market. Be sure to try some of the other popular dishes, such as pajeon (green onion pancake), eomuk (fish cake), Bindae-tteok (Mung bean pancake), Tteokbokki (Spicy rice cakes) and Hodo Kwaja (Walnut cookie) which is a traditional Korean cookie made with walnuts, honey, and sugar..
The prices of street food in Gwangjang Market are very reasonable. Most dishes cost between 5,000 and 10,000 Korean won (about $4-8 USD).
Gwangjang Market is a great place to experience the flavors of Korea. The market is open from 9am to 10pm, so you can visit at any time of day. However, the best time to go is during the evening, when the market is most lively.
Visited Mongolia during the first and second week in April, Mongolia is located in Central Asia in between China and Siberia with an average height of 1,500m above the sea level. The country is the least densely populated country in the world and it features a vast country with evergreen trees, endless grassland, and rugged mountains.
Ulaanbaatar has limited number of International flights mostly from China, Seoul, Hong Kong and not too sure but limited flights from Germany. I flew MIAT (Mongolian Airlines) from Hong Kong, Immigration is quick and easy, no visa needed for US passport holders.
Once outside Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, there was snow on the ground. April is still cold in Mongolia.
Airport to City, Taxi cost was USD $ 12. My Hostel arranged for a airport pickup.
Stay - I stayed at Zaya Hostel USD $12 a night for a private room with shared bath. Breakfast Included.
Picture to the right - Traditional Mongolian boot, largest shoe in the world, in Genghis Khan Theme Park, Chinggis Khan Statue Complex. In Tsonjin Boldog, about an hours drive from Ulaanbaatar.
Ulaanbaatar is surrounded by hills, the landscape outside the city is just beautiful. The City itself is just another big city, with rush hour traffic problems. Most people in Ulaanbaatar live in Apartments, in endless neighborhoods of Soviet-style blocks.
Currency - For hotels and Tour companies you can pay in USD or use Visa Mastercard, However do keep some Mongolian Tughrik or MNT. For example I bought soup in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and ate in a Yurt, where no one spoke English and was glad to have local currency.
Things to do in Ulaanbaatar
Now I was there in April, it is cold and not a tourist season. So Gobi desert was out, if you are there in summer, there are good things to be heard about gobi desert tour.
TIP: If you have time, book your tours while in Mongolia, online prices are just too expensive. One would imagine on-line prices to be cheaper, its quite the opposite.
1) Chinggis Khan Statue Complex - Largest equestrian statue in the world at the time of writing this post.
I took a tour which included Chinggis Khan Statue Complex, Turtle Rock in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Ariyabal Meditation Buddhist Temple, Lunch in a Ger or Yurt as it is called in English, drive around UB. The cost was $100 USD.
From UB, its about 45 minutes drive to Chinggis Khan Statue Complex, its Chinggis and not Genghis as per my Mongolian guide.
There is an entrance fee of 30,000 Mongolian Tughrik or around 22 USD, there is a display of rural Mongolian life, history of the Khan's and a stairway to the top of the horse. Spent an hour there, that's enough time and was off to see turtle rock.
2) Turtle Rock
About a 15 minute ride from Chinggis Khan Statue Complex, the best of the trip was a lunch in a yurt with Mongolian folks. they cooked me fried bread with stuffing, and didn't want any money from me, I left a tip.
3) Ariyabal Meditation Buddhist Temple My Last stop before heading back to UB, from the entrance to the meditation center there is mile and half to 2 mile hike upto the Buddhist Temple, I was out of breath by the time I reached the top. One can do free camping and meditation in the summer there. There is also a bunk hall if you don't want to camp.
There is Tibetan Buddhist Mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum' painted in nearby Hills. View of the hills from the Monastery, pretty amazing! In Ulaanbaatar, one place everyone visits is the Genghis Khan Square
The square is surrounded by hotels, opera, stock exchange, government buildings. If you want great views of the city of Ulaanbaatar, head to Zaisan Memorial Hill See video below
Choijin Lama Temple This temple can be found in Ulaanbaatar and it is a perfect place to go while in Mongolia because of its mesmerizing architecture and its history. At the main temple, you will find an extensive collection of religious instruments, copy of the 108 volume Kangyur, thangka paintings, and hand-printed 226-volume Tengyur that was brought from Tibet by the Bogd Khan. Some of the things not to miss at the monastery is the 18th-century gilt statue of Buddha Sakyamuni and the statue of Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav.
Clean Air - To and From the Airport, both the cars were electric, so was the van that took me Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Ulaanbaatar being one of the coldest capitals in the world, there is lot of coal burning in the winter, the government there is changing that for cleaner means of heating.
Picture above, my friend and guide in Magnolia with his wife, in Traditional Mongolian attire Ulaanbaatar is also home to Naadam Festival held in July, they include Archery, Horseback riding and wrestling competitions.
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
I arrived in Siem Reap towards the end of November 2015, Cambodia has Visa on arrival or Evisa depending on your Nationality, bring a passport size photo, you will need it. Expect long lines at the immigration and visa counters, best to fill out all the required visa forms in the flight.
Once the visa and immigration stamp was on my passport, I exited the airport, there is line of tuk-tuk and cab drivers with names on paper, my hotel had arranged for airport pickup and my Tuk-tuk driver was waiting. I got talking to the driver on the way to my hotel, seemed like a very nice gentleman and hired the tuk-tuk driver to take me to the temples the next day.
The driver wanted to start at 4:30 AM so that I could see the sunrise over Angkor Wat, I suggested 8AM as there was no way I am waking up that early on my vacation.
US dollars were accepted every where in Sien Reap.
Plan Your Visits
It is possible to see all the temples in detail over Two Days. You’ll need a pass which can be purchased at the ticket office. Get caught without the correct permit and you’ll get a fine. One can get a 1 day or 3 day Pass, the ticket office will take your picture and it will be on the ticket, so it cannot be used by anyone else. Temples can get hot during the day so plan your visits for a dawn start or later in the day. And make sure you wear good shoes as many surfaces are uneven in the temples.
Temples in Siem Reap
As a World Heritage Site, the Angkor temples at Siem Reap are one of the most famous in the world and a must see for anyone visiting Cambodia. From Angkor Wat to Banteay Srei there are several renowned sites to visit.
Temples in Siem Reap were originally Hindu temples, they have Buddha statues in them now.
Angkor Wat Temple
One of the most iconic temples in the world, Angkor Wat is a must. This is the earth representation of Mount Meru, a holy mountain to Hindus and is renowned for its carvings. Go for the sunrise to see the changing colours of the temple and reflections in the lake. Angkor Wat is a vast complex so take your time exploring as the more you look the more there is to see.
Ta Prohm
The fabulous and eerie temple at Ta Prohm is best seen at daybreak when it is relatively free of visitors. This temple was built from 1186 and dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s mother. Today it is more famously known for its massive tree roots that grow through the ruins and as the Tomb Raider temple from the Angelina Jolie movie
Just to give you an idea of how big the trees are, I am 6 foot tall.
Angkor Thom
The Bayon temple complex at Angkor Thom is another fabulous site to visit. It is renowned for its iconic sculpted faces and walls of ancient carvings and was the last capital of the Khmer regime. The Elephant Terrace is another exquisite feature as is the carved warrior bridge. Climb the nearby hill for a fabulous sunset view across the temples.
East ancient gate to Angkor Thom
Neak Pean Temple
Picture I took of a tourist at the pedestrian bridge, the bridge takes you to Neak Pean temple, back in the day people used a boat. The temple itself is in a middle of lake in small man-made island.
Prasat Phimeanakas
The whole complex at Prasat Phimeanakas is very impressive, the temple is in kind of Pyramid Shape. Loud cricket noise around the temple complex.
Another building n the same complex. Yes, I climbed all the steep Stairs. Back in the day people believed the higher you get the closer you are to God.
Phnom Bakheng
Lots of tourists come here for Sunset photos, I was tired from walking all day, climbed up a whole bunch of stairs, and it was full of tourists. The temple itself is very beautiful. I decided to look around, though not to stay for sunset photos, instead took sunset photos from the side of a lake.
Preah Khan (Sacred Sword)
Beautiful Temple Complex with fewer Tourists, my tuk tuk driver dropped me off in front and picked me from the back exit. There was a Shiv ling in the temple, might have been a Hindu temple at some point. See it while there, The stonework is really beautiful there.
Siem Reap is the perfect base to explore the Angkor temples but plan well and you’ll see some of the most amazing architecture in the world.
Above Picture I took at the Angkor Wat, just thought it was a great shot.
First Picture Above of a lady selling T Shirts and other clothes at one of the temples in Siem Reap, I bought a pair of shorts from her, she was all smiles when I asked if I could take her photo.
Second Picture of a Lady Selling Mangoes, they were delicious and the much needed energy and hydration from walking all day.
Charming, elegant, traditional yet modern, Singapore is a city of contrasts, an economic powerhouse and a fine example of diversity in South East Asia. The chaotic and ancient port is one of the worlds largest centers for trade, while stunning luxury hotels, quiet botanical gardens and endless mysterious temples lie behind the skyscrapers and exterior of the city. Singapore airport was once the home of a stopover, but today it has transformed, to become one of the most interesting places to visit on the continent.
Visited Singapore in November 2106 for 3 days, my 4th time in Singapore.
Singapore is a melting pot of culture, and a collage of ethnicities and beliefs; Chinese, Malay, Indian, and even Western influence can be found within the variety of foods, delightful architecture and many faces roaming the streets. Such extremes can often bring social and economic issues in other parts of the world, but it serves only as a foundation upon which to prosper in Singapore. Few places can claim such a harmonious atmosphere, where Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam can co-exist so peacefully, and this mass acceptance is something actively emphasized by the Government and peoples of the region.
Another highlight of a visit to Singapore is the food and shopping districts. Locals often choose to eat on the streets in the city, where the smell of fresh chills, lime and coriander drift through the air, but there are also many fine restaurants and high end dining for those with a preference.
Gardens by the Bay
And then there are the local attractions and thing to do in Singapore, from the Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Botanical Gardens and the National Orchid Garden; there is an abundance of outdoor areas to explore natural environments, and all within the city itself. Singapore Zoo is one of the most clean and best regarded of its kind, while the Waterfront Promenade is perfect for a romantic stroll or evening meal, with pleasant surroundings and amazing views. Kranji War Memorial is a reflective place to understand more about the darker side of history in this part of the world and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a idyllic example of how the long traditions and culture of Singapore, is still being celebrated in the modern day.
Singapore is a place of contrasts, but these differences are everything to the make-up of the city, and the personality which lies beneath. Whether you experience this splendor on a walking tour, in green leafy environments or in the exotic foods, the variety is always at the center of the experience. Shining skyscrapers are often the image most people will have of the island state city, but in truth, there is far more to Singapore than meets the eye; Singapore is no longer just a stopover, but rather a modern economic powerhouse, full of experiences, infused with culture, and one of the most interesting places to visit in South East Asia.
Saturday Morning mid November was eating breakfast at my hostel in Singapore, when the owner asked me what were my day plans, answered Batam. He said there are demonstrations there and its raining. I said great, maybe I;ll make a video of the demonstrations, Anyways from my Hostel took the MRT train to HarbourFront MRT Station and a ferry to Batam.
TIP: At HarbourFront MRT Station there are different ferry companies, you might want to check the departure times and the cost, took BatamFast, the round Trip cost was $50 Singapore Dollars. It took 45 minutes one way to Batam Center ferry terminal.
MYTH:
1. On youtube and online forums I read about people facing issues with Indonesia Immigration and long lines. All baloney. I went in November and was in and out of immigration in less than 5 minutes.
2. You can get by with Singapore Dollars every where. Not True, you will need Indonesian Rupiah.
At Batam Center ferry terminal, changed $25 Singapore Dollars to Indonesian Rupiah which was plenty for a days trip if you are not going to do any shopping, and once outside the center I took a Cab to Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple.
Its a Buddhist temple. The cab cost was about $5 or $7 and it was less than 10 minutes away from the center. To the cab driver just say Vihara and he'll take you there.
At the Temple there are three Large prayer halls and beautiful courtyards with statues of Laughing Buddha in the yards.
Above Photos of the 3 Halls.
The Temple Complex also had a Vegetarian Restaurant, the food was not expensive and delicious. About $2 for food.
I spent an hour and a half at the Temple including the time eating. There is also a Gift shop at the Temple Complex, After that took a cab to drive me around Batam, and later drop me at the Ferry Terminal. My ferry on the way back there was an hour wait, and I visited the Batam Mega-mall for 45 minutes.
There is a walkway from the ferry terminal to the Mall, seems like there might be people visiting Batam for the sole purpose of shopping. The Mall is huge.
There is a waterpark and other things to do in Batam, none of those interest me, Vihara was my main focus for the trip and it was worth it.
Taal volcano with its lake is a beautiful caldera volcano. A caldera is a cauldron-like volcanic feature on large central volcanoes, a special sort of volcanic crater, formed when a magma chamber was emptied. (Source: wikipedia)
Taal is also one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes of the Philippines and is being closely monitored.
Well, I did Tagaytay trip from Manila on my own, if I had to do it allover again, I'd use a tour company. Its just more convenient. My hotel was near Manila Bay, from my hotel I took a Tricycle motorcycle with a sidecar to Gil Puyat LRT Station. Tricycles and Jeepney are inexpensive ways to travel short distances in the Philippines.
Gil Puyat Light Rail Transit Station, ask your Tricycle or Cab driver to drop you from where you can take the Bus. The one thing in Philippines that is helpful is that most people speak English.
At Gil Puyat after waiting a while and finally finding the right bus to take, you'll be on your way to Tagaytay. The bus ticket is 83 Pesos one way. Important - ask the ticket conductor to inform you when to get off at Tagaytay as the bus is headed for Nusugbu.
The bus takes about an hour and a half or longer depending on Traffic. On traffic, if you think traffic is bad in the United States or Europe, visit one of the big cities in Asia like Manila or New Delhi and you'll appreciate the traffic back home.
Tricycle
At Tagaytay, a Tricycle driver approached me as I got off the bus. After some price haggling he agreed to take me to Taal lake shores and back. Its a long road to the Lake down a hill with twists and turns. Very Important get a fixed price for going and return with the Tricycle operator or you'll be asked 3 times the price on your way back to town from Tricycle operators, and guess what you don't have a choice as you need to get back. There are no Jeepney that will take you to the lake and back.
Once at the lake shore, at the boat office they quoted me 3000 pesos, for a boat ride to Taal Volcano and back, entrance ticket and a horse ride up to the Volcano. After some price haggling, I was on my way to Volcano island of Luzon. There are 25 volcanoes on island of Luzon.
I was short on time or else I would have picked a sunny day to go to Taal Volcano, get better photos.
Once on the island where the Volcano is, there is a long dusty path to the viewing area. Bring a dust mask or you can buy one there, locals will approach you to sell dust mask, bottle water, coconut water, and soft drinks. Local will try to sell you anything, hat, gloves, drinks, water for the horse, and just about everyone will ask you for a tip. They'll even try sell you golf balls that you can take a swing at, and let them fall in the crater. No Bueno.
The crater lake is the largest lake on a Volcano island in the world.
Riding a horse to the Crater Lake can be very uncomfortable, its a half an hour hike one way, if you are in somewhat of a good shape, do the hike.
The views from top of the Crater Lake are amazing and it was quiet an experience.
Happy Travels!
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Manila Philippines The capital of Philippines is also called the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, possessing all the qualities of a Congested Asian metropolitan city. From the grinding poverty to glittering skyscrapers- this contrast is exactly what that makes the city Manila. This Asian Megacity proudly boosts its overcrowded roads, a huge population along with the very colorful Multi-cultural Heritage and a modern lifestyle. The experience in Manila will be very different from the usual island retreat of Philippines. Here, life is fast, yet the combination of Latin culture along with typical Asian monochrome is bound to keep all the visitors mesmerized.
Manila can be also named as the only Spanish colony in Asia. The heritage from the era of Spanish rule still stands to beautify this city. Airport and Immigration - Long lines, they move fast. I was in and out of the Airport in less than 15 minutes. It was 10 PM and I needed a Taxi, most taxi companies will show you a chart with prices, offer to pay half and not a peso more, you'll have no problems finding a Taxi. The prime locations and adventures you cannot miss while in this city are Intramuros This term signifies ‘Within the Walls’ in Spanish. The colonial area of Spanish arena is an interesting place to discover, especially in the horse drawn carriages. This walled enclave is situated on the south bank of Pasig River. The art galleries, performing art Venues, shops and restaurants create an atmosphere that provides the visitors a slice of Europe in the heart of the Asia. Fort Santiago The centerpiece of Intramuros is definitely the citadel of Fort Santiago, which was used by both Spanish and American Military. The arched gateways, gardens, fountains of this fort are definitely a treat for all the visitors. San Augustin Church This church is named as the oldest stone church in Manila. After a devastating earthquake in 1863, this was an only public building which remained unharmed. This church holds the title of UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE under the collective title 'Baroque Churches of the Philippines’. This Church is located within the walls of Intramuros along the Gen.Luna Street. Binondo- the first Chinatown of the World The Manila’s enclave of Binondo was established in 1594 and known to be the first ever China-Town of the world. It was established by the Spanish people, providing some Tax-free land to the Chinese Catholic Immigrants outside the main city. Nowadays, it is one of the most vibrant places of the city, with a lip-smacking variety of Chinese foods. The Binondo Church and converted movie theaters are some other attractions of this city. National Museum of Philippines and Rizal Park This famous park is named after the great anti-colonialist hero Dr. Jose Rizal. The declaration of independence of Philippines from the rule of America was held in here in the year 1946. One of the largest parks in Southeast Asia-this is a favorite recreational place for both local and tourists. The national Museum and art gallery is located inside this park. The historical and cultural heritage of the country is portrayed in this place very well. The divisions like art, botany, zoology, geology and anthropology are spread over the two buildings of this museum. National Museum entry is free Rizal Park can get crowded with locals in the evening, if like me you want to do photography, Mornings are better
Malacanang Palace This gorgeous villa on the North Bank of Paisg River is now the seat of the Government. The building and beautifully furnished rooms are the main attractions of this place. The visitors can enjoy the excellent museum located inside this villa. The garden around this place is also a very great place to roam around. Photography is NOT allowed at Malacanang Palace, its a heavily guarded Compound.
Picture I took around Manila Bay at Night
Apart from visiting the city, there are some other experiences of this city which you cannot afford to miss • Just outside the Mall of Asia, the best place to enjoy the sunset is the Waterfront of Manila Bay. Enjoy the waterfront with an ice-cream from roadside vendors.
• Visit the unspoiled beach of Subic Bay, the flora and fauna, to get a sample taste of the island retreat of the country. You can take a hike in the forest trails; enjoy the water sports and the coral reef. However, don’t miss the open sea, Marine Park, to get the glimpses of Dolphins, and take a scuba driving. • The local transport of this city includes Rustic WWII Jeeps (Jeepeny), which is one of the most affordable ways of traveling in this city. Do take a ride in this jeep to get a taste of real Manila. • If you are up for some adventurous shopping, do visit the Quiapo market. The crazy trinkets available in this market are bound to be the most adventures gift you can take from this city. Although Manila cannot be described as the most gorgeous or cleanest city of Asia, it is definitely one of the cities with thrills, fun and full of life of this continent.
Picture I took Inside the National Museum
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