Showing posts with label Tips & Tricks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tips & Tricks. Show all posts
Saturday, October 20, 2018

Things to take note before you visit Cappadocia

The hot air balloon and mystifying landscape in Cappadocia has become very popular in recent years thanks to Instagram! It's been on my bucket lists for ages, and finally is now off my bucket list. Woohooo. Here's a few things I wish I knew before visiting Cappadocia, so you can refer to them to avoid same mistake. 
What to know before you go?

Best time to travel: April-June OR September-October 
During this period, it isn't peak season and the weather is moderate ( Just nice for a hot air balloon ride). June-August falls in summer can get pretty hot-up to 32'C, also the busiest time of the year flocking with many tourists, while December-February falls in Winter can be bitingly cold as the temperatures is going down to -6'C. 
How to get there:

Cappadocia is most easily accessible by plane and there are 2 major airports : Kayseri Erkilet Airport ( ASR) in Kayseri (about an hour drive to the city) and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport ( Nav) in Nevsehir. We flew with Peagrus airline, a local flight from Kusadasi to Kayseri with RM176 and we were transferred to our hotel upon arrival. 

About hot air ballon 

1. The hot air balloon don't fly everyday 
Yes! The ride is very much depending on that day's weather and wind condition. The local Turkish holds the authorities to decide today's weather is it suitable for a balloon ride. As you know weather can be very unpredictable and if it's windy, the ride may be cancelled at anytime. Nothing can be done. So if balloon ride is one of your ' must-do list', I recommend spending a few days in Cappadocia as occasionally balloon ride are cancelled due to the weather. 

2. Many photos had been photoshopped
Many of the photos you see on Instagram are photoshopped with many more balloons than they are in reality. Only about 100-150 balloons fly each day and they do spread out to different direction depending on the wind, so it's difficult for you to get a perfect shot with the skies completely filled with balloon. Somehow you may try your luck and be ready before the balloon launching, you'll see them more densely!

3. Hot air ballon only fly on 6.00-8.00am
Let me warn you if you're not a morning person, it's earlyyyyyy! The local will pick you up at approximately 4.30am or maybe earlier, so you can witness the balloon launching and soon the ballon started to lift off. It's amazing!! 



Where to stay?

One of the most frequent question I got is: Are those hotels in Cappadocia very crowded/ touristy? Maybe, but at least not mine. The best thing about Cappadocia is the unique experience of staying in a cave hotel, isn't? I've chosen Cappadocia Cave Suites in Goreme, and this was the last room when I booked. Phewwww I nearly missed the chance. lol. So if I were you, I will make sure to book in advance because this Instagram places are likely to fill up first. The reason I booked CCS is because they offer large bedroom, and the bathroom is a treat! There's a jacuzzi bathtub which is perfect for relaxation. Perfect? I know right. 

And the rooftop terrace is filled with nice carpet, tables and many props that you can take photo with. It wasn't crowded as I thought, it was totally empty by time I arrived. How is that possible? You don't even need to get up earlier to avoid the crowd, is all yours! Best place you could ever imagine. 




How to pronounce Cappadocia?

Its not Cah-Pah-Do-Siah or Capa-Doc-Ia ( Oops...This was how I pronounced it earlier, awkward....) The correct pronunciation is Can-Pah-Doh-Kia. 


What mistake I made? 

I went in early October and it was fairly chilly at night and reasonably warm during the day time. We never expected raining day. But here's the unlucky thing, we were told by the locals that the weather was really bad and balloon ride were cancelled the day before we arrived in Cappadocia. It was pouring rain and I was worried that I barely got any sleep that night. I just had one day in Cappadocia. JEEZZZZZ the biggest mistake I've ever made...T.T So please make your stay for at least 2-3 days to avoid disappointment or pick the right month for the least likely chance of rain. 


What to see and do

If you think hot air ballon are all what Cappadocia is, you are completely wrong. Cappadocia has numerous attractions and activities to do, which are worth exploring. 

1. ATV Tour
If you're an adventure junkie, an Atv tour is a must! You get to explore many different valleys. But most impressively, you get the opportunity to watch the sunrise as roughly 100-150 balloons flying up to the sky, it was a magical experience indeed. Prices are affordable, and there's a local named Osman who will help sort out your booking if you hit him up! Add him on WeChat: osmanwolf. 



2. Camel ride 
My first experience on a camel. Head down the hill at the Goreme open air museum where you can find 4 camels sitting there.  TIPS: Confirm the price before you agree to take the camel ride! We thought it was 30 TL as written on the board ( Actually that's the actual price), and did not ask any further question but straight went for the ride. At last the man actually charged us 30 USD. WHATTTTTT? 



3. Hot air balloon ride 
Like I mentioned above, riding a hot air ballon is often the most popular activity to do in Goreme, so you really want to book in advance as the price is cheaper online about 130-140 Euro. Here I would like to recommend a few hot air balloon companies: Royal Balloon, Voyager Balloons, Kapadokya Balloons, and Butterfly balloons. Your flight will begin at sunrise, where your pilot will climb about 3000 feet above ground level. It is from this elevation that you will marvel at the beauty of Cappadocia below you. The standard flight is a total of 60 fascinating minutes. There will be a champagne celebration at the end of the flight, and you will be presented with a flight certificate. 

4. Shop at Grand Bazaar
One of the highlight was shopping in the grand bazaar. With it's colourful lamps, nice carpet, ceramic dishes and its maze of hallway, grand bazaar is definitely a joy to explore. You will be asked " Where are you from?", "Hello beautiful", "What can I help you?" more than 10 times. Anyhow if you would like to get something from their shop, you can always start bargain with them and you'll be surprise that you can get the item with very low price. 

It was truly an amazing experience that I hope I could stay longer. I'll be posting more about my experience in Turkey so stay tuned! >>>
Monday, July 18, 2016

【Tips & Tricks】: UK travel visa and flight



I recently returned from a 3 months trip to the United Kingdom and Europe. So I would like to share my travel tips, and I thought you might find them useful. I've already been to 13 countries but I haven't satisfy my thirst for travel yet. So I get my first job just like everybody else does after my graduation. I worked hard until I managed to pay my own bills, and finally able to finance myself.  I took a year to plan, includes my saving, research, accommodation, transportation, from A-Z. 

My mom initially objected but I still went after my dream no matter how unattainable others think it was. So far my biggest achievement in 2016 was my solo trip to UK. I flew 3000 miles to England and I travelled for 3 months on my own cost. It was a great experience because life has taught me that nothing is impossible, only you yourself can make your dreams happen. #IMADEIT 




Fly me to the moon

INFORMATION: 

-FLIGHT-

What's it like to fly coach on one of the world's best airline? Again I traveled to UK by Emirates costing me around RM3200 this year. No doubt the airfare ticket was slightly expensive but Emirates is always my first choice. I had a pleasant flying experience with Emirates in 2015, from the crew to the food, the comfort of the seats, the in-flight entertainment, there's no way you'll get bored. 

In flight entertainment: hardly know any other airline that provide in-flight entertainment as good as EmiratesEvery passenger have a personal seat-back monitor, the screen you get is much larger with huge selection of movies that you able to access FOC during your flight. What to ask for more?

Extra legroom: Not forget the mention, Emirates is one of the companies that provide more comfort to passengers in economy class. The legroom in all flights is approximately 86cm, 12 cm more when compared to other airlines. 

Delicious food: We all know that airplane food is not exactly the most delicious thing, except if you fly with Emirates. I am always looking forward to their meal box which is delicious and tasty. 

5 star services: The service is fantastic. The flight attendant is very friendly and nice, can you believe that? I asked for 2 bottles of liquor or extra blankets, and I get whatever I want. Unlike other airlines, I don't dare ask for more. 

Thank you for the amazing hospitality, it's definitely all worth it flying with Emirates. 


Summary:

Chosen Airline® Emirates
Air Fares Ticket ® RM3200 
Transit: PNG-KL-DUB-LHT
Service: 5 stars






Before you fly

1. If you prefer a quiet seat, pick the front row.

2. Pick aisle seat if you tend to use the bathroom very often, so you don't disturb the deep sleepers beside you

Up in the air:
1. If you are having jetlag or you couldn't sleep, there will be tons of complimentary alcohol you can order :)

During transit:
1. I transited at Dubai airport. The lounge in Dubai is truly a world class lounge, huge and nice. 
2. Unfortunately the WiFi is only available for one hour :((

Bonus TIPS: 
Airline change fares constantly, so timing is everything. Start checking as long as you know you'll be flying, if you found a good deal, go for it! I traveled during March, in between February and March is a low season. So best advise, book in advance otherwise discount seats are likely to sell out quickly. 



Finding Cheap flight:


Skyscanner is perfect when you are looking for a cheap flight. Select your destination and dates, here you search for the best deals.



2. MOMONDO

3. KAYAK
A good "advisor" whether you should buy your flight ticket or wait, and the explore feature lets you filter destination by weather, price, flight duration and etc.

A budget travel resources which you can find cheapest and low cost flight.



The best website to travel for free by using frequent flyer miles and credit card points.

-TRAVEL VISA-

I get a lot of message over the months asking me about the UK visa! So I am here to answer your question! Before this, I did my research online. I've called 4 travel agencies, I googled, I asked my friends around, and I probably be the most annoying person on earth. However, DONT BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTION! Ask for what you want, ask for help, ask for advice. 





Question #1. VISA- How long you can stay?

You won't need a visa to come to UK, you're legally to stay in UK for up to 6 months.

Question#2. Documents you must provide

1. Return flight ticket : To prove you'll leave UK at the end of your visit
2. A current and valid passport
3. Bank Statement/ Payslip from the last 6 months :  To prove them you have financial support ( Cash, credit card, cheques)
4. Employee letter : If you are employed ( Start date, salary, role, company name)
5. Insurance card : Buy a protection for yourself
6. Driving license: You need an identification in case you are going to casino/night clubs

Once you have the coveted "Visa" stamp in your passport, don't get too excited! You still have one more test to get over before you can enter the United Kingdom! And that exactly what I worried the most- The UK Border Immigration Officer. You might be questioned, and if they are in any doubt, the officer can refuse entry and send you home on the next plane. WHATTTTT? 



Question #3. What kind of questions are you likely to face at the border control?
1. The dates you're planning to leave UK
2. How long you intend to stay in UK?
3. What is the purpose of your visit? ( Travel? Study? Working?)
4. Are you working or studying?
5. Details of where you'll be staying during your visit. ( Address, Contact No, and relationship to the person who'll be looking after you)
6. How much your trip cost? 
7. How much you earn in a year?
8. Are you travelling to any other country besides UK?

*Bonus tips: Never carry a job application or only purchase one way ticket. They might suspect you for illegal stay. Most importantly, be confident and make your answer sounds convincing

*Sample Answer: 
"I come here for travel.  I have a full time job back in Malaysia and I am taking a sabbatical leaves to travel. I am staying with my family at [address], meanwhile I will be also travelling to Europe."

To do list before you travel:


1. Check PTPTN Blacklist.
For those who applied PTPTN, you are advised to check your immigration clearance status at: http://sspi2.imi.gov.my/ . Internet system is getting widely used now, it's easy to do the checking. When your name is on the list, you will not be able to travel out of the country. So make sure you pay back your loan punctually.

2. Activate your bank card to International Withdrawal
In case you run out of money, you can still withdraw from your Malaysia's bank account.

3. Temporary deactivate your phone line
If you are going for a long travel, and you still want to remain your Malaysia's number. Call to the centre, you can terminate for 3 months without have to pay for your bills.


4. Check the currency

Obligatory tourist photo!


 More red buses please, over Regent Street on a quiet day!

I reached London at night, and I took a cab to my destination. I was dragging my luggage and walking on quiet streets in the midnight. It was exciting because my plan went well. I couldn't describe the feeling I get the day after I reached London. I cant wait to go to his doorstep and surprise him. Yeah that's the plan.. The moment of reunited is the moment for which I have waited for so long. 

-Westminster Abbey-





London is absolutely beautiful, so many reasons to love London. Definitely worth visiting for a break, also you'll discover so beautiful scenic places you probably dint know existed along the way. This trip has been amazing so far, so please stay tuned for my next upcoming post! 

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