#TravelTips | Money-changers in Zagreb, Croatia

I was compelled to blog about this.
Truthfully, I was rather annoyed, frustrated and crossed when I first step foot in the city thus leaving a bad impression on Zagreb.

This was how it started...

It was pretty much of an overland trip right from Frankfurt to Salzburg, followed by Vienna and Ljubljana till where I am now, Zagreb. All the cities I covered was using Euro currency except for Croatia and Bosnia, and since these two currencies were not available in Malaysia, I figure (and this works like charm in all the countries I visited so far) we can either change in at the bus or train station we disembark in (or the airport for some of you). We have everything pretty much figure out but as usual, Murphy Law decided to step in and stir things for abit, adding spices (and perhaps some herbs too) into our trip. 

And there goes the Pandora box... Sigh.

Due to the timing when we arrived, the money changers at the Autobusni bus station were all closed so we head down to our hotel straight away. After settling our stuff, we venture into the town to shop, sightseeing and of cause, look for money changer. If you have been traveling for quite a bit, your mind tends to function like a clockwork, first location you'll seek for is the Tourism Information Centre, this is the one place that will never fail you. Until today. In Zagreb.

We walked in and enquire on where to go, what to see and how to get to Lake Plitvice the next day, our questions were handled not in a friendly manner nor was it full heartedly, in fact very unwelcoming to my personal opinion. One country that I was excitedly looking forward to (merely because of Lake Plitvice) now being smeared by the tourism inhospitality. To add on, the direction to the money changer wasn't the nearest nor was it the best direction given (the public gave a better direction, seriously) and as we were walking, we found few more money changers within a min or two walk from the Tourism Information Centre. Someone is not doing their homework well. Hem...

What done is done.

So, here is what I would like to do, I shall share the locations of money changers within walking distance to the square. Some I might not capture the road name but you can back track by the pictures and ask around. Boleh kan? *smile*



1. Autobusni Bus Station
It is located at the same floor as the ticket counter. That's is the only direction you need to know, unless they renovated the bus station lah. Ahaks.



2. Glavni Train Station
There is one located inside the train station - near the luggage storage area. If I remembered correctly, it is on the right side from the main entrance.

#TravelTips : There are a few backpacker hostel and guesthouses near this area.

3. Cvjetni Shopping Center (Bogovićeva ulica 5)
It is a walking distance from the Ban Jelačić Square (main square). The money changer is located one level below, near the lift.

Money changer on the left (written 'exchange').

4. Behind Tourism Centre (Vlaška ulica Street/near Zangreb Catherdral)

I fail to get the exact street name but base from the picture below and the landmark (Zagreb Cathedral), it should be within this proximity. You bound to stroll to this area if you are heading to the Zangreb Cathedral.

5. Airport

This is very obvious, you can get money changer in almost all airports *smile*.

Well, hope this helps.

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#TravelTips | Lake Plitvice, Croatia.

My nature wonderland.

Warning, this entry will be photo* heavy.
*Click HERE to check-out more of Lake Plitvice photos. I have also uploaded my Bosnia and Herzegovina photos, feel free to check it out.

I remembered the first time I saw this lake on the internet that went viral and the news was that it is located in Kedah, excited like giler I was (obviously bukan kat Kedah lah kan, penTIPU giler viral tuh). Despite that I am not much of an outdoor person (selective activity obviously), with a view like Lake Plitvice, even a Puteri Lilin would risk their beauty and spend a day hiking here. Seriously. Kid you not. Sumpah!

Research upon research I did. Not. 

Basically I only google on the entrance fee and tips, and for the rest of the info on how to get there etc, I ask the hotel how best - cheapest and fastest. After all, locals should know better mah... Smart huh!

As usual, I did not prebook my bus ticket nor entrance fee which kinda works well for us as we had some problem earlier whereby we have to tweak our schedule. Due to our kiasu-ness, we went to the bus station half an hour earlier to purchase our bus tickets (this option is only valid during low season), this way we can survey the price as well as the departure time.

#TravelTips 1 : I paid 180KN and the entrance fee fluctuates base on season. Plan well and check on this link to estimate your travel budget/cost.

#TravelTips 2 : Avoid tourist bus timing! Please plan well and try to arrive before 11am, apparently that is when the tour buses arrive and start their tour. Arriving at the same time or after means you will not be able to get decent photos, it will be too crowded for photo opportunity or even to walk peacefully and enjoy the scenery.

#TravelTips 3 : Journey time: 2 hours or so with 1 quickie stop (for my bus at least). Cost us 99KN p/person p/way and the price varies slightly base on bus operator. Click here for bus timetable and cost.

#TravelTips 4 : There is also a money changer at this bus station, you can change your Euro dollar to Kuna here.

#TravelTips 5 : You can buy the entrance ticket at the counter (ask for direction) and they accept both cash and credit card.

Once you get your ticket, you have few options on the routes that you wish to take, there are about 8 routes for you to choose and the journey takes you from 2-3 hours to maximum of 6-8 hours. We took 'C' Route as that is the shortest, quickest and it took us to the upper lake which covers most of the stuff we wanted to see. Perfecto!

And this includes a 10 mins boat ride. Yippee!!!

#TravelTips 6 : Clean your bowel before you start your hike, there is no toilet for the next 2 hours or so. Sila bertabah.

#TravelTips 7 : Bring a bottle of water and some snack for you to enjoy while feasting yourself with the scenery.

#TravelTips 8 : There is no dustbin until you reach the tram stop (2 hours or so hike), hence do bring a plastic bag to dump all your rubbish. 

Somehow this view reminded me of Royal Belum in Malaysia. 

At this point I was a bit disappointed of the option we took ('C' Route). I kept thinking of the dollars I paid for versus the 'claimed' view (180KN kot!), furthermore the guide specifically said that this is the shortest route and you covered almost everything you want to see (or should I say whatever they displayed over the internet). Dengan ke-emo-an yang jitu bercampur sumpahan demi sumpahan ku sambungkan juga perjalanan 180KN ku.

But the frustration was cut short by the view we saw few mins after the walk... yang becok pun boleh speechless kot.

How should I even begin to describe the view, the water, the bridge, the green.... nak terjun boleh? At this point, I was rather confuse, should I use my camera or handphone, or both?!? (Show off itu harus di sini, else tak sah! Kutuk lah, I peduli apa kan. Muahahhahahhahah <<-- evil laugh)

Oh! Worry not, this is not the only view that left you speechless. Yang suka bercakap tuh, patut datang sini bertapa whatnot. Best dari ashram kot. Hahhahahhaa.....

#TravelTips 9 : Friendly reminder. Wear good hiking or walking shoes. Despite there is no climbing required but trust me, the walk itself is kinda tiring for lazy bum like moi.

I was in full gear - sneakers, track bottom, t-shirt and all. My water bottle and snacks were in the bag. Masa nak tangkap gambar, rambut kengkonon lepas nak melawa (nada perasan disini), lepas habis bergambar - toncit queen lah, apa lagi kaaaaan.

Subhanallah. Beautiful sight.

This is precisely what I meant as of to why one should come before the tourists arrive, you'll have the whole nature to yourself. I was practically skipping and singing the whole way. (Perempuan itu bukan saya)

As you can see, it is rather impossible to get your shoes dirty, the park really takes care of your well being. Path that is covered with mud will be planked for us to comfortably walk.

#Traveltips 10 : You can strike one UNESCO sight off your list.

Water came from out of no where and everywhere, you are walking on water practically or most of the time. MasyaAllah... 

And the waterfall is everywhere at every corner.

The day that we visited Lake Plitvice, the Lower Lake was flooded. At certain areas, the water level at Upper Lake rose at the same level as the boardwalk. 

One of the quieter boardwalk. 

Some of the boardwalk extended overland as well. 

At one of the highest point.

I stared at this view for awhile, trying to find the water source of this waterfall. It was majestic and amazing, I have to say this whole hike left me speechless numerous times. Never have I enjoyed my hiking trip as much as this (despite the fact that I was forever confuse on whether to use my camera or handphone to take these photos).

Once you set foot at Lake Plitvice, nothing else you see will ever compare to this.

Do not worry, as I said earlier, there are places for you to do your little or big 'business', have proper meal, restaurants, information centre etc near the tram station. 

Tram Stop.

Inside the tram.

#TravelTips 11 : For those who wishes to stay near Lake Plitvice, there are a few towns that offer hostels and guesthouses at reasonable price (more applicable for self-drive trip). And if you were to stay within this area, try to experience the lake at sunset too, I heard it is beautiful.

#TravelTips 12 : Upon arriving at the lake in the morning, go to the counter at the bus stop and ask the bus timing and purchase a return ticket (assuming you did not buy a return ticket earlier). You do not want to miss the last bus. Tempat ni jauh giler ok.

#TravelTips 13 : There is a bus that depart at 1pm or so (from Split, if not mistaken), for those press for time, you can take this option. Double check upon purchasing the bus ticket at the bus station OR at the Lake Plitvice bus stop.

Hope the above info is helpful.

Do visit my Facebook Page for more photos on Lake Plitvice and Bosnia Herzegovina. Click HERE for direct link to Globetrotter Facebook Page (Lily Riani).

#TravelTips | How to stay connected in Taipei, Taiwan

I am truly fascinated with Taiwan advance customer service.
(Apologise in advance for the bad photo quality, was using my phone to snap these photos on the go)

Some of the train station have a really cool (and cute) decor, elaborated decor are mostly in the bigger stations. Their train lines are pretty easy, pretty much like Singapore, I'll be impress if one get confuse or lost. Having said that, due to their naming, you can easily get down at the wrong station of which I did especially if you don't speak Mandarin. I guess you have to be alert or keep looking at the sign, other than that, it should quite easy peasy.

The train station can get be really big, there was a train station so big that I have to ask the security how to go about, and they are more than willing to help. If they fail to help or in this sense, unable to communicate well in English, they will page for their English speaking colleague to assist instead (happened to me). So, not to worry yah! The instruction and direction are in both English and Chinese.

My suggestion is that you get the Taiwan Easy Card or Taipei Pass; similar to our Malaysia Touch & Go. User is entitled to unlimited rides on Taipei Metro and on Taipei City and New Taipei City buses depending on the value they purchased. Click HERE to check it out.

How to stay connected in Taipei?

#TravelTips 1 : Visitor Information Centre is available at most major station or major mall around Taipei City. Not to worry as their customer service officers can speak English and plenty of pamphlet or brochures on tourism around Taipei and Taiwan that you can just take, FOC. Click HERE for more info on the branches.

#TravelTips 2 : All Visitor Information Centre provides FREE WiFi access (kid you not!) and power point to charge your smart phone.

#TravelTips 3 : You can get FREE access of WiFi by registering at the Visitor Information Centre, just make sure you bring your passport. ID and Password will be generated for you to activate your access. Usage? NO time limit *smile*.

#TravelTips 4 : As you can see (above), you can use the WiFi access at these hotspots.

#TravelTips 5 : Aside from brochures, WiFi, phone charging facilities, the Visitor Information Centre also provides FREE postcards for you to use/send. And every stations have different stamps/chop.

#TravelTips 6 : The customer service at the Visitor Information Centre is very helpful, just tell them your hobbies, passion or likes and they will guide you on where to go, see, train ride, cost and etc. I asked them on Hello Kitty Restaurant and they guided me on the where about as well other details.

#TravelTips 7 : Some bigger MRT stations provide WiFi hot spots and smartphone access.

I was truly impressed at the facilities provided for travelers convenience, maybe Malaysia should look into this as well? What do you think? Have you experienced other countries' with better or advance facilities for travelers?

#TravelTips | Markale Guesthouse - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) - Big Heart and Best Hospitality. Enough said.

Earlier post
Bosnia and Herzegovina for me...

View across the street.

Worried as our flight arrives close to midnight from Croatia, I called Markale Guesthouse and to my surprise my call was answered by the owner himself and he was able to take my last minute request and arrange an airport pick-up (which is of course chargeable as well as trustworthy). A plus point in my book *smile*.

Strategically located with a fruit/ vegetable market on its left, a supermarket on its right, a meat market diagonally across the street, and to complete this, Pekara Markale; a 24 hours bakery directly across the street fits every travelers' bill. Just then my heart skipped a beat for I know that I will like this place and upon seeing my room, Markale Guesthouse certainly nailed it.

Kitchen and common area.

Facilities available and the cleanliness level was exactly like all the reviews I read - positive.

• English speaking staff
• Free Wi-Fi Internet
• Free wardrobe cabinets
• Free linen and towels
• Free use of kitchen and bathroom (3 private, 2 shared)
• Free hairdryer
• Free iron and ironing board
• Washing machine (require additional payment  - 2,50 EUR per washing)
• Parking is available upon request (6 EUR per day)

Do take note that it is cash payment upon arrival for all 3 booking websites - Agoda, Booking.com and HostelWorld.com.

Breakfast.

Breakfast is included for any booking under Agoda and Booking.com and excluded for those that book under HostelWorld.com (correct at the time of posting).

As we booked ours under Agoda, our room comes with a sumptuous breakfast and they serve it at your requested time, plus the menu changes daily. On our first day we were served with cereal, bread (with jam/butter/nutella), croissant, egg (of any style), beef pâté, juice, milk and coffee/tea. For our second day, we were served with delicious local sausages (yummeh), bread (with jam/butter/nutella), fruits, juice, milk and coffee/tea. Note the key words - sumptuous, delicious, requested time, any style. We were more than happy and full, oh! it's HALAL *smile*.

Below are the price comparison.

Via Agoda. 

Via HostelWorld.com.

All rooms look similar, white and clean with sufficient power points for camera/ smartphones/ laptop/ iPad/ powerbank etc, so worry not flashpacker friends!

Quad sharing.

The front room is facing the main road, if you are a light sleeper, my advice is to ask for the room at the back.

Very clean toilet, it comes with hot water/ hairdryer/ soap/ toiletpaper/ towel and floor mat. 

Hose Supermarket.

Fruit and vegetable market.

The fruits here are fresh and juicy, we bought all sort of berries to eat during out walks and at night. And yah, the berries here are cheap (its expensive back home)!

As you can see, the market is very clean. Very.

Bazaar at the Old Square.

Some of the historical places are within walking distance from the guesthouse, everything can be covered on foot. You can also get them to assist you if you wish to visit Mostar on a day trip.

Hope this info is helpful to those planning their trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina



Directional tips from Markale Guesthouse

If you are coming by car or taxi, just keep going to the centre and ask for the market hall "Markale", we are just opposite to it. If you are coming by tramway from the bus station or railway station, take tram no. 1, and exit at "Katedrala" (the Cathedral) stop. From any other part of the city, take tram no. 3. Once you exit at this stop, just keep walking another 50 meters down the same street, towards the market hall. If you are still not sure how to reach us, give us a ring, we will pick you up for free, if you are not too far away.

Markale Guesthouse - Sarajevo
Mula Mustafe Baseskije 9
71000 Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tel : +387 61 737 704 / +387 61 212 510
E-mail: guesthouse.markale@gmail.com
Website : http://www.sarajevo-hostel.com/

Latitude 43°51'34.00"N

Longitude 18°25'25.63"E

#TravelTips | Hong Kong/Kowloon FREE Shuttle to selected hotel/street

I took the same shuttle in Kowloon before and just realised during my recent trip that they provide the same service in Hong Kong Island as well. Since this is a cheaper mode than taking a cab and obviously a much easier option than hopping from train to train, I thought I should share with you travelers and readers. I will try to make it as easy as possible, so stay with me yah.


1. For those taking Air Asia, you will exit from Terminal 2 and for Malaysia Airline, Terminal 1. The Airport Express Rail stops at the same station for both terminals, passenger to enter or exit via different train door. 

2. There are signages for those that are unsure of where to board the airline, information counters are located at strategic places to assist you as well.

3. It is advisable to purchase the Octopus card (similar to Malaysia Touch & Go) for you to commute easily and everywhere in Hong Kong. Octopus card can be used in selected fast food chain, 7-Evelen, K-Mart etc; very convenient.

The cost from Hong Kong International Airport to Hong Kong Island Station is HKD100 and to Kowloon Station, HKD90.

4. The Airport Express Rail looks similar to Malaysia ERL; baggage area, seats and etc. The journey takes approximately 30mins.

The blue light indicates the current journey. 

5. Upon reaching the Hong Kong Island/Kowloon Station, look for the below signage - FREE Shuttle Bus. There are 2 types or options; (i) Airport Express Rail and (ii) hotel. Choose wisely.

6. My hotel was not in the participating FREE Shuttle Bus list, it is however located across the street to the bus stop. If unsure, just ask the information counter, they will advise you which bus number to take. 

For hotels that are not listed (like mine), the lady at the information counter will be able to advise you on which bus to take and the distance you have to walk from that specific bus stop.

7. Participating hotels and the bus numbers.

8. Hong Kong Island FREE Shuttle Bus Stop.

9. FREE Shuttle Bus

Luggage area. 

Hardly in full capacity.

10. FREE Shuttle Bus Stop at hotel street.

11. For those planning to do a reverse trip ie from hotel to the airport, it is the same process EXCEPT that you can do your flight check-in at Hong Kong Station. Having said that, I think for Air Asia passenger, you guys will have to check-in at the airport itself. Do double check and reconfirm.