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Friday, August 21, 2015

13 TIPS TO SAVE MONEY WHILE TRAVELLING IN MALAYSIA

Nobody would reject a freebie when they are given one, right? But, finding a freebie in Malaysia is rather tough, unless the lucky guardian is with you! Here are 13 great ways to help you save a few dollars on, ranging from food, grocery to transportation, accommodation and even flights when you're in Malaysia!



1. GoKL Free City Bus


As a budget traveler, or just anyone, freebies are always welcomed. What could be better when you have free transportation around KL with free Wi-Fi on the bus too! There are 4 lines (green, red, blue and purple) that run in different routes around KL. You can visit this website to take a look at the detailed bus route.



2. NSK


NSK is the top choice for grocery shopping and cheap daily necessities. Unfortunately, there are only a few NSK branches in Klang Valley area, 13 to be precise. NSK prices are at least RM1 ~ RM5 cheaper than those you will find in other places. With thousands of different products, you will definitely go home with a few bags full!



3. Day / Night Markets

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If you don’t mind wearing cheap shirts or eating cheap beside the road, then, day / night markets will be the right place for you. You can easily find cheap clothing at the markets from RM5 onwards. And there are various kinds of foods for you to choose from, all cheaper than eating in a restaurant or cafĂ©, maybe at the expense of stomachache. 



4. LRT

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LRT is like “MRT” in Singapore, and although Malaysia have a lousy LRT route, it is still the best option to travel around KL. It’s way cheaper than public bus or taxi, but don’t expect it to be as timely as the ones in Singapore, Seoul or Tokyo. It may take some time to wait for one, 20 minutes maybe? However, it’s much more time efficient than public buses.



5. Daiso

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Daiso is cheap everywhere, and, in Malaysia, all prices are fixed at only RM5 (exclude GST 6%). Don't get too excited too soon because some items are not even worth RM5. So don’t just grab anything you see in the store and choose wisely instead.




6. Nasi Lemak

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Food expenditure causes a lot of misery to travelers other than air fare and accommodation. If you don’t mind eating really simple and cheap, try heading to Mesra shops (usually located just beside Petronas petrol station), and grab some pre-packed nasi lemak. It may be just rice, anchovies and sambal chili paste, but where else can you get RM2 nasi lemak?



7. Roti / Banana Leaf

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Another cheap food option will be Roti Canai and Banana Leaf. Roti doesn’t cost too much (RM1~RM1.50) but the portion is small that it will barely be enough to take your hunger away. Banana Leaf can be pricey if you were to add on dishes like meat, but one can refill rice and side veggies (that usually served along with rice).



8. Guest House / Couchsurfing

Accommodation is the second most costly item for travelers. But fret not, there are still cheaper options for those who are traveling on a budget. You can choose to sleep in motels, or guesthouses from as cheap as RM25 in some places. Or if chances permitted, you can also try Couchsurfing which additionally gives you a chance to stay with locals and be friends with them!



9. Air Asia

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I can’t hide the fact that I’m very proud of Air Asia for being the best low cost airlines in the world. I believe that Air Asia has the cheapest air fares for Asian countries. And it’s much cheaper if you are flying out from Malaysia compared to flying in.

P/S: It may be cheaper if you book your return ticket separately (one way tickets), so, remember to check both methods before purchasing!



10. Free sewing

A hole in your pants? Then you might want to visit Hobby N Coffee Cafe. You will first have to order some drinks or food to be entitled for free sewing. Though, you can get a traveler sewing kit from Daiso at a price of RM5 too, just compare both to see which is worthy!





11. Groupon

You might actually be able to save some money especially buying dining, haircut or accommodation vouchers through Groupon. Try browsing their webpage to find some great deals and make good use of that extra money you saved!




12. Burger Ramly

Yearning for some western but with a touch of a local taste? Then, you should try Burger Ramly! It’s really cheap comparing to McDonalds, Wendy’s or Burger King. The cheapest is around RM3 and portion is slightly bigger than McD’s burger. Depending on which one you order, the burger may add on egg, sausage too!

P/S: They are selling at roadside stalls.




13. Shopping bags



Going for a grocery shopping on a Saturday? Bring a shopping bag along! Or else you will be paying RM0.20 extra for each plastic bag. So it’s either you bring a bag or you’d have to buy one to pack your things. With the money you've saved here, you might be able to buy a couple of pre-packed nasi lemak for a meal!




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Written by Elley

Born, fed and grew up in Malaysia and have a strong interest in Korean language & culture too. Love travelling and taking pictures that doesn't seems attractive to others and believe that determination brings success in the future.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

6 REASONS WHY SOUTH KOREA IS IN FACT THE SAFEST IN THE WORLD


pixabay

Korea is the only divided nation in the world. Some people seem quite worried saying the ceasefire can be broken anytime, while Koreans themselves look completely carefree. They insist actually there is no country safer than South Korea. Sure enough, in a survey to the foreign visitors in 2014, public safety got the highest satisfaction index of 90%.

Let me explain why.



1. It’s in wartime?


The Korean War has not officially ended, but it is nowhere close to a state of hostilities. There have been very few cases of engagements on the Military Demarcation Line, but you will never face anything about it in any part of civil residences.



2. Kidnapping by North Korea?



Some South Koreans still think Kim Jong-un’s North Korea kidnaps civilians, like his grandpa did long ago, but it’s a complete mistake. Recently, the North usually sends the people back through the Panmunjeom truce village with prior notifications, even if they willingly sneaked into the border. ("N. Korea sends two S. Koreans back home via Panmunjom" - Arirang news)



3. Terrorism?

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Terrified of possible terrorism by North Korean secret agents? That kind of things never happened ever since 80s. Don’t forget the northern part of the peninsula can hardly afford spies these days. Moreover, South Korea is completely free from internal ethnic or religious conflicts, and also it is very difficult for terrorists to access this little insular country isolated by the sea and the communist regime.



4. 24-hours awake

flickr/jonasginter

Koreans absolutely love to drink, sing and dance all-night-long. Inevitably, therefore, whole lots of pubs, restaurants and stores are open 24 hours and people are everywhere even in the very middle of the night.



5. Dense population


The population of South Korea is very high compared with its rather small land size, so you can hardly find any unfrequented places except in very remote rural areas.



6.  Fingerprint database

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It might be a controversial issue, but all the South Koreans have to provide their fingerprint samples linked to the resident registration numbers to the government upon issuing resident cards at the age of 17. This database of fingerprints of the whole national citizens actually plays a major role in the high arrest rate of violent crimes in S.K.








Written by Karly

She graduated in a university in Korea double majoring in social studies and political science. After graduation, she worked for a while at the Nation of Assembly of Republic of Korea, but now she is working as a reporter. Having a life goal of being a Asia-specialized travel reporter, she travels around the world in her spare time.