Alishan!

Alishan or Mount Ali is located at Chiayi County and can be reached via coaches and trains from the other cities/counties.

The Typhoon Morakot August 2009 damaged most transportation links to Alishan and this includes the iconic trains that go all the way up the mountain. So the only way to get up is via bus from Chiayi at NT$221 each way. Entry fee is NT$150 if we go in via public transportation, otherwise it is NT$200 person.

Things to do!

• Jhushan (祝山),

• Giant Trees Trail

• Shoujhen Temple (受鎮宮).

• Two Sisters Pond (姊妹潭).

Things to Eat and Drink!

Being a tea lover, I will definitely not miss the chance to taste the High Mountain Oolong tea! It should be pretty cool up there in the mountain; hence I think having hotpot for dinner sounds like a fantastic idea. Imagine eating vegetables and animals planted or caught from the mountain, now that is what I call, 'Organic'! Now Fenchiu Lunch box is rather famous too, so it is a must-try item too!!

Where to stay?

As for staying for the night, I think I will go with Gao Shan Ching Hotel!

One more day to submit my itinerary!

Yushan (玉山) Mount Jade

How to get to Yushan? (from wikitravel)

The nearby major cities are Taichung (台中) and Chiayi (嘉義).

• Taichung → Shueili (水里)→ Heshe (和社) → Tongpu (東埔) → Tataka Recreation Area (塔塔加遊憩區)
• Chiayi → Alishan (阿里山) → Tataka Recreation Area

From the Tataka Recreation Area:

• Main route from Tataka Visitor Center (塔塔加遊客中心) (2600m) and leads to the top in 10 km, with a hut very near the top.
• Tongpu to the summit, 23 km and 2800 vertical meters.

If you take the main route, you can park in three different places and reach the trailhead differently[1]:

• From Tataka Visitor Center
• From Shangdongpu (上東埔)
• From Lulin Pass (鹿林)

The Hike (from wikitravel)

Getting from the Tatajia Visitor Center to the trailhead, a journey of over 2km, can be done on foot, or by a regular shuttle service that costs NT$100.

The hiking trail leading from the trailhead at Tatajia Anbu to Paiyun Lodge is 8.5km long. Paiyun Lodge at an elevation of 3402 metres is located below the west slope of Yushan Main Peak and is an important base for climbing the Yushan Peaks. As high mountain hikes go, it is relatively easy, with few steep or technical sections. In some sections the trail goes downhill, and there are plenty of level grade sections. The trail is clearly marked, with a distance post every half km showing distance traveled and distance remaining. There are also some interpretive signs on the way, explaining the flora and geology with varying degrees of informativeness. Along the way there's a side trail to Yushan Front Peak, which can be explored by those with the time and energy. It takes 4 to 8 hours to reach the lodge from the trailhead, depending on fitness level.

The trail from Paiyun Lodge to the peak is 2.4km long. It only starts becoming technical around the last half kilometer or so, with the last 200 meters being the steepest and most difficult section...though by high mountain standards, still relatively easy. It takes 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the peak from the lodge.

Permit is required to climb Yushan, it is possible to apply for it online in advance.

http://barkingdeernews.blogspot.com/2009/04/yushan-diy-package.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yushan_(mountain)

http://wikitravel.org/en/Yushan

How to get your Chunkadelic Xmas Iphone Jacket?

For those who are not aware, Ben & Jerry's is giving out Iphone Jackets to all Ben & Jerry's lovers!!!!! All you need to do is to gather 4 pint lids and go to one of the scoop shops at 12pm tomorrow.

The Iphone jackets come in a box and you will only what you get after you open it up; there is Peace, Love, Ice Cream and Mystery. If you got the Mystery one, "Congrats!!!", you will win the Special B&J's bicycle too!!

And with every Iphone Jacket, there is a coupon which you can redeem 2 scoops of Yummlicious B&J's ice cream... Yum Yum...

If you have not gotten your pint lids, 30 minutes ago, I found out that Shop and Save is selling 2 pints for $21.90. This is the lowest price I have seen over the past few days. So do consider running to the Shop and Save nearest to you if you want to have the Chunkadelic Xmas Iphone jacket! Moooooooooooooo...

I got the Ben & Jerry's Chunkadelic Xmas Iphone Jacket!!!! YEAH!!!

This is so so so cool!!!I won the Peace Iphone Jacket and I got it before anyone else in Singapore!!! That is so so cool! Anyway, in the box, there is the Iphone jacket and a coupon for 2 scoops of Ben & Jerry's icecream! Awesome!

Hellooooo... Mr Penguin... where are you?

Spot Mr Penguin in one of the featured articles and email the good people at insing.com for a chance to bring home Mr Penguin!

http://events.insing.com/feature/spot-win-mr-penguin/id-240e2b00

What I can't Live Without

Create a cloud and share gadgets/stuffs that you cannot live without and you might just be lucky enough to walk away with a personalised T-shirt!

It is just that simple, go create your cloud now!

http://www.whaticantlivewithout.com.sg/

Who wants a Retractable Optical Mouse?

Just came back from the Ovi Store Apps workshop organised by Nuffnang!! Learnt how to create my own Ovi Store Apps Icon, meaning that people will get to read what I wrote from their Nokia Handsets, cool huh?

Anyway, they gave out Retractable Optical Mouse (as shown on the left) to the bloggers who attended the workshop and I would like to give it away!!!

Simply follow my blog via the Networked Blogs (Right hand side of this page, just below the Nuffnang's banner) and you might walk away with it!!

The closing date for this is 19th December, 2300hr. Result will be announced at 19th December, 2305hr!!!

Follow my blog NOW!!!!! ^^

YT Gadgets

Suddenly, it occurred to me that Youth Trekker sounds like a super hero... like Spiderman and Batman... Youth Trekker (YT), the Adventure Seeker!

A hero will definitely requires many special gadgets to assist him on his missions. And the following gadgets are super duper 'confidential':

(1) Youth Travel Card

With this card, youths enjoy discounts at retails, F&B shops and more. Check out the whole here.

(2) Digital Tour Buddy

A mobile phone can be rent FOC throughout the duration Youth Trekker explore Taiwan! Cool huh... More details here.

(3) Taiwan Rail Pass

With this TR Pass, the holder will enjoy unlimited access to Taiwan Rail's services. What a way to save money and time! Details!

(4) Tour Buddy

NYC has invited university students to come up with a few itineraries and visitors can sign up for them and be shown around by them. Click here for the details!

Mount Lala 拉拉山

Source: http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/2008/10/the-ancient-trees-of-lala-shan/

Got this from 维基百科 (Chinese version of Wikipedia):

拉拉山，又名達觀山，位於桃園縣復興鄉和台北縣烏來鄉交界，海拔2,031公尺。農委會林務局在1986年成立達觀山自然保護區於該山與塔曼山稜線南側地區，屬於國有林自然保護區，已將保護區內的檜木巨木群、山毛櫸、台灣扁柏、台灣黑熊、台灣獼猴、帝雉、水鹿等動植物列為保育類。

Mount Lala, also known as Mount Da Guan, is situated between Fu Xing Xiang of Taoyuan County and Wu Lai Xiang of Taipei County, it is 2,031m above sea level. In 1986, the Foresty Bureau, COA set up the Mount Da Guan Nature Reserve; together with the southern region of Mount Da Man, they form the Na

tional Nature Protected Area. The plants and animals that can be found in this area are all protected species.

Source: http://blog.taiwan-guide.org/2008/10/the-ancient-trees-of-lala-shan/

From what I found online, ancient trees can be found at Mount Lala. Visitors will get to enjoy "Forest Shower" (森林浴) as they hike along the trails. The name, Lala originated from the Tai Ya Tribe (泰雅族) "R,ra" which refers to the action of climbing up to a high point and look far. The people from the Tai Ya Tribe used to climb up the top of Mount Lala to look out for invaders.

I would really like to go to Mount Lala, stay there for a night, enjoy a meal or two and hike through the ancient trees. Now that is what I call enjoying life! Seriously, I think Mount Lala is not on most overseas visitors's radars. Maybe the information on Mount Lala is inadequate so I am going to share what I found online.

So, how to get there?

First, take a coach (every 20-30 minutes interval) from Taoyuan Rear Train Station (桃園後火車站 Taoyuan Hou Huo Che Zhan) to Da Xi (大溪).

From Da Xi, take another coach to get to Ba Ling, Upper Ba Ling (巴陵、上巴陵). The schedule for the buses are: 07:10 08:30 10:10 11:10 12:45 14:00 16:20 17:40 but only the 7.10am and 11.10am buses go all the way up to Upper Ba Ling.

Where can I stay?

拉拉山古道山莊, Source: http://kudow.okgo.tw/

There are many guesthouses to choose from but this particular picture caught my eyes. I think staying here for the night would be the best; imagine waking in the morning with the mountainous view ahead of you... NICE!!!

Contact Number: 02-26922073 03-3912928

Address: 桃園縣復興鄉華陵村8鄰巴陵31之5號

Surf N Sweat is BACK!

It is back! For peeps who love the sun, the sand and the sea, this is one event we will never miss! Other than the main activity which is the paddling on the surfboard + running a distance, there are many other side activities to engage everybody!

Beach volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee... you name it, they have it! There is also the Beach Hunk and Babe contest, if you think you are yandao or chio enough, go join it!!!

Official website: http://surfnsweat.ntusportsclub.sg/

I want to be a Youth Trekker!

The National Youth Commission of Taiwan is looking for Youth Trekkers for the 3rd time!!! And some how, I really want to become one next year. If I get chosen, I will get to travel to Taiwan between 1st March and 31st August 2011 which is the best time to visit Taiwan!

From what I know, the trekkers selected from Singapore in 2009 and 2010 are all females!!!

Source: http://tour.youthtravel.tw/2011youthtrekker/page7_e.html

What happened to the guys?

I say, let's have some MAN POWER from Singapore to be the next Youth Trekker!!

Whenever somebody talked about going to Taiwan, he/she will definitely mentioned Shih Lin Night Market, Taipei 101, Chiufen and everything else in or near to Taipei City. Come on people, there are so much more to explore in Taiwan.

My plan as a Youth Trekker would be to walk out of Taipei City and walk into the forests, climb up the mountains and jump into the seas! All N.A.T.U.R.A.L... of course, at the end of the trip, I will want to do what normal people do as well... haha... Shih Lin Night Market, Taipei 101, Chiufen and everything else in or near to Taipei City

Pick Me! Pick Me!! I want to be a Youth Trekker!

Staying in Tampines after N years, I realised…

Changi Airport’s air traffic control tower is so near to where I’m staying.

And the CBD’s skyline is visible too!

Well, I stay on the 4th storey and hence, I can’t really see far from where I am. I am just glad that I went up to Block 211 and see this for myself. Now I know where to go if there are fireworks display at Marina Bay! ^^

Berkelah-ed!!

We met at Kranji MRT station last Friday. There were a lot of people - should be mostly Malaysians who are going home- queuing up for the buses going to the Woodlands Checkpoint. Surprisingly, most of them queued up for the yellow 'Smiley' buses instead of the SBS 160 and 160. I wonder why...

Anyway, it had been quite a while since I last hiked in the outdoors of Malaysia. However, I was not that excited at all... instead, I was more worried. The last time I hiked up Berkelah Waterfalls was like 3 to 4 years ago and this time round, I was supposed to lead the way up with Jacq. In another word, we were responsible to bring everyone up to the waterfalls. What if, we got lost... what if, something happen... what if... what if...

It was a smooth ride clearing the customs at both sides and soon we were waiting for SBS 170 at the Malaysian side to bring us to Larkin Bus Terminal. We had a coach to catch ( at Larkin) at 11pm and even though we joined the queue at around 10.08pm, we were still waiting for SBS 170 at 10.40pm. What happened? We didn't know and perhaps never will.

Phones for Free

This is easy: submit your particulars and pray hard that you win the phone. The contest starts at 9am till 9am the next day and 11am to 2pm on Wednesdays!!!

Good Lobang 5

My Royal Caribbean Cruise Adventure

Ship tour anybody? 40 bloggers will be selected to board the ship and from these 40 bloggers, 4 will be selected for another tour – 5D4N South East Asian Tour – and from these 4 bloggers, 1 will be walk away with a 7D5N Western Mediterranean Fly-Cruise Onboard Liberty of the Seas tour!!!!

Closing date is 6th Nov, submit your details now!

Good Lobang 4

The 3rd Youth Trekkers Wanted

Organised by the National Youth Commission of Taiwan, the search for the youth trekkers is in its 3rd year. I have tried the other 2 years but did not succeed; the standard of the itineraries sent in were really good. Maybe I shall try my luck (again) this year.

Basically, one just need to plan an itinerary going to Taiwan and if yours is super duper interesting, you might be able to make your itinerary come true. Give it a try if you really need a holiday or if you really want to go to Taiwan.

Good Lobang 3

Senior Citizens’ Sports Day!

I went to help out at the above event the other day. And gosh, I think it was the first time that I saw so many senior citizens. They walked slowly, spoke slowly but hey, all of us will hit this stage sooner or later. They were divided into groups according to their health and level of fitness to ensure that most of them got to enjoy the games and activities as much as possible.

It is really amazing that some of them are still able to play and joke around. One elderly uncle caught everybody’s surprise and snatched the mic to sing <<甜蜜蜜>>, oh gosh… it was like one of the best version I ever heard.

Kudos to the staff of the home as taking care of these senior citizens ain’t easy. And it really took a lot of efforts to organize this event and I hope they will do more of this for the senior citizens. We can also help too; an extra helping hand is always welcomed anywhere. 

WIN 10 Free Movie Tickets Daily!

Enter this daily draw for the chance to walk away with 10 movie tickets each ( 2 winners per day)!! Last day for the draw is 5th December 2010 and according to the website, the result of the draw will be announced at 1700hr each day. It is effortless: click the tab, fill in your details, answer a super easy question and hit SUBMIT!

Good Luck!!!!!

Good Lobang 2

Nab Nimble Nate!

This is a contest by Nokia to promote the latest model, N8!! From now till 5th November 2010, there will be a challenge each day and if you get the answer right to the challenge, you might walk with $1000 for that day!! There are now 8 challenges left till the final hunt for NATE!!!! So everybody still has a chance to win the $1000!!!! Go try it now!!!!

Good Lobang 1

If I get to go to Tokyo...

I will dress up as one of my favourite animes' characters.

Naruto would attract a lot of attention. I have the head band but seriously, i wonder where can I get an orange overall just like Naruto's. Hmmmm...

Or I can do a Luffy from One Piece. This should be pretty easy - straw hat + berms.

Or how about Ichigo from Bleach? Hmmmm...

Getting to Tokyo Station from Haneda Airport

By Tokyo Monorail

1 transfer, 30 minutes, 620 yen, frequent connections

Take the JR Yamanote or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho Station (5 minutes, 150 yen) and transfer to the Tokyo Monorail to Haneda Airport (20 minutes, 470 yen).

By Keikyu Railways

1 transfer, 35 minutes, 560 yen, frequent connections

Take the JR Yamanote or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line from Tokyo Station to Shinagawa Station (10 minutes, 160 yen) and transfer to the Keikyu Airport Line to Haneda Airport (20 minutes, 400 yen).

By limousine bus

Direct, 40 minutes, 900 yen, 1-2 connections per hour

Limousine buses to Haneda Airport depart Tokyo Station every 30 to 60 minutes. The one way journey takes about 40 minutes and costs 900 yen.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current Yen exchange rate, click here.

Source: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2430.html

I think the subway is a better choice than the limousine bus - cheaper and faster. ^^

Discover Japan via Haneda Airport, Tokyo

This is super cool, the JNTO Singapore is having this contest - Discover Japan via Haneda Airport, Tokyo - to celebrate the launch of the Haneda Airport's handling of international flights. It was formally known as the Tokyo International Airport when it opened in 1931. When the Narita International Airport was completed in 1978, it took over the international flights and Haneda Airport was left to handle the domestic flights.

On 31st October 2010, it will be a historic moment for Haneda Airport as it will be welcoming international passengers again. I sure hope to be one of the first many to be there; please let me win this contest.

Let's see... if I win the contest, I will leave Singapore on 31st October 2010 and I will have 3 airlines to choose from: Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways.

Singapore Airlines

31st October: Leaves Singapore at 1530hr and reaches Tokyo (HND) at 2305hr

2nd November: Leaves Tokyo at 0625hr and reaches Singapore at 1250hr

Japan Airlines

31st October: Leaves Singapore at 0820hr and reaches Tokyo (HND) at 1610hr

2nd November: Leaves Tokyo at 2350hr and reaches Singapore at 0630hr (the next day)

All Nippon Airways

31st October: Leaves Singapore at 2200hr and reaches Tokyo (HND) at 0600hr (the next day)

2nd November: Leaves Tokyo at 2330hr and reaches Singapore at 0620hr (the next day)

Seriously, I think JAL has the best timing and I shall be designing my itinerary according to this flight which allows me to enjoy Tokyo as much as possible.

Ha ha Halloween... We are waiting for your screams...

The song is so so so cool loh... so Hong Kong... (^,^)v

Escape Theme Park

This is cool, another Halloween event in Singapore. The more of such events the spookier Singapore becomes in the month of October... Woooooo....

Source: http://www.escapethemepark.com.sg/events/index.aspx

Write a Ghost Story and on your blog/website or even Wild Wild Wet Facebook page. After completeing your story, share & post the link of your story on Wild Wild Wet Facebook page. Get your friends to like your story and you could walkaway with fantastic prizes Top Prize Story post with most ‘Likes’ wins 2 Pairs of Escape to “Hell”oween tickets and 2 Timex watch Consolation Prizes 5 pair of Escape to “Hell”oween tickets to be givenaway Terms & Conditions - Each user is limited to one story entry only - Winners will be notified via Wild Wild Wet Facebook Page in the Wall section on the 22th Oct 2010 - Prizes are not exchangeable for cash and are not refund-able. E-Card Tagging Contest Download one of the “Hell”oween e-card from HERE. Post your chosen “Hell”oween e-card photo on our Wild Wild Wet Facebook page and tag as many of your friends to invite them to Escape to “Hell”oween event. The E-Card with the most of tags & “likes” will win a 1 pair of Escape to "Hell"oween tickets and a Timex Watch Terms & Conditions - Limited to one e-card entry per submitter - Winners will be notified via Wild Wild Wet Facebook Page in the Wall section on the 22th Oct 2010 - Prizes are not exchangeable for cash and are not refund-able.

Avenue of Stars... wooooo...

Wooooooooooooooooooooo....

It is really cool to dress up as a ghost or something and walk on the street. Kind of AA (attracting attention) but hey, you don't do it all the time; only once (and maybe a few more times) a year during Halloween. We don't dress up during the Chinese 7th lunar month... *choy* people will think I am crazy if I do that during that time... *touch wood*

I will dress up as a Vampire if I get to go to the Avenue of Stars. I have to be properly dress up in order to match the status of this area. (^,^)v

Woooooooooooooooooooo...

Saw the Halloween Parade on TV again.

I remembered seeing the Halloween Parade 2010 @ HK's Disneyland being featured on TVBS the other time. That was how I got to know about this eerie parade in the first place. Anyway, I saw it on TV again a few minutes ago. I think it would be really interesting to go to Hong Kong to have a look no matter what.

We should have something like that here in Singapore. Maybe at the Universal Studios Singapore (USS)? Ya, I think that will be fantastic. Now, let me see... how can I contact the good people from USS... hmmm...

Hong Kong Disneyland's Halloween Parade 2010!

Credits to http://www.youtube.com/user/usji

This parade is so cool... I want to be there... (^,^)v

Halloween Horrors 2010 @ Singapore Night Safari

source: http://www.halloweenhorrors.com.sg/events.html#trainofterror

Are you ready for the scariest ride of your life? Are you sure? Then get on the 'Train of Terror'!!

The Night Safari (Singapore) is proud to present Halloween Horrors 2010! Other than the 'Train of Terror', visitors will also get to experience the 'Trail of the Undead', 'Memories of the Departed', 'Scares Galore', 'Gruesome Treats' and 'Haunted Village @ Singapore Zoo'.

Do note that the Horrific activities only happen on the following dates: 2,8,9,15,16, 22, 23, 29, 30 and 31 October 2010. Tickets can be bought online and over the counter.

B O O O O ~ ~ ~

B o o o

The Chinese celebrates the Hungry Ghost Festival every 7th lunar month of the year. The Westerners have their own version as well - Halloween. It falls on the last day of October, ie 31st October.

Kids are the happiest bunch of people on earth on this day as they dressed up and go around the neighbourhood trick-or-treating. Over the years, Halloween has been gaining popularity in Asian cities like Singapore and Hong Kong who also party on this special day.

Over the next few days, I will be sharing more of this festival and the Halloween happenings in Hong Kong and Singapore.

B O O O ~ ~ ~