Youth Hostel Membership in Malaysia

1 year membership:

Junior (Between 12 and 17 years old) - RM30

Senior (18 years and above) - RM40

Lifetime membership: RM300

Official website: http://www.myha.org.my/

Address: No. 1-7, Block B, Impian Kota Apartment, Jalan Manau off Jalan Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur. 50460 Malaysia

Telephone: +603-22736870 / 71

Fax: +603-22741115

Membership application: http://www.myha.org.my/v2.1/content/view/89/66/

Hostel booking: http://www.hihostels.com/

Note: The card can be used in Malaysia and overseas where the sign YH (Youth Hostel) is displayed.

Click here if you want to book Youth Hostel in Seoul.

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Shopping in Phuket, Thailand

Explored a new shopping mall, Jungceylon, which was the name of Phuket back in 1511AD. Very modern architecture, displaying captivating junks which is their mascot and mall logo. The basement level offers a large array of local souvenirs, food stuff and massage services.

Hit Phuket Square instead. Now THIS is a place for the locals. It would be useful to know a few words in Thai like "how much" or "cheaper" to start bargaining for rock bottom prices for star buys.

Phuket Square was a compendium of hundreds of stalls of sorts, from clothes to shoes to bags to souvenirs. It was a shopper's haven, especially girls. It was a maze of streets, fully air-conditioned, spacious and comfortable. Only disadvantage: They don't speak much English.

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Ride bicycle in Vietnam

Across the Long Bien Bridge are some of the most interesting and untouched landscapes and small villages of Hanoi. Take a rare opportunity to explore another side of Hanoi.Begin your morning (winter) or afternoon (summer) in the old quarter of Hanoi before collecting your bicycles and starting your unique experience on the outskirts of the city. Try some red bean juice whilst you wait for the boat to take you across the Red River.

A world apart from busy Hanoi, ride along the river and enjoy the tranquility before breaking for lunch with a local family. After resting, further discover the beautiful scenery and rich rice fields that are the Red River Delta. Learn how rice is cultivated and see a rural way of life so close to the city.

Cost
$25USD per/person (Daily Departures)
Includes
Modern Treck mountain bikes, English speaking guide, transport to and from starting point, refreshment stop, set lunch/dinner at Culi Cafe.

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How to find tour guides in Korea

I know many who have doubts of traveling alone in non English speaking country like Korea. I assure you that you will be surprised cause most Koreans do understand English, mostly in the city. If you are not up to traveling alone or you are afraid of the language barrier, why not try any of these options to get a tour guide once you reach Korea.

1. Goodwill guide

"Volunteer guides who help visitors to Korea to communicate in various situations. They attend festivals and events together with visitors, provide free guide services, assist with communication in various ways, and participate in cultural exchanges" - Info: KNTO

Cost:  Admission tickets, food, transportation, accommodation (if traveling to other cities), etc. are expected to be covered by the tourist/traveler.

How to apply?
- You must apply 10~30 days prior coming to Korea.
- Register as KNTO member
- Apply for Goodwill Guide here.
- No more than 4 person in a group.
- Check your application status here.
- Contact number from abroad:  +82-11-123-1234

2. Travel Agencies

Please read KNTO T&C before you liaise with any of the agencies.

Happymize Travel Co., Ltd.

Tel No: 070-8627-8080
Email: happymize@happymize.com
Website: http://www.happymize.com/

Bridge Travel Ltd.
Tel No: 02-754-2252
Email: bridge5u@naver.com
Website: http://www.bridge-tour.com/

International cultural service
Tel No: 02-775-0073
Email: dmz53727@naver.com
Website: http://www.tourdmz.com/

Exodus DMC
Tel No: 031-907-8044
Email: exodusdmc@koreabound.com
Website: http://www.koreabound.com/

I Love Seoul Tour
Tel No: 02-730-1090
Email: gmkim21@naver.com
Website: http://www.iloveseoultour.com/

Plaza 21 Plus Travel Inc.
Tel No: 02-364-4171
Email: annieeyu@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.plaza21travel.com/

Good Morning Tours, Inc.
Tel No: 02-757-1232
Email: tour@koreahas.com
Website: http://www.koreahas.com/

Korea Business Travel Ltd.
Tel No: 02-739-8111
Email: james001@unitel.co.kr
Website: http://www.kbs-travel.com/

Joongang express
Tel No: 02-2266-3350
Email: info@joongangtour.com
Website: http://www.joongangtour.com/

Koridoor
Tel No: 02-6383-2570
Email: koridoor@koridoor.co.kr
Website: http://www.koridoor.co.kr/

Leefamily mankitsu seoultour
Tel No: 02-713-7741
Email: lbs@tabikr.com
Website: N/A

Plus planner
Tel No: 02-2238-2895
Email: winterfriend@gmail.com
Website: http://www.familytourfriend.com/

VIP Travel
Tel No: 02-739-3501
Email: vip@vviptravel.com
Website: http://www.vviptravel.com/

WOWCOREATOUR
Tel No: 02-739-3337
Email: help@wowcoreatour.com
Website: http://www.wowcoreatour.com/

TOUR ROAD
Tel No: 031-244-6003
Email: lhs@tourod.com
Website: http://tourod.com/

3. Couchsurfing.org

This is a good choice if you want to travel on your own + having a warm and friendly tour guide for a day or two.

I have babbled and raved about couchsurfing in here, here and here. Although it caters much to single or at most 2 travelers but if you notice, the members sometimes are able to be a goodwill guide with no fee at all! Please don't abuse the service as couchsufing.org aim is to exchange culture and by that they mean; you must always be courteous to your host and bring a small token of gratitude from your home country. ^^

If you go and search for host in Couchsurfing.org you will be able to see these symbols in the search results:

This means the host is a verified host

This means the host is vouched by other host or couchsurfers

This means, there is available couch if you want to stay over.

This means, there might be available couch.

This means, the host is only available to meet or have coffee with you.  You have to lookout for this symbol if you want them to be a guide for you. However they might be able to guide you for the day only.

The host is Couchsurfing's ambassador.

"Ambassadors are active CouchSurfers and supporters of our community. As our membership grows all over the world, Ambassadors help keep CouchSurfing personal and tight-knit." Info by Couchsurfing.Org

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