Sydney, The Land of Oz - Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge (Last Day)

Hello readers, still following my Sydney's post? Good2.. :=)


Ok, I continue from my last post where we went back to Circular Quay for close encounter with the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

From Paddy's Market to Sydney Opera House took about 15 minutes. We parked our car at Macquarie St. next to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. A bit about The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, it is a major botanical garden located in the heart of Sydney, Australia. Opened in 1816, the garden is the oldest scientific institution in Australia and one of the most important historic botanical institutions in the world. It is open every day of the year and access is free. The famous Mrs Macquarie's Chair also located at this park. The Mrs Macquarie's Chair, otherwise known as Lady Macquarie's Chair, provides one of the best vantage points in Sydney. The historic chair was carved out of a rock ledge for Governor Lachlan Macquarie's wife, Elizabeth as she was known to visit the area and sit enjoying the panoramic views of the harbour.

Since our remaining time here was limited, we didn't manage to visit the Botanical Garden. We straight to our main propose here to the Sydney Opera House.

One of the monument nearby the car park

The parking machine. Pay & display the coupon on the car dashboard

Walk down a bit to the Sydney Opera House. It's not very far, you can see it already from here. Just 2-3mins walk.

Cross the street at the roundabout.

The tour bus. Didn't get a chance to ride it during this trip.

Going down the stairs to the Harbour Walkaway

1st Glimpse of the harbour during daytime. The seagulls added a panoramic view on this picture.

Didn't miss a chance to take photo infront of the bridge.

The cruise.


(ii) Sydney Harbour Bridge

Instantly recognisable, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world's tallest steel arch bridge, connecting the northern suburbs of Sydney with the city centre. It is also a vital link in Sydney's transport infrastructure, with more than 200,000 cars travelling its length each day.

There are many ways to experience this iconic landmark. One of the most popular is with BridgeClimb Sydney, which has been running since 1998. Learn about the fascinating history of the bridge and its place in the city as you make the exhilarating climb to the top. The open vista provides an unforgettable experience, and the scope of the view is spectacular. We were interested but not this time :=( But in case you are interested, here’s the link for more information : http://www.bridgeclimb.com.

More and more photos of Harbour Bridge!!

Ya Jalur Gemilang tidak di lupa!!

Much nearer spot.


(iii) The Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is Australia's most recognisable building and is an icon of Australia's creative and technical achievement. Since its completion in 1973 it has attracted worldwide acclaim for its design and construction, enhanced by its location within a superb harbour setting.

The design of the building, with its soaring white roof shell shaped sails atop a massive red granite platform, has been internationally acclaimed as an architectural icon of the 20th century. As a dominant sculptural building that can be seen and experienced from all sides, it is the focal point of Sydney Harbour and a reflection of its character.

It is placed right at the end of Bennelong Point, juxtaposed to the harbour and completely to scale in relation to the Harbour Bridge, the sandstone cliff face, Macquarie Street and Circular Quay. Viewed from a ferry, from the air, or by approach on foot, the vision is dramatic and unforgettable.

As one of the world's most famous building, no wonder lots of tourist and even locals visit here everyday!


We took lots of mandatory touristy photo with the Opera House when one is there.

And not forgetting with the "Jalur Gemilang"!

Last photo. Quite sad to leave this place.


At 4pm we started to walk back to our car as we needed to return the car back to the office at 5pm.
I shall continue our very last moment at Sydney in next post. Stay Tuned.


Sydney, The Land of OZ Fast Link Here
1) Day 0 – The Journey KL to Sydney and 1st Night at Ibis Hotel
2) Day 1 – Pick up Rental Car and Start of Grand Pacific Drive
3) Day 1 – GPD (Otford Lookout, Stanwell Park and Cliff Bridge)
4) Day 1 – GPD (Wolonggong & Kiama)
5) Day 1 – Night at Windang Beach Tourist Park
6) Day 2 – Trip to Blue Mountain
7) Day 2 – Echo Point Lookout and Scenic World, Blue Mountain
8) Day 2 – Night at Bass Hill Holiday & Residential Park
9) Day 3 – Darling Harbour / Waterfront
10) Day 3 – Sydney Wild Life Zoo
11) Day 3 – Madam Tussauds Sydney
12) Day 3 – Ferry Ride, Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge at Night
13) Last Day – Checked Out and Shopping Paddy Market
15) Last Episode Sydney

Annyeonghaseyo Korea : Day 2 - Gyeobgbokgung Palace

Continue from my last post Annyeonghaseyo Korea : Day 1 - Lotte World.


2nd Day at Seoul, we had a wake up call by Vincent as early at 6am. We checked out straight away as we will move to another hotel outside Seoul. I will inform about this later on.

We started our day with a breakfast at Mentari Restaurant, a first restaurant in Korea dedicated to traditional Malaysian cuisine located at Seoul. The restaurant's chef also hails from Malaysia (Oghe Kelate), preparing dishes so customers can taste genuine Malaysian cuisine and Halal too! Who will ever imagine that we could have a Nasi Lemak in Korea!!

Malaysia Boleh!! The address : 295, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

It was so coincident that one of our group member is also a chef from Kelantan and he is a good friend with the restaurant's owner! So "jejak kasih" la di situ. The owner wore a black apron as in the picture.

The cozy interior...


Finished our breakfast, we took photos outside the restaurant area. Getting excited to see the yellowish trees and enjoying the effect of autumn season. Temperature was pleasant at 14deg C.

We boarded to our mini tourist bus to the next destination.

i) Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul Korea.

To understand more about Korea, you got to immerse yourself in their culture. So it was a right plan to start our itinerary for 2nd day with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace for introduction of Korea culture. The Gyeongbokgung Palace is also called the “Northern Palace” because of its location as compared to the neighboring Changdeokgung (east), Gyeonghuigung (west), and Deoksogung (south) palaces. Each of the palaces has its own beauty but Gyeongbokgung is arguably the most beautiful and grandest of all palaces. It is the main of the five grand palaces built by the Joseon dynasty and when translated, it means the “Palace of Shining Happiness.”


Opening Hours:
Nov-Feb 0900 to 1700

Mar-May 0900 to 1800

Jun-Aug 0900 to 1830

Sep-Oct 0900 to 1800
Last adminssion 1 hour before closing.

Entrance Fee:
Adults: 3000won Child (Below 18yrs): 1500won

To go there via public transport, you may take a train to Gyeongbokgung Station Line 3, Exit 5 or Gwanghwamum Station Line 5, Exit 2. Do take note that the palace is close on Tuesday.


There are several gates to enter the palace and this is the Gwanghwamun Gate which is the main gate of Gyeongbokgung. If in any situation that you can't find the entrance just walk around the palace wall and it'll eventually lead you to 1 of the entrance. Surprisingly, not much people that day. Maybe because it was still early in the morning.

Colourfull trees along the way to the entrance.

Posed with a Dol Hareubang, literally meaning "Old Grandfather" stone statues, a main symbol of Jeju Island.

Quite a walk from the entrance to the main complex.


We didn't go to the main palace yet as Vincent took us to the Korean National Folk Museum first.


ii) Korean National Folk Museum


Located inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea presents over 4,000 historical artifacts that were used in the daily lives of ordinary Korean people.

National Folk Museum comprises few interconnected buildings. The centre piece is a 5-storey-pagoda.

Beside the pagoda is the museum hall where Vincent brought us in. Entrance is free.

The National Folk Museum of Korea has three permanent and two special exhibitions as well as a library, souvenir shop, and other subsidiary facilities.

Here you can fully immerse yourselves in previous domestic and agricultural lifestyles, and learn about Korea’s cultural beliefs and history.

Korean history from 7century until to date.

Vincent explained and informed us on the Korean history.


This museum showcases thousands of historical artifacts to illustrate the traditional daily lives of Korean people in the olden days.

These miniatures looks real right?

Once finished with the museum, we went out back to the park. Posed at the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animal Statues.

As I was born in a year of roaster, so obviously I took photo with this zodiac animal.

Can't stop admiring the tree..!

There are various traditional Korean folk homes on display.

The famous Korean movie Daejanggeum or widely known as "Jewel Of The Palace".

Vincent gave a brief explanation on the area of the palace. Gyeongbokgung is so big you’ll need about 2-3 hours to explore the whole area.


Sajeongjeon Hall, a building used as the main executive office by the king during the Joseon Dynasty. There are some 500 building within the palaces. Imagine how big is this palace..!

Korean Palaces are well known for their iconic intricate roofing. Just look at the amazing and vibrant colouring and all the details. Each is hand-painted… Awesome!!

In one of the entrance door.


Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a hall used to hold important and special state banquets during the Joseon Dynasty. It is also knwon as Hyangwonjeong Pavilion which means pavilion of far-reaching fragrance.

Pavillion in the middle of Hyangwonji Pond.

The famous spot to take photo for tourist.

Beautifull surrounding


Continued to stroll along the Sajeongjeon Hall area.

Gyeunjongjon Hall is the throne hall where the king formally granted audiences to his officials, gave out speeches and declarations, and greeted foreign envoys during the Joseon Dynasty. Interesting fact that the Gyeongbokgung was built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, 10 years earlier than the Forbidden City!

The hall is so overwhelmingly magnificent with all the amazing colours and detailing

The beautiful architecture of Gyeongbokgung palace.

I got mesmerized by the details that surrounded the throne hall.

Looking back to the South at Geunjeongmun (The Third Inner Gate), we can see the downtown Seoul as it's backdrop.



Check out more of our Gyeongbokgung Palace photos below:

The paving in the palace was purposely made uneven so that those who approach the king will do so with caution as they have to watch their stepping. In turn, this would mean they were constantly lowering their head to the king as like a respect to the king.

Group photo.


We finished our tour and went out from the palace and gathered at our tourist bus.
Just as the palace is breathtaking, so was the view outside…...

Colourfull trees at my back.

The phone booth is unique.

My first encounter with the maples.

Subhanallah...

As one of the must visit attraction in Seoul, this palace is beautiful and overflowing with so much culture and history. The tour was exciting and where were we going next?



To be continued in next post. Stay tune uollss...