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Poker
Joined: 16 Jan 2010
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 Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 8:04 pm Post subject: The new 7 Natural Wonders of the World |
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Yesterday, the 7 Natural Wonders of the World were announced. Jeju was selected along with six other areas -- the Amazon River, Komodo in Indonesia, Iguazu Falls in Argentina, Vietnam's Halong Bay, South Africa's Table Mountain and the Philippines' Puerto Princesa Underground River.
I am South African and I have been to Table Mountain. Jeju is right here, so I will pop over on some long weekend next year.
My question is how should I go about visiting Komodo Island, Halong Bay and Puerto Princesa? They are all in South East Asia and I am looking to visit all 3 in one trip. The Winter vacation is coming up and it will be a perfect time to see these 3 Wonders in Jan/Feb. Do I need visas for these 3 countries? How much should I prepare for this trip?
Thanks for any advice! |
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christopherjk
Joined: 23 Jun 2011
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| Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 2:17 am Post subject: |
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| Speaking for US citizens, you don't need a visa for the Philippines, can get a visa on arrival in Indonesia and have to apply for a visa in advance for Vietnam. For South Africans you might want to check to make sure the visa requirements. As for getting to these places, I'd suggest going in a loop. So you could fly Seoul/Busan to Puerto Princessa via Manila/Cebu on CebuPacific (have really cheap flights if you book in advance.) From there fly to Bali via AirAsia en route to Komodo Island. Then fly Bali to Hanoi to see Halong Bay in Vietnam. Most likely you'll have to come back to Korea via Bangkok as that is the major airport hub for SE Asia. I'm actually going to Halong Bay in January as well and have my whole trip planned so if you need any help let me know. Cheers. |
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bbud656
Joined: 15 Jun 2010
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| Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:27 am Post subject: |
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| Not that these places arent worth a visit, but I believe I read that the 7 wonders were voted on by people online. Im guessing there was some internet crusade here to get that ranked. I would take it with a grain of salt. |
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nstick13
Joined: 02 Aug 2009
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| Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:26 pm Post subject: |
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| bbud656 wrote: |
| Not that these places arent worth a visit, but I believe I read that the 7 wonders were voted on by people online. Im guessing there was some internet crusade here to get that ranked. I would take it with a grain of salt. |
I was accosted near Gwanghwa-mun to vote for Jeju via text message. Seems like the place with the best PR campaigns go the nod. |
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Yaya
Joined: 25 Feb 2003
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 11:05 pm Post subject: |
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| I've never been to Jejudo (or Jejudon't) but I don't really plan on it since I've heard from so many people about how overrated and overpriced it is. |
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seoulsucker
Joined: 05 Mar 2006
Location: The Land of the Hesitant Cutoff
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| Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 10:10 am Post subject: |
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| nstick13 wrote: |
| bbud656 wrote: |
| Not that these places arent worth a visit, but I believe I read that the 7 wonders were voted on by people online. Im guessing there was some internet crusade here to get that ranked. I would take it with a grain of salt. |
I was accosted near Gwanghwa-mun to vote for Jeju via text message. Seems like the place with the best PR campaigns go the nod. |
PR campaign + desperate need for international attention + nationalism + world's highest levels of internet connectivity and smartphone usage + multiple votes allowed = Jeju FTW.
I'm sure an in-depth analysis of where the votes came from would reveal several "single, lives with parents, Starcraft champion" sources.
In all fairness, though, Jeju really is a stunning place to visit. I've been twice and my six-day scooter cruise around the island is one of the highlights of my 7 years in Asia.
It's DRASTICALLY underdeveloped as an international tourism destination, however. It's awesome for Koreans, and people acclimated to Korean living, but the average tourist will have a helluva time compared to other destinations in the region. |
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